Posts by: zachomes

During the COVID pandemic, we all learnt to spend more time at home and cancelled our holiday plans. For many of us, we’ve continued the habit, and not only work from home more often, we spend more leisure time at home too.

When you build your dream home with a building company like ZAC Homes you can incorporate some luxury items to make your home feel like a resort, but they need not be expensive.

It doesn’t mean you’ll never go on holiday again, but it ensures that when you are at home you’ll feel like you’re in your own private oasis, and can relax and put your feet up.

Here are our tips to make your new or existing home feel like a holiday resort.

Make your bathrooms luxurious

Imagine you’re staying at your favourite hotel or resort and give your bathroom a luxurious look with a makeover or include some special touches in your new home design.

Items that have that luxury feel include a rain shower, freestanding bath, double sinks and underfloor heating.

Complement these bathroom fixtures with new good quality, fluffy towels and toiletries and put all the clutter away for a clean look – just like a hotel.

You could even put out an attractive container with extra amenities your family loves to use like bath bombs, face masks, bath salts, and scented shower gels.

Your bedroom is your oasis

The master suite of your home is your own luxurious oasis, where you can enjoy some peace and quiet. Switch off from work, family responsibilities and create a room you’ll love to be in.

Keep the furnishings minimal and dress up the space with luxurious bed linen, throw rugs, pillows and more. If you have room include a comfortable chair where you can relax.

The same theme can be carried into your walk-in-wardrobe and ensuite bathroom, just like it would in a hotel.

Lighting sets the mood

Lighting throughout your home will help set the mood and help you create luxurious and relaxing areas. Beautiful hotel rooms are never lit by fluorescent utility lights, so your resort-like home shouldn’t be either.

Use lamps, pendant lights, and down-lights to establish zones within your home, as well as create the mood.

Of course, you’ll still need practical lighting throughout the utility areas of your home, but it doesn’t need to be ugly and stark.

Add some flair with indoor plants

Adding indoor plants and greenery to your home interior is the easiest and most affordable way to instantly refresh a room and instil a sense of tranquillity.

To instantly transport you and your family to your favourite island holiday destination, fill your home with palms and tropical plants. Or to imitate a Mediterranean villa add a potted olive tree to the corner of your living room.

Focus on your outdoor zones

Spending time outdoors relaxing will instantly make you feel like you’re on holiday. Rattan furniture, a hammock, and a swimming pool will transport you to a Balinese villa without even leaving home.

And if you want to spend time outdoors in winter, install a fire pit to enjoy a relaxing evening with family and friends in your own backyard.

A beautiful, tranquil garden can also play a role in making your home feel resort-like. A tropical corner with a relaxing fountain will help you forget all your troubles by switching off.

Activities in your own luxury resort

Now that you’ve added all these luxury touches you need to enjoy them. Here are our suggestions for kicking back and relaxing in your own home.

Swim in your pool

If you’re lucky enough to have a pool, take the day off to lay by the pool and swim. Prepare some yummy snacks, catch up on your reading, and chill out.

Have a spa day

It’s not quite the same as pampering at a real spa, but you can still unwind and treat yourself to a home spa. Prepare all the things you’ll need in advance for a soothing facial, manicure and pedicure, and soak in the bath. Complement this with some soothing lotion and scented candles to set the mood in your own spa day.

Read a book

In our busy lives, we often don’t make time to read for pleasure. Put some time aside, find a comfortable zone in your home, and read that book you’ve been meaning to devour.

Have a family games night

Get your whole family to switch off from their devices and enjoy each other’s company with a games night. Dust off your favourite family games – Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit, Chess, or even card games.

Turn your phone off

Pretend you’re on holiday and switch off your phone and other devices. Find a peaceful spot within your home and garden and enjoy the beautiful things around you like the birds in your backyard, tranquil décor, or the sound of running water.

Build a new custom home with ZAC Homes

The team at ZAC Homes are knock down rebuild specialists and can help you build your custom-designed home with luxury features, that fits your budget. ZAC Homes builds with trust, respect, integrity and pride, which we work hard to deliver to every client. Call us on 1300 350 793 or send us an online enquiry and our team will work with you to design and build your dream home.

In a report released last year, the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) said that the Greater Sydney Megaregion (from the Illawarra to the Hunter) is facing a severe shortage of greenfield land. It is predicted that the problem will blow out to an undersupply of more than 25,600 sites by 2030.

