We've got 3 small children and a post war, vinyl clad, 3 bedroom weatherboard house in the outer-inner west of Sydney. The house is not beautiful but it does the job. We have decided to redo the kitchen and the bathroom. We are also going to demolish the open walled sun-room at the rear and replace it with a family room on a slab on the ground. We'll also add an en-suite off the master bedroom. We need to do this on a budget, so I'm thinking of doing some of it as owner builder. Partly, this is because I'm planning on doing the family room with Zego insulated concrete forms (ICF).
Plans.jpg

However, while I'm very handy, I've never undertaken anything like this before and am muddling through. I'm going to document my mistakes and triumphs here. I knew I would need three key services:
1. Draftsman
2. Engineer
3. Private certifier

I found a draftsman via ServiceSeeking a couple of years ago. I've been very happy with him and he's been very responsive. I haven't actually met him as he's on the Central Coast, but he's quick to reply to emails and phone calls.
My draftsman recommended an engineer in my area, and I have just engaged him. No dates have been set for his first site visit. I got four quotes (three from internet searches), and this engineer was the best price.
Now I'm looking for a private certifier. I've had a quote from one I found from an internet search.

Based on prices paid, committed to and quoted I'll have spent $6,800 to cover my three key services and all I'll have for it will be bits of paper. Still...
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