Building your dream home is probably one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. And, it’s an exciting one! There’s lots to do and lots to look forward to, but don’t let the excitement blow you away. It’s essential that you keep your feet on the ground and think through as many details as you can in advance. A good dose of careful planning will have you avoiding the pitfalls and reaping the rewards of a beautifully built home.
Be real about the costs of everything needed for your home build – and then allow some more. There will always be something that you’ve not thought of, so add a little fat to your budget. The cost of the land and the build are not the only expenses, even though they are the most significant. There will also be stamp duty, transfer duty, initial loan setup costs, conveyancing costs, lenders mortgage insurance and so on. If you’re first home buyer, remember there will also be living expenses to include – as well as furnishings needed to deck out your new abode. If you’re unsure about the expenses involved, speak to an experienced financial planner for assistance.
You know the location, the size of the block and hopefully, the neighbourhood, but there few other issues to check out. For example, proximity to schools, shops and public transport are common concerns worth clarifying. And, our there any natural disasters to be aware of? Are you in a bushfire zone or a flood zone? If so, there may be additional building costs or possibly insurance restrictions. If the house is on a steep slope, additional funds will be required for retaining walls or excavation.
Many of us in existing Aussie homes would love to go green and also use passive design elements, not only to look after the planet but drastically reduce our power bills! But it’s not always possible. We’re stuck with houses that face the wrong direction, leaks and drafts, high maintenance building materials and less of eco-friendly appliances. That’s why building from scratch is such a great opportunity to capitalise on eco-friendly passive design elements.
To be eco-friendly, make sure your appliances have the highest star rating – anything from dryers, washing machines, dishwashers and fridges. And when it comes to passive design elements, you can really have fun. Design elements include positioning the house in a north facing direction for optimal natural light, while bedrooms should be east facing to capture the early morning light. Eaves are also an important consideration as they help control amount of sunlight that enters your home. When designed well, they give you the maximum amount of light and heat for your home winter, while keeping you nice and cool in summer. Ample space and positioning for solar panels is also essential, and you can also incorporate appropriate building materials, good installation, glazed windows and last but not least, ensure that the house is free from drafts.
Keep passive design in mind: position your house appropriately for abundant natural light
Any business owner will tell you that you must start with the end in mind. Similarly, when you build a home you must always think of resale potential. No matter how much you love your dream home, there may come a time where you want to move on. Consequently, building too many quirky, unique features may not be appreciated by the next owners and may even hold the value of your home back. Price value of neighbouring homes should also be considered. Creating a home way above market value may not give you the financial return you desire. Other resale factors come into play, too. Fencing, garden areas, privacy, choice of tiles and fittings – and even colours should be considered.
When it comes to choosing your builder, shop around, speak to others for references or recommendations and choose wisely. Spend time chatting to your potential builder and make sure you feel you can communicate well with them. It’s your house, and it’s important that you can convey your wishes clearly. A builder should also be able to keep you informed every step of the way and have experience to offer you sensible options, providing the pros and cons along the way. Keep in mind the builder’s choice and quality of materials, their ability to get job done on time and on budget, insurance and of course, their reputation.
Recognised as one of Perth’s Leading Custom Home and Farmhouse Builders, JFK Custom Homes builds homes for the Perth Region including the Perth Hills.
