Sunshine Coast Dual Key Living Homes

Dual Living Properties Revolutionising the Real Estate Landscape

Have you heard about the latest trend that’s changing the shape of the Australian real estate market?
Dual living homes, or dual key properties as they’re also known, are quickly becoming the hottest topic on the Sunshine Coast with owner occupiers and investors clambering to get a foot into the market. Due to rising house prices increasing demand for new types of living arrangements, the popularity of dual key homes is skyrocketing. These properties are also perfect for people who regularly travel and those looking for increased rental income. We have written this blog to help you learn more about this opportunity and the benefits of having separate homes under the one roof – so read on!

What is Dual Key Living?

Dual key homes look like normal properties from the outside but they are actually two dwellings on the inside. The single property is designed to accommodate two self-contained households or two distinct tenants on the one legal title. Both living areas usually contain bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen or kitchenette and living space/s and dual key properties may have three to four bedrooms as the main residence and one or two rooms as a secondary area. These properties often have their own entrance or foyer area leading to two separately lockable doors and may also share facilities like a laundry. A good way to understand dual key living is as a combination between granny flats and a duplex. Like a granny flat, there are two living areas are on one site however unlike duplexes these spaces aren’t an exact mirror of each other and don’t have to be adjoining. There are many advantages to this arrangement including higher rental returns, accommodating relatives and paying only one set of rates and land tax.

What are the Benefits of Dual Key Living?

Dual key housing is fast becoming the hottest method of property ownership and investment on the Sunshine Coast as it presents lots of benefits to investors and owner occupiers alike. We’ve listed just a small selection of the benefits of dual living properties below:

Double Rent & Single Rates

One of the main advantages of dual key houses is the savings made on maintaining them. Most people know that one of the main obstacles in keeping an investment property are fees and rates that need to be paid. As a dual living property has two tenants but only a single freehold land title, this means you don’t need to pay any body corporate fees like for duplexes you only have to pay one lot of Council rates and water fees for both the dwellings. This can save you thousands of dollars every year and helps with positive gearing. The cash flow positive nature of dual living properties usually covers interest repayments and other costs. Additionally, you’ll simply have a single property to manage. Please note that dual key homes are subject to Council approval however, Optam Building Group can help you with this.

Accommodate Extra Family Members

As dual key homes are fully self-contained, the second part of the home can be used by other family members who may need to live nearby. Your relatives will have their own completely private space which is perfect for an elderly parent or relative who needs to be close by so you can provide them with care. Instead of having a separate Granny Flat and incurring the associated extra expenses, your family members can still enjoy their own privacy whilst you enjoy the savings.

Live in one Area and Rent Out the Other

Owner occupiers can also benefit from dual key living. They have the option to live in one section of the dual key property whilst renting out the other part of the dwelling to a tenant. The main advantage of this strategy is that the rent received from the lease can subsidise the owner occupiers’ mortgage repayments, helping them pay off their home loan and own the property sooner. This strategy is also a good fit for investors who may want to live in the property too.

Lock and Leave While Travelling

Those people who travel will also love dual key properties. Another great benefit is that you can lock up your part of the home if you ever travel whilst still renting out the other section. So instead of going away on a holiday and simply having your home sitting there doing nothing, you now have the ability to generate extra income from the second section of the property whilst you’re absent. Additionally, your tenant will be able to collect mail for you and keep an eye on your property, giving you peace of mind that your home is safe and being looked after.

Contact Optam Building Group Today

Having two dwellings on one legal title using a dual key arrangement takes the humble Granny Flat to a new level and avoids extra expenses like with duplexes. With more and more people on the Sunshine Coast looking for alternative living options and investors hungry for positively geared properties, it’s no wonder this type of arrangement is becoming more and more popular every day. Allowing investors to collect double the rent whist only paying one set of rates is a great advantage as is the potential to provide a private living space for family members who need to be close by due to their care requirements. Owner occupiers can also use this strategy to pay off their mortgage quicker and travellers will love the fact that they’re still earning income whilst on holidays and their property is being looked after.
Optam is one of the leading builders on the Sunshine Coast and pioneers in the construction of dual living homes. We have over three decades in the building industry and a large team of expert trades waiting to help you with your next project. Please contact us today on (07) 5443 3780 or email admin@optam.com.au for your free discovery consultation.

