things to consider
when building
your dream home
FROM THE
Dreaming of your brand
new home can be lots
of fun but we have to
bring you back down
to earth for a moment
and consider some
practicalities.
TEAM
STAKE YOUR CLAIM
Whether you’re knocking
down your existing home
or you’ve secured a new
block of land there’s plenty
to think over but with the
right support the process
shouldn’t seem scary or
confusing.
BE A STICKY BEAK
Check out a range of display homes
in your area to get a feel for what
you like. Collect plenty of brochures
when you visit too. The internet is a
great tool for generating ideas; many
builders have online tours of their
homes as well.
Your local area may also have a
building industry association home
ideas centre that shows you all the
latest gadgets and devices available.
And if you’ve driven past a home you
like the look of, why not knock on the
owner’s door and ask them who the
builder was?
If you’re not building on your existing
block, consider where you might like to
live and if there is a supply of good-sized
blocks of land in that area. A flat block
of land that’s not too narrow is in most
cases the easiest to build on. Is the block
big enough for any future additions such
as a pool? Is it near good public transport
or within easy reach of schools and
shopping centres?
MAKE A LIST AND
CHECK IT TWICE
FOR NOW AND FOREVER?
Consider how long you’re planning to live in your
new dream home. Will it suit you up until the
kids leave home? Will you then need to downsize
later on in life? Understanding what type of home
you’re building will help you with the layout
too. If you’re planning a family, bedrooms close
together might be helpful if the kids wake in the
night. Think also about where the heart of the
home will be where people will come together.
WHAT’S IN AND
WHAT’S OUT?
Find out exactly what’s
included in your
builder’s quoted price.
Does your builder’s
price include site costs,
BASIX, a driveway, floor
and window coverings,
flyscreens, a TV antenna
or a dishwasher? Are
the included benchtops
simple laminate or
gorgeous 20mm
caesarstone? Ask for a
comprehensive list so
you understand what
extra costs you may
encounter.
Decide what the absolute
must-haves are for your
new home and what
the nice-to-have options
might be. Is it a double
garage for both cars,
bikes, surfboards etcetera?
An openplan living zone
where kitchen, dining and
living all flow together and
become the heart of the
house? Or a large backyard
with a pool that will keep
the kids busy.
SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN!
Many builders will have a range of
home designs and plans to select
from. If you find one that suits your
needs and the size of your block,
that’s great. Adjustments and
additions can always be made but
if you want to create something
truly unique, the builder will have
an architect draw up plans for a
small fee.
ROME WASN’T BUILT IN A DAY - AND
NEITHER WILL YOUR HOME
Allow up to one year for the whole process to take
place – this starts with choosing your builder and
home plan, gaining approval from council, preparing
the site, pouring the slab, erecting the frame to
receiving the keys to your very own home.
0402 107 194 • www.carnelianprojects.com.au
EXPECT TO HEAR THE
WORD ‘COUNCIL’ A LOT!
When it comes to building a
home, your local council is king.
Your builder will lodge your
house plan with council and it
may take 4-6 weeks for council
to approve it. Council may ask
for some changes to your plans
and if this occurs your builder
will need to re-submit.
DOLLARS AND SENSE
So you know what your dream home
is going to look like but how are you
going to pay for it? Make sure you talk
to your bank manager or mortgage
broker. Check out some online
calculators too and don’t forget to factor
in that you may need to rent while your
dream home is being built. Are there
elements of your new home that could
be built a year or two down the track?
This may allow you to manage your
finances initially.
DON’T GO IT ALONE
There’s no need to feel overwhelmed
when building your dream home. A project
management company, like Carnelian
Projects, can streamline the whole process
and save you time and money.