Innholdsfortegnelse for No 47 i BuildHome Victoria

A STRIKING PRESENCE For a home with ultimate street appeal, look no further than the Ferrara 283 by G.J. Gardner Homes. Catering to the needs of all family members, the spacious house features a centrally located family, dining and alfresco area forming a great space for entertaining guests. The master bedroom complete with ensuite is situated at the front of the house, providing parents with extra privacy, while the additional bedrooms and a media room are set to the rear of the house. G.J. Gardner Homes 132 789 A HAMPTON CLASSIC This Hampton-style two-storey home was brilliantly designed by Stephen Akehurst. It consists of three bedrooms, all with bathrooms, open kitchen, scullery, laundry, dining, living, TV room, featured entry stairwell and mudroom off the north verandah. The slate roof shingles…

A project by Graeme Alexander Homes. “THE FEEL OF THE HOME IS POSSIBLY THE MOST IMPORTANT AS IT NEEDS TO REFLECT THE OWNER’S PERSONALITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH IT IS TO SIT.” — DESIGNER, DIRECTOR AND BUILDER OF GRAEME ALEXANDER HOMES PTY LTD, GRAEME ALEXANDER. A project by Graeme Alexander Homes. A project by Graeme Alexander Homes. CONSIDER THIS When thinking about the future of your home there are a few questions you need to ask yourself: • How many children do we have and do we plan to have more? • Do we have any older relatives that are likely to live with us? • Will wheelchair access be required? • Do we have frequent house guests that stay for extended periods? • Does one partner work late?…

Striking, eye-catching and stunning are just a few of the adjectives that can be used to describe the designs created by American Home Designs. Combining bold external appearances with practical and liveable interiors, designs by American Home Designs will look and feel like something out of an American movie. All homes are made to suit your lifestyle and budget, ultimately to give you the home of your dreams. When designing your home, an experienced design consultant works with you one on one, paying close attention to vital factors to ensure each need is met, from concept to completion, and an efficient plan is designed for you and the way you live. The featured home is just one of the many testaments to the inspiring designs created by American Home Designs.…

For home builders who know exactly what they want, there is no substitute for a custom-built house. Finding a reputable builder is the first, and perhaps the most important, step in the process towards creating your dream home — one designed to your needs, style and site in mind. A custom builder will guide you through everything, from the design to the construction stage, and will work towards making your wishes a reality. They can also co-ordinate and manage the whole project to ensure everything stays on track and the end result lives up to your expectations. Project by: Hedger Constructions…

Hedger Constructions has revamped a classic country home in Marysville that not only sets a high standard for luxury homes, but also reflects the town’s unique geographical setting. The clients were intent on maximising the tranquil environment of the local area and wanted to construct a home that had the dual purpose of acting as a retreat from their hectic work lives, while also facilitating a short-term holiday rental, the “Amazing Bush Accommodation”, for guests. Hedger Constructions implemented these components by integrating a sloping block and an external cladding of spotted gum and stone. The finishing touch was a rooftop garden that perfectly complemented the natural surroundings of the home in a seamless fashion. Attention to detail was very important to the clients and as the building progressed, so did…

SPACIOUS TOWNHOUSES BY THE BAY An old fibro holiday home was demolished to make way for two spacious townhouses close to Bayside’s beaches. The traditional exterior is built with a combination of Weathertex and Colorbond cladding, giving the townhouses a contemporary yet customary character. Each townhouse is complete with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus added luxurious features including designer kitchen, open living area, four-car garage and master bedroom with walk-in robe. The interior has a contemporary and coastal flair while also being extremely energy efficient with LED lighting, low-e glazing and north-facing living and outdoor areas. The homes are the perfect Bayside dwellings for large or small families with plenty of space and a cosy feel. COLORBOND® AND BEACH-STYLE HOMES Blue Hills Cottages recently expanded to include quirky and…

