Building a New Home Archives - Southpac Builders

Choosing the right Builder for your Home

Southpac Builders — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 03:53:50 +0000

Valuable Advice from Greg Lister.

My best advice to you and any prospective client is for you to interview builders, and then select the builder you most feel comfortable with and work with that builder and their team for the construct process.

There are checks you should do on your shortlisted builders before you select the final builder you want to work with.
They are as follows.

License check with fair trading NSW to see if they have any insurance payouts against them and or any outstanding complaints.
Beware of builders that say they have been building for many years yet their company has only existed for a short time. This usually means they have had complaints and insurance payouts and they have just started up a new identity.
Speak with existing and past clients of the builder.
Look at some jobs both under construction and completed jobs of the builder.
Meet the builder and his team especially the construction manager whom you will deal with on a day to day basis. Beware the salesman, they in most companies are commission only and will tell you whatever you want to hear so that you will sign a contract. It is upon signing of the contract that salesman get 50% of their commission. The balance is usually paid upon laying of the foundations. Salesman get between 15k and 25k per job and this is always added to the price by the companies, so it is you that pays.
Make sure you builder will not be retiring in the next seven years as there is a six year structural warranty with every home built and if your builder retires, passes away, or winds his company up during this period you only then have the warranty insurance to rely upon for any warranty work and you will be subject to an excess with every item and the scrutiny of an insurance company trying it best not to pay. The warranty insurance must be looked upon as a last resort insurance.
Check that your builder has plenty of warranty insurance availability. All builders have a limit imposed upon them by the state government. Builders have a habit of signing up more work than there insurance will allow them to undertake.
Do not allow your builder to reassign your contract to a third party builder. This is and has been a criminal offence since to 80’s yet it is a practice very widely used. A company is set up to design, and sell you the dream of your new home yet this company is not a licensed builder. They then get you to sign a contract with a builder you have never met. This company or person you have been dealing with will reassure you constantly that they have built many homes and will be watching over the builders shoulder the whole way, I will be here for you at any time they will tell you. Guess what, once they have their money from the builder whom they just sold the contract to you will never see nor hear from them again. All the promises that person made to you are nothing more than talk.

I hope that I have not turned you off building your dream home as there are many reputable builders out there that do the right thing but it is your responsibility to do the checks prior to selecting your builder. Do not select your builder based on price only. This will be your biggest mistake.

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The best features to add value to your home.

Southpac Builders — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 03:53:26 +0000

For years we’ve been told that resale value was all about “LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION” but new priorities are emerging. Here is a rundown of some of the best to incorporate into your build.

“Livable” design

There’s a lot of emphasis on “livable” design these days and people will definitely pay extra to get it. Livable Design means creating a home that meets the changing needs of its occupants. By adding some “livable” features to your home you’re increasing it’s appeal and widening your market – these features appeal to older buyers, young families and everyone in between. “Liveable” design also looks great and lives up to its name, so your home should comfortably fit your lifestyle for years to come, and be ready for its next owners too.
A spacious, open plan layout is often key, with a good flow through the design, and the flexibility to change with family circumstances. Other elements that are becoming increasingly popular are wide, step-free entrances, over-size doorways and generously-sized hallways. Also well thought out kitchen and bathroom design with clever fixtures and fittings (think touch taps for example) …

“Smart” technology

A “smart home” is controlled by a computer system, or even from your smart phone. There are endless possibilities with this technology but it can become overkill. The best smart homes are convenient, comfortable, secure and efficient, with heating and cooling, blinds and shutters, lighting and home entertainment centrally controlled. For example your system might sense that you’re home from work and so turn on specific lights, deactivate security, turn on your favourite tv series and start warming the living areas for you.

Systems can be installed into older homes or new builds and there are a range of options, and thus a range of prices. Remember that if you want something like this as a retrograde install it might be as part of a larger overhaul of your electricals. Smart technology can add a lot to a home but it needs to be about convenience and efficiency – if managing your smart home is taking more time, not less, it might not be worthwhile.

Rather than going for a fully “smart”, you can add some simple smart features like automated security systems or climate control that will add value and appeal. Blinds that are motorised and on timers are also readily available and easily installed. They’re a great addition to all rooms, controlling both temperature and light. Motorised block-out blinds can especially be a nice, luxurious touch in bedrooms.

Kitchen

The kitchen is still the single most important room in a house for buyer decision. Obviously a great looking kitchen will get potential buyers on side, but most importantly it’s your appliances. Buyers are looking for new, top quality appliances, with Energy Star approved appliances proving a major selling point. Granite or composite granite bench tops are still popular and worth the investment, especially as it’s become more affordable in the last few years. Also consider solid wood kitchen cabinetry as another worthwhile investment – it looks great and is also a good option for easy renovation down the track.

Bathrooms

After the kitchen, your bathrooms will probably be the rooms that hold most sway when it comes to the overall appeal of your home. The current trend for spa-like master bathrooms isn’t going to disappear soon, so be generous when allowing space for this room. Larger, walk-in showers with a rain shower head, or twin shower heads, an oversize tub with jets, dark and dramatic tiling and simple, stylish cabinetry … All these things add a touch of day-spa opulence. Interestingly, it might be worth reconsidering your separate toilet if you can gain more space by combining toilet and bathroom. Toilet design has come a long way and the modern home buyer doesn’t seem to mind having it incorporated into the bathroom as long as the space is generous and glamourous.

One bathroom is not enough for the modern family, and ensuites have become an expected feature in any home. These are usually smaller than the master bathroom but it’s a great idea to take the same finishes through both spaces. A great ensuite with clever use of space can give your home a big tick of approval.

