Location
While this will be largely influenced by personal preference, there are some general considerations that can help you choose the ideal building block location for you. Think about what you will be using the build for; is it for your family to grow in together? Is it going to be a home that you potentially flip in 5 years’ time? Even if you plan to hold on to your property for the medium to longer term, life can happen in weird, wonderful and sometimes crazy ways; being prepared and having a property that you are not going to struggle in selling could be a potential lifeline for you one day. Being close to transport, schools and shops is another important consideration and can greatly affect the resale value of your home. You should consider things like whether the block is prone to flooding or bushfires; particularly in Australia which is a country of extreme weather. If you do purchase a block in these areas, make sure to chat with your project manager about specific building requirements and considerations as you might need to use specific materials in certain areas which can significantly increase your cost. For example, if you are looking to purchase a block near the coast, you will need to consider materials that do not rust or easily erode with salt.
Zoning
This is an important one. We recommend that you have a chat to your local council before purchasing any land in regard to the zoning of that specific building block, as well as surrounding blocks. We recently had clients who bought a beautiful block only to have their neighbours subdivide and build two large dwellings which have blocked their view and a significant amount of sunlight on their property. It is usually relatively easy to find out about zoning online and can save you a lot of time and headaches in the long run.
Size
When it comes to buying land, size really does matter. It can be helpful to have a rough idea of your desired house size, i.e. how many bedrooms you want and how important a backyard or swimming pool might be for you. Do not underestimate “breathing space”; there is nothing worse than squashing a beautiful big home onto a tiny block. This can result in a suffocated home that will lose its sense of space. You should also consider the shape of the block; take note of the boundary carefully and particularly any awkward corners. While a rectangular block is the most popular, different shapes can add a point of difference to your home; some architects love unique blocks because they can create bespoke and awe-inspiring spaces for your home.
Orientation
If you have ever worked with or engaged an architect or designer, you would have heard about the importance of orientation. In the southern hemisphere, northern-facing blocks are recommended as using the sun as a natural light source can reduce the need for heating/cooling systems in your home and subsequently reduce energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions; something we at AAG Constructions value greatly.
Decide On Your Style
Deciding on the style of home you would like to build, might seem irrelevant in the early stages; but it is important to consider from the beginning. If you already know that you would like a large wrap-around balcony on your new home, you will want to ensure that the orientation of your home will complement this. You don’t want to have a huge balcony that looks straight onto your neighbour’s bathroom or gets boxed in by your boundary line. We also recommend that you consider the style of other surrounding homes of the building block as this will also have an impact on the general feel of your home.
Block Incline
Last but certainly not least, is to consider the incline of the block. While some blocks have a beautiful view as a result of a steep incline, this can add significant excavation costs. This will largely depend on your budget but you should also consider what is more important to you; a view or proximity to shops, transport and schools.
While this is only a tiny taster of what you should consider when choosing a block to build on, if you would like to know more (or maybe you just need a little bit of guidance), don’t hesitate to get in touch with our highly experienced and sought after Project Manager Adam. Alternatively, if you need a bit of guidance about how to prepare for your first meeting with your builder, check out our top 10 questions you must ask your builder before you sign the contract!
