Blog

Whilst it’s an extremely exciting time when taking the first steps towards building that dream home you have been imagining for years, it can also become an overwhelming and stressful time. With a monumental amount of building cost increases over the past 3 years, its essential to take the appropriate steps on your new home […]

In the dynamic landscape of the Australian housing market, the cost of constructing a new home has soared to unprecedented levels, posing challenges for homeowners and builders alike. The average cost to build a new home is exhibiting a significant uptick of nearly 10% from the year prior. These statistics, derived from ABS data comparing […]

Windows and doors are more than just functional elements of a home; they are architectural features that can greatly enhance its aesthetic appeal, energy efficiency, and security. In this Q&A session with Hanlons, a leading supplier of architectural grade windows and doors, we delve into the world of high-performance building materials and explore why they […]

If you’ve been flicking through home design magazines of late, you may have noticed a big shift towards coastal and Hamptons-style homes. Both design trends have become increasingly popular in Australian home design, especially in coastal regions such as the Illawarra.  Although both design styles are inspired by the coastal lifestyle, there are subtle nuances […]

It is said that location is the Number 1 priority for your home, and by living on the stunning South Coast, you can be confident you’ve ticked that box! You have the block, and now it’s time to make the most of every single aspect of it – literally – with your stunning new architectural […]

For those of us who are lucky enough to live on the South Coast, we enjoy the fresh sea air and stunning views every single day. And if you’re looking to build your dream home here on the coast, you can capitalise on this incredible place we call home by bringing together stunning architectural design […]

There’s a new must-have for show-stopping, architectural homes – a home elevator. Thanks to advances in technology, the home lift is no longer for the elite – just as the ensuite revolutionised homes in the twentieth century, a lift in your home is a game changer for luxe living and convenience. To make the decision […]

As 2023 continues, new trends for home designs continue to emerge, particularly amongst architectural homes. When building an architectural home, there are a number of key aspects that need to be considered before going ahead with the build. At Smartbuild South Coast, we are passionate about leading the way in fresh and exciting architecture, creating […]

While incredibly exciting, building your dream home can be an overwhelming experience. And, if it’s your first time, you may be asking yourself questions like what the process will look like, when to add input, and how your builder ensures high quality is achieved across the board. In this blog, we’ll share with you five […]

Creating a place to call home is special. There’s something rewarding about putting your own touches to a house to make it your own. From entertainment areas for family and friends, to beautiful spaces for solitude, each part is special. And this includes the façade of your home because it makes the very first impression. […]

When you build a new home, you often think about sunny afternoons spent on your new deck. Or the sunlight streaming through your kitchen window and onto your impressive new kitchen bench. You don’t usually think about how your home will be enjoyed in winter. But that doesn’t have to be the case. If you’re […]

When choosing a floor for your home, understanding the pros and cons of different flooring materials will help you make informed building choices, and create a beautiful home environment. Whether you’re designing a custom home or improving your present abode, Smartbuild South Coast knows the important role flooring plays to merge aesthetic vision and practical […]

Preparing to build your dream coastal home is exciting. And with some good planning, your home can be designed to make the most of those stunning ocean views and fresh sea breezes, whilst also withstanding the environmental effects of coastal conditions. Coastal weather can present unique challenges for our homes, including unpredictable weather, and corrosion […]

So, you’ve made the exciting decision to embark on the journey of building your dream home. And it’s no surprise there are many elements to consider before, during and after the building process. And we’re here to let you know that the single most important factor is your budget. Building a new home might be […]

When building in a coastal environment, it’s important to integrate the luxury of living in a premium location with your vision for the project. With multiple design considerations that can bring a coastal home to life, we’ve collated our top tips to help you get started. Continue reading to discover how you can capture the […]

Nestled on the shoreline of Werri Beach, this double-storey custom home is a luxurious modern oasis. Our team recently completed this phenomenal project, creating a sophisticated architectural haven in one of the South Coast’s most sought-after locations. Forward-Thinking Design Our clients were looking for a dynamic home centred around smart design – focusing on modern […]

Assuming an estimate and a quote are the same is a common mistake, and easy to make—however, the difference is significant to your project. Learning how these terms are used will help guide your approach to a new build or renovation. We know that everyone prefers a builder that is upfront about cost. As the […]

The South Coast is blessed with picturesque views and beautiful summer sunshine. To take full advantage of these qualities, it’s important to create an outdoor living area that is equal parts comfort, function and style. This way, friends and family can enjoy your outdoor oasis year-round. More importantly, a perfectly-designed outdoor living area creates yet […]

