Once you’ve decided to build your dream home, you’ll need to make another big decision – buy a block and a home design separately or choose a house and land package.

If you choose to buy your house and land separately, you’ll have to do a lot of pre-planning. Firstly, you need to make sure the home you want to build will fit on your chosen block. That includes using the block to maximise natural features like the sun, which provides added warmth and natural light in winter.    

The alternative is to buy a house and land package. This takes out all the guesswork as the builder has already planned and designed the perfect home for the block position and size. If that sounds like a much easier way to build, let’s look at how house and land packages work. 

What is a House and Land Package?

House and Land Packages - Kitchen

House and land packages offer a bundled deal where you get both a new home and the land on which it will be built. Unlike buying an established property or undergoing a custom build on your own patch of land, this dual purchase allows for a simplified home-buying process.

Key Features

Turnkey Solutions: These packages usually come as a turnkey solution, meaning everything from the soakwells to the kitchen sink is included in the price.

Streamlined Process: Your builder will act as a central point of contact helping you find the perfect home to suit your block of land or the land to suit your selected home design.

Benefits of a House and Land Package

House and Land Packages - Plans

Cost-Effective

You’ll find that house and land packages offer better value for money. Stamp duty savings are a big selling point because you only pay stamp duty on the land component and not the house, saving you a significant amount of money. If this is your first home, you may also qualify for the First Home Owner Grant.  

Time Saving

Forget about juggling multiple parties, from architects to contractors. A house and land package eliminates the need for you to play middleman, saving you time and possibly a few grey hairs.

Can Be Customised

Though these packages come with pre-designed options, there’s often room for customisation. You can modify the floor plan, choose your finishes and add features that suit your lifestyle, without having to start from scratch.

House and Land Packages for First Home Buyers

House and Land Packages - Interior

Your first home may not be your forever home, but you need to start somewhere. For first home buyers, house and land packages are ideal. You’re getting a new home, suited to the block and no surprises. If you are building for the first time, you’ll be glad you won’t have to deal with any of these issues. 

Avoid Unforeseen Costs

One of the most daunting issues with custom-built homes is the ‘unknown cost factor’. Unforeseen costs can pop up at any stage, disrupting your budget. With house and land packages, once you’ve settled on the house you like and found the perfect block your price rarely wavers. Siteworks are still a provisional sum which is outlined in your contract.

Planning and Zoning Issues

When you buy land separately, you’ll have to ensure your proposed house design complies with land developer and shire guidelines. For first-time builders, it can feel like a bureaucratic nightmare. These issues are generally already sorted in a house and land package, offering you peace of mind.

So, if you want to build your dream home with minimal disruptions and complications, talk to Blueprint Homes about a house and land package. Right now, Blueprint Homes have over 119 house and land packages across Perth.

Don’t forget to ask about our exclusive Residential Land Locator. We collaborate with leading Perth land developers to give you access to prime homesites and exclusive land across the metropolitan area. When you register with Blueprint Homes, you gain priority in securing land in your preferred location, backed by the trust and recognition we receive from our land partners. This not only saves you money but also ensures you avoid common pitfalls in land selection, such as overlooking the cost of siteworks or poor block orientation. We guide you through building codes and financial considerations, ensuring your land choice complements your home design perfectly. 

When you add this to our Peace of Mind Pledge you can rest knowing that no stone is left unturned to help you realise your home ownership dream. 

For more details about house and land packages and how to access exclusive land releases, contact Blueprint Homes.

When building a new home, the kitchen often takes centre stage. It’s where you gather with family and friends to celebrate and enjoy the magic of home-cooked meals. The perfect kitchen is all about functionality and finding something that suits your personal tastes. So, before you settle on the style of kitchen you like, it’s important to explore all designs and options. 

Whether you’re a seasoned home buyer or a first home builder, we are here to help guide you through the myriad of choices. Let’s dive into the top five kitchen designs trending for new homes in Perth.