Setting the standard for energy-efficient homes with luxurious appeal is what Solar Solutions Design does best. The featured home is just one such example, set in the sunny suburb of Palmerston in the Northern Territory. A light and airy design, this home uses the warm and sunny surrounding environment to its best advantage. Each component of the design and construction process deliberately uses the natural elements to enhance the home’s aesthetic appeal and energy conservation ability. Like all homes by Solar Solutions Design, this property has been designed specifically for the owners, the site and the climate. This young couple wanted a great energy-efficient house that respected their climate and was suitable for their two children and dogs. Solar Solutions Design made this a reality and incorporated into the design…

Extending over 14 squares, Swenrick Constructions’ Sea Haven design is a stylish, sleek and inviting option for a couple or family who want to bring a touch of the coast to their home build. With a walk-in robe and ensuite in the master bedroom, and built-in robes to the other two bedrooms, Swenrick Constructions has incorporated storage solutions that maximise the available space. The open-plan family, living and kitchen areas allow for individual touches to be made throughout the build, and floorplans can be further modified to suit individual preferences. Suiting both country and seaside living, the design of Sea Haven aims to promote a healthy outdoor lifestyle through durable building materials and design considerations. Aluminium awnings, sliding windows and sliding doors come in a range of colours to complement…

Kit homes provide an affordable, flexible and convenient housing option for homebuyers. As the name suggests, kit homes are delivered in kits containing all the necessary materials to construct a home and generally include roofing, windows, external cladding, internal walls, ceilings, verandahs and decking. Kit homes offer the homebuyer brilliant value for money, as expensive labour costs can be greatly reduced through assembling the home yourself or with the help of contracted labourers. This reduces not only the overall cost of your new home, but also the total building time as well. No longer do you need to sit around, forking out rent while you wait for your builder or developer to make significant progress. Kit homes allow you to take matters into your own hands and complete the project…

Liz Pratt is a true embodiment of the Paal owner-builder spirit, tackling a fivebedroom home mostly by herself and with a strong determination to succeed. A single parent with four children, her family were fast outgrowing their existing house so Liz took matters into her own hands and built something bigger for them. “I was looking online at home designs, saw the Elizabeth on Paal’s website and loved it. The home was affordable so I talked to the housing consultants at Paal about becoming an owner-builder and they were very helpful and encouraging.” Liz lived in Kurrajong on the lower slopes of the Blue Mountains, but had been raised next to the Hawkesbury River and wanted to move back there. She bought land on a ridge overlooking the river at…

Project by: Swenrick Constructions (Vic) The nuclear family is changing and new living circumstances often require additions to the family home. Avoid the hassle and expense of extending an existing home by investing in a granny flat/Dependent Person Unit (DPU). Whether you are looking to have elderly parents closer to home or are giving teenagers their own personal space, these affordable units are a perfect solution. Units are designed for people of all ages, from young couples and singles to elderly parents or grandparents. They provide security and comfort for the elderly as they are close to loved ones, where families can provide assistance if needed. Young people also find they are a great option if money is an issue, as they can be built at a low price and…

Owner-builders Jason and Deborah Ahrens recently used the Boxspan sub-floor system, including the Ezi-Pier adjustable steel piers, supplied by Spantec, to build the floor frame for their dream home in Tasmania. Jason and Deborah made the move from north-eastern Victoria after falling in love with the picturesque landscapes of Tasmania during regular visits while preparing for working trips to Antarctica. A plumber by trade, Jason understood the importance of finding the best building materials to make his dream a reality. Jason opted for a kit home from Blusteel Homes because he wanted to enjoy the experience of building his own home from scratch. The site is steep, overlooking an orchard, with distant views of the Derwent River and Port Arthur. The steep site presented no problem for the Boxspan flooring…

Let’s begin with a brick’s composition. Made naturally in a kiln oven or dry press, they are composed of a variety of organic materials. They are weatherproof and require no ongoing maintenance or costly sealing products. Once laid, bricks are there to stay and therefore form the perfect framework for a sustainable and beautiful home. A brick residence also stacks up as one of the most economical options for heating and cooling your home. Bricks have an excellent “thermal mass”, meaning their core temperature rarely fluctuates even with major seasonal changes. Incorporating materials with inherent thermal mass into buildings reduces the reliance on mechanical heating and cooling additions. By using bricks, not only do you save on energy consumption but you also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Bricks are also no…

