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Should I Renovate Or Move?

Renovating Or Moving In Perth

The home is where the heart is, and when you’re contemplating a change, it can often stir up many emotions as it’s not a small decision – or a cheap one. Working out the pros and cons of renovating or moving can help you to make the best choice for you and your family.

Goals

The key question you have to ask yourself is: what do you want to achieve? You have to be honest with yourself, and ensure that you prioritise needs over non-essentials.

For example, if you simply need more indoor space, and you value the memories that you’ve made in your current home, then renovating sounds like a suitable option for you. This also applies if you still enjoy living in your neighbourhood, and you can see yourself being comfortable there as your family changes with the coming years.

However, if the reason for wanting change is that you’re looking for better transport links, amenities such as good schools and community facilities, quieter neighbourhoods, or a bigger garden, then perhaps it’s time to consider a move. The same applies if you find you want to be closer to work or family.

Money

Renovating can often be a less costly option than all of the fees associated with moving, from hiring movers, to agent fees and stamp duty to name a few. But this shouldn’t be assumed. If renovating suits your needs then it’s worth consulting with industry professionals and getting the right information associated with your project.

Hassle

It is said that moving house can be one of the most stressful life events. Equally, however, the inconvenience of living on a building site during a renovation process can also be a strain. No matter what you choose, you’re going to go through a period of upheaval, so make sure it’s something you can live with, albeit for the short term.

Once you’ve finalised your plans and obtained a building permit (which can take up to 6 – 9 months, in some cases), renovations can start and finish relatively quickly. If you’ve decided to manage your renovation project yourself, you’ll need to allocate time to manage this while it’s under construction. This may seem like a lot of work, but you may find this preferable to long periods of house hunting.

Once you have your priorities in order, your decision will be much easier. Just remember to do your research and align yourself with a reputable builder that can assist you in achieving a positive outcome.

SOL Construction in Perth

If you are looking to renovate your home, don’t leave anything to chance. We are an award winning building company that will work with you to ensure you are totally happy with your home renovation. Contact us today.

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How Can We Add A Second Storey?

Adding a second storey in Perth

Are you considering adding a second storey to your home? It’s a fabulous way of extending the size of your home without adding to the footprint. Adding an additional storey gives you the option of staying in the neighbourhood and avoiding the hassle and expense of buying and selling too. You’ll save thousands on stamp duty and selling fees alone.

As with all building and renovation work, going into the process knowing what you want and how you want your finished home to look are important. Let’s discuss the main points you will need to consider.

Considering Your Second Storey Options

When you hear about someone adding another level to their home, you probably think they built upwards by removing the roof, adding a second storey and then adding a new roof on top. But remember, you can also build sideways on an upper level i.e. extending over a garage.

We can work with you to advise which option is right for your property and circumstances.

Are You Ready To Build Up?

Once you’ve made the call to add another level, there are a few things you’ll need to sort out.

  • You’ll need some plans.

    An architect or draftsperson will be able to work with you on this. They are also the people to talk to about maximising natural light, how to plan for your view, where the best place for the stairs is and how high the additional storey can go. Make sure that your designs take into consideration window placement, which should match your existing home.

  • Have your home structurally checked.

    Adding a second storey can often put more stress on your home. This being the case certain building elements will require strengthening, such as footings and walls. It is important that you have your home checked by a structural engineer to determine the structural adequacy of your home.

  • Get advice on whether or not your design is likely to be approved by your local authority.

    If your home is in a flood, fire or cyclone zone, additional building standards will also need to be complied with. It is also vital you check your local building code as there may be height restrictions in place within your area which need to be followed.

  • Organise somewhere to stay during the renovations.

    At some stage, your home will not be weathertight as it will not have a roof. The construction work required will also intrude on your daily life, especially when it comes to moving services such as power, gas and plumbing upstairs.

Sol Construction in Perth

The best way to get real clarity about the options and costs of adding a second storey to your home is to contact us. We can walk you through the process, tell you what’s possible and provide costing so as to help your turn your vision into reality.

How Long Does It Take To Build A Custom Home?

How Long To Build A Custom Home In Perth?

Building Your Dream Home

Depending on the size and complexity of your new home it generally takes around 6 – 18 months from issuing of building permit to moving into your newly built home.

Being realistic about the timeframe allows you to plan ahead and understand what is happening at each of the two stages.

  1. Design & Documentation
  2. Construction

1. Design & Documentation (approx. 6 – 9 months)

The first 8-12 weeks is mostly about developing a concept design and getting a feel for costings.

