I am looking at used homes now. I would like to do some modifications myself.
Some examples I am thinking of are.
Replacing grass by Artificial grass
Pour concrete in my own backyard
Do an epoxy coat in garage
Install 1 metre of pavers outside the backyard sitting area.
Replace carpet in one area
Are these fair game in Melbourne properties?
TIA
I will be doing everything after doing due diligence only. My expertise is electronics but I would leave it as it needs a certified person.
I will rather put tiles in place of concrete to make a less permanent structure. I get stung badly by Australian weeds.
just curious, what are the rules for water run off?
Call the council.
Replacing grass with artificial grass. Sounds classy.
Yeh - get rid of that nasty nature stuff. Lay concrete and concrete pavers.
Gonna guess it's a new build in a classy outer suburb like Truganina or Cranbourne.
Noice
If you live within the maribyrnong city council district, go for life, they don't do squat until you put vcat onto them.
Won't be dragged before VCAT but some councils prohibit the use of artifical grass on the verge, in your home it's fine.
Not that i'd condone artificial grass in any way. The negatives far weigh out the positives.
Lower water drainage.
Boiling hot in summer (you won't be able to walk on it).
Weeds inevitably will grow through/on it.
higher sunlight reflectivity in summer
will over time settle and become uneven.
Frayed edges will degrade over time.
Wear marks if in a high traffic area.
Will need cleaning
But hey if you're ok with making your backyard 100% impermeable then go for it.
I'd do all these without a moments hesitation, but I'd also be willing to take the consequences if I stuffed up and my concrete had to get ripped up.
Personally, I'd go easy on fake grass. If it is a small patch, you aren't really saving much maintenance, and if it is a larger area, well, frankly it looks dreadful and will devalue your property in many people's eyes.
Concrete is hard for sure but Paving tiles should be easy and reversible.
Note that you can't replace nature strip with artificial grass if that was your plan.
I know and It is not my plan but I see people doing this
parking cars on it
putting weedicide on it.
I'm surprised no one has mentioned yet that you want to check the council's website. Council ultimately sets the rules on these types of questions. E.g. as far as my council is concerned you need permission for any structure with a roof, but open roof like arbor/pergola is OK and paving is OK, but some councils will care about paving because it affects watershed and could cause flooding in neighbouring properties (at least that's the logic anyway).
A couple thoughts:
As compromise between real grass and artificial grass consider bark chips. Lots of different styles/colours to choose from.
To do a quality job with pavers takes as much work as concrete. Both require a well-prepared base. Pavers may need to be cut and you should put some kind of hard border around the paved area like sleepers or a strip of concrete. That's if you want it to last. I think pavers look better but I wouldn't say they are easier unless you are cutting corners.
Good suggestion about council website!
Replacing grass by Artificial grass
Gross.
I think all of them are ok to DIY except the artificial grass. Pretty sure you need approval from the high court for that stuff.
all sounds good. good luck with the second hand house, are you planning to rent it out once the upgrades are all done?
Live in it. All the mods will be done for ease of cleaning etc.
The only one that may require more investigation and research is the "Pour concrete in my own backyard" as it depends on what it is for and how much and also if sewer pipes are below it.
The rest as far as I am aware can all be done without getting council approval. Be aware there are rules for water run off, which may be an issue after you put the Artificial grass in.