Description
How to renovate a house
For general renovations beyond extensions, see The Australian Renovator’s Manual.
How to be a Successful Owner Builder and Renovator is a companion volume to The Australian House Building Manual, covering the planning and project management side of building or extending your own home. First published in 1986 and now in its 9th edition, it’s helped thousands of Australians navigate the owner-builder process.
What’s covered: This manual walks you through planning a house to suit your block, understanding construction systems, and managing the build. You’ll learn correct building terminology, how to order materials, how to identify faulty workmanship, and how to supervise subcontractors effectively.
Construction methods covered include weatherboard, brick veneer, cavity brick, and concrete block for single and double-storey homes, plus split-level designs. The book also covers verandahs, carports, house raising, and common building problems.
Room extensions: The renovation section focuses specifically on adding rooms to existing homes. Building Books Australia stocks this title alongside The Australian Renovator’s Manual – if you’re doing general home improvements rather than extensions, the Renovator’s Manual is the better choice. Many builders purchase both together.
Practical skills covered:
- Site planning and house design
- Reading plans and specifications
- Measuring, marking and setting out
- Tool use and materials selection
- Managing subcontractors and materials deliveries
- Identifying and fixing common building defects
- Cost-saving strategies
- Avoiding owner-builder pitfalls
Technical specifications:
- 9th Edition (current)
- 142 pages
- 440+ illustrations
- Australian building methods and standards
- Available through Building Books Australia
Who it’s for: Owner-builders planning new homes or extensions, renovators managing their own projects, and anyone wanting to understand residential construction before engaging builders.
