Building a new home
Project Builder – Spec home – Already built, very commonplace, they all look the same.
Project Builder – (Design and Construct) – The builder designs and builds your home. There are several problems with this option.
- You do not own the drawings. The copywrite belongs to the builder even if many changes are made. You cannot get other builders to quote so as to get a fair price.
- The devil is in the detail. Some builders do not specify all details when contract signed as so there is a cost blowout when drawings have commenced and site inspection done. Costs can grow up to as much as 20%.
- To get the price of the home at the lowest price they make the trades do the dwelling at the most cheapest price, meaning there are cost cuttings which reflect on final finish of the product.
Custom Designed – this option has a complete set of detailed working drawings prepared by your building designer or architect. You can go to tender and have several quotes done by qualified builders as you own the drawings. It is comparing apples with apples. This is the most cost effective way of having your dream home as all builders are given the same information.
Home Additions and Renovations
There are some benefits to renovate and have additions done to your existing home over buying a new home.
- You can stay in your current location and be close to your current amenities.
- No real estate fees etc.
- No stamp duty fees.
- No moving costs.
- You can open up your existing floor plan with correct designing and thought.
- Doing the additions making your home larger.
- Giving your home a nice face lift.
What is a Building Designer? Why use a Building Designer?
These answers can be found on the BDA of Australia My Designers website link below:
www.mydesigner.net.au/index.php/about-us
10 Tips for your design
- Design Concepts must be well thought out.
- Drawings must be clear, concise and accurate.
- Get between 2 to 3 quotes from qualified builders.
- Make sure your builder sticks to the client brief.
- If the builder wants you to use another building product make sure it is of the same standard or similar as specified by the designer.
- Stick to your budget.
- Be realistic on what you can afford.
- Know what your needs are and what your wants are to be when having a design completed.
- Know how much money to spend on your addition for your local area. It might be better to demolish and build a new home.
- Do not compromise on your dreams, but know very fine finishes do cost more money.
- All room sizes are to be a realistic size to what your needs are; furnishing the room can also be an expense not foreseen.
- Having a custom designed home can add value to your property.
- If you have a property in a Bushfire attack area depending on the Bushfire attack level this can have some more costs incurred to make it safer.
- Add value to your home. Do not add cost.
Credits
DGM Photography – Dominka
Projects:
- Tea Tree Renovations – Jamisontown
- Past to Present – Drummoyne
- Green House on the Prairie – Little Hartley
- Bushland Retreat – Blaxland
Sarah Braden Photography
www.sarahbradenphotography.com.au
Projects:
- Balmain Conservation Project
Links
BDA NSW (Building Designers Association of NSW)
BDA of Australia