The State of Victoria has long been plagued by bushfires. The region’s natural topography, vegetation and climate create the ideal conditions for bushfires, which have often resulted in devastation. In 2009, the Black Saturday Bushfires burnt through more than 1,100,000 acres of land and destroyed more than 2100 properties across Victoria, costing the state $4.4 billion. Due to the unprecedented intensity of the fires, nothing could have saved or prevented such a great loss of homes, however a minimum construction Standard (Australian Standard 3959-2009) was later implemented in an attempt to improve the ability of a building to withstand a bushfire or ember attack. Victorian Building Authority (VBA) director of technical and regulation, Jarrod Edwards, says that due to the unpredictable nature, behaviour and intensity of bushfires, there is no…

A HEALTHY INTERIOR We all know that nutrition and fitness are important parts of keeping our bodies healthy, but should we be thinking outside the box and considering other elements responsible for impacting on our wellbeing? How could the spaces we live and work in affect us and our loved ones and how can we create healthier living environments? Welnis — an interior consultancy and fitout specialist focusing on creating healthy interiors — has found that while the natural outdoor world offers the perfect balance needed for human health, our man-made interiors often lack the important elements essential to health. According to Nigel Hobbs, founder of the Welnis Labs, many people spend more than 90 per cent of their time indoors. With so much time spent between four walls, there…

Victoria’s east is a cultural Mecca full of character and tree-lined suburbs. Recently, the area has experienced significant growth and has become a hotspot for new-home buyers and property developers. The east has it all, from bustling suburbs such as Richmond, where cuisine and culture are always a delight, to quieter areas including Maroondah, where city and country living combine to facilitate a high quality of life. This region spans from east of the CBD to Emerald and Pakenham and is the most densely populated area of Melbourne, with more than two million residents, according to the World Heritage Encyclopedia. Consistent expansion and improvement keep the competitive property market thriving in this dynamic area that is popular with locals and foreign investors. Brimming with lush parklands, efficient public transport and…

Project by: American Home Designs Over the past few years, there has been a staggering increase in the number of people choosing to knock down an older house and put a new one in its place. There are many reasons for knocking down and rebuilding. While shortage of land in metropolitan areas around Australia is one of the main reasons why people are building away from the urban sprawl, some may decide they like a particular area and don’t want to move just because their needs have changed or their family has grown. We show you why knocking down your old home and rebuilding is an extremely viable option.…

Storybook Designer Homes loves knock down rebuild projects. With agencies Australia-wide, the company ensures every home is individually designed and budget controlled to suit the unique needs of the clients. The selected example is to be built in Mt Eliza, Victoria, for a wonderful family with a couple of young children. This couple has their own business; both are fashion designers working in the home environment so it was imperative their workplace be full of character to encourage and inspire creativity. Upstairs, above the hustle and bustle of family life and accessed by a single staircase is their private office space featuring a cathedral ceiling and French doors, which open to a balcony. This design gives them the choice to work indoors or out and is just a few steps…

While it can be a challenge to achieve a cohesive aesthetic for your home and landscaping, especially if renovating, it is a vital component for ensuring your home and outdoor space blend seamlessly together and ultimately enhance the overall enjoyment of your home. In a country like Australia, where we are blessed with great weather and a love of entertaining, it is a shame to neglect your outdoor space. Ideally, your landscaping should provide an attractive place for your family to spend time outdoors as well as add value to your home. In order to do this it is imperative that you aim to match your landscaping to your architectural design and lifestyle requirements, says Charlie. “Internal space holds a higher regard than the landscaping around the home and I…

