So, you’re looking to get started on building your new dream home, congratulations. There is a lot of work ahead of you and at times, a lot of tough choices to be made. How you cruise through the journey is individually unique, and as long as you have cemented good foundations of planning for your new build, you’ll find you will have limited road blocks along the way.
It all starts with finding your block of land, deciding on a home design, sourcing a builder, submitting the council reports, gaining council approvals, engineer reports and soil tests, and all of this well before the first nail is even hammered.
If you have a new home design already in mind, you’ll want to get started on finding your piece of turf. So, here are Accent Estimating’s top tips to help you source that perfect block of land.
1. Location
Consider the amenities close by. How close to your nearest shop for last-minute conveniences, public transport, schools, open spaces and recreation areas? Living in isolation may be peaceful, but will it really fit in with your lifestyle right now and in the coming years?
Also consider environmental impacts on your favoured location as well. Flood security, bushfire hazards? Do your research on the history of the area.
2. Estate Building
If it is a community estate you are favouring, you might want to consider these few factors:
a) Is the block near the entrance to the estate where traffic is likely to be more of a problem?
b) Is it nestled on a T-intersection or in a cul-de-sac where car lights could be a concern for you?
c) Is the land near parklands or open spaces, or does it have a view? These blocks tend to be more outright, however they can also be more beneficial when it comes time to sell.
d) Are there any design covenants you need to be aware of? These guidelines can generally affect the external design of your home, materials used to build, fencing requirements, etc. Guidelines may also include landscaping of your own yard as well. Be sure to check this out in detail.
3. Potential Additional Costs of Build
Is the land in a rural zone where the bushfire rating may be higher and subsequent construction materials could be more expensive?
Is the block on a slope? If substantial, consider the additional earthmoving costs that may be incurred for flattening out your house pad and landscaping your finished product.
4. Orientation
The most suited design could have a lot to do with the orientation of your block. Some consideration examples here:
a) North-south (north facing the backyard) is the most popular orientation for blocks of land. This is where your outdoor entertaining areas and living spaces should be at the back of the house, bedrooms to the front.
b) East-west (west facing your backyard area) can be quite hot in the summer with the western sun in full force. Placing a courtyard on the north side of the house and allowing for plenty of shade will help with this.
If you want to get some insights into your perfect block of land, you could consider employing the services of a registered quantity surveyor to undertake a quantity surveyor report on your behalf. These survey reports get the nitty gritty on detail and leave no stone unturned, literally!
For affordable section 94 council reports, and quantity surveyor reports, check out Accent Estimating online. For real peace of mind, and for the future of a successful build, do yourself a favour and get our experts to uncover the scoop on your land for you. Check us out online now.