It’s easy to understand why people are so keen to build their own home. There is nothing more satisfying than creating a house which is bespoke to your lifestyle and family requirements.
Brolga Developments Managing Director Dene Purdon has come up with some top tips for anyone who wants to build their own home. Heading up one of WA’s most respected building companies Dene has had plenty of experience to pass on sound advice.
It’s all in the design
Design is everything. Essentially ask yourself about your stage of life and decide upon the needs of your family.
“Selling and moving home can be expensive, so you need to get it right. Do you have children or are you entering retirement? Do you like open-plan or prefer segregated areas? It’s important to get a feel about the way you are going to live,” he says.
Dene explains that another major consideration is noise. Teenagers may want their own space and it may be wise to consider having a master bedroom away from the main living area or a theatre room and be mindful about space, sometimes less is more.
A level decision, single or multi-storey?
Deciding on whether to build single or multi-story depends a lot on plot size. As a general rule plot sizes are getting smaller which is encouraging more multi-storey homes.
“There’s no doubt about it, multi-storey homes are more expensive to build. We are seeing more people introducing lifts into their homes, which is great for those with small children, the elderly or people with special needs. Think about practicality too, a first-floor kitchen with a stunning view over the ocean or open space sounds wonderful, but this will mean you will have to take your shopping upstairs on a regular basis,” Dene explains.
It’s advisable to draw up a list which outlines the pros and cons of any design decisions and to share this with the builder who will be able to offer advice to ensure specific requirements are met.
It’s all about the plot and remember to landscape early
Dene is passionate about siting the right home in the right area of your plot.
“An investor may want to cram more homes on a plot of land for maximum investment, but if this home is being tailored to yourself you will want it to be sited so it makes full use of the sun, the views and any established trees etc.”
Dene says everyone knows a builder or developer has to conform to local town policies and planning requirements, so some compromises may have to be made, but ultimately there should be collaboration to decide whether a design will fit well within a plot.
Time and time again Dene sees that landscaping decisions are made too late and this may impact on building work. If there’s a swimming pool, make sure the shell goes in ahead of construction work while the site is more accessible.
Don’t blow the budget and keep on track of deadlines
Once a building contract is in place, the only way the budget may change is if selection requirements alter. Dene is quick to emphasise that the client should always hold the purse strings.
“Be mindful that to keep your overall budget on track you must always stick to your initial plan, if you want to change some of your finishing’s then there may well be extra cost. In most instances, only a client can vary a building contract so ensure your selections remain within budget. If changes are to be made don’t spring them on your builder.”
Keep it sustainable and eco-friendly
Our world is changing and we are being encouraged to be more environmentally friendly in so many aspects of our life and that extends to house building too. There’s no doubt that solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems will push the price of the house build up but Dene says you may reap rewards later.
“There may be an initial outlay for eco-friendly systems but long term they will pay for themselves. Many people feel better that they are doing their bit for the environment by designing such a house. I am quite passionate about building an energy efficient home and it will definitely make your house more appealing when you come to sell it and should add value.”
How to avoid the painful snagging and defects issues
Some defects are not always mistakes and more often than not are due to product failure. Dene’s message is to show respect and don’t be too hard on the builder.
“A builder always wants happy clients, try to work together to resolve any issues. It’s essential that you have a good walk through with the supervisor at the end and take down any notes. Remember happy clients are our best advertisement”.
Dene knows that snagging issues can be problematic and may have to be dealt with when people have moved in so his message is to be accommodating and patient.
“The best workmanship happens when tradespeople are happy within their work. Remember that the person fixing the defect may not be the person who did the work so be always be respectful,” he says.
Most important tip of all (a little bit biased)
There’s one final tip that Dene Purdon admits is biased and that’s to choose Brolga Developments for your house build.
“We’ve been established for fifteen years. We can help to create a unique design or you may want to select one of our houses within our established range. We have a home for you so come to us, to make your dream become a reality.”