In 2008, we are planning to expand our Architectural Advisory Service. Having run my own practise for 10 years and having completed hundreds of inspections for Archicentre over a long period of time, I suppose I have some knowledge about the do’s and the don’ts when buying the more expensive houses – about what works and what doesn’t. It was a big decision to join James Buyer Advocates last year but Mal is a persistent kind of guy and I can really see the need for buyers (people) to get some advice before they purchase a home, before they sell or renovate a home and even before they commit to an architect and/or builder.

Since starting at James Buyer Advocates, work has been one of great interest and variance. Our clients buy properties in the 5 councils as shown below and as we all know (or at least should if we are planning to renovate) each and every council has different regulations and overlays, different setbacks and rules. So one week you are looking at your dream home with some plans but it sells for far too much. Next week, another home three streets away is for sale, but in a different council zone. You are now faced with a very different set of regulations. It can be frustrating, but more importantly, it can be very expensive if you buy the wrong house – and we don’t just mean from a financial point of view. Emotional outcomes in homes are just as important when buying. Light, space and form that you like leads to a greater enjoyment in your home for you and your family. How much is it worth?
Overcapitalising is less of a problem with the better position and land size, but it is a question we get asked all the time. Floor plan and orientation are such important factors that many times we advise clients not to proceed on certain properties because, even though it maybe $100,000 less than another that may seem similar, it will, in the medium to long term, prove to be a false economy. In most cases, the rule is that land appreciates and buildings depreciate. The more you move away from good architectural principles (to your taste of course), the more likely you are to lose on the changeover in the future and the more likely you are to not enjoy the home as much as you were expecting to.

Fees, Speed and Work Output

Since joining James Buyer Advocates, I have been exposed to a whole new regime of information and communication as an architect. My main role is assessing and buying properties and my secondary role is assisting in architectural decisions before and after purchasing. Recently on a very large purchase my role after purchase was to co-ordinate architectural selection. There is no misunderstanding, ongoing exploding costs and no further obligation unless you wish there to be. We outline what we can do, what we will cost and when we will have the job completed.

Option 1. Before deciding to buy, sell or renovate (or engage us as buyer advocates), we can provide drawings and a home value report (before and after) about any home for non-clients for a fixed fee of $5000 plus GST for homes valued at under $2m and $7000 plus GST for homes valued at more than $2m. We guarantee seven working days turnaround or there is no fee for our work. There is no obligation to continue with us after completion.

Option 2. To buy properties, our company charges between 1 and 2% + GST of purchase price. We usually take between one week (you already have a home selected) and six months. The average is around four months.

Option 3. Post-purchase work. After we have bought a home for you, you engage us to assist in the selection of a builder on the smaller jobs and an architect/builder on the larger jobs. All work is carried out by myself or Mal at $250 per hour plus GST.