Quality advice on purchasing a block

Versace Home Builders bringing more than three decades of experience to the table
Purchasing A Block of Land?

• What to look for.
• How to attain the best outcome for your new home.

When contemplating building a new home, the first and most important step in the purchase of a block of land.

If you are considering a new home build your block of land is more important than the actual plan of your home.

We have all looked at a plan and thought this is a great plan, its just perfect for our budget and lifestyle. All ok so far!!

Then comes the difficult part to try and work that plan onto a block of land. The correct way to approach this is to design your home to suit the block you have purchased and not attempt to “squeeze” the plan you like onto the block you have purchased.

Step 1: Site Assessment and Soil Report When purchasing your block of land, the most important step is to acquire a site assessment and a soil report. This can be carried out by a qualified engineer and usually costs around $500-$600.

This is money well spent as it will give an accurate report on the type of soil which will determine the extent and cost of your home’s foundation and concrete floor. The cost of a “M” classification instead of an “A” or “S” can be anywhere between 15 and 20 thousand dollars depending on the size of the foundations.

Check with your builder before signing any contracts on land as they will have a “local knowledge” of the types of soils in the Mount Gambier area.

Do not sign any contract for land until you have at least made a preliminary investigation with a builder.

The presence of rock and clay is a sure-fire sign that your home will cost up to twenty thousand dollars more to construct because of this type of terrain. Sand and loamy soils achieve the best soil reports as they are generally non-reactive.

Step 2: Orientation

Generally, east/west facing blocks are considered in my opinion are the best to build on. This is the most important not only for your own comfort but also when calculating the energy rating for your home. All homes in Australia have to reach an energy rating of “6 star” and this is done by facing your home in such a way to utilise the warmth of the sun in winter and the shelter from the extreme heat in summer, especially on West facing windows which attract heat and make your home uncomfortable.

Other ways that a “6 star” energy rating can be attained is to increase the thermal rating of insulation in the walls and ceilings and also to double glaze some or all windows and sliding doors. This is of course is more costly and that is why you should have your home designed after your block purchase to maximise the best orientation for your budget and lifestyle.

Step 3: Extreme sloping/steep blocks

Although a block that you are looking at may seem level enough to build on there are some points you should consider.

1. Check the height of floor level in relation to the street kerbing height to ensure that the driveway is not going to be too steep.
2. The impact of “cut and fill” in relation to height of retaining walls.
3. Engineering will have to be undertaken to address these issues. Potential extra costs can be avoided by talking to your builder and taking some levels prior to buying the land.

Summary

1. Design your home to suit your land.
2. Do not sign any contracts or pay deposit before receiving a soil report and site assessment.
3. Orientation of your home to acquire the “6 star” energy rating.

Versace Home Builders offer a full service before you purchase your land so as to procure the best possible outcome for your new home.