Set on an elevated corner block a stone’s throw from where the ships turn at McCrae, this twostorey modern contemporary home is another credit to Graham Jones Design in conjunction with Individual Builders. The pre-existing house had to be demolished in order to make way for the new, tastefully designed home. Working closely with the owner, Craig McPhan of Individual Builders and his team built a streamlined residence boasting some extraspecial features. The exterior of the home combines a mix of building materials including Exon cladding, rendered brick walls and stonework. The home faces away from the street towards the water, with a landscaped front entrance and poolside entry. The lower floor includes two bedrooms as well as a guest bedroom with ensuite bathrooms and breathtaking bay views. An extra…

For more than 27 years the family business of Yarra Valley Homes has related to the common need of country Victorians to own a home that encompasses style and comfort in a chosen location. Yarra Valley Homes’ Glenrowan, Drummond Cottage 1 & 11, New Haven, Miners Hut and Trentham homes can all be viewed by appointment. Their sizes range from 8 to 18.8 squares with ceilings at 2.7m. Each contains good-sized rooms which can be varied to suit. The homes are 6-star energy-rated and can be built to current BAL (bushfire attack level) requirements to meet the new building regulations. GLENROWAN The enormous return verandah of Yarra Valley Homes’ ‘Glenrowan’ design (as pictured) adds a distinctive, Australian country flavour to the homestead. French doors off the main bedroom and dining…

A great way of knowing what you’re buying is to purchase a project or display home. Hotondo Homes Building Designer Natalie O’Shea says, “Display homes offer the opportunity to envisage what your home will look like. Seeing the home will allow you to pinpoint aspects you may want to change that would otherwise be missed when viewing a simple floorplan.” Inspecting project or display homes allows you to get an idea of the overall size of each home, as well as its layout. By walking through different homes, you can compare room sizes and envision how your furniture will fit into the house. It is also an ideal way of judging the building quality and finishing touches included with each home. Project by: Hotondo Homes…

If you live in Victoria, South Australia or Tasmania, the qualified staff at Paal’s Melbourne showroom will help you choose your new kit home and guide you through the entire building process. Michael Jennings and Robyn Cummins are both experienced at helping customers conceptualise their dream and translate that into practical steps, from floorplan design through to completion. “There’s still a preconception of kit homes as small, low-quality boxes — or as transportable homes that arrive on the back of a truck. People are surprised by the spaciousness of Paal’s designs and by the quality of the internal fittings and appliances,” says Michael. Some people come into the Melbourne showroom with the intention of owner-building their new home, while others already know they would rather use a builder. If required,…

FAIR DINKUM FEDERATION SERIES Featured here is the Caulfield, from a range of seven different sizes and floorplans. The 24-square (223m²) home is only $124,985 for the deluxe, lock-up package, including GST. Inside the home you will find four bedrooms, a living room, meals-area/family room, kitchen with walk-in pantry, laundry and two bathrooms. When built on a project-managed basis, the home takes approximately 16 weeks to construct, with a choice of weatherboard or brick. As the name suggests, the Harkaway Homes Fair Dinkum Federation Series Caulfield is an authentic-reproduction Federation home with a wide range of traditional features. These include high 3.6m external walls, 3m ceilings, a Federation roofline, integrated verandah, leadlight-topped box-bay windows, leadlight front-door frame with cricket-bat-entry door, Federation-line casement windows, Federation friezes and French doors. The completely…

swenrick Constructions is proud of its range of granny flats, dependent persons’ units and cottages. Swenrick’s granny flats are quaint, comfortable and wellappointed residences that contain the latest features and appliances. They are perfect for a retirement villa, backyard cottage or teenage retreat. Prices start from lock-up at $25,975. Swenrick has built more than 4000 projects throughout Victoria. The company’s policy of design flexibility means clients can tailor plans to suit their own preferences, needs and budget. For your free brochure, call 03 8761 6610 or 5774 7066. Prices are subject to change without notice. Swenrick Constructions (Vic) 7/4 Royan Place, Bayswater North Vic 3153 Phone: 03 8761 6610 Fax: 03 9728 8285 Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Email: sales@swenrick.com.au Website: swenrick.com.au Display Homes: 7 Buxton-Marysville Road, Buxton…