The next 13 -21 weeks is where your plans are assessed for planning approval with your local authority.

The next 22-38 weeks involves collaboration with external consultants so that working drawings and documentation can be finalized and building permit issued by your local authority.

The pre-construction phase is all about the paperwork! Contour surveys, concept design, planning approval, external consultants, working drawings & documentation.

A building permit will need to be issued before building works can begin… We can help you with this.

2. Construction (approx. 6 – 18 months)

The final 39 – 78 weeks involve the actual building of your custom home.

This includes earthworks, foundations, building structure, plumbing, electrical & mechanical services, internal fit-out, painting, paving & landscaping.

The construction phase does seem to move faster. You can actually see physical progress of your home being built and it will quickly take shape.

A single storey home will be quicker to build, with approx. 6 – 12 month period till completion.

A two storey home takes longer, with approx. 12 – 18 month period till completion.

Once your home reaches lock up stage, the work begins on the interior. This includes things like your kitchen and bathroom fit-out as well as painting and floor coverings.

Generally, visual progress slows down as there are less dramatic changes in the appearance of your home. However, things will be moving at the same pace as they always have.

Your custom-built home is most likely to be the largest investment you have made. It’s important to understand the building process and how your home is built to avoid disappointment.

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Building Your Dream Home

Choosing a building company that is experienced, qualified and professional is vital to achieving the home of your dreams.

In Perth, please contact SOL Construction.

Sol Construction

Custom Home Builders Perth
1300 121 765

What Are the Advantages & Disadvantages of Sloping Blocks?

Pros & Cons of Sloping Blocks in Perth

You are either a fan of a sloping block or not. There are definite advantages and disadvantages to building on a slope. But like all block purchases, performing due diligence before you sign a contract is your best option.

Choosing a Sloping Block

Building on a sloping block will generally cost you more than on a flat site. The additional materials, excavation, site analysis, foundations and retaining walls all add to the building costs.

A sloping block will most likely have:

  • A steep driveway or no driveway access at all
  • Restricted or tight access
  • Heavily vegetated site
  • Around a 2 metre fall over the building area

Accessibility to the site needs to be a major consideration. How will building materials and machinery reach the site? Will a steep driveway be usable in wet or cold conditions? How will people with disabilities reach your home? Will a vehicle be able to reach the front door, letting you unload groceries with ease?

Advantages of Building on a Sloping Block

One of the main advantages of building on a sloping site is being able to make the most of the view. The higher elevation gives the proposed building greater views of the local area than homes on flat or lower sites. A sloping site lets you get creative with the design of your home too. It is most likely going to need a multi-level design, with a basement garage and higher living areas or bedrooms. A home on a sloping section is also going to receive more natural sunlight, making it warmer and more suited for solar panelling.

Disadvantages of Building on a Sloping Block

Cost of building is the major consideration when looking at constructing on a slope. As a general guide, an additional 1% per degree of slope needs to be added to the total building cost. Another issue to consider is that sloping sections will require extensive landscaping and may be in terraces, rather than one flat piece of land. This limits the amount of available and usable land for children to play on.

Points to Consider When Building on Sloping Blocks

  • Exposure to the Elements – A home on a hill side has limited protection from wind and rain. The effect this has on your home can be limited through careful selection of building materials and landscape design.
  • Drainage – Erosion is more likely to occur on a sloping section than a flat one. Extensive drainage works need to be done to prevent this happening. As water flows downhill, pools of water are likely to collect at the bottom. Extensive landscaping and retaining walls can mitigate this. Water may also need to be pumped upwards to your block, which is also an additional expense.
  • Cut and Fill – Extensive site excavation is often necessary, cutting into the hillside to create a flat area for the foundation of your home. One way to significantly reduce these site costs is by giving some consideration to the design i.e. building your home on stilts. This allows you to build over the natural contour of the land.

Sol Construction

We are very experienced in building custom homes on sloping blocks around Perth and can ensure you get the best outcome. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.

What Should I Know Before Buying A Block Of Land?

What to know before buying a block of land in Perth

Purchasing a block of land is a major decision. There are multiple factors to consider, with one of the most important being the location! Whether you choose to buy your block now and wait, or build upon it immediately, due diligence should be done before you sign anything.

