Renovation and Design FAQs for Canberra
Find answers to common questions about home renovations, kitchen and bathroom upgrades, interior design, commercial fit-outs, handyman services, costs, quotations, approvals and project coordination in Canberra and surrounding areas.
The requirements for each property and project may differ. Contact Dezone Studio if you need advice based on your location, proposed work, budget and timeframe.
Services and Starting Your Project
What services does Dezone Studio provide?
Dezone Studio provides residential and commercial design, renovation and project coordination services across Canberra and surrounding areas. Depending on the agreed scope, our services may include: • Full-home renovations • Kitchen, bathroom, ensuite and laundry renovations • Interior design and space planning • Home-extension design and coordination • New-home design and construction coordination • Office renovations and commercial fit-outs • Cabinetry and joinery coordination • Material, colour, fixture and finish selection • Handyman and property-maintenance services • Project planning and contractor coordination The services, responsibilities and exclusions for each project are identified in the applicable proposal and agreement.
Which areas do you service?
Dezone Studio primarily services Canberra and the ACT, including Belconnen, Gungahlin, Tuggeranong, Woden, Weston Creek, the Inner North and the Inner South. Selected projects may also be considered in surrounding areas, including Queanbeyan. Provide the property suburb and a brief description of the proposed work when enquiring so we can confirm service availability.
How do I begin my renovation project?
The process normally begins with an initial discussion about your property, preferred style, budget, required work and expected timeframe. We may ask you to provide: Photos of the existing space Property plans or measurements Inspiration images Your preferred materials and finishes An approximate budget Your preferred completion date A site consultation may then be arranged to assess the existing conditions and discuss suitable design and construction options.
Do you charge for consultations?
Consultation arrangements depend on the type and complexity of the project. An initial phone or online discussion may be used to understand your requirements. A detailed site consultation, design assessment or preparation of preliminary concepts may involve a professional service fee. Any applicable fee will be clearly explained before the consultation is booked.
Do you provide design assistance?
Yes. We can assist with the functional and visual elements of your project, including: Space planning Layout development Cabinetry design Material selection Colour schemes Fixtures and fittings Lighting concepts Furniture and styling Finish coordination Our objective is to create a cohesive design that suits your property, lifestyle and budget.
Can you manage the complete renovation?
Depending on the agreed project scope, Dezone Studio can coordinate the renovation from initial planning through to completion. This may include design development, quotations, scheduling, material coordination, trade management, progress inspections and final handover. Providing one coordinated point of contact can help simplify communication and keep the project organised.
Can you design or coordinate a home extension?
We can discuss extensions, additions and significant alterations as part of the initial project review. These projects may require architectural documentation, engineering, planning approval, building approval and coordination with specialist consultants. The appropriate service pathway will depend on the property, proposed design and approval requirements.
What new-home services does Dezone Studio provide?
Dezone Studio can assist with new-home planning, concept development, interior design, documentation, material selections, consultant coordination and construction planning. The exact services depend on the agreed project scope. Where construction requires a licensed builder, the responsible licensed contracting party and contractual arrangements will be clearly identified in the project proposal and agreement.
What handyman services does Dezone Studio provide?
Our handyman services include selected property repairs, maintenance and installation work such as wall patching, furniture assembly, mounting, door adjustments, skirting installation, flooring, wall cladding, silicone replacement and general property improvements. Electrical, plumbing, gas, structural and other regulated work is not undertaken as unlicensed handyman work. Where required, the applicable work must be completed by an appropriately licensed contractor.
Renovation Costs and Quotations
How much will my renovation cost?
Every renovation is different. The overall cost will depend on factors such as: Size of the area Existing property conditions Demolition requirements Plumbing and electrical changes Structural modifications Cabinetry and joinery Selected fixtures and appliances Materials and finishes Access and site restrictions Approval and consultant requirements Once the proposed scope has been reviewed, we can prepare a quotation or advise what further design information is required before accurate pricing can be provided.
Can you work within my budget?
We consider the client’s budget when developing the proposed scope, layout, materials and finish selections. If the initial requirements exceed the available budget, we can discuss alternative products, design changes, staged work or a reduced scope. A budget does not guarantee that every requested item can be included. Feasibility depends on the property, required work, material selections, approvals and current construction costs.
What is included in the quotation?
The quotation identifies the proposed scope, included work, exclusions, pricing basis and responsibilities. Depending on the project, it may include design services, demolition, labour, contractor services, materials, installation, cabinetry, painting, site cleaning and handover. Fixtures, appliances, tiles, tapware and other products may be included as fixed-price items, allowances or client-supplied products. Consultant fees, approval costs and unforeseen work should also be clearly identified as included, excluded or subject to further pricing.
What are prime cost items and provisional sums?
A prime cost item is an allowance for a product that has not been finally selected or priced when the quotation or contract is prepared. Examples may include tiles, tapware, sanitary fixtures, appliances and light fittings. A provisional sum is an estimated allowance for work where the final cost cannot be accurately determined at the time of pricing. This may apply where the extent of the work depends on existing conditions or further investigation. The final amount may be adjusted when the product is selected or the actual cost of the work becomes known. The treatment of adjustments and applicable margins depends on the quotation or contract terms.
Can I supply my own fixtures, appliances or materials?
