Sydney Architect Adam Pressley FRAIA
F A Q - Frequently Asked Questions: |
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What building options do I have to build a residential home within a budget?
Your building options will vary depending on whether you are renovating or building new.
Project Homes:
These are homes which are designed to be built in large numbers from a range of off-the-shelf designs.
Advantages:
- Represent excellent value for money
- Are very affordable
Disadvantages:
- Not designed to suit your particular block
- The design does not take into account factors such as orientation to the sun, views, neighbours, etc..
- Can usually only be built on level or near level sites
- Not specifically designed to be 'in-keeping' with an area
- Usually have a shorter effective life span
- Can only be used to build new homes, not for renovations or additions work
- Many are considered ugly and their standardised style can be very 'in' at the time they are built, but date quickly
- Always cheaply built
- Easily recognised so can have a reduced resale value
Design and Construct Projects:
This is where a building company quotes to build or renovate your home and includes the design as a package. It is a good way of knowing what the final costs are from the beginning and some of the better ones use architects for the design work.
Advantages:
- Are designed specifically for your site and needs
- Total cost includes the design process
- Saves you the time and trouble of finding a builder and going to tender
Disdvantages:
- They are designed more for profitability than for good design, quality or aesthetics
- You get a design that you must build with this builder, there is no tendering or taking the design elsewhere
- Not every style of home is suitable for this kind of service. For example, some companies do upper level additions to certain types of homes only
Architect / Designer Homes and Renovations:
This is the best but also the most expensive way to design your home or renovation. Some architect-designed homes can be very inexpensive, while others can be quite lavish and fit into the luxury category. Reasons that architect-designed homes can be more expensive than project or design and construct homes, are because of closer attention to detail, greater use of glass, more expensive finishes, and the designs being one-offs to suit your site and your brief.
Advantages:
- Custom-designed to meet your individual needs
- Unlimited choice of style or aesthetic expression
- Enhanced resale value
- Generally well-built with excellent attention to detail
- Designed to optimise your site's orientation to the sun, capitalise on views, enhance privacy and generally increase enjoyment
Disadvantages:
- Can be more expensive
- The process can take longer as the design and construction methods are not standardised
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