Choosing Your Block

When selecting a block to purchase, you will need to think about:

  • Location – how close the site is to amenities such as public transport, parks and main roads?
  • Services – is there power, gas and sewage connected to the site boundary? If not, then you may be faced with additional costs.
  • Position – does it have any views? North-south blocks are more in demand, especially with a north facing backyard. A flat block is easier to build upon, as a steep gradient will require more work before building can begin. Is the size big enough for the home and lifestyle you want? Where is it in regards to the subdivision entrance or end of cul-de-sac? A block at the end of a road is subject to car headlights, while one at the entrance will have a lot of traffic passing by. A large block nearby may be subject to high density housing, so check plans for this with your local authority.
  • Plans – what buildings can be built on the site? How about neighbouring blocks?

Checking Your Site

It is important to know the soil structure of the site. This will give you valuable insight in determining the amount of earthworks, drainage and reinforcement required. A clay or rocky soil may need more excavation and associated tipping fees. A sandy or loam based soil may need additional reinforcement or foundations. If the site sits on a steep hill, retaining walls will need to be budgeted for. Extra costs for drainage may need to be considered on a low lying damp block.

Local Authority Requirements

Before you sign a contract, have a chat with your local authority. They will be able to tell you what types of buildings can be built upon your site, as well as those of neighbouring areas. This includes building materials and any special usages the site can have, such as a business premises.

You will be able to find out what the land was used for in the past, very important to know as it may contain contaminants from past usage. Finally, the authority can tell you about any future works which may affect your enjoyment on the block, such as potential businesses and noise or smell pollution.

Hiring a lawyer to check the contract is a smart idea, as is using experts to check the soil. These tips may save you making an expensive mistake in purchasing a less than suitable block.

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Learn about what’s involved in building a house.

Sol Construction

We are custom home builders in Perth with years of experience and many happy customers. If you’re thinking of building a new home or renovating your existing one, please contact us.

What To Consider Before Buying a Narrow Block?

What to consider before buying a narrow block in Perth.

Narrow blocks are becoming the norm in Perth nowadays. Often, they are the result of existing blocks that are newly subdivided, but are also smaller parcels of newly allocated land from developers. When it comes to purchasing a narrow block, there are a few things to consider before you sign on the dotted line.

Choosing the best narrow block for you

When purchasing any block of land, you’ll need to do some investigative work first. Consider things such as the location, access to local amenities, services to the block, zoning and usage regulations, as well as the neighbourhood/your prospective neighbours.

This research will help you to decide if a narrow block is the right choice for you and your family. It is possible to live the Australian lifestyle and have the house of your dreams on a smaller and/or narrower block, but it does require careful attention to the design to ensure you maximise all the space available.

It’s a good idea to visit home opens of houses built on similar size blocks. Pay attention to the layout and use this research to make design decisions for your new home build.

Designing your narrow block home

There are several key factors to discuss with your builder and architect when designing your home for a narrow block. They are:

  1. Use high ceilings

    – when you can’t go out, go up! High ceilings provide the illusion of space and help to make your rooms look larger. They are also fabulous at keeping rooms cooler during hot months, as the warm air rises.

  2. Include open plan living

    Internal walls block light, which is a much-needed feature of narrow homes. Opt for open plan living areas by having your kitchen, lounge and dining room all in one large space.

  3. Reduce dead space

    It’s important to use every single bit of space you can in your home. This includes keeping walkways to a minimum, being creative with storage options and using cavity sliding doors rather than hinged doors.

  4. Consider layout carefully

    The layout will determine the overall feel of your home. Speak with your builder about the best way to maximise the potential of your narrow block.

  5. Aim for natural light

    You don’t want a dark, small and poky home! Include as much natural light as you can for your narrow block home. Floor to ceiling windows and doors are great, as are skylights and highlight windows. Painting the inside of your home with light reflecting colours also helps make rooms brighter and seem larger.

Pros and cons of narrow blocks

Narrow blocks are often found in inner city locations. Narrow block homes can be highly creative, with much flair and ingenuity being used in their design. If you would rather have a larger backyard or plenty of distance between their neighbours, a wider block can be more suitable.

You may be interested in learning about 3 important considerations when building any house.

Sol Construction

We are custom home builders in Perth with years of experience building houses on many different block sizes, including narrow ones. Don’t keep wondering about what’s possible, please contact us to find out.

What’s Involved in Building a House?

What’s involved in building a house in Perth?

When it comes to building a house, it’s often hard to see anything other than the end result in your mind. However, before you start planning to move in, there are three main points to consider: the land, the design and the builder.