The UDIA (NSW) report estimated that demand for new homes across the Greater Sydney Megaregion will run at around 14,000 a year through to mid-2029.

As well as a shortage of supply, lot sizes in Sydney have gradually decreased over the past decade. The latest data from the UDIA has revealed greenfield median lot sizes have dropped in Sydney from an average of 520 square metres per block in 2009 to 362 square metres in 2021. Unsurprisingly, home demolition numbers continue to grow to offset the shortage. ABS data reveals that in the five years from the September 2016 quarter to the June 2021 quarter, there were 33,192 dwellings approved to be demolished across NSW.

What to look for when purchasing a knock down rebuild

Land prices in established suburbs have cooled a little in recent months but will continue to increase over the long run so demolishing an old house and building a new home is a good investment in the long term.

But before you leap in and buy an older home in an established suburb for a knock down rebuild project you need to do your homework.

Firstly, there are many regulations to consider, covering areas such as floods, bushfires, heritage features, soil composition and hydraulic design. At ZAC Homes we work with our clients from the beginning to guide them from land purchase right through to final construction. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Consider location carefully

The location of your property should be high on your list of important considerations when purchasing. Will the area suit your lifestyle and that of your family as they evolve? You need to consider things like proximity to transport and infrastructure, your workplace, schools, shops, and other services and amenities. Are you moving too far away from family and friends?

Simple works best

When it comes to blocks of land, the simpler the better from a cost and access point of view.

That awkward steep block on a busy road might seem like a bargain, but it will be costly to build your dream home on, and it will be difficult to access when building and living in down the track.

At ZAC Homes we are highly experienced in building homes on sloping blocks that require a customised design. We focus on helping clients design a house to respond to the natural topography of the site. We minimise the use of excavation and fill where possible to preserve natural drainage patterns and prevent soil erosion. Just be aware that building on a sloping block will present more challenges.

Consider orientation and outlook

Not every block of land in an existing suburban location will have a good orientation and outlook. When you’re considering a purchase, look at the sun’s movement and how it will move throughout your new home at various times of the day.

You may be able to change the orientation and outlook from the current dwelling that you will be demolishing, but there will be restrictions on setbacks so take this into consideration. Careful placement of your new dream home will also optimise your views from different areas of the house.

Privacy matters

Take your future privacy into consideration as well. Before you place that bid at auction, take a good look around the existing dwelling and its neighbours to ensure you will be able to achieve the level of privacy you and your family desire. Avoid having your windows looking directly into neighbouring properties, and even if it is not an issue currently, it could become one down the track if a new home is built next door.

Save money and stress with a knock down rebuild specialist

The team at ZAC Homes are knock down rebuild specialists and regardless of whether your block is sloped, narrow, above or below the road, our design team will work with you to create a contemporary design that fits your budget. ZAC Homes builds with trust, respect, integrity and pride, which we work hard to deliver to every client. Call us on 1300 350 793 or send us an online enquiry and our team will work with you to design and build your dream home.

The greatest benefit of demolishing your existing home and building a new home on your current block is that you get to stay in the community you know and love.

You and your family get to stay in the neighbourhood that you already feel comfortable in. You already know all the local shops, local amenities, nearby schools, parks and much more. Your kids won’t need to change schools, you will already know how long your work commute will take, you can stay with your favourite hairdresser, doctor, café, restaurants and more. You also get a brand-new home with modern design features and suitable building materials; in a location you already know.

Cost of demolishing your home

A Knock Down Rebuild project can be significantly cheaper than having to do multiple major renovations to get the home you want. While you may think it’s cheaper in the short-term by splitting the renovations up and working from room to room, in may not turn out so cost-effective in the long run. This is because renovating can have many unknown costs that may arise throughout the building process

That doesn’t mean building a new home is not a huge project, but with the right building company, it can be made easier and proceed without any major issues.

Like any building project, there are some significant costs associated with acquiring a suitable block of land, clearing the block, and then building the new home. From our experience at ZAC Homes, through undertaking many knock down rebuild projects for families all over Sydney, here are a few key things that will impact the cost of your dream home.

Buying the existing home

If you’re lucky enough to have inherited a family home or you already live in a location you love, then you can skip the step of buying an existing dwelling.

But, if you don’t already own a home in a location where you’d love to build your dream home, then your first step with your knock down rebuild project is to buy an existing property.

