Category Archives: 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 from the outset.

We have put together a few key pointers below to assist you in these early stages;

1. Do I approach the Architect/Building designer or Builder first?

Builders and Architects/Building Designers often work closely together to bring construction projects to life. Their collaboration ensures that the design created by the architect can be practically built by the builder while staying within the client’s budget and meeting local building codes.

Architects and Building Designers are great for turning your vision into a reality. They can design unique custom homes, help you make the most of your land, and ensure the home suits your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.

Builders can help you get a clearer idea of the construction costs early on, provide insights into what is feasible based on your budget, forecast construction timelines, and offer solutions early on that will save you time and money during construction.

Both the builder and the designer are as important as each other from the outset, the key to a successful build is finding a builder and architect duo that can collaborate together from the outset.

Most builders and Designers will introduce you to the other party depending on if you go to the builder or designer first.

• Designing your new home with a realistic budget that aligns with current building prices.

While the design phase can be extremely exciting. It can be easy to get carried away when working with your Architect or Building Designer. Engaging a builder at the start of your process allows us to provide you with current pricing as your plans process.

Collaboration is key when maximising your budget when building or renovating your home! Engaging the right team of professionals means that everyone involved is working towards a common goal. This includes your Architect/Building Designer, Interior Designer and Builder.

Open communication from the onset regarding your budget, Wishlist items and timeframe allows us to guide you through the process providing you with options of construction methods and finishes that will align with your budget to give you a similar finish to what you have envisioned.

• Invest in a detailed quote.

Paying a builder for a detailed quote might seem unnecessary at first, but it offers several benefits that can lead to better outcomes for your project. Here’s why paying for a builder’s quote can be a smart investment;

• Thorough assessment: A paid quote usually involves a more comprehensive review of your project, including site visits, consultations, and collaboration with subcontractors. This results in a more precise and detailed estimate.
• Avoid surprises: With a paid quote, builders spend more time analysing all the aspects of your project (materials, labour, time frame) to ensure that unexpected costs don’t arise later. This reduces the risk of cost overruns during construction.
• Cost breakdown: Paid quotes often provide a breakdown of costs, helping you understand exactly where your money is going. This transparency is helpful for budgeting and allows you to identify areas where you might want to adjust to save money.
• Serious commitment: When you pay for a quote, the builder knows you are serious about the project and is more likely to invest time and effort into creating an accurate and personalised estimate. This level of commitment can result in better service and attention to detail.
• Detailed planning: Builders are more likely to conduct a thorough analysis of your plans, including the site conditions, materials, and potential challenges. This in-depth review can prevent costly mistakes or changes during construction.

Engaging Smartbuild early in the process allows Jake (Smartbuild Builder/Director) to support you from the concept all the way to completion. Assisting with questions and concerns throughout the entire process. Get in touch with the expert team at Smartbuild South Coast today and let’s chat about your dream 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 approvals for new homes and the total value of those projects, shed light on the escalating cost dynamics in the construction sector.

Looking back over the past three years, the surge in building costs becomes even more apparent, with an average increase of about 53% observed, the continuous rise in building expenses underscores the challenges faced by homeowners seeking to embark on new construction endeavours in Australia.

Multiple factors are fuelling the increase in costs, with shortages in labour, rising material prices, and a decrease in available trades being prominent contributors to the reshaping of the construction industry. Specifically, fluctuating material costs have been instrumental in driving the overall surge in prices. Notable hikes in material prices encompass:

• Reinforcing Steel (Up 43%)
• Steel Beams (Up 41%)
• Structural Timber (Up 39%)
• Electrical Cable (Up 27%)

The substantial upticks in material costs underscore the intricate web of challenges facing the construction industry, highlighting the need for innovative solutions and strategic approaches to mitigate the impact of rising expenses on new home construction projects.

As homeowners navigate the intricate terrain of building a new house in Australia, staying informed about these cost escalations, and exploring sustainable building practices becomes paramount. Engaging with reputable professionals, embracing cost-effective strategies, and ensure successful and sustainable building projects in the face of mounting expenses.

Amidst the current climate of escalating building costs, the quest for affordable yet high-quality housing continues to be a pressing challenge, underscoring the importance of adaptability and informed decision-making for homeowners embarking on the journey of building a new house in Australia.

Thinking of building or renovating? Wanting to make sure you maximise your budget, Keep an eye out for our October Blog.