Two bathrooms are a must but if you can fit a third, even it’s a purely utilitarian space with toilet and sink – perhaps off the laundry or accessible from the backyard – it’s well worth considering.

Master Bedroom

The current trend in master bedrooms is to create a retreat-like room away from the main living areas. Space is important so make sure it’s a generously sized room with clean, integrated storage. An adjoining ensuite is a must and combining it with a walk-in robe is a great idea. Think of other ways to increase the “livability” of this room – a small sitting area, automated shutout blinds, french doors to a small private courtyard. There are many great options and ideas.

Storage

The trend for homes is streamlined and uncluttered and one of the major players in this theme is integrated storage. Add as much as you can to hide your necessary clutter. Bedrooms and living areas will all benefit from the inclusion of generous storage areas and purpose-built units for appliances. Walk-in wardrobes and pantries are popular as are generously-sized laundries with space for linen storage. When planning a new build, talk to your designer and builder about how you can include as much cleverly incorporated storage as possible – you could be surprised by the possibilities.

Flooring

It might not seem an obvious inclusion but interior flooring is one of the first things buyers look at when entering a home. Floors are expected to be clean, contemporary and stylish, and there are a lot of great options on the market. Timber flooring or tiles are a good choice for living areas where carpet can quickly become a little sad looking. It also means you can run the same flooring through all rooms for a seamless, spacious look.

If you like the look of timber flooring it’s well worth looking at some of the alternatives – there are fantastic vinyl products that look exactly like beautiful timber but without the price tag and the maintenance. There are also new tiles on the market that have the appearance of timber, for example in parquetry patterns, that look sensational and are a great choice for a floor that’s going to last.

Carpeting can make the bedrooms more cosy. Consider going for a darker neutral colour that will keep it’s looks longer than the standard choice of cream as well as creating a restful, stylish haven. Don’t be afraid to take hard flooring through the bedrooms too. It gives a clean and unified look to your home and can also give the impression of a larger overall space. Good quality rugs can be used throughout to delineate areas and add some warmth to your interiors.

Outdoor Living

Home buyers have come to expect a lot from their outdoor spaces. Even if you only have room for a small outdoor living area there are lots of ways to capitalise on it. Also remember too that outdoor living areas don’t have to be attached to the house. You might have the perfect spot in your garden for a stand-alone pavilion, fantastic for alfresco meals and weekends outdoors. Buyers will be looking for integrated outdoor kitchens, good solid flooring, built-in seating and storage and generous space. Combined with attractive, low maintenance landscaping outdoor living can be a definite plus.

Pool

There has always been some question about whether pools add value or not. Australia has the highest rate of pool ownership per capita so it would seem that they’re definitely popular. To be smart with your pool investment you need to think about it within the context of your backyard’s proportions. If you have the space and it won’t overwhelm your garden it might be worth adding a pool, and there is something of an expectation that quality new homes will include one. The good news is that there is a definite trend for smaller pools that are sited close to the house allowing easy access and supervision as well as becoming a design feature for the home. Keep the design and finishes clean and simple so that your pool area remains stylish and doesn’t become outdated. It also makes it easier to update in the future.

The Value-Adding Formula

Increasingly the trend is to create a home that has a “hotel” or “resort” feel, with generous, uncluttered spaces, master bedroom suites, spa bathrooms, gourmet kitchens, smart appliances and luxury outdoor spaces. If market value and saleability is important, think about how you can include some of these features when building or renovating.

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When to knock down and rebuild

Southpac Builders — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 03:52:48 +0000

There are lots of reasons you might be thinking about a “knockdown and rebuild” – the kids are settled at school, you love your neighbourhood, or your home is on a great block that you want to capitalise on. But is it a viable option financially?

If you’re basically happy with your home and just want to update bathrooms or kitchen, add another bedroom, or an outdoor living area, then renovation is probably for you. “Knockdown and rebuild” becomes the better option when you want to dramatically change the character of your home – perhaps make it open plan, add significantly more space or higher ceilings.

It’s a misconception that renovation is always the cheaper option. You can often spend a significant amount of money on your home only to find it still falls well short of the mark, and all you’ve done is chuck your hard-earned cash into an unsatisfactory building. A renovation can also uncover surprise expenses that haven’t been figured into your budget, such as plumping issues, dry rot, termites … The list goes on. The great thing about a rebuild is that there are no hidden costs – you sign your contract for the final price and that’s that.

Rebuilding could also come in cheaper than your planned reno because a new build can be more cost-effective. If you’re making drastic changes like moving the kitchen or bathroom, or renovating a space larger than 100 square metres, it might be a false economy to consider renovating. You could be much better off, in terms of cost and end result, to demolish the old and rebuild the new. And in comparison to a new build elsewhere, or buying a new home, a rebuild will save you even more cash in agent’s commission, stamp duty and legal fees.

So if a “knockdown and rebuild” is starting to sound like an option, how do you get started? Do your research. Talk to people who have been down the rebuild route and ask as many questions as you can. Also talk to your local council – what might seem perfectly reasonable to you in terms of a potential building application might not be possible in your area. Then, of course, you want to find a great builder who will take all the worry out of the demolition and rebuild. Rolfe Constructions can help you with every phase of a “knockdown and rebuild” project, including advising on the design and floorplan of your new house and removal of your old one, through to the finishing touches by quality craftsmen that see your new dream home complete.

“Knockdown and rebuild” is an exciting project to undertake but can also be daunting. Our main goal is to achieve the best solution for you, whether it’s renovation or detonation. Give us a call to find out whether it’s the best option for you and how we can guide you through the process.

Oh, and our final piece of advice for a “knockdown and rebuild”? Go have a friendly chat with your neighbours – while it’s unlikely that they can stop your build it’s by far the better option to have them on board with your plans!

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