Building your dream home is no easy feat. It requires plenty of pre-planning, big decision-making, and aligning of your future family and financial goals. You also must make sure you’re working with the right team for your specific project – people you are confident will be able to realize your vision through high-quality design and […]

So you’ve decided to take the plunge and launch into a custom building project. You’ve been speaking to a few builders and now it’s time to gather some quotes, determine how much your project will cost to build and decide on a builder. Quotes will undoubtedly vary between each builder, but how do you determine […]

Our team recently completed an outstanding project in Barrack Point, knocking down an existing property to create an ultra-modern, architecturally-designed home in one of the area’s most sought-after locations. Low maintenance living was essential The client’s brief was for a brand-new contemporary home that was low maintenance, secure and incredibly private. The block’s headland position […]

Communication is the foundation of any successful build – without it, any project is set to crumble. From the very initial stages of a residential build, it’s essential that the builder, client and building designer/architect establish open lines of communication to avoid issues down the line.  Here are some of the key ways to enable […]

The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in your home, which is why designing a brand new architectural one can be a daunting task. When crafting a new bathroom, it’s important to keep practicality and convenience at the forefront of your mind, as this is a space that you’ll use various times daily […]

(and Where You Can Afford to Spend Less)  Building your dream custom home is such an exciting prospect. Once you’ve made the decision to build, you’ll need to start considering your ‘needs’ and ‘wants’ so you can establish a realistic budget.  Your budget should be largely based on your essentials, with a few desirable add-ons […]

If you’ve been flicking through home design magazines of late, you may have noticed a big shift towards coastal and Hamptons-style homes. Both design trends have become increasingly popular in Australian home design, especially in coastal regions such as the Illawarra.  Although both design styles are inspired by the beach lifestyle, there are subtle nuances […]

Ocean views, fresh sea breeze and a beach within walking distance – who wouldn’t love to build a coastal home? While there are many upsides to living beside the beach, there are certain factors you’ll need to consider when you plan a new home by the coast.  For example, the weather can be a lot […]

Your home is your sanctuary and should be a place of peace and tranquillity – something many of us find in nature.  If you’re lucky enough to live in an area of natural beauty, opposite a beach or a park for example, there are many things you can do to capitalise on your surroundings.  But […]

With its beachy tones and elegant celebration of the outdoors, the Hamptons-style trend is here to stay. Originating as beachside holiday homes for New York’s elite, Hamptons-style residences have proved timeless, inspiring designers for decades. But you don’t need to travel further than Werri Beach on the South Coast to see perfect applications of this […]

As this tumultuous year comes to a close and summer quickly approaches, it’s never been more important to have a functional outdoor living area for relaxation and entertaining. An outdoor living space plays an important role in the home – not only is it a communal spot where the whole family can come together, it’s […]

Over the last few decades, the coastal home has become synonymous with sophistication and luxury. However, what differentiates a coastal home isn’t just the environment it is situated in; in fact, there are a number of elements that make a coastal home unique.  Keep reading to discover our top 5 favourite features and how you […]

With all the excitement and decision making involved in building a new custom home, insurance might be the last thing on your mind. But it shouldn’t be – insurance is crucial. It ensures that you’re covered in the case of complications or damages and guarantees that those working on-site are safe and protected. This is […]

When it comes to building a new home, construction jargon can be confusing and intimidating for many clients – especially when it comes to the contract stage. While most building contracts are relatively simple and straightforward – especially the standard HIA contract we use here at Smartbuild South Coast – there are some key terms you may […]

Have you heard of the Australian Government’s new economic stimulus package? Announced in early June, HomeBuilder will see State Governments offer $25,000 tax-free cash grants to homeowners looking to build a new home or “substantially renovate” an existing one. For those looking to build in 2020 or early 2021, this is an exciting announcement. It’s particularly helpful […]

Shingles may not be the first thing you think of when building your new home, but they can play a crucial role in the function and exterior aesthetics of your home. Shingles have been used on homes for centuries from whatever materials were available, including clay, wood and copper. Now, however, there are boundless choices, […]

This latest project built in Barrack Avenue has been an uplifting way to enter the new decade with such a smart design. The clients wanted to ensure there was ample living space and outdoor entertaining, and that’s what was executed using high-quality materials with a polished finish. The completed double storey townhouses reflect the Smartbuild […]