Future Proofing Your New Custom Designed Home with Battery Storage and Electric Car Chargers

Our clients build new homes with Optam for many reasons including to raise a family, as an investment to resell or even just to create the perfect retirement sanctuary to enjoy their Golden Years on the beautiful Sunshine Coast. If you are thinking about building a custom designed home, have you considered whether or not it will meet your needs 5 to 10 years into the future? Before you sign off on the designs for your new luxury home or undertake a major renovation, it may be wise to ensure your home is ready for all the exciting changes the future holds. Sustainability and adaptability are extremely important concepts to future-proof your newly built home and the latest green technologies offer solutions to some of the latest challenges.

Battery Storage to Capture Excess Solar Energy

Battery storage is becoming more popular in Sunshine Coast homes with many locals taking advantage of the plentiful sunshine to capture excess energy from their solar panels. When you install good quality batteries in your new designer home, you’ll be able to store the electricity generated during the daytime to be used at the peak demand time of early evening when more lights and appliances are being used for cooking and entertainment purposes. This allows you to use stored energy even when the sun is not shining and furthermore, you’ll be able to sell back power to the grid using a virtual power plant setup.

There are many benefits to installing a home battery storage system including:

• Save more money using your existing solar system
• Store extra energy from your solar panels
• Get free energy even after the sun goes down
• Have a backup power supply during a blackout and keep the lights on
• Join a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) to sell power back to the grid and make money!

The future of battery storage certainly holds exciting things with the promises of environmentally-friendly energy and the ability to make money from the excess power generated by your home with very little effort. To discuss the best methods to future proof your home, please get in touch with the Sunshine Coast’s best custom home builders today by calling (07) 5443 3780 or emailing admin@optam.com.au.

Get Ready for the Electric Car Revolution

With many people on the Sunshine Coast already investing in electric vehicles (EVs), adding batteries now will also help you future proof your home in terms of the coming changes to the way we get around. With the premium batteries installed in the custom homes designed by Optam, you’ll be able to add charge to your EV batteries quickly with minimal fuss. With a full charge your electric vehicle can travel hundreds of kilometres for a fraction of the cost of a full tank of petrol. By installing a home battery system in your Sunshine Coast property, you’ll not only be doing the right thing by the environment, you’ll also save a substantial amount of money on fuel expenses. And with the price of petrol expected to continue its upwards trend, the savings you could make in the not too distant future by charging your electric vehicle at home will be huge!

The design stage of your major renovation or new custom build is the best time to think about the best way to future proof your home. When considering building your new home on the Sunshine Coast, it makes sense to consider the need to park and charge an electric vehicle. To get ready for EV charging needs, Optam Building Group can help ensure your home wiring and other electrical equipment will last over the long term and be suitable for the coming future of transport. During the design stage of your new custom home, we can help you choose the best grid connection and ensure all planned wiring and your switchboard can adequately accommodate an electric vehicle charger. We can also back-up the main circuits in your new home so you’ll enjoy a constant supply of power to charge your EV and have guaranteed power for your lights, internet, fridge and air conditioning. You’ll essentially be able to survive off-grid using the power stored in your batteries for days. By getting ready now, you’ll enjoy early mover advantages for when you purchase an EV. You’ll also be setup to enjoy a more economical way to get around whilst also reducing your carbon footprint. In fact, by charging your car at home, you’ll enjoy a much lower cents per kilometre expense than traditional petrol vehicles.