This large, three-storey, 105-square home was built by Trevor and Megan Ryan on Phillip Island. It features many curved walls and is an excellent example of what can be achieved with the Thermacell building system. Commercial builders are learning what many owner-builders have known for years — that Thermacell, the fire-retardant polystyrene formwork used for casting concrete structures, is the smartest, safest, easiest and most cost-effective way to build. After completing the home on Phillip Island, Trevor says he would recommend Thermacell. “I have no hesitation in recommending Thermacell and I’ve done so to friends and other ownerbuilders. As owner-builders ourselves, we found Thermacell to be a fantastic building product. Its noise and insulation factors have proven to be better than expected.” Thermacell blocks have keyways top and bottom and…

Building with stone has never been more achievable or affordable than it is with Hoobler Stone, a reconstituted stone veneer. In production for more than 40 years, and compliant with the new Victorian building regulations for BALs (Bushfire Attack Levels), Hoobler Stone has earned respect within the building and landscaping industries for its “natural” look and ability to weather the harsh Australian climate. Hoobler Stone is a cement-based product made in moulds cast from natural stone. Hundreds of different shapes are produced in a variety of textures and colours, creating a classic and contemporary range to suit many architectural styles. It’s strong, colour-fast and maintenance-free. The stone can be applied to almost any type of wall surface, including timber, brick, concrete or fibro. Each piece of stone is randomly fixed…

WHAT CAN YOU AFFORD? Australian Securities and Investment Commission consumer website, www.moneysmart.gov.au, is a great resource for people who need more information or advice about home loans. Have you allowed an extra 15 per cent to cover any unplanned additional expenses such as price increases or changes to your plans after building has commenced? Are you eligible for any financial assistance from the government to build your new home, such as the First Home Owner Grant scheme (all states), the First Home Bonus (Vic), or benefits for building in regional areas (Vic and Qld)? To find out whether you can take advantage of these benefits, contact the sro.vic.gov.au CHOOSING LAND Does the area you have chosen to build on meet the needs of your family? Ensure you find out about…

Hedger Constructions Phone: 03 5772 2750 Email: info@hedgerconstructions.com.au Website: hedgerconstructions.com.au To see more projects by Hedger Constructions, turn to page 056. BuildHome Victoria is proud to profile leading builders and building product suppliers Victoriawide for our readers. With so many great options available it was impossible for us to pick a favourite, so we put the power in your hands and asked you to vote on your top pick. After a close competition (trust us, it was very close ... ), the results are in and we are pleased to announce the winners of the BuildHome Victoria People’s Choice Awards 2015. CUSTOM HOMES WINNER: HEDGER CONSTRUCTIONS Blending seamlessly into the heritage landscape and with superb mountain views, this design by Hedger Constructions captures the true essence of contemporary living in…

On May 22 2015, the 2015 HIACSR Australian Housing Awards were announced at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre. Every year the awards feature some of Australia’s most talented members of the housing industry and celebrate the talent and skill of those involved. Entrants come from across Australia and are a testament to the innovative nature of the building industry in this country. This year, the judges were blown away by the professionalism and talent shown by the entrants. The projects are both impressive and inspiring across the board. THE MAJOR WINNERS Australian Home of the Year, partnered by CSR Gransden Construction, Western Australia Australian Custom Built Home, partnered by Stramit Building Products Gransden Construction, Western Australia Australian Display Home, partnered by NewHomesGuide.com.au Metricon Homes, South Australia Australian Renovation/Addition…

Knocking down and rebuilding an existing home can often be the perfect solution as it gives you the freedom to create a new home that suits your unique lifestyle from scratch in a neighbourhood you love. While renovations have typically been the option for home owners wanting a fresh look, the renovations often exceed budget and are sometimes unable to achieve the desired result due to structural issues of the existing building. This is exactly what Keith “The Blockinator” experienced when he wanted to renovate his family home. With the intention to keep the existing sub-floor and external walls and only redesign the interior of his existing home, he found these elements were just not structurally sound and resulted in a total knock down and rebuild project. Looking back, Keith…

