Case Study · Gilles Plains, SA
Family Extension Project
“A staged renovation and extension in Gilles Plains, structured so the family could deliver parts of the home themselves.”
By George Giannakakis · M.Arch · RLA300580 · HIA Industry Judge
Last reviewed: · How we research
Project type
Renovation and extension (design and build)
Region
Northern Adelaide
Suburb
Gilles Plains
Council
City of Port Adelaide Enfield
Block type
Existing home, staged extension
Duration
Approximately 12 (total)
The Situation
What this family was up against
This project involved a multi-generational family looking to renovate and extend their home in Gilles Plains. They had never been through the building process before and were finding it difficult to even get started. They had spent months trying to find a builder but were not getting anywhere. On top of that, there were personal circumstances that made this project more important than usual. They were not just building for practical reasons, but to create something they could look forward to as a family. They needed clarity, guidance, and someone to help them navigate the process from the ground up.
- •No prior experience with building or renovations
- •Difficulty finding a suitable builder
- •Limited budget that required careful planning
- •A need to stage the project over time
- •Desire to maintain control over certain costs and finishes
Approach
How we worked through it together
- 1
Design and build education
The process started by helping the family understand how a design and build pathway would work for their situation. This was their first build, so groundwork on terminology, sequencing and what to expect was essential before any builder conversations began.
- 2
Small custom builder match
A suitable small custom builder was identified who could accommodate a fully custom renovation and extension, while remaining flexible with how the project would be delivered. Smaller builders often have more flexibility on staging and finishes than volume builders.
- 3
Builder liaison and design support
Ongoing liaison with the builder, plus help with design discussions and layout direction. The family had ideas about flow and use of space, and that input was structured into the design conversations rather than left to the builder alone.
- 4
Pricing review and project staging
Pricing was reviewed and validated as it came through. The project was structured so it could be delivered in stages, allowing the family to complete parts of the home themselves after handover, including the kitchen, tiling, and selected finishes, to manage costs.
Outcome
How it turned out
A staged renovation and extension that gave the family a functional and flexible home, while allowing them to complete selected finishes in their own time. The hybrid build-yourself-the-rest approach kept the project affordable without compromising on the structural and big-ticket items where it mattered most.
- Builder type matched to project: small custom builder
- Project type: renovation and extension via design and build
- Pre-construction timeframe: approximately 6 months
- Total project timeframe: approximately 12 months
- Stages structured so the family could finish kitchen, tiling and selected finishes themselves
- Project delivered to budget with clear, manageable decisions throughout
Key Takeaways
Lessons from this build
This project shows that even without prior experience, and with a tighter budget, a well-structured approach can make the process manageable. Breaking the project into stages and focusing on what mattered most allowed the family to move forward with clarity and confidence in Gilles Plains.
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Sources & references
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