With the Australian government forecasting battery-electric vehicles to represent 30 per cent of new car sales by 2030, now is the time to get ready for your home EV charging needs. Electric vehicles are becoming more and more common and many Sunshine Coast residents are considering an EV for their next purchase. The ability to charge your new car for free using solar power stored in your home battery is definitely a major concern when building a new home.

Although, a normal household powerpoint can be used to charge your electric vehicle, this isn’t the most efficient method as it’s quite slow. Additionally, if your new home doesn’t have the correct wiring installed, circuits can become overheated. The best option is to include an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) charging port in the design of your new home. These ports give a much faster charge. Optam Building Group can even help you install a three-phase electricity system in your custom designed home that can recharge an EV even quicker. The good news is that when designing a new home, it’s often lot cheaper to work three-phase power system into the build than on an existing home. To future proof your home, speak to the professional builders at Optam.

Future Proof Your Home With Optam Today

With Optam Building Group by your side, you’ll enjoy construction knowledge gained over 3 decades in the industry. When designing your new home on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, we’ll ensure your battery system operates at maximum efficiency and is ready for the coming electric transport revolution. Enjoy the benefits of battery storage now and EV charging well into the future with a custom home designed by Optam. Please contact us for your free discovery consultation today by calling (07) 5443 3780 or emailing admin@optam.com.au.

Optam Now Building Smart Homes

Sunshine Coast Smart Homes
Smart homes – connected homes – intelligent homes. Whatever you call them, more and more people on the Sunshine Coast are becoming interested in home automation. And why wouldn’t they? With a wide variety of connected devices and appliances to choose from as well as a host of benefits to boot, there are plenty of good reasons to consider making your new house a smart home. Optam are one of the Sunshine Coast’s best home builders and we can help you install these computer technologies when constructing your new designer home or during a major renovation.

So, what is a Smart Home?
An intelligent home is just that – a place where each appliance, device and other fittings are interconnected to make your life easier and more enjoyable. Each room in a smart home is equipped with a variety of timers, switches and sensors which are connected to a central control system using smart wiring or a purpose-built home network. With the help of you local Sunshine Coast home builder, you’ll be able to create different scenarios that can be programmed into the central control system. For example, a “Return from Work” scenario could trigger the garage door to open and security system to turn off as well as turning on the oven and playing your favourite song as you walk through the front door. Basically, smart homes are there to create an environment in your home that can be varied depending on your mood, the time of day or other triggering event.

Types of Smart Home Technologies
With smart homes gaining popularity both on the Sunshine Coast and around the country, more and more devices and appliances are integrating the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies into their design. Just a small selection of areas in your home that could be automated include:

– Automated lighting
– Automated air conditioning
– Automated roller blinds and windows
– Automated garage doors
– Automated smart appliances such as fridges, ovens, washing machines

As time progresses, more and more options will become available and an increasing number of homeowners will jump on the bandwagon. Another smart home technology that is becoming increasingly common are smart locks.

The Best Intelligent Home Technology: Keyless Smart Lock Technologies
One of the newer intelligent home technologies are smart locks. There are many reasons to use a keyless smart lock at your Sunshine Coast home. This access control method is perfect for allowing entry in a variety of different situations including for students, guests and deliveries. Besides improved security, keyless locks enable after hours entry at any time – even if you’ve lost your key. It’s also useful for enabling guests to enter at their convenience without disturbing others at the property. You can also rest easy knowing that you can remotely set a code for delivery drivers to drop off your parcels in the knowledge that they won’t be left outside where they may be stolen.

