Preparation.
HAVING A CUSTOM HOME BUILT IS AN EXCITING ENDEAVOUR. YOU MAY BE WONDERING WHAT THE PROCESS LOOKS LIKE AND WHAT YOU MIGHT NEED TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOUR BUILD STARTS.
These are some things to consider when preparing to build a home or renovation in New South Wales.
NSW BUILDING RESTRICTIONS.
The importance of choosing the right builder becomes apparent when it comes to identifying and understanding those building restrictions. Experienced builders understand zoning regulations for various residential lots, and they have contacts with architects who can help you to properly document your building plans.
THE LANDSCAPE.
The shape of the lot and the terrain may impact the design. For example is the land on a hill or on rocky terrain? This may make the building process more complex, however talk to your local builder as they will have experience with the local terrain. Many of today’s construction projects are completed as joint efforts between builders and designers. These design-build projects allow prospective property owners to find an appropriate lot for their anticipated home design or to make necessary modifications to their home plans to fit an existing lot.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS.
Environmental concerns are some things that your design-build team encounter when building on lots in NSW. Government officials and residents are committed to safeguarding the region’s natural resources, and some prime building lots are located in areas that are protected by environmental regulations. For these lots, you’ll need to comply with sustainable building practices if you’re allowed to build on them at all.
BUDGET.
The budget will determine the project size and scope, understanding this at the beginning is essential before planning can begin. Incorporating a buffer in the case of unexpected expenses or last minute changes could also be something to consider as part of the planning. Unexpected expenses can mean the difference between getting the furnishings and fixtures that you want for your space and settling for second-best options. Your builder can look at your proposed home design and evaluate its placement on your lot. The builder can determine if the lot requires extra grading or other engineering activities to make it suitable for your new home. Understanding these lot preparation activities from the beginning is essential for understanding the total cost of the project.
PLUMBING.
If you are buying a new property or land you need to understand where sewer lines and drains are as this may impact where you can build and how you landscape. This should be included as part of the contract, but check with your solicitor or conveyancer to make sure this is covered.
SUSTAINABLE LIVING.
Many people want to take sustainable living to the next level with an off-the-grid lifestyle. Local laws support clean energy capture for homes, and photovoltaic systems (solar power) are very popular in sun-drenched NSW. The building design will impact where solar panels can be placed so again this is something that should be discussed at the first meeting with your builder.
Approval.
Whether you’re building a custom home in NSW or tackling a large renovation project, you’ll need to get approval from the local authorities.
LOCAL DEVELOPMENT (DA).
Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) are the resources that local officials use to control development in NSW. They guide the way that land is used and the quality of work that’s done to improve property. Some building projects fall under the category of Local Development, which means that builders must obtain consent under LEPs prior to starting work.
COMPLYING DEVELOPMENT.
Most custom home building projects are considered to be Complying Development initiatives. Local authorities realise that most of these building projects are fairly straightforward. The local codes are known, and reputable builders are well-versed in following them. As long as your building project’s plans are formatted properly and contain the relevant information, they can be fast-tracked for approval by the government or a third-party certifying agency. To gain approval through the Complying Development programme, your plans will likely include information about housing code compliance, tree removal and protection, and swimming pool specifications.