The Galley Kitchen

Galley Kitchen

The Galley kitchen layout, characterised by its two parallel counters, is a masterclass in space utilisation. For new builds with a narrow or confined kitchen area, this layout can be the perfect solution. One side of the galley can be used for cooking, while the other can function as the cleanup station. Despite its compact footprint, the Galley kitchen layout provides plenty of storage space and can easily incorporate a servery to the alfresco area, allowing you to interact with guests while entertaining. One of its main perks is efficiency – everything is within reach, making meal preparation seamless.

U-Shaped Kitchen

U Shpaed Kitchen

A U-shaped kitchen features three walls lined with cabinets and appliances. It’s a layout that maximises space, offering ample countertop surface, storage and seating options. This design is perfect for the home cook who loves having everything within arm’s reach. The U-shaped kitchen design allows you to add an island in the centre, making the kitchen even more of a central hub for the household. 

L-Shaped Kitchen

L Shaped Kitchen

The L-shaped kitchen layout, comprising two perpendicular adjoining sections, is a versatile design that fits well into corner spaces. Its open-concept design creates an inviting atmosphere, making it ideal for entertaining guests or for family time. The L-shaped layout offers flexibility, accommodating various kitchen sizes and shapes. It can easily integrate with a dining area, making it a popular choice for new homes in Perth.

Peninsula Kitchen

Peninsula Kitchen

A Peninsula kitchen is essentially a connected island, converting an L-shaped layout into a U-shaped one. It offers all the benefits of an island kitchen, without the need for as much floor space. The Peninsula kitchen provides additional counter space, storage and potentially a bar-style seating area. It can also act as a room divider, subtly separating the kitchen from other areas without isolating it. If you’re a home builder seeking a layout that offers the best of both worlds, the Peninsula kitchen could be your perfect match.

Island Kitchen

Island Kitchen

The Island kitchen layout is increasingly popular with new homeowners, and for good reason. An island offers a central hub for preparing meals, casual dining or just hanging out. It’s also a valuable addition for storage and can house appliances like a dishwasher. An Island layout creates an open and social atmosphere, where the cook can engage with family and friends while preparing meals. It’s a smart choice for those who love to entertain.

Whatever design you prefer, remember that the best kitchen layout for you will depend on the size of your space, your lifestyle and your personal preferences. Deciding on a kitchen layout is a significant step in creating your dream home. Whether you’re eyeing the efficiency of the Galley, the spaciousness of the U-shape, the flexibility of the L-shape, the versatility of the Peninsula or the sociability of the Island layout, each design has its unique advantages.

If you want to find out more about kitchen designs and how you can customise your new home build, contact the team at Blueprint Homes.

There are plenty of home builders to choose from in Perth. The tricky part is choosing one that will deliver the home you’ve dreamed of at a price you can afford. From the outside, it may seem like project builders are quite similar but once you peel back a few layers, you’ll start to see the real difference.

For example, some builders use standard bricks while others use larger, stronger Verticore bricks. Also, some builders will add an extra height to your living areas as standard, not just with the ‘premium’ package. Then there’s the extra work that happens before a single brick is laid to ensure your slab is future protected from rising damp and termites.    

Whether you’re getting ready to build your first home, your forever home or an investment home, we’ve got 5 tips to help you choose the best home builder in Perth.

1. Look for the best ‘value for money’ home builder

Best Home Builder Interior

Value for money can mean different things to different people. You may be looking for a builder that’ll give you a lot of bonus inclusions in your home, like free white goods, upgraded fixtures or landscaping. Or maybe you’re time poor and need a builder to organise everything for you. 

While it may be hard, try not to purchase on price alone. Many of those shiny ‘bonus inclusions’ are not free and will be included with the overall cost of your home. When you’re shopping around for a builder, look at the whole building process and ask yourself:

  • Will my builder make promises they can keep? 
  • Will they look out for my best interests? 
  • Will I get to make structural changes so I can build the home I want?

2. Has your home builder won HIA or MBA awards?

Best Home Builder Awards

The Building Industry has two organisations to monitor the performance and standards of home building companies – the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and the Master Builders Association (MBA). Both organisations provide a much needed ‘health check’ for builders via their annual awards.

For Blueprint Homes, winning 22 Customer Service Awards (the most of any Perth builder) shows how exceptionally healthy they are. These awards, voted by the customers, are clear proof that at every step of the building process, Blueprint goes above and beyond the industry standard. 