There are a wide variety of smart locks available including those without handles such as smart deadbolts and those with handles such as slimline smart door locks. Modern day smart locks are wireless with a long battery life and low power consumption. Digital door locks can be opened using a variety of different measures depending on the model. Some of the most common access technologies are:

● Fingerprint access
● Keypad access
● Key card access
● App access
● Smartwatch access
● Smartphone access
● Smart assistants access such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home

These cutting-edge locks have built-in activity logs and alarms that add an extra layer of security for added peace of mind. However, despite their advanced technology, keyless smart locks are simple, intuitive and have user-friendly operation. For those people who might be worried about the potential for their smart locks to be hacked, you can rest easy in the knowledge that manufacturers have added military-grade security features including encrypting access codes, ensuring resistance against electric shocks as well as the smart lock sending push notifications and alerts of any failed entry attempts.

Benefits of Smart Home Technology
Whenever a new technology comes onto the market, it is usually an improvement on the old way of doing things. It is now being applied to our homes to help make us more comfortable and increasingly enjoy our downtime.

Some of the advantages of our intelligent homes include:

● Increased Convenience
Smart home technology makes things such as entertainment a breeze. From turning on the TV with voice to having our favourite happy song play when we wake up in the morning, this setup just helps make everything easier. Additionally, repetitive or complex tasks can be automated so you can focus more on doing what you enjoy.

● Improved Sustainability
IoT can also help make your home more sustainable. Using this technology, you’ll be able to save energy by efficiently controlling when items are turned on and off or when shutters are opened to allow cool breezes in or keep sunlight out. Additionally, you’ll have the ability to keep an eye on exactly how much water and energy your home is using and adjust accordingly. Smart home technologies are also helpful for identifying plumbing issues such as leaking pipes and other problems by the use of smart detectors. This can reduce your living costs as lights can automatically be switched off and the energy use of other appliances are optimised. Your home maintenance costs will therefore be reduced as you save electricity, gas and water through the use of smart technology.

● Disability Management
For those people who have a disability themselves or one of their family members does, smart home technologies can also be used to facilitate access and control features around the home. For example, a person with limited mobility can use voice commands to turn on and off appliances instead of having to physically get up and move.

● More Comfort
Another major advantage of connected homes is improving the comfort levels of those living at your place. Climate control systems such as air con, heating and roller blinds as well as lighting systems can be adjusted according to time of day, surrounding environment or your mood.

● Increased security
Technologies such as smart locks and smart sensors using advanced communication systems are perfect for monitoring your property both when you’re home and away. These modern day fittings help keep unwanted visitors out and their remote abilities means that they can be controlled from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection.

● Add Value
By being an early adopter of smart technologies, you’ll add value to your home. As more and more people will be demanding smart home technologies in the coming years, getting them installed now will future-proof your home and put your in a very good position when you decide to sell down the track.

Get A Smart Home with Optam Building Group
Optam is one of the best-known builders of sustainable and luxury designer homes on the Sunshine Coast. An award-winning company, we have been involved in incorporating sustainable principles into our designs for over 30 years, well before it was popular. In fact, our expertise and experience in this field has been acknowledged with our accreditation as a HIA GreenSmart Certified Builder. We are now applying smart home technologies in our quest to build as many Net-Zero Energy homes as possible. Whether you’d like to incorporate smart technologies into your brand-new build or alternatively add them to your home during a major renovation, Optam have the expertise to find the best solution to ensure sustainability and comfort. If you’d like to be ahead of the curve and consider installing smart technologies in your home, please feel free to contact us and speak to one of our sustainable building experts. For your free discovery consultation, please contact us on (07) 5443 3780 or email admin@optam.com.au.

Sharing A Multi-Generational Home with your Kids or Parents

With major disruptions and job losses as a result of the current COVID pandemic, many younger and older people struggled to keep up with the rent. As a result, it has largely fallen on the shoulders of working age people to house their adult children and their parents. With the phenomenon of multi-generational living here to stay, it is now more popular than ever for the extended family to live on one site or in one home. Sometimes family members are staying in the spare bedroom and other times a renovation is being undertaken. However, living together in close quarters, especially with family, has pros and cons and can result in relationships becoming strained if space isn’t properly managed. With the old tactic of simply adding an extra bedroom with an ensuite not really suitable to the current housing situation, homeowners are facing a number of challenges to make multi-generational living work for the whole family.