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 and excellent building methods and materials.

From inviting in the breeze, to savouring the sun rise and set, there many ways Smartbuild South Coast maximises your beautiful new home’s orientation to create clever living spaces.

Enjoyable, easy living

Working closely with your builder and architect allows you to describe the way you want to live in your home. From entertaining friends and family in an incredible kitchen with a butler’s pantry, to retreating to a relaxing master suite with a view to drink in, it’s important to set your architectural home’s design from the outset of your building journey. That way the structure of your home will incorporate the best placement of living areas and bedrooms for your lifestyle and for your block, allowing you to enjoy the views and natural light throughout the day and evening. 

Floor plan

Sweeping open plan spaces, incredible atrium ceilings, and clever zoning allow you to design your new home to take in the South Coast views from each room. You’ll enjoy every meal in the sunshine with a breakfast nook to the east and dining area to the west. Towering atriums and cathedral ceilings in living areas create mesmerising spaces and allow the light to play as fresh sea air circulates around your home. 

Designing specific areas throughout the home makes family homes all that more friendly with areas for parents to relax away from the kids who can play to their heart’s content.

Materials

Our unique environment calls for specific materials that withstand coastal conditions. Natural stone and glass survive the elements and provide stunning exterior and interior aesthetics, creating formal and casual living spaces. Natural stone walls add texture and warmth, and floor to ceiling glass illuminates spaces throughout different times of the day. Plus, interior glass creates inspiring indoor courtyard spaces that create sections within rooms without obstructing light.

Fixtures and finishings can cleverly delineate spaces by providing texture and colour differentiation. Timber flooring with a herringbone feature forms a walkway in an open plan space, and textured ceilings can continue seamlessly between indoor and outdoor areas to create the appearance of one large living space.

Outdoor spaces

Extending your living space to balconies and terraces can add another dimension to your home. Rooftop fire pits are incredible for both entertaining and relaxing, and outdoor kitchens let you enjoy long evenings. Thoughtful placement of walls and screens provide shade from summer sun and shelter from winter winds so you can enjoy your own outdoors year-round.

Smartbuild South Coast was founded on the South Coast and we work with local architects and designers who know our part of the world as well as we do. If you’re thinking about building your dream coastal home, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today to make a start.

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 eye catching homes that are guaranteed to stand out.

Here’s our rundown on what to look for in 2023 architectural home design:

Embrace natural surroundings

Take your home design to the next level by embracing its beautiful, natural surrounds. Incorporating exterior elements of your home with the interior can create synergy amongst spaces, and a truly majestic and homely environment.

Not only is this a beautiful way to elevate your home, it also allows for the incorporation of functional features. Embracing your home’s natural surroundings can be achieved through many ways, such as:

• Large glass windows and doors that invite the outside in to create open and spacious living zones not only create beautiful views to the outdoors, but also allow an abundance of natural light to enter your home.
• Matching interior cabinetry to exterior natural surroundings creates visual continuity, so consider using natural timbers or stone in kitchen or laundry cabinetry.
• Strategically positioned windows used to frame outdoor landscapes creates a scene that almost makes the outdoors appear like a painting on the wall.
• Ensuring that exterior finishes are sensitive to environmental conditions creates a sense of oneness with your home’s location.

Build to suit local conditions

When building an architecturally designed home, it’s important to consider the local conditions and choose the materials to suit. Factors such as the direction of roofing or positioning of windows can be an important decision in the design process. Things to consider when building to suit local conditions include:

• What local area weather conditions are expected for annual rainfall, winds, and temperature ranges?
• Is the area prone to any floods, droughts or fires?
• What impact will temperatures and natural changes have?

Work with a team of dedicated experts

Architects are specialists in their field, meaning they understand every detail required to design a home that showcases its natural environment. And when you engage an architect during your design stage, every aspect of your home will be considered. From your block’s orientation to the placement of windows, to incorporating skylights, to adding balconies – architects will design your home to incorporate the features you need to deliver the home that you want.

Once you are happy with the design, you can finalise the details, and then start the building process. That way, the building journey is a smooth one, as every detail is recorded and understood. We have worked with the best local architects for more than ten years, and have developed great working relationships to ensure we deliver a home you will love to live in.

At Smartbuild South Coast, we’ve been building in the local area for over a decade, and we know the best way to make the most of your home to enjoy where you live for years to come. If you’re ready to start the conversation about your build, contact us today.