Both the HIA and MBA have their own set of award criteria. To win one of these awards you must excel in the following areas:

HIA Excellence in Service Winner MBA Best Customer Service Winner
✔️ Assist with the design process ✔️ High standard product & service information
✔️ Professional supervision ✔️ High standard face-to-face service
✔️ Communication during construction ✔️ Efficient telephone service
✔️ Quality workmanship ✔️ Use approved contract & documentation
✔️ Responsiveness to changes ✔️ High standard quality control & supervision
✔️ After sales service ✔️ High level of attention to maintenance/repairs
✔️ Value for money ✔️ Adhere to building works programme
✔️ Meet overall expectations ✔️ Effective complaints handling
✔️ Ease of communication and service prior to commencement of construction ✔️ Regular, timely and helpful communications during the building period
✔️ Professionalism of supervision ✔️ Quality handover processes
✔️ Management of a customer service culture

3. Read the home builder reviews and testimonials

Looking at best home builders Perth

Reviews and testimonials can play an important role in the decision-making process. Take the time to look beyond the star rating and read what the customers are saying. This way you’ll get the full story whether it’s a bad or good review. 

Remember, the building process starts well before any brick is laid and finishes well after the handover. You’ll want to choose a builder that has exceptional communication and will always be available when you need them 

4. Choose a home builder that offers custom designs

Best Home Builder Perth Interior

What does it mean when a project builder offers custom design? Well, it means you can alter the house plans to match the home design you want. That may mean moving a room from the front to the back of the home or extending a zone. You may also choose to include a luxury kitchen. 

Knowing that your builder is willing to customise your home design is a huge advantage. You can walk into a display home and work out everything you love and what you’d like to change. Instead of thinking ‘this home isn’t for us’, you can discuss any changes with the builder and design your dream home.  

5. Does your home builder have an established name?

Best Home Builder Bueprint Homes

Building a home will be the biggest financial investment you’ll make. You’ll want to be sure you’re dealing with an established builder with a good reputation. A great place to start your research is industry awards. Have they consistently won awards over the last 10 years? What have they been recognised for?

Also, look at what separates your builder from the rest. Ask what materials they use when building your home and how they go above and beyond with their building practices.

If you’re looking for a builder with an established name and years of experience (not to mention a swag of awards), talk to the team at Blueprint Homes. As Perth’s most awarded builder for service, Blueprint Homes can show you how affordable it is to build the perfect home.

Contact us today.

What do you consider more important, the home you own or where you live?

It’s a tough one to split as we all want a home that’s comfortable, with modern features and is big enough to entertain friends. On the other hand, you want a location that will allow you to enjoy a certain lifestyle. That may be in an established suburb close to amenities, an exciting new coastal estate or a relaxing rural setting. 

Well, if you choose to build, you can have the best of both worlds. Many people find the easiest way to get the right home in the perfect location is to purchase a house and land package. This is because experienced builders match the home to the location and layout of the land. You may not realise it at the time, but a house and land package will give you the best designed home for your block. 

So, if you’re beginning your home ownership journey and you’re only focusing on the home you want to build, start thinking about location. There are plenty of blocks in Perth to select from, so let’s look at where to find the best value land in Perth. 

Where is land for sale in Perth?

Land in Perth for sale

There are several factors you should consider before you buy a block of land. A few to consider in the initial stages include:

  • Location
  • Orientation
  • Size and shape

These factors will determine the value of your block now and in the future. Remember, the best value land is not always the cheapest block right now. Look at land that could deliver a better long-term return.

Here are our top six suburbs in Perth where you should consider buying land. They offer excellent value now and long term, and will provide the lifestyle you’re looking for.

Northern Suburbs

Land in Perth's Northern Suburbs

Eglinton

The suburb of Eglinton offers the ultimate coastal lifestyle. The estate is split east and west of Marmion Avenue and is filled with natural open spaces, playgrounds and a range of nearby dining options. With the more established suburbs of Alkimos and Yanchep just next door, there is easy access to shopping and school facilities. Its coastal location offers a great investment opportunity. You only have to look at the soaring prices of other northern suburb coastal areas – 10 years ago, they were new estates and now they are some of the most in-demand suburbs.    