Challenge #1:

My ageing parents require accommodation, but we need our own space and don’t want to feel out of place in our own home?
Whether housing your older or younger family members and relatives, there are some guiding principles which should be followed. As older family members will most likely be spending a large amount of their time at home, it makes sense to provide them with their own private lounge or even a courtyard where they can get some sun and you can get some privacy. It’s important to note that when considering a renovation or home upgrade for an older family member, their mobility or other special needs should be taken into account. For example, do your parents require shower rails or handrails on stairs and a wider entrance for wheelchair access? With the health concerns that inevitably beset us as we age, thought should also be given to making sure you’re not too far away from older residents so you can keep an eye on them as well.
There are another lot of considerations for younger family members or your kids who have returned home or not yet left. Oftentimes, they will be living at home for an extended period to save money for a deposit on their own place. While this is a great idea and can really help them off to a great start in life, the arrangement has to work for you as well. To help keep everyone happy, it may be a good idea to make sure their bedroom is large enough for their needs with an ensuite and walk-in robe. Additionally, building an extra study, media room or gaming room can provide a space for your kids to learn, unwind or use for entertainment. This ensures a smooth flow within your home and gives everyone their own private space to go about their usual activities as required.

Challenge #2:

I’m not sure whether to go down the path of renovating and extending my home or building a granny flat.
This age-old question has been faced by families for many years and has only become more pertinent recently with the rise in multi-generational living and the current property market. Whilst each option has its own advantages and drawbacks, it’s largely a matter of personal preference. If you do choose to renovate or build an extension onto your home, we would definitely recommend having a separate entrance. This is especially important when young people are living at home who may come home early in the morning or late at night. Without adequate acoustic insulation, such as Gyprock SoundChek plasterboard or something similar, noise transference through the home could disturb other residents and become an issue. With proper planning however, accommodating everyone under the one roof can work and provides easy access to common amenities such as the kitchen and living room for the whole family.
Whilst some people do like to have their family close by in the same dwelling, many people nowadays are opting to build a standalone granny flat or even base their site on pavilion-style designs. Granny flats also offer many benefits such as increased privacy and less noise problems which are important considerations for most families. Also, a separate building on your property may also be able to be rented out in future and bring in extra income. Whichever solution you choose, it’s important to work with a quality builder such as Optam to ensure everything is planned perfectly and constructed with the highest quality workmanship.

Challenge #3:

I don’t understand Council building regulations.
You’re not alone in feeling lost when trying to decipher the local Council building regulations. In our experience a granny flat and extension or renovation may be viewed in a similar way, either as a CDC (Complying Development) or DA (Development Application). However, it can get a little tricky with Council when the building’s purpose or intended use is not completely clear. Although that may be the case, working with a professional builder with over 3 decades’ experience like Optam goes a long to smoothly navigating the regulatory minefield.

Challenge #4:

The Nitty Gritty
Whist it’s all good and well to design and build the perfect space for your children or parents, it’s also imperative to have some serious discussions if it looks like the arrangement may be a long term one. Discussions around paying for utilities and food as well as who’ll complete chores are best had early on to establish personal boundaries and ensure your family continues to grow and love each other more and more each day.

Build With Optam

If you’re in a position where you’re thinking about building a granny flat or undertaking a major renovation, please contact Optam Building Group on (07) 5443 3780 or email admin@optam.com.au for your complimentary discovery consultation. With over 30 years in the building game and a team of expert trades, your next project will be in great hands with us.

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Should I Renovate My Own Place?

If you’ve been in your home a while and it’s no longer meeting your needs, a renovation might be exactly what you need to freshen up your living spaces. A home renovation is appealing for two main reasons—It increases your property’s resale value and drastically improves living conditions.