Ideally, you’ll find a rundown house in a location that you and your family love and pay land value for it, rather than buying a house in great condition. It might mean that you need to keep an eye on the locations you like for some time before the right opportunity at the right price comes on to the market. Just be sure that before you bid on that new property you undertake the necessary checks to ensure you can demolish the house and build the type of new home you want for your family.

Permits

Once you’ve got the land, the first step is to obtain the necessary permits to demolish the existing dwelling and build a brand new home. Your first point of call will probably be your local council, and depending on the zoning of your land, and the home you want to build, you may be able to obtain permission via the Complying Development system.

Demolition

From our experience at ZAC Homes, demolition usually costs about $15,000 to $25,000 depending on what material the existing house is and if asbestos removal is required.

The cost and complexity of your demolition will depend on several factors including the size of your old dwelling, the materials it is constructed from, and the ease of access to the site. Clearly, a large house made of brick or concrete is going to be harder and take longer to demolish than a small fibro house. Additionally, there will likely be house foundations to remove, outdoor zones like patios, pools and gardens to be dug up to make room for your brand new home.

Site costs

Generally speaking the flatter, the block of land, the lower the costs involved in preparing the site to build a new home. But building on a sloping block can still be accomplished with the right level of planning. At ZAC Homes, we have plenty of experience building homes on sloping blocks that require a customised design.

At ZAC Homes we focus on helping clients design a house to respond to the natural topography of the site. We minimise the use of excavation and fill where possible to preserve natural drainage patterns and prevent soil erosion. The site preparation and costs can include site topography & aspect, soil testing, site survey, vegetation, service connections, site access, and more.

Save money and stress with an experienced builder

By going with a builder like ZAC Homes with 30 years of experience and thousands of new homes completed on time and on budget, you will save money.

One of our key strengths is duplex homes like our popular Daintree design. We have built over 300 duplex homes and are experts in size, position and house style. We provide expert advice to get the most value out of your investment and your block.

Unlike many builders, we take care of everything from design, approvals, demolition (if required) and construction.

The team at ZAC Homes are knock down rebuild specialists and regardless of your block being sloped, narrow, above or below the road, our design team will work with you to create a contemporary design that fits your budget. ZAC Homes builds with trust, respect, integrity and pride, which we work hard to deliver to every client. Call us on 1300 350 793 or send us an online enquiry and our team will work with you to design and build your dream home.

Once you’ve decided that you’re going to knock down your existing house and build a brand new home on the same land, the first major task is to demolish your old place.

The cost and complexity of your demolition will depend on several factors including the size of your old dwelling, the materials it is constructed from, and the ease of access to the site. Clearly, a large house made of brick or concrete is going to be harder and take longer to demolish than a small fibro house.

Additionally, there will likely be house foundations to remove, outdoor zones like patios, pools and gardens to be dug up to make room for your brand new home. But before you grab that sledge hammer you need to understand the demolition process. ZAC Homes handles the demolition on behalf of our clients but many building companies will require you to arrange the demolition yourself. Either way, you need to know the requirements.

Step-by-step demolition

In this article, we’re assuming that you’ve already checked that your house can be demolished and replaced with a brand new home.

The first step in the demolition process is to obtain the necessary permits. Then you need to arrange for the removal of services, vegetation, and more. Once the site is safe the demolition crew can move in. At ZAC Homes we arrange for the demolition to take place and include that in the contract, however, most builders will not arrange demolition on your behalf. They will usually recommend some reputable companies you can hire yourself. We recommend that you use a professional demolition crew rather than attempting the job yourself.

Obtaining permits

For the demolition of your house to proceed, you’ll need either a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) approval or a Development Application (DA).

In most cases a Demolition Application can be approved under Complying Development so it can be done directly through a Private Certifier negating the need to go through the local council. This is assuming the work complies with NSW Exempt & Complying Development Codes 2008 and the Section 10.7 Certificate that applies to your property stipulates demolition can be approved under Complying Development.

A Section 10.7 Planning Certificate is issued by your local council and gives information on the development potential of a specific block of land including any planning restrictions that apply to the land as at the date of issue. This includes the zoning of the property and state and local planning controls.

All applications must be lodged via the NSW Planning portal www.planningportal.com.au. 

If a Development Application is required, it is applied for via your Local Council and rules vary.

