We all know about energy star ratings, it’s on our fridges and washing machines, and it also applies to our homes. More stars equal better value – or does it? Currently, houses must be built to a 6-star rating, with the energy rating completed by qualified energy raters who asses the house size, orientation, the number of north-facing windows, and quality of windows. And they determine what R-value insulation we need. What is an R-value? Put simply, the R-value is the unit of measurement that tells you how efficient an insulation system is. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation is. The R-value is determined by measuring the heat flow and resistance to heat flow between two plates, […]

When you have a sloped block, how can you make the most of your outdoor living space? With the right ideas, it’s possible. Take your sloping block home design up a notch with these simple yet clever tips. The beauty of designing your sloping block home is that imagination is the only limit. A sloping block for your custom home build is a prime opportunity to maximise the outdoor elements in your surroundings. The design options for sloping block builds are endless and allow you to cater for almost every lifestyle. From infinity pools and sunken decks to floor-to-ceiling windows — practically any detail can be incorporated into your home design by creating architectural elements that connect with nature. These […]

A sustainable renovation enables consumers to responsibly reduce their carbon footprint and unnecessary resource consumption. Moreover, it directly addresses the long-term costs of electricity and water consumption, and the short-term costs of renovation spend. Why spend an inordinate of money on building a home from scratch when you could invest in a sustainable renovation with much less material and financial input? In this blog, we’re exploring four renovation practices that anyone can adopt to achieve a sustainable home. Be Specific Once a renovation begins, it’s hard to turn back the clock. Therefore, it is crucial to establish the specific areas and features of your home that need reworking or refurbishment early on. Focusing your renovation efforts on the identified areas […]

Each year, a new defining trend rises to prominence in the homebuilding landscape. After the better part of two years spent stuck in our homes, we are seeing an instinctive move towards curating spaces with intention. With a forecast of nature-inspired textiles and multifunctional spaces, we’ve consulted our team of industry experts to identify which design trends will dominate in 2022. Continue reading to discover the top design predictions this year. An Eco-friendly Approach Sustainable design solutions continue to rise in popularity – and for good reason. We recommend working with your builder to discuss how you can transform your space and minimise your impact on the environment. Try incorporating recyclable materials with longer lifespans to revitalise your space. Reclaimed […]

Once you’ve signed on the dotted line and your new home plan is underway, it can feel like you’ve handed over to the experts and your involvement in the process is over. But this couldn’t be further from the truth – collaboration with your builder and their team of trades throughout the project can be key to seeing your vision realised. We recommend speaking with your builder about how they approach collaboration throughout the process and how your vision is heard from start to finish. From the onset you’re putting a lot of trust in the builder and their team to achieve your dream home visions, so finding someone who understands the importance of collaboration is key. Staying in touch […]

Building a new home can be a substantial, life-altering investment, and as with any decision that carries such magnitude, it’s best to consider all your options. Choosing your builder is perhaps the most important decision you have to make. The design options you have, and the decisions you’ll have to make during the building process (or the lack thereof), all depend on who your builder is. Generally, the industry differentiates builders into two broad categories – volume builders and custom house builders. Volume builders – also referred to as either project or display builders – are oftentimes large, established companies that can complete over a hundred build projects within a year. In order to achieve this efficiency, they stick to […]

Building your dream home from scratch can be exciting, and a bit daunting. Between finding your builder and deciding on your design and fittings, there’s a lot of important steps to consider, and costs can quickly add up. In fact, a new home is often the largest financial outlay you will experience in your life, so it’s important to take the time at the beginning to establish clarity on your budget and needs. Designing your home from scratch is also a lot of fun, and a custom build allows you choice over the design and function of your home. This means you can create the perfect space for your needs now, and into the future. Drawing on our experience guiding […]

Building on a sloped site is something less experienced builders may advise against. This type of build comes with a few challenges (many unforeseen), that can quickly put pressure on both your budget and your timeline. But while these challenges may seem tricky to overcome, an experienced builder can help you work through these and take advantage of all the benefits sloping sites have to offer – largely incredible views of your surrounds. Here we’re going to take a look at some of the challenges you may face when building on a sloping site and how to mitigate the impacts. Differing Site Levels As a sloping site will naturally have varying levels across the block, building a level, or flat, home […]