As the real estate market grows more competitive, more homeowners are deciding to stay put while investing more in their home. A survey conducted by Houzz found that more than half (51%) of homeowners planned to renovate their homes. But make no mistake: Renovations are a massive undertaking. They require a great deal of planning and a significant budget to cover the costs

Ask yourself the following question before embarking on an extensive remodel and be honest with your responses.

Do You Rent or Own Your Property?

Any renovations you do will ultimately come out of your pocket. The decision to renovate then will depend a great deal on whether you rent or own your place.

If you rent you’ll need to get permission from your landlord first. Most will be happy to accommodate and some may even reimburse you as larger renovations mean a higher home valuation. If you plan on staying for an extended period, speak with your landlord about any projects you have in mind. That way you’re not at risk of losing your security deposit.

Even if you own your property, it’s still important to think about your long-term plans. It doesn’t make much sense to pour thousands of dollars into renovations if you plan on moving within the next year or two.

Can You Afford a Home Renovation?

Remodelling isn’t exactly cheap.

Just the cost of renovating a bathroom can cost over $10,000. Kitchen renovations tend to cost even more if you plan on replacing cabinets, countertops, and appliances. There are countless examples of homeowners having to stop a project halfway through due to poor financial planning. Spiralling costs and issues with contractors scope are among the most common causes of overruns in costs.

Establish a clear budget right from the start. Research finishes and speak with multiple contractors to estimate how much your project will cost. It’s also a good idea to maintain a contingency fund of 10 to 15 per cent to plan for any unforeseen costs. One sensible option is to meet with a financial planner to determine whether you can afford a renovation based on your financial health and how much you can set aside.

As workers start to knock things down, your home can become more vulnerable to pests such as termites and mice. Renovations are a good time to have a full pest control inspection done. Any exterminator can work around your contractors’ schedule to treat an infestation before any construction starts.

Is It Worth Renovating Your Property?

Even if you can afford a renovation, you may still want to think twice before proceeding. Underlying problems such as structural issues could mean it’s more worthwhile to rebuild than renovate. See my previous blog Renovate or Detonate.

Another reason to be cautious is the risk of over-capitalising your home—Putting more money into the property than you’ll get back from it. There’s a misconception that renovations add a dollar-for-dollar increase in a home valuation but isn’t always true. Some renovations can even be a burden if you decide to sell. Swimming pools are one example as the new owners will have to factor in maintenance and insurance costs.

Think about whether you should remodel in the first place and prioritise projects with the most benefits. Check to see what kind of permits you need or if your design requires approval by any committees. Taking these steps will save a lot of frustration later on.

For additional info visit the Optam website area on Knockdown Rebuilds or Houzz for Inspiration and to start saving Ideabooks with content for the perfect Lifestyle Home.

Author’s Bio

Alex Morrison has been a SEO Expert for over 10 years. In this time he has worked with a range of businesses giving him an in depth understanding of many different industries including home improvement, business support and health care. He has used his knowledge and experience to work for clients as diverse as Glenbrea Signs, Cosh Living and Me Bank to help them reach their business goals.

House & Land Package

How Long Does It Take To Build A House From Start To Finish

You have bought your perfect piece of land, found your dream home layout and met with your builder. You are eager to book the removal truck, but how long should you expect to wait?

In Australia, the average time from purchase of land to moving day is anywhere up to 12 months. Quality builders are very good at predicting a timeframe to assist in planning your transition, however it is best to stay as flexible as you can and keep communication open. You may be able to carry a loved one over the threshold in as little as six months, but this depends on several key factors.

Factors Affecting Build Time

1. The Building Plan

Sometimes, you can jag the ideal building plan and be ready to roll with it, but most of the time there are amendments that need to be made. Take the time to sit with your builder or architect and thoroughly inspect the plan for anything that may not work for you. They can adjust a multitude of things to ensure you get the house that suits you and your family.