Take the Plunge into our Q&A with Cloud9 Pools When it comes to building a luxury home on the South Coast, this often includes a pool. But where do you start when it comes to the design, fencing and colour palette of your pool? Not to mention the construction process… You turn to the experts, […]

Are you lucky enough to be living on the waters edge? It would be an absolute shame to let these potentially beautiful views go to waste! In addition to offering stunning vistas, homes on a waterfront location bring in an absolute premium – so whatever your intention is during the build, making the most of […]

As we near the end of another big year, we wanted to take you through our most recently completed project – Smartbuild HQ. This ultra-modern custom home, located in Shellharbour, is the epitome of open-plan coastal living.  As this space was set to become the home base for all things Smartbuild South Coast, it was important […]

Let’s be honest, no one wants to build a house that’s going to take the rest of their life to pay off. In saying that, we all have specific wants and needs that can increase the cost of any home.  You may find yourself fighting an internal battle to find a happy medium that caters […]

Have you considered building your dream home in Shellharbour? Perhaps it’s time…  Located on the picturesque South Coast of NSW and just over an hour south of Sydney, Shellharbour possesses a laid-back holiday feeling with beaches, countryside and capital cities all in close proximity. Those who build and live in Shellharbour Village enjoy everyday life […]

Building on a narrow site can be challenging – you can’t just approach any Illawarra builder to construct a stock standard home and expect everything to be fine. It takes time, research and an experienced South Coast builder to create a functional and stylish home on site like this. While this is true, it’s important […]

Our latest project was a great opportunity to showcase the expertise and craftsmanship of our custom home building team.  The brief was a dual occupancy home in Corrimal, set in the Illawarra region of the South Coast. Our client was looking for a brand new designer home with a secondary unit next door that would […]

When it comes to designing your dream home, there are plenty of decisions to make. Which way will it face? How many living spaces will you need? What aesthetic will you go for?  One of the most important initial decisions you will face is whether to build up or out – in other words, whether […]

Over the last few years, we’ve noticed a rise in dual occupancy, or multi-dwelling developments. With large blocks of land, many homeowners are taking advantage of the additional space, utilising innovative design and construction techniques to double their return and introduce an investment property onto their land. If you’re looking to build in 2019, this […]

The South Coast is a glorious region of New South Wales stretching from the south of Sydney all the way down to the border of Victoria. Incorporating everything from beautiful beaches, to wonderful wilderness experiences and breathtaking aquatic wildlife (including whales and dolphins) can be found in this gorgeous area. While it’s a popular holiday […]

We’ve had an excellent start to the year at Smartbuild South Coast, having recently handed over the keys to a three-storey luxury home in stunning Kiama. This custom-built, architecturally-designed home was a big project; works included demolishing the majority of the existing home, apart from a small section on the right-hand side, and rebuilding from […]

The steps involved in pre-construction can be confusing and overwhelming. With so many planning, council and certification processes to complete it’s easy to get stuck knowing what to do next. Luckily, your builder and designer should be able to guide you through the process, which is one reason why it’s integral to have them engaged […]

While it’s common to hear those not in the industry use the terms ‘architect’ and ‘draftsman’ synonymously, they are not the same thing. There are significant differences between the role of an architect and that of a draftsman and it is important to understand both so you can make an informed decision about which one […]

When it comes to choosing your builder, you may need to collect a number of quotes, for which some companies may charge. While this may seem unnecessary, paying a small charge for a quote early on in the process can save a lot of trouble down the line. Here at Smartbuild, we will not compete […]

Outdoor living is such an important part of the Australian lifestyle, particularly during summer. To ensure you make the most of the warmer months, your home needs a stunning outdoor living space that’s as functional as it is beautiful, a space that’s equally as comfortable hosting a Saturday dinner party, as it is a lazy […]

A building contract is an essential part of any construction process. It is a legally binding document that establishes the responsibilities of both the client and the builder and protects you in the case of mistakes or non-delivery. You sign a residential building contract once plans are finalised, a budget is locked in and you’ve […]

With decades in the building industry, we’ve seen and heard the full spectrum of building successes and disasters. We’ve also seen the mistakes clients make along the way, resulting in blown budgets, delayed works and most upsettingly, a construction journey they didn’t enjoy. In order to help you avoid this type of experience, we’ve collated […]

The process of renovating, extending or creating a brand-new home is unique and requires plenty of expertise and planning with a number of different parties. Choosing the right builder is therefore essential to the success of your building journey, as they can dramatically affect the end result! The first thing to do is to match […]