Author Archive: Brian
Using Your Own Tradies
When you look at some of the prices that builders charge for things it makes you wonder if you can get things cheaper by employing your own tradies during the build. Examples are things like: Refrigerated air conditioning. Extra lighting….
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The Best House Shape
When you are looking at builders web sites the main things you can look at besides Facades are Floor Plans………But what is the best shape for the overall house? Making good use of Winter Sun If you have a Well…
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Cubby House – Fail
What do you think of this Cubby House that someone built in their garden, soon after moving in? Well it looks pretty good…………………………. Solidly constructed building, nice colourful paint job, and securely bolted down to a convenient concrete slab. So why…
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Can You Subdivide?
I would advise calling into the Council Planning Department and discussing your block as early as possible. I have always found them very helpful. To be better informed here are 4 things to think about before talking to the planner: State…
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Restricted Site, Costs
People are astonished at how the builders costs soar when building on a restricted site! A restricted site is generally when a the building takes up most of the block. Generally this means that there is little room to store…
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Tips for Setting up a Home Office
Sponsored Post When you are drawing up plans for a new house, you may want to think about including a home office. The number of telecommuters and home business owners is on the rise, with the advances in technology that…
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Lap Dog Window – Fail
Three horizontal windows, a Builder’s design “Wow factor” that was quite common in show houses around 5 years ago. What is the point of that bottom window? About the only thing that could see out of it would be a…
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Reducing External Noise
It’s not always possible to build in a quiet area so there are a number of techniques for reducing noise that you can use in your new home. Here is a quick review of the options: Minimising windows facing…
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Choosing Bricks
If you want brick you really need to go and visit one of the brick manufacturers display centres where they have display walls built with the various bricks. Make sure you look at the bricks in the builders standard range…
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Brickwork Fail 2
This brick wall is on a house opposite my bedroom window. To me its wrong on so many levels! Bricks are meant to be laid with a bond rather than stacked like this as it makes a stronger job. To…
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