Knock down and rebuild projects are nothing new for Harkaway Homes — the company has completed many projects like this over the years. The featured home is the result of a total overhaul of an old dilapidated double-fronted Victorian cottage replaced by one of Harkaway Homes’ signature Victorian homes. The owners of the site, a family keen on gardening, loved the style and character of their original home but wanted to create a better floorplan to suit their lifestyle. The cost of renovating was unaff ordable so a knock down and rebuild project was decided upon. Harkaway Homes was the perfect choice for the family as an old-world look and charm is retained in the design, along with modern energy-efficient qualities. The new home is a 6-star-energy-rated home that also…

This Mornington Peninsula home was a diamond in the rough for its owners, who approached Graeme Alexander Homes to achieve their vision of a stylish new extension. Originally the residence was an old holiday kit home with an interesting New England-styled front. The owners loved the feel of the existing front extension and wanted to renovate and extend it to better accommodate their needs. The vision was to level the walk through to the new works, with an airy and contemporary adaption of the New England style. The elevated holiday kit home section would then be removed and an extension put in its place consisting of a dining room walk through into the “great room”. The new extension was a huge success and features highlight windows surrounding the family, kitchen…

Positioned on a beautiful block of land with a 30m frontage overlooking the glorious Murray River, this home had to be impressive to do its superb location justice. The vacant one-acre site belonging to these homeowners was not only long, but across from it is natural bushland which provides a peaceful outlook. The family, a professional couple in their 30s with three children, requested a light and airy abode in which they could raise their children and entertain family and friends. They turned to G.J. Gardner Homes Mildura for the building and design of their new home. “Because of the riverfront block, we had special requirements we had to follow,” says Di Stanbrook, office/sales/customer relations manager at G.J.Gardner Homes Mildura. “The home had to be positioned a specific distance from…

Project by: Solar Solutions Design Reducing carbon emissions and being environmentally friendly are major issues for many of us today. However, others say they find it difficult to accommodate greener practices as these can be time-consuming and expensive. Developing an energy-efficient home using clever building products and procedures is an easy, effective way to live greener without changing your lifestyle. By becoming more energy efficient, you not only reduce your carbon emissions but, more often than not, you will end up reducing the gas and electricity costs of running your home. As you take a look through the following pages, be inspired by the fabulous options available and develop ideas on how you can create a more energy-efficient home.…

The Nicholson, by Todd Devine Homes, is the perfect holiday lifestyle choice. A rustic and easily maintained home, it was purposely designed for the young, or young at heart, with entertaining at the forefront of the design. With 162m² of living space, this compact, sassy residence radiates carefree summertime living but includes the little luxuries that make it the perfect escape. The prefabricated home accommodates three spacious bedrooms, a living and dining zone and a large alfresco area. French doors open up to the master bedroom and a sliding corner, glass door to the living area, promoting spaciousness and easyaccess living. The skillion roof design is right on trend, along with the mix of materials, rectangular windows and complementing neutral colours. These bring the outdoor facade to life, creating the…

Building a luxurious yet practical home from scratch can seem daunting, but Hotondo Homes’ display homes offer the intimacy of knowledgeable local builders combined with the affordability and flexibility of a large building network. The featured Hotondo Homes’ stunning and versatile Catalina 287 is one such example of the company’s vast range of designs. Building designer of Hotondo Homes, Natalie O’Shea, believes the most striking design feature of this residence is its ability to combine the freedom of shared spaces with the indulgent pleasure of individual living areas. “The design strikes the perfect balance between the modern feel of an open-plan home and the need for private living areas,” says Natalie. The cleverly zoned home creates a true parents’ retreat, with an upstairs master bedroom featuring two separate walk-in robes,…