In terms of the actual build, it also goes without saying that more complex, larger dwellings will take longer to construct. If you have multiple storeys, above-average number of rooms or extras such as a super-sized alfresco area, allow additional time.

2. The Land

Another major factor in delaying the building process is the condition of the land you are building on. Flat, barren land doesn’t generally take too much in the way of earthworks. In this case, you can expect your pad down in just a couple of weeks from signing on the dotted line. However, if you have steep slopes, drainage issues or large trees to contend with, you could be up for a bit more of a wait (and cost).

3. The Season

As much as builders try to work no matter the weather, there are safety concerns that come with the job and sometimes they need to delay the build for a day or two. For example, roofers must be selective in the work they do when it is raining, as the risk of slipping and falling is greatly increased. Similarly, scorching hot days can pose a health risk for any outdoor worker, with not only sunburn, but potentially deadly heatstroke a real possibility. Safe working conditions are regulated by law, so be respectful if your building team needs to take off for a few days to keep themselves safe.

4. The Type of Build

Common methods of building, such as brick, have a relatively standard timeframe for completion. Notwithstanding supply error, builder mistake or other extenuating circumstance, the bones of your house can be up in as little as a few months. Prefab concrete is gaining popularity and is quick to install, as are some newer cladding options now on the market. If you choose something a little out of the box, such as stonework, timber or mud, you may need to hire a builder skilled in this particular application and be prepared to give them time to complete it perfectly.

Average timeframe for each stage of the build

Now that you know the four key factors for determining how long it takes to build a house from start to finish, what are the rough timeframes you should expect?

Building is completed in several stages. Each stage is listed below, with an approximate time taken.

1. Site testing and earthworks to prepare the area for building.
   Approximately one week.
2. Laying of the concrete slab.
   Two weeks (weather permitting for the pour and set).
3. Construction begins, starting with the frame. The walls and roof framework are put in and electrical chasing is installed

Four to eight weeks.

1. Lockup stage – the details go in. This includes pipework, plasterboard on the walls, roof and ceiling finishings, rendering, doors and window panes.
   Four to eight weeks
2. Finishing it all off – where your house becomes a home. In goes the cabinetry, cornicing and skirting, shelving and built-in furniture, airconditioning and tiling.
   Six to eight weeks.
3. Practical completion – your house is now livable, but there are the finishing touches to put in that really bring it all together. This includes the landscaping and irrigation, painting, floor coverings, letter box, clothesline and all the little bits and pieces that make the place fully functional.

Up to eight weeks.

As you can see, the building process can be quite varied, with many potential delays along the way. Holdups with planning or earthworks, inclement weather, complex building requirements or even the occasional builder scheduling or supply issue can all set moving day back a little – but it will be worth it in the end. Talk to your builder about their proposed timeframe before you start, so you can better manage your interim living arrangements and finances accordingly.

Take the first step – Optam have an 8 stage Design & Construct Process

Author’s Bio

Managing Director and Owner: Gerry Hoggard bought Sperway in 1984, Gerry has been in the Building Industry for over 37 years with the following qualifications; B.App.Sci. Post grad T. & R.P. (Melb. Uni.) L.S., Registered Building Practitioner (VIC), Licenced Contractor (NSW). He commenced the Extension Factory Group of companies over 35 years ago, and today employs approximately 75 staff in Melbourne & Sydney. The group of companies has a turnover exceeding $50 million.

What are the Steps to Building a House?

The thought of building a brand new house can be both exciting and a bit scary for some people but a new home can give you the freedom to enjoy a property designed especially to suit your particular lifestyle. The one main thing to get right from the very start is the property management. A large build such as a house needs careful management every step of the way. The following information will give you an understanding of the process from go to whoa to help you better enjoy your venture.