The CDC process generally takes around 21 days in total. During this time, as property owner you are required to hand out letters to neighbouring properties letting them know that demolition work will be taking place. The letters must be distributed at least seven days before demolition starts. Additionally, any trees that need to be removed from your property will need separate approval from the council if they are eight metres or taller or are noted as a significant tree to your council area.

Disconnect and remove existing services

An essential step is to arrange to have your utilities removed before your house is demolished. This needs to be arranged well in advance. The water, electricity, Internet and gas supply will need to be removed from the property, including all pipes and meters. This allows builders to start from a blank slate, without having to worry about old systems interfering with construction work.

Building demolition

The removal of an existing house involves deconstruction and demolition. Deconstruction is the selective dismantling of a structure to preserve its components for recycling, re-purposing, and waste management. As it is usually done by hand, it is more labour-intensive, time-consuming, and expensive.

Deconstruction also includes the removal of hazardous materials such as asbestos which is governed by strict removal and disposal requirements. After hazardous and recyclable materials have been removed, mechanical demolition can begin. In short, the house is removed using excavators and other heavy equipment which is the most efficient and cost-effective way to complete home demolition. This stage of the demolition is relatively quick with the block cleared in a matter of a few days, and the waste removed to an appropriate waste management facility.

Demolition Clearance Certificate

Once the demolition is complete and the land is clear you will need a Demolition Clearance Certificate. This certificate is essential to prove that your block of land is safe, clean and free of any asbestos, all of which are necessary criteria before the construction of your brand new home can commence.

How can ZAC Homes assist with your demolition?

At ZAC Homes, we take care of everything from design, approvals, demolition (if required) and construction.  ZAC Homes builds with trust, respect, integrity and pride, which we work hard to deliver to every client. Call us on 1300 350 793 or send us an online enquiry and our team will work with you to design and build your dream home.

Before you consider building a duplex on your existing land or buy land to build a duplex you need to do your homework to fully understand where you can and cannot build.

Not so long ago, the regulations varied a great deal from Council to Council but in 2018 a new code was introduced by the NSW Government that makes it easier to understand the requirement to build a duplex, and provide uniform rules for the entire state.

It is also possible to have land rezoned but this can be a protracted and costly exercise so ideally, you’ll buy an existing block where a duplex is already allowed. Either way, ZAC Homes assists clients with permits and rezoning applications to make it easier for you. We understand all the regulations and can guide you through the process.

What is a duplex?

In simple terms, a duplex construction is two homes built on the same block of land that share a common wall. The two dwellings can either share one land title and owner, or can be subdivided into separate titles so they can be owned and sold separately.

Building a duplex on your current land can be an excellent investment or a great multi-generation home, but there are several things to consider before deciding whether it’s a great option for you and your family.

What are the land requirements to build a duplex in NSW?

On 1 July 2020, the NSW Government renamed its existing Low Rise Medium Density Housing Code to the Low Rise Housing Diversity Code (LRHDC) to reflect the diverse housing choices it provides. The Code applies to all local government areas in NSW.

The LRHDC allows dual occupancies to be approved through the fast-tracked Complying Development process.

The Code applies to properties zoned R1, R2, R3 and RU5 across NSW, where this type of housing is already permitted under a council’s Local Environmental Plan (LEP).

Under the code, blocks must be either 400 square metres or the minimum lot size required by the council, whichever is greater. As well, blocks need to be a minimum of 15 metres wide, or 12 metres wide where the required car parking is provided at the rear or accessed by a secondary road.

For a duplex, the dwellings must be located side-by-side and each dwelling must have a frontage to a public road. No dwelling can be located behind another dwelling on the same lot except on a corner or a parallel road where each dwelling fronts a different road.

Dwellings must be no higher than 8.5 metres and no more than two storeys.

There are also several setback requirements for both primary and secondary roads, and adjoining properties. The minimum side setback is 0.9 metres.

The code requires each dwelling to be a minimum of five metres wide and off-street parking must also be provided for at least one car per dwelling.

Can my land be rezoned for a duplex?

The first step is to consult your local council. Councils produce detailed strategic plans, showing what areas and suburbs are set to be rezoned so check that first.

If that doesn’t apply to your situation then generally if you want to build, extend, subdivide or change the use of your land you will need to lodge a development application (DA) with the local council.