Q&J Constructions oversaw the entire project, from completing the town planning and subdivision to ensuring the sleek and polished finish. There was also strong communication between the client, designer and builders. “Jason was extremely helpful and positive and arranged for me to meet Keith, the architect/draftsman,” says proud owner Ann Russell. “I moved into my new home in March 2015 and am absolutely delighted with the end product.” Specialising in unit developments, newhome extensions and renovations, Q&J Constructions can help with the town planning and subdivision permits for your developments. With a stress-free approach, the team are committed to providing highquality homes at affordable prices. The people at Q&J Constructions are known for their impeccable customer service and involve their clients in every step of the process to ensure overall…

Two days after Jeff and Felicity Dyer of Yellow Rock lost their home in the October 2013 bushfires, they drove down to Penrith looking for a shed and happened to walk into Paal Kit Homes in Emu Plains. After seeing Paal’s Camden display home, the couple decided instantly that they liked it and didn’t bother looking at any other homes. They added a workshop and double garage to the standard design and by Christmas the following year, they had moved into their new house. “It’s a great house. We’re very happy with it and wouldn’t change a thing,” Felicity says. “In fact, our new home looks similar to the one we lost, a timeless rendered design that was built in 1965.” The fast replacement was helped by the fact that…

Storybook Designer Homes was established more than 20 years ago and its team is dedicated to producing state-of-the-art, high-character design solutions at extremely competitive prices. Clients choose from traditional, classic, beach and modern styles and no matter what the building site — level, sloping, narrow, treed etc — Storybook will create a fabulous solution. Pictured are a few of the 2000 individual designs Storybook Designer Homes has created for owner-builder clients. The process of individual design is not just about the floorplan and external shape of the house; rather, it’s the total desired impression inside and out. The company began by providing a product to satisfy the cottage and traditional market but quickly realised there was a huge need for more contemporary and coastal products. Today, Storybook is proud of…

There is an amazing selection of building products on the market these days that will help you build an energy-efficient home with great aesthetic appeal. The simple use of a unique building product can be the final touch to making your home extra-special. Whether you are a city dweller or a country resident, there is a building product for you. Unique building products not only help to individualise your home and give it the look and feel you want, they also make the home more functional for your specific site needs. We live in a vast country with varying climates and environmental conditions, so no one building system will be the ideal solution for every place. Unique products allow you to create the home you need in the area you…

Project by: Hoobler Stone With flexible options to individualise your design, facade systems are a great way to transform your home. The materials used on the facade can make a great difference to how the home blends with its surroundings, be it a city street or a country retreat. Experience and enjoy a fresh, new-look home without the hassle of moving or rebuilding. There are now many great choices in colours and textures of facade systems to match perfectly with your home’s existing style or to help give it a new look. Options such as brick, timber shingles, weatherboard, uPVC boards, stone, render, concrete, corrugated steel, blueboard and polystyrene cladding provide aesthetic appeal, plus various benefits for coping with the local climate.…

Blisteringly hot and dry summers have become all too common in Australia, with one of the nation’s most valuable resources pushed to the brink. Water is vital to our survival, yet it continues to be treated as an expendable commodity; the average household uses 180,000L of water per year. As the population continues to increase, water supplies are progressively under pressure. It is therefore more important than ever that Australian households incorporate water-saving solutions in their homes. We spoke to Michael Smit, national programs manager from the savewater! Alliance, about how Australian homes can incorporate water-saving systems into their building design. RAINWATER HARVESTING The rainwater harvesting system is one of the most popular water-saving solutions used by Australians, with 26 per cent of the population having already installed a water…

Abuilding contract is an important legal document that forms an agreement between a builder and a consumer regarding domestic building work. As each state and territory in Australia has its own building authority, building contract laws vary from state to state. In New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, legal requirements for these contracts are set out in the Home Building Act 1989, the Domestic Building Contracts Act 2000, and the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995, respectively. Regardless of where you’re building your new home, a contract is required if the total cost of work exceeds a certain amount. In New South Wales, builders must supply their clients with a written contract if a job costs more than $1000 (including labour and materials). This amount is set at $3300 in Queensland…