Yes, client-supplied products may be accepted where agreed in advance. Before purchasing, the proposed items should be checked for: Suitable dimensions Product compatibility Installation requirements Compliance requirements Warranty conditions Delivery timeframe Availability of replacement parts Delays, defects or incorrect products supplied by the client may affect the project programme and installation costs.
Construction and Living During Renovation
How long does a renovation take?
The required timeframe depends on the project size, design complexity, product lead times and existing site conditions. A bathroom renovation may take several weeks, while a kitchen, multi-room renovation or full property upgrade may require a longer construction period. Time should also be allowed before construction for: Design development Product selections Quotations Approvals Custom cabinetry manufacture Ordering materials Trade scheduling A more accurate programme can be prepared after the scope and selections have been confirmed.
Can I remain in my home during the renovation?
In many cases, clients can remain in their property during smaller or staged renovations. However, there may be temporary interruptions to water, electricity, cooking facilities, bathroom access or other services. Construction may also generate noise, dust and restricted access to certain areas. For extensive renovations, temporarily relocating may provide a safer and more comfortable arrangement. We will discuss the likely impact before work begins.
How do you minimise disruption during construction?
Depending on the project, practical control measures may include: Isolating the work area Protecting existing floors and surfaces Managing dust and debris Coordinating service interruptions Maintaining safe access routes Scheduling noisy activities appropriately Removing construction waste Keeping the work area organised The specific arrangements will depend on the property and the type of work being undertaken.
Can you complete a partial renovation?
This depends on the condition of the existing space and the type of work requested. Some targeted upgrades may be practical, such as replacing cabinetry, benchtops, flooring, fixtures or selected finishes. However, partial work may not always be recommended where existing waterproofing, plumbing, electrical systems or adjoining finishes could be affected. We will review the proposed work and advise whether a partial upgrade or complete renovation is the more appropriate option.
Can I complete part of the work myself?
This will depend on the project, contractual arrangements and the type of work involved. Licensed or regulated work must be completed by appropriately qualified trades. Client-completed work can also affect scheduling, quality responsibilities, insurance and warranties. Any proposed client-supplied labour or separate contractors should be discussed and agreed upon before the project begins.
Do you work in apartments and units?
Apartment and unit renovations may be considered following a review of the property and building requirements. Factors that may affect the project include: Owners corporation approval Building access Lift protection Noise restrictions Working-hour restrictions Parking and delivery access Waste removal Waterproofing requirements Protection of common areas These requirements should be identified early so they can be considered in the quotation and programme.
What happens if hidden damage is discovered?
Renovation work can reveal conditions that were not visible before demolition, such as: Water damage Mould Termite damage Deteriorated framing Non-compliant plumbing or electrical work Damaged waterproofing Asbestos-containing materials Unexpected structural conditions If additional work is required, we will explain the issue and provide details of the recommended solution. Any resulting variation to cost or time should be reviewed and approved before the additional work proceeds.
Can changes be made after construction starts?
Changes may be possible, depending on the construction stage and availability of materials. Any requested change may affect the project cost, programme, labour requirements or previously ordered products. Changes should be documented and approved as a variation before the revised work proceeds. Finalising the design and selections before construction helps reduce delays and unexpected costs.
Approvals and Licensed Work
Quality, Warranties and Handover
How do you maintain quality during the project?
Quality is supported through careful planning, appropriate material selection, trade coordination and inspection of completed work. The project may include inspections at key stages to confirm that work is progressing in accordance with the agreed design, scope and applicable requirements.
What happens at project completion?
Before handover, the completed work will be reviewed and any identified outstanding items will be recorded for completion. The handover process may include: Final inspection Completion of agreed defects or outstanding items Cleaning of the work area Product and warranty information Relevant certificates Care and maintenance guidance Handover of the completed space
How can I request a quotation?
Contact Dezone Studio through our website and provide a brief description of your project. Please include your property location, required services, approximate budget, preferred timeframe and any available photos or plans. We will review your enquiry and advise you of the appropriate next step.
Do you provide warranties?
Applicable warranties depend on the type of work, products used, responsible contractor and project agreement. Manufacturer warranties may apply to fixtures, appliances and materials, while workmanship and statutory warranties depend on the relevant contract and Australian Capital Territory requirements. Warranty documents and applicable certificates will be provided at handover where required.
Do you arrange licensed trades?
Where regulated work is required, it must be completed by appropriately licensed and qualified professionals. This may include: Plumbing Electrical work Gas fitting Waterproofing Structural work Building work requiring a licence or approval The required trades and responsibilities will be identified as part of the project scope.
Will my renovation require approval?
Approval requirements depend on the proposed work and the property. Cosmetic upgrades may not require formal approval. Structural changes, extensions, changes to external elements, alterations to services or work within apartments and strata-managed properties may require additional approval or documentation. Depending on the project, this may involve: Building approval Development approval Structural engineering Certification Owners corporation, strata or building management approval Landlord approval Heritage or planning requirements Approval requirements should be confirmed before construction begins.
Who is responsible for approvals and certification?
Responsibility depends on the project and the agreed scope of services. Dezone Studio can help identify and coordinate required designers, engineers, consultants, certifiers and documentation where included in the proposal. Required approvals, responsibilities, exclusions and associated fees will be confirmed before construction begins.