Keep in mind that rezoning a property can be a difficult and costly process. There are public hearings and there are no guarantees that your DA application will be approved.

The NSW Government is currently reviewing the process and aims to make it easier and quicker to apply for rezoning with the new rules coming into play by 2023.

The reforms aim to cut the time it takes to process a proposal to change planning rules by a third and establish an appeals pathway for planning proposals to overcome delays and progress rezonings that are consistent with strategic plans.

Can I subdivide my duplex?

As mentioned previously, a duplex can be either two homes that share one land title and owner or can be subdivided into separate titles so they can be owned and sold separately.

It can be subdivided in certain circumstances and in particular local government areas with certain zoning. Factors like the lot size and width, privacy between the two dwellings, and some environmental constraints like stormwater drainage, are taken into consideration.

As well there are floor area limitations like floor space ratios, and parking rules governing how many parking spaces are provided.

How can ZAC Homes assist with zoning for my duplex?

When building a Duplex with ZAC, everything is taken care of. We have facilitated over 300 duplex builds and are experts in size, position and house style. We can advise on the best way to get the most value out of your investment and your block.

We take care of everything from design, approvals, demolition (if required) and construction. 

ZAC Homes builds with trust, respect, integrity and pride, which we work hard to deliver to every client. Call us on 1300 350 793 or send us an online enquiry and our team will work with you to design and build your dream home.

Undertaking a knock down rebuild project where you demolish your old house and build a brand new home, is a big undertaking. There are a number of key things you need to deal with to ensure your building project runs smoothly and results in your dream home.

There are plenty of benefits to staying in the same location that you know and love, while upgrading your home. It means you and your family can continue to enjoy your neighbourhood, stay at the same schools, frequent the same local shops and services, and keep close to friends.

One of the best parts of a knock down rebuild project rather than a renovation is that you are given a blank canvas. You and your family can decide how many rooms you need, how they should be laid out, what you’d like the exterior to look like, what fixtures and fittings you’d like, and much more. To help guide you through the knock down rebuild process here is our basic checklist to get you started.

Get to know your block

There is a lot more to your block of land than meets the eye. Every block of land is governed by planning regulations, easements, setback requirements, and drainage essentials.

Some home owners will undertake this research themselves, but if you sign with a builder like ZAC Homes we’ll help guide you through this process.

Planning regulations

The starting point for any suburban building project in Australia is to establish what you are permitted to build on your block of land. You need to check that your current house can be demolished and replaced, as some dwellings have heritage listings or overlays which prevent you from demolishing.

You also need to know the zoning of your area to ensure you can build a new home that will suit your requirements, particularly if you’re thinking about a duplex home on a block that currently has a single dwelling.

The first step should be to visit the websites of your local council and relevant state authorities like Services NSW. Two key measurements of your block of land are the depth and frontage. These dimensions will determine the size and shape of any new dwelling.

Setbacks and easements

When you undertake your research, you’ll also find that there are restrictions about how close you can build to the boundary, how much of the land can be utilised for buildings, and what setback you are required to meet.

In most established areas, your local council will require the setback of the principal frontage of your home to be the average of both of your neighbours’ houses. There may also be minimum side and rear setbacks to be met. However, there are exceptions and if you wish to go further forward or back on the block, you’ll need to obtain approval. The existence of easements on your land may also impact where on the block you can build. The legal definition of an easement is “the right to cross or otherwise use a portion of someone else’s land.” Effectively it means you cannot build over that portion or easement of land, commonly because it contains essential services like water or electricity facilities.

Choosing your design

Only once you fully understand your block and whether you can demolish your existing home can you start on the fun stage of choosing a design.

At this stage, you may start speaking to builders, visit display homes, and undertake research. Volume builders like ZAC Homes are usually the most affordable option, and we will walk you through the entire process, with many years of experience with knock down rebuild projects.

Some people want to move quickly and build a home just like the display, while others want to develop their own custom design.

That’s why at ZAC Homes we divide our services into three distinct types:

Fast Track – off-the-plan design with minimal changes

My Style – modifying an existing design

Tailored Approach – custom design with complete flexibility

When considering design, you and your family need to decide on your requirements like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, what size living areas you require, and more. Think about how you use your current home – do you work from home? Do you like to entertain? You should also consider things like how long you plan to live there.

