Sandgropers are blessed with good weather, a phenomenal coastline and the opportunity to build the home of our dreams with any budget.
But unlike our natural ability to take advantage of cool dips in the ocean in summer and nights out during our warm winters, planning and creating a new abode doesn’t come as easy.
To make it all a little less mind-boggling, we asked our expert panel to find out their answers to our frequently asked building questions.
How do I choose the right block of land?
Pindan development manager Sandy Biagioni: Choosing the right lot starts with the house type and size to suit lifestyle and budget.
An easy-maintenance property – such as a 7.5m or 10m-wide laneway lot – would suit singles, professionals, empty-nesters and downsizers who don’t want large areas of garden.
The slightly larger cottage lot is generally 12.5m wide, about 375sq m, and suits first-home buyers, those with a young family or downsizers.
A large traditional lot is typically greater than 450sq m and would usually suit buyers with a family looking for room to grow, or someone who just needs that extra space for a boat, caravan or workshop.
Other important things to consider include available services, including gas and broadband internet, the slope of the land, and fencing and landscaping.
Shape of the lot is also important. Simple rectangular shapes make it easier for builders to design your home more economically.
To build a single or double-storey house?
Brolga Developments managing director Dene Purdon: This can be tricky.This will largely come down to lot size versus your needs.
Lot sizes are getting smaller, so a multi-storey home must be considered to fit all needs into a home. However, a multi-storey does cost more so this must be considered carefully when choosing a small lot.
The accessibility around the home is also an important factor, especially if you have very young children, are getting older or simply have someone in the family with special needs. Lifts are becoming more affordable in a residential home and can now be considered if your budget allows. Give serious thought about where you would want your bedrooms, living areas and kitchen.
How do I pick the colours and textures for my new home?
Yu Interior co-owner and senior designer Norinda Lewis: A home means much more to us than the basic structures suggest. Getting the design right is only half the story.
The home is where we retreat to at the end of the day, where we feel at ease, where we belong. It is so crucial that we create surroundings which reflect our tastes and pleasures.
Trends will come and go in interior decorating as they do in fashion.
Pinterest is a fantastic tool to explore decorating ideas – start your own boards and pin images that you can relate to.When you look back on your pins, you should be able to pick up a thread or common theme that you are drawn to.
It may be smooth shiny finishes, or earthy textural surfaces, or a particular colour that pops up in all your pictures.This will help you define your own style.
Originally published in Residential West.
To find your local builder or architecture service look on Look Local WA.
