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The earlier sustainable passive design and water and energy efficiency initiatives are considered in the process of building a new home the better.
Ideally, these concepts are first considered during the land selection process. An inappropriate choice of land can severely limit opportunity, flexibility and the extent that cost effective passive features can be incorporated. On the other hand, a wise choice of land can result in maximum benefits and construction cost savings in addition to the usual benefits of lower utility and maintenance costs.
If you already have a selected floor plan or a preferred project home design it is particularly important to select your land wisely. An ill considered choice could not only result in loss of benefits, but could actually significantly increase building costs due to site costs (services, excavation, fill, retaining walls) and increased building design changes to meet the minimum 5 Star Homes energy rating levels.
Hundreds of thousands of dollars are spent on new homes and it is often people largest single investment over their life time. There are many things to consider and it is often an emotional time. Unfortunately many people do not have the time, knowledge or foresight to fully consider many critical factors that will ultimately affect or constrain the design, construction cost, comfort, amenity, completed value, sustainability and water and energy efficiency. Don't believe everything the land salespeople or builders tell you without a trusted second opinion, they are mostly focused on achieving a sale. For essentially a very small cost you can get independent expert assistance prior to making the key decisions.
Download our brochure for information on services and the benefits for land buyers and new home builders.
A range of services for clients commencing new home projects are available where a standard or quoted fee applies. These are listed and described below:
Energy rating of new home plans
An accredited First Rate house energy rating is provided for new homes to meet the new 5 Star homes regulations now applying to all new homes in Victoria . The energy rating of plans is required prior to their submission for building permit. We don't just crunch the numbers, extensive advice is included to help people achieve their desired outcomes unless otherwise requested.
Assistance at the land selection stage of new home projects usually proves invaluable. This service helps clients fully identify and assess the numerous land related factors, constraints and issues that should be considered for their new home prior to the land purchase. Blocks within preferred locations and housing estates can be short listed and selected to ensure it best meets the clients needs and maximises flexibility to achieve positive outcomes for the design, construction and living stages that follow.
We help clients to make the informed decisions and smart choices when choosing land by identifying their needs, assessing site features and suitability for any preferred house designs. This service is tailored to meet the client's budget and existing knowledge. Some of the many issues to be considered are: - views, natural breezes, orientation, overshadowing, solar access, slope, aspect, building envelopes, set backs, developer design guidelines, tree & vegetation protection requirements, drainage, provision for future extension, grey water and rainwater access, adjoining properties potential impact on views, breezes, privacy, solar access, landscaping, outdoor amenity etc.
This service assists clients to select or modify a preferred house plan or design to meet their specific needs, working within their budget and other constraints to optimise lifestyle and other benefits.
Where a client already has their land and selected a house plan and/or builder, this optimisation service fine tunes the design for your block and wishes. Areas typically covered are positioning, orientation, site works, landscaping, shading, window selection, heating, cooling, hot water, rainwater, greywater harvesting and other design details can be assessed and suggestions provided. Embodied and operational energy can be covered. We work with you and your designer/builder to maximise the potential of your selected house plan and block to make the most of your land's features and assets ensuring maximum property value is realised from your investment now and well in to the future.
New home appliance & fittings selection
Provide recommendations on appliance selection for new homes tailored to suit the client's budget, home design, desired features and usage requirements. All recommendations will be for the most efficient appliances available that meet all other client requirements. Covers all standard appliances and systems within the average home including hot water systems, plumbing fixtures and fittings, lighting, all usual gas and electricity appliances where energy and water efficiency ratings are available.