Arrange the demolition

If you decide to build with ZAC Homes, we will help you arrange the demolition of your old home and incorporate that into the contract.

Other builders might prefer you to organise your own demolition but can recommend demolition experts.

Either way, there are a few important things to remember including a demolition permit from your council. You’ll also need temporary accommodation for you and your family to live in until your new home is complete.

Power supply & utilities

An essential step is to arrange to have your utilities removed before your house is demolished. This needs to be arranged well in advance. The water, electricity, Internet and gas supply will need to be removed from the property, including all pipes and meters. This allows builders to start from a blank slate, without having to worry about old systems interfering with construction work.

Site access

For both demolition and construction, you will need to understand how accessible your block is. The access to your block from the street needs to be considered as well as the size of roads, schools in the area, overhead power lines and the requirement for traffic management.

Knock down rebuild with ZAC Homes

At ZAC Homes, we have many years of experience advising hundreds of clients on the best knock down rebuild options.

We enjoy taking on a challenge and helping families build their new home in their current neighbourhood.

ZAC Homes builds with trust, respect, integrity and pride, which we work hard to deliver to every client. Call us on 1300 350 793 or send us an online enquiry and our team will work with you to design and build your dream home.

When building a new home, there are many steps along the way so it’s important to factor in everything upfront so there are no surprises. Even before the build starts there will be costs incurred to prepare your land, and these fall under the heading of site preparation and costs.

At ZAC Homes, we advise our clients on these costs and guide you through the process which can range from fairly simple requirements to quite complex situations depending on the block of land.

The site preparation and costs can include site topography & aspect, soil testing, site survey, vegetation, service connections, site access, and more.

Site topography & aspect

Generally speaking the flatter the block of land, the lower the costs involved in preparing the site to build a new home. But building on a sloping block can still be accomplished with the right level of planning. At ZAC Homes we have plenty of experience building homes on sloping blocks that require a customised design.

At ZAC Homes we focus on helping clients design a house to respond to the natural topography of the site. We minimise the use of excavation and fill where possible to preserve natural drainage patterns and prevent soil erosion.

Another early consideration is the aspect or orientation of your home on your block. This impacts the position of your home in relation to the path of the sun and the prevailing wind in your region. By establishing the best orientation which is the one that suits your climate zone, you can improve the comfort of your home and reduce heating and cooling needs.

Testing your soil

An early step in assessing your site is to undertake soil testing. This is done to establish how much the soil is likely to move, expand and contract based on different levels of moisture.

This is undertaken by an expert who will look at soil type, salinity and reactiveness to determine the best foundations for your new home. From this information, your builder will determine the type of slab and the total number of piers your home will require.

Site survey

Another key piece of the puzzle is a site or contour survey to check the slope of your site.

If your block has a sloping aspect or is uneven, more work will need to be carried out to ensure stability and hence additional costs.

When undertaking a site or contour survey, an expert will check the slope of your site and identify any challenges. This report will help determine where the block will need to be cut and filled, slab levels, and where spoil will need to be removed.

A lot of home builders will not factor these types of costs into their base price so make sure you ask questions about site costs and what is included before signing a contract to build your dream home.

Vegetation

If you are building in an established suburb with a knock down rebuild project your site may have vegetation or trees you need to remove. It might also be possible and desirable to incorporate existing vegetation in your design plans.

The first step is a establish which trees might be protected and which cannot be removed. Your local council should be able to help with this step. You should also identify vegetation that can be incorporated into your new landscaping plan and can provide wind protection or form part of the site drainage system.

Once you’ve established what vegetation can stay, you need to know what costs will be incurred to remove unusable materials, such as dirt or excess grass and vegetation from your land. This will be determined partly by the design and siting of your home. An experienced builder like ZAC Homes can help design to minimise any unnecessary costs.

Service connections

Service connections include gas, electricity, telecommunications, stormwater, plumbing and sewer line connections.

If you’re building in an established suburb these should already be in place but you’ll need to double-check each of them is sound. If you’re undertaking a knock down rebuild project you’ll need to have key services disconnected before demolition and reconnected as part of the build.

If you’re building in a new housing estate you’ll need to check what has already been connected and what you’ll need to factor into your budget. If, for example, the nearest sewer and stormwater lines are not nearby you will be up for extra connection costs.

Site access

The final aspect of site preparation and costs is access for the duration of the build.

