I recently met a couple at a social function who are in the process of building a new home. We got to talking and they asked me what I did, I explained to them that I am an architect.
The couple then started talking about how disappointed they are with the design of their home, which was already half built. When I asked who designed it they explained that they had chosen a builder and then used the drafts person that the builder recommended.
‘Why did you ask your builder?’ I questioned. (more…)
For most people who are considering renovating or building a new home, the cost of getting the project designed and built are their two main considerations.
But if your goal is to live in the property long term, then other factors need to be considered, not the least of which is the cost of upkeep and the running of your home.
For example, choosing a timber exterior might seem like a good idea initially, but painting the exterior of your home can be an expensive process, and one that needs to be factored in over the time that you will be living in your home. (more…)
You may or may not have heard, but as of the 1st of May 2010, all new houses, townhouses and unit built in Queensland must achieve a 6 star energy rating.
Quite a few people have asked me what this means and how much it’s all going to cost, so I thought I would give you a quick overview here and hopefully help put your mind to rest.
Firstly, the 6 star energy rating is a rating out of 10. That means that your new dwelling does not need to be a 10 out of 10 in energy efficiency, it only needs to be a 6 out of 10. Of course you can go beyond the minimum 6 stars if you want to.
The idea behind the 6 star rating is to help to reduce the carbon footprint of your home. Interestingly it does not relate to the appliances that you use within your home, such as hot water systems, ovens, air-conditioners, heaters etc. Instead it takes into account thing like the materials your home is made from such as roofing, flooring and wall materials as well as the type, style and placement of windows. (more…)
Build for cost schemes make the builders life easy
Recently a lot of people have asked me about schemes whereby they contract a builder to construct their homes or renovations and then they deal directly with suppliers and sub-contractors to buy materials and services.
Well on the surface it sounds like a good idea. It would seem that you can make significant savings on materials and services, with the security of knowing that you control the money. I know more than one customer who raised concerns about paying money to a builder who might then go broke, leaving sub-contractors and suppliers unpaid. (more…)
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