DIY construction tips
Some home design tips: Use our construction cost  estimator to help determine an approximate cost. A concrete slab on ground with solid/thick walls internally and externally will give you a warmer house in winter and a cooler house in summer.Build the house with a well insulated roof or concrete roof. This is best for energy efficiency....
[Posted: 2010-01-14 21:50:08]

DIY FAQ
What will my new home, renovation or extension cost? When building or renovating a home costs fall into the following three categories: Design and drafting feesCouncil feesConstruction costs These are each explained below. ...
[Posted: 2010-01-14 21:50:08]

Becoming an owner builder
So you want to be an owner builder... Building your own home can be challenging at best and it is common for unexpected things to arise, complicating the course of works. This guide provides you, the novice owner-builder, a simple check list to guide you while building your own home from the design stage through to occupation. Become empowered!!    (This is "important stuff"...) Who ever said th...
[Posted: 2010-01-14 21:50:08]

Home design tips
Maximise your use of natural light & warmth Living in the Southern hemisphere it is better if the living areas of your house face towards the North. The extra light will make these spaces more enjoyable to live in and increase your thermal comfort in winter. But to avoid the burning summer sun you should have 90 centimeter window & door overhangs which will provide shade during those hot months and allow maximum penetration of sunlight in the winter. You should also hav...
[Posted: 2010-01-14 21:50:08]

How to design your own home
How to design your own home... Developing the design The design process is a consuming task. The nine steps below will teach you the basics of the process that is followed by design professionals in the building industry. Follow this process and you will have a better chance of designing a home that functions well and works aesthetically. Client BriefPerformance specificationSchedule of areasTable of areasBub...
[Posted: 2010-01-14 21:50:08]

Australian council requirements for residential construction
Council requirements and reports for residential construction projects Drawings are only a small portion of what councils in Australia require to enable them to give consent to your development application, building permit or building licence. Reports such as Statement of Environmental Effects, BASIX (in NSW), waste management reports, geotechnical reports, ...
[Posted: 2010-01-14 21:50:08]

How tro read plans
How to read plans The following hyperlinks (Plan 1 - Plan 5) each open a web page that contains a plan that is overlaid with an image map. By moving the cursor over different parts of the plan you will be shown a brief explanantion of that particular part of the plan. A more indepth explanation is given when you click on the plan. Plan 1: Site plan S...
[Posted: 2010-01-14 21:50:08]

How to read a builders quote
Introduction Reading a builders quotation can be frustrating and can leave many people wondering what it actually includes! There are a few essential things that you can do to greatly improve receiving a thorough and easy to understand quotation: such as clear plans and notations, a detailed building specification, ‘three quotes’ and lots of questions will greatly improve your chances of receiving a clear and easy to understand quotation. Working drawings/plans are ...
[Posted: 2010-01-14 21:50:08]

The residential design and construction process
The residential design & construction process Most people do not experience the design and construction process more than a few times in their lifetime and the processes are constantly changing but the drawing production process and council preparation stays the same. Step 1. The initial consultation At this first meeting the architect/building designer (designer) and you the client will discuss all your thoughts in relation to your devel...
[Posted: 2010-01-14 21:50:08]

Estimating home constructions costs
Home building construction cost estimator & calculator caveat lector! (reader beware!) The home building construction cost estimator & calculator only gives you an estimate. Because there are so many variables that affect cost for accuracy you will require detailed plans and the services of a quantity surveyor or licensed builder. But when making "back-of-an-envelope" preliminary estimates the method used below, or some variatio...
[Posted: 2010-01-14 21:50:08]