1. Choosing a Design For Your Home

The very first step on this road should be knowing what kind of house you want and need. There are so many choices out there for home builds, from architectural designs, project homes, house and land packages, custom-built properties or Do-It-Yourself kit homes. They all have their advantages and disadvantages, benefits and costs and so you need to sort out what kind of house you want, where you want it, what you need, and importantly, what you can afford.

2. Choose a Block of Land For Your Build

The reason you need to take time with the design of your new home is that, whether you’re doing a knockdown and rebuild, or building on a block you’ve already bought, your building design has to be compatible with the block. If you don’t check all of this out first, it can be a big problem when it comes to building costs. So, make sure you employ an expert who can inspect the building site before you commit to ordering the design, or buying the land. Location and orientation are also big factors in the long term liveability of your new home.

3. Choosing the Builder To Construct Your Home

Don’t just hire any old builder, or the first one you make enquiries with, but shop around. It’s really important to do your research so you find the right builder for your particular project. Ask people whose homes you admire what their process was like; were they happy with the builder, the price and the end product? Ask various licenced builders if they are interested in providing a quote on your new house, they’re availability to work within your timeframe and contact details for previous clients. Preliminary design stage is a good time to request ballpark costings for each aspect of your build before working drawings and engineering is completed. With any contracts you are given, make sure it covers absolutely everything and there’s an agreed timeline for completion. You also need to get the home indemnity insurance, preparation of plans agreement, contract variations agreement and the building specification and inclusions before signing any contracts

4. Applying For Your Home Loan

Before you begin the building process, you need to be aware that one of the crucial factors in a successful project is keeping your finances in order, and also, after you know what it will cost, have your home loan approved and ready to go. If you’re .lucky enough to have savings in a term deposit account make sure you can withdraw the amount you need for your home loan deposit.  Get your lawyer or conveyancer to check the building contract and find out how progress payments will be decided. For instance, you might be able to spell out that inspections will be necessary to make sure the building is progressing to the standard needed before any payments are to be made. You can always ask for monthly progress claims rather than set progress payments but you will need to ask for that in a quote. Make sure you take on board the fact that there will be Stamp Duty costs and legal fees to pay on your loan application.

5. Signing the Building Contract

You’ll need to review the contract carefully with your lawyer or conveyancer once you’ve agreed to the price. Stories abound in the industry about the many pitfalls that occur due to contract errors. Ensure that you are feeling confident enough to sign the documents because it can be costly to make changes down the line. Also, check the local council laws and regulations in the area of your build, to make sure your contract complies with their standards and requirements. Make sure also that your builder is the one responsible for obtaining permits and building licenses from the various and relevant authorities. Insurance is something to think about as well before the building work begins, to protect the new property, your land, and the safety of anyone visiting the building site.

6. Monitor the Building of Your New House

A pre-start meeting with your builder is usually held before the beginning of construction so you can decide on the final materials and fittings for your house. You should remain involved in every further stage of the build so you can decide on elements of the design and to ensure everything is done on budget and on time. You could keep a diary to jot down important details of the build; things like any discussions you have with the builder, the weather that might halt work, progress updates, copies of notices and mail relating to the build and backed up with photographs of every stage. You can hire an independent building manager or consultant to monitor the construction for you if you don’t have the time or don’t feel confident.

7. Handing Over the Keys

You should be able to collect the keys to your new home about a week after the completion of the construction and then you can make any final payments and move in. But do ensure that you have a copy of all the relevant certificates and warranties outlined in your contract and that you have been given the builder’s written authority that the house finished and it’s safe to move in.

8. Take the first step – Optam have an 8 stage Design & Construct Process

References:

1. http://www.mbansw.asn.au/

Author’s Bio

Alex Morrison has been an avid digital marketer for over 10 years. In this time he has worked with a range of businesses giving him an in depth understanding of many different industries including home improvement, financial support and health care. As the owner of Integral Media he is now utilising his knowledge and experience with his rapidly increasing client portfolio to help them achieve their business goals.

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