Particularly if you’re building in an existing suburb where your block is surrounded by existing dwellings, your builder will need to identify additional costs that could be required for delivering and handling materials and equipment during the build.

Costs can be incurred on fencing, scaffolding, as well as permits, traffic control and more.

Help is at hand with ZAC Homes

ZAC Homes has many years of experience advising hundreds of clients on site requirements and costs.

We enjoy taking on a challenge and helping families build their new home in their dream location.

ZAC Homes builds with trust, respect, integrity and pride, which we work hard to deliver to every client. Call us on 1300 350 793 or send us an online enquiry and our team will work with you to design and build your dream home.

Think of the outdoor area of your home as an extension of the inside, rather than a completely different space. When it comes to designing the area, you should integrate the inside and outside.

There has been a strong trend towards functional, aesthetically pleasing outdoor areas in Australian homes for many years, with open-plan living and dining areas flowing to the outdoors. All of our designs at ZAC Homes incorporate an alfresco dining area, that varies in size in proportion with the rest of the home.

It will depend on your lifestyle and how you and your family like to use an outdoor area, as to how it will be set up. Factors you need to consider are sunlight, ventilation, furniture choice, food preparation, heating, greenery, décor and more.

Integrate inside and outside

Think of the alfresco area as an outdoor room that is a natural extension of the area it adjoins. Sliding glass doors, or bifold doors are a good option to highlight the area. Most modern Australian homes like the ZAC Homes range have an alfresco area that extends out from the open plan, living and dining areas.

It also needs to be in close proximity to the kitchen so food doesn’t have to be carried far, and the people preparing food can feel like they are part of any social activities.

Think about the size

The size and configuration of your alfresco area will depend on how you and your family like to use outdoor areas. If you like to entertain large groups of family and friends you might like a larger area that incorporates a generous-size table and BBQ, and even outdoor kitchen facilities.

Alternatively, you might want an area just for your small family to enjoy outdoor dining and lounging, so you need less room for a small table and perhaps an outdoor lounge. Or perhaps you might use it primarily as a play area for your kids.

Shade and ventilation

Shade and ventilation are both important factors to consider in an outdoor area. Ideally, you want to welcome the sun in cooler weather, and have plenty of shade when it’s hotter. This can be achieved with a full roof, a pergola, shade sails, or even umbrellas. It will depend on your local climate, how often you use the area, how many trees are nearby, and more.

Ventilation is also important, particularly if your alfresco area is enclosed by several walls and a roof. A ceiling fan can help with airflow as well as cool things down.

Outdoor cooking

Most Australian alfresco areas will include a BBQ, from a simple kettle-style right up to a large built-in set-up. This will depend on the space available, and your family’s requirements.

If you’re a keen entertainer you might install an outdoor kitchen that includes a sink, a fridge, cupboards, draws, and of course a large BBQ.

An outdoor fire for winter heating could also be incorporated into your ideal outdoor entertaining area, or you could have a more temporary outdoor fire like a metal brazier that you store away when not in use.

Consider lighting

Any alfresco area needs functional lighting as well as lighting to set the mood.

Particularly if you’re cooking outside, you need a well-lit area to check when food is cooked to your requirements.

But you also want to have some attractive lighting to set the mood if you’re entertaining. This could be in the form of overhead lights, wall lighting but also candles or table lighting.

Furniture for outdoor dining or lounging, or both

Outdoor furniture needs to be adaptable, able to withstand weather exposure, look good, and be comfortable.

What you choose will depend on your family’s needs. Most alfresco areas will include a dining table and chairs, but if space allows you could also include an outdoor lounge area. There is even some furniture that converts from one to the other.

Whatever your choice, it needs to be weather-resistant and easy to clean. If cushions are included these should be stored when not in use to ensure they stay clean and dry. So incorporate some storage into your outdoor area to store cushions and other outdoor accessories like BBQ tools.

Decorating and styling

As the alfresco area is an extension of your home, the décor and styling should reflect the rest of your home. After all, if it’s just beyond your open plan living area, it will be seen by you and your visitors, even when it’s not in use.

Most outdoor furniture is neutral in colour so you can accent it with pops of colour in cushions and other décor items.

When you’re entertaining you can decorate the table to match your personal style. The great part about outdoor entertaining is the focus is on relaxing, so it can be less formal than eating at an indoor table.

