Frequently Asked Questions

There’s no need to move house and buy somewhere else simply because your home isn’t right anymore. If you love where you live but feel that you could do with some extra space, renovating can be an affordable and often cheaper answer to your concerns. Done right, a renovation can deliver the space and lifestyle you’re after, at a much quicker pace than if you were to rebuild or simply move to a new area.

Obviously there are times when renovating isn’t for everyone, but rest assured, it it’s not suitable for your house, we simply won’t do it. If your local council has tight restrictions, your foundations won’t support your vision, or the cost to renovate outweighs the cost to knockdown and rebuild or to buy elsewhere, we’ll advise you on the best solution.

For more information, download our 'Improve or Move?' Guide or read 10 reasons to renovate.

It’s important that you understand what you are paying for and what to expect from your home improvement. Choosing a builder that explains the renovation process in a logical and straight-forward manner is also important, and will ultimately make a big difference to your peace of mind and how much you enjoy renovating.

Unless you have the money in cash you will need to refinance your existing loan when considering an extension or renovation. A reputable home improvement builder should be able to guide you every step of the way, including providing you with finance options and putting you in touch with a reputable mortgage broker.

Yes you can stay and live in your home while you renovate. There will be some disruptions along the way, which are unavoidable, but renovating can be exciting – especially when you begin to see the transformations taking place.

Dale Alcock Home Improvement has some very effective disruption measures, which means you can continue to live in your home while we work around you. We can provide temporary kitchens, bathrooms, walls, even pet fencing and pool fencing with child proof, lockable gates.

Understanding your local council’s regulations can seem daunting, and you may risk a hefty fine if your renovations don’t adhere to what has been officially agreed. Of course, you still have to observe council regulations if you engage a builder, and most extensions must be approved before work can begin. But an experienced and professional company can liaise with your local council on your behalf and ensure your home improvement meets all regulations. A good builder will also obtain all relevant planning and building approvals, taking the hassle out of the process for you. Finally, they should also look after your neighbours and notify them that works are being carried out, to ensure everyone is fully informed and knows what is happening.