It is vital that these three areas are considered in conjunction with one another. The location and characteristics of the block of land you purchase may have an effect on the design you choose.

Designing a house or choosing a design

Begin exploring different house designs by checking the internet, newspapers and real estate brochures. You can also contact a building designer or architect to talk through your ideas about your new home. You may find some inspiration in our Gallery. Your builder will be able to advise you and expand on your ideas if you already have a new home design in mind.

Buying a block of land

Choosing a block of land requires you to think about several things: consider the location, the size, the type of soil and the lay of the land. Often the land will determine the method of construction, which can impact the cost of the build.

Be sure to obtain a copy of the title to ensure you are buying the block you think you are. And to find out if any restrictions or easements exist on the land as these may need to be considered when designing your home. Talking with the local authority will give you information about any restrictions on the use of the land and information about the surrounding areas.

After purchasing your new block, speak with your builder regarding the characteristics of it. Having a professional builder assess the block will help you to understand what you are dealing with.

Choosing a builder

When it comes to choosing the right builder, there are a few questions you will want to ask. Check your builders registration, if they have had any disputes lodged against them, the type of work they specialise in, where can they build and make sure they can provide start and completion dates for your project. It’s also important the builder can provide you with access to previous clients who you can chat with, so you can learn about their experience.

Watch Our Short Video

Find out more about choosing the right builder for your new custom home build, including five important questions you must ask them.

Sol Construction

We specialise in building custom homes in Perth. If you’re considering building the home of your dreams or renovating your existing one, please contact us.

Filed Under: FAQ

5 Questions You Must Ask Before Selecting Your Custom Home Builder

Before you choose a custom home builder in Perth, ask these questions:

1. Are you a registered builder?

It’s against the law for an unlicensed builder to carry out structural works in Western Australia.  You can check a builder is licensed and their registration is current by navigating through the Building Commission section of the Department of Commerce website. Here you’ll be asked to enter the builder’s registration details or the builder’s registration number.

Here’s a quick link: Find Registered Builders In Western Australia >

Note: A builder’s trading name may be different to the name of the entity registered with the Building Commission.

luxury home built by SOL Construction

2. Have you had any previous disputes lodged against you with the Building Commission of Western Australia or its equivalent in any Australian state?  If so, how were they resolved?

Details of building disputes lodged in Western Australia can be easily checked by navigating through the Australasian Legal Information Institute website.  Under the headings “Decisions beginning with …” and “Decisions for the years …” simply select the appropriate letter pertaining to the builder’s registered entity and search through the various years until you are satisfied there are no previous decisions against the builder.

Be mindful that not all decisions are a true reflection of a particular builder, but they will provide some insight into their background.

Here’s a quick link: Western Australian Building Disputes Tribunal >

looking out of living room to garden

3. Am I able to contact any of your previous clients to discuss their experience and thoughts of the build process?  Can I view any recently completed projects?

Contacting previous clients is an invaluable source of information when selecting your home builder.  Most builder-client relationships start out with all the best intentions but it’s how they end that will ultimately determine if that builder is right for you.  Firstly and most importantly, you need to feel confident that your builder can deliver on their promise and hand over your dream home.

Secondly, you want to feel confident the build process will be an enjoyable experience and not an unpleasant and stressful one.  If there were difficulties during the project, did the builder handle these professionally and was there always clear and open communication with the client?

Being able to talk frankly with previous clients about their building experience will give you a much better understanding of whether this is the right choice of builder for you.

Viewing a builder’s recently completed project is also an excellent way to gauge the quality of workmanship and overall standard of the build.  As the old saying goes, a picture tells a thousand words.

custom designed home in subiaco

4. What type of residential building work do you specialise in?

Some builders choose to focus on a particular type of build, such as renovations or single storey homes. Selecting a builder that has experience in building projects similar to yours may give you greater confidence that the build will run smoothly.

beautiful pool in backyard of luxury custom home

5. Which locations do you mainly build in and can you give me a firm start & completion date for my project?

You need to know that your builder is not going to be hampered by distance or location in delivering your dream home within a reasonable timeframe. If your project is a long way out of your builder’s normal area, there may be a risk that your project will be put on hold if your builder becomes busy with other work in more convenient locations.

A builder should be able to provide you with reasonably firm start and completion dates and if they cannot then it could indicate that your project is destined for delays.  That said, in some circumstances delays are unavoidable so it is critical that there are clear lines of communication between you and your builder to avoid any unnecessary build-up of frustration.

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