Landscaping forms a backdrop

One of the biggest advantages of an outdoor zone in your home is the landscaping options. Your garden can form a backdrop to the alfresco dining area, and the area itself can include pot plants, and other landscaping features like statues and fountains.

Make sure that you choose plants that will grow well in your conditions, and keep them watered, pruned and fed so they look their best. Flowering plants like annuals in pots can form part of the décor of your outdoor room.

Build a new home with a great alfresco area with ZAC Homes

All ZAC Homes designs include an alfresco area that is proportionate to the home’s design.

But if you don’t find what you’re looking for in our standard designs, we can help you design your own custom-built home with your ideal alfresco area.

ZAC Homes builds with trust, respect, integrity and pride, which we work hard to deliver to every client. Call us on 1300 350 793 or send us an online enquiry and our team will work with you to design and build your dream home.

The number and proportion of multi-generation households have been increasing in Australia over the last 20 or 30 years so that almost one in five Australians now live in a household that comprises two or more generations of related adults, according to a 2012 study by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute.

The study says that multigeneration households are particularly common in our major cities. In Sydney, where the practice is most common, almost one-quarter of all households comprised multiple generations.

The researchers concluded that there were several factors driving the trend. These include economic reasons, the ageing of the Australian population, and the traditional practices of many cultures, especially East Asian, Middle Eastern and Southern European cultures.

The benefits of multi-generation living

There are many benefits for multi-generation living including:

• Several generations can pool their money and co-purchase property
• Living expenses can be lower because they are split among more adults
• Families stay connected and relationships between the generations are maintained
• A cost-effective way to help care for ageing parents
• Potential childcare cost savings

With a knockdown rebuild project, your family can stay in the same community.

Finding the right multi-generation living opportunity

For many families, multi-generation living can be very appealing for all the reasons we’ve suggested but finding the right multi-generation dwelling is paramount.

Living in a large home may work for some multi-generation families, whereas others need to have separate private spaces so they can be nearby but not within the same home. There are many reasons for this including lack of privacy, noise transference, clashing of schedules in kitchens and bathrooms, lack of space and lack of independence.

Building a new home that has two dwellings under one roof like ZAC Homes Echo and Amara ranges, is ideal to house two generations. Both designs incorporate a separate two-bedroom granny flat that has its own private entrance and outdoor area.

One of the great advantages of this type of layout is that the separate granny flat can be used by different family members as needs change like ageing parents, teenagers, and more. And if it is no longer required for family members, it can become an investment property.

ZAC Homes Echo

The ZAC Homes Echo is a single-storey home with four bedrooms in the main house, and two in the attached granny flat.

Within the Echo range, there are several options including a front-facing two-bedroom granny flat joined to the main dwelling. All design options focus on ease of access for everyone, while maintaining the feeling that there isn’t another dwelling attached. The main house focuses on space and has been designed to use every available bit of area to maximise the rooms and feel.

ZAC Homes Amara

The ZAC Homes Amara is a double-storey home with five bedrooms in the main house, and two in the separate granny flat. Like the Echo, there are several layout options available to suit different requirements.

Both the main house and the flat are designed to be completely private and separate so family members can feel like they are close by, but not living on top of each other.

The Amara 49 is a spacious family home with five bedrooms in the main house, four of which are upstairs including the master suite. The fifth bedroom downstairs has its own ensuite. There are two family rooms, one upstairs, one downstairs plus a spacious living room, alfresco dining area, open plan kitchen and dining room, and more.

Upstairs in a separate zone is the granny flat with its own entrance, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, one of which is an ensuite, living, dining and kitchen, and balcony. Located downstairs is a single car garage, laundry and entry porch.

Consider a knock down rebuild

If you love the area in which you live, and you have a suitable block of land, a knock down rebuild project of your existing home could be ideal. It’s a great way to accommodate a multi-generation family in more suitable accommodation without moving to a new area.

Established suburbs often have larger blocks of land than newer suburbs, and the land is underutilised. By pooling the resources of several generations, you’ll be able to afford a new home that will suit everyone’s needs, rather than compromising.

Build a new multi-generation home with ZAC Homes

ZAC Homes has many years of experience building multi-generation homes as well as knock down rebuild projects.

ZAC Homes builds with trust, respect, integrity and pride, which we work hard to deliver to every client. Call us on 1300 350 793 or send us an online enquiry and our team will work with you to design and build your dream home.