Alkimos

South of Eglinton is the suburb of Alkimos. The suburb features several exciting and growing estates, perfect for families or those wanting a sea change. While the estates might be new, Alkimos has all the amenities you need right now. The planned Mitchell Freeway extension will cut travel time down and you’re right next to the existing Butler train station and proposed Alkimos station. However, the real highlight is the relaxing coastal lifestyle and the chance to be part of a growing community.   

Southern Suburbs

Land in Perth's Southern Suburbs

Lakelands 

Lying north of Mandurah is Lakelands. If you’re looking for a peaceful and relaxed lifestyle, while also being close to shops, schools and transport, this is the ideal location. Lakelands features beautifully landscaped parks, is close to amazing beaches and has an established town centre. You should make some time to view the display homes within the estate and soak up the surroundings. It’s an area that you’ll be happy to call home.

Baldivis

Baldivis is a haven for anyone into water sports. Whether it’s boating, fishing, water skiing or kayaking – everything you need is right here. Large shopping centres, specialty shops and schools are established in the suburb. Plus, there is easy access to the train line or Kwinana Freeway should you need to head into the city.

Eastern Suburbs

Land in Perth's Eastern Suburbs

Bennett Springs 

On the doorstep of the Swan Valley and Whiteman Park, and surrounded by glorious green parks is the new estate of Bennett Springs. For families, there is a range of nearby primary and secondary schools and, as mentioned, green parks with amazing new playgrounds. You’ll love exploring the Swan Valley on the weekends and with easy access to the Tonkin and Reid Highways, commuting to work is a breeze. 

Aveley

Bordering Ellenbrook and the much-loved Swan Valley is the peaceful suburb of Aveley. Having the established suburb of Ellenbrook next door means you won’t have to travel far for anything. Plus, with the nearby Metronet rail system set to be running in 2024, you’ll have plenty of transport options. However, there are enough attractions close by to keep you entertained, including world-class wineries and breweries and The Vines Golf Resort. 

If you want to discover more about these suburbs or find out what house and land packages are currently available, talk to Perth’s most awarded builder for service, Blueprint Homes. We can show you how affordable it is to get the perfect home in the perfect location.

Plus, to save you doing all the running around, Blueprint Homes has developed an exclusive residential land locator. Working closely with Perth’s major land developers, we are able to source land in the area you want as soon as it becomes available. All you need to do is contact us and we’ll do the rest.

Perth is well known for its urban sprawl. Stretching almost 150km from Two Rocks to Dawesville, it’s one of the longest cities in the world. There has always been plenty of talk about curbing the sprawl and making strata development easier but very little action… until now. 

Councils, like the City of Joondalup, have brought in Local Housing Strategies to cope with the rising demand for housing. Zoning laws have been amended to allow more homeowners to subdivide their blocks and build other dwellings. The stats clearly show that Perth residents prefer living in houses rather than apartments or townhouses. In the greater Perth region, houses make up over 70% of the dwellings, with apartments and townhouses making up less than 20%.  

So, now that the government and councils are making it easier for people to subdivide their properties, are you ready to cash in?

Strata Vs Green Title Subdivision

Strata Development Building

If your block meets the requirements for subdivision, your first step should be to talk to a strata development specialist. They’ll explain what type of development is best for your block and budget.

Strata Title Subdivision

The word strata is commonly used when referring to multiple dwellings on one property. In this instance, a block that undergoes a strata title subdivision means individuals share ownership and responsibility of common areas, such as a driveway and mains connections. There are strict laws about what each property owner can and can’t do to their home and property. These laws are regulated by the Strata Titles Act 1985 (WA) and the Strata Schemes Development Act 2015 (WA).

Green Title Subdivision

If your block is divided into individual lots where there are no shared areas, this is a green title or freehold title subdivision. If you choose a green title subdivision for your block, the owners of each block are fully responsible for their parcel of land. Any improvements or upgrades to the land are the sole responsibility of the owner. If your block is big enough to fit two dwellings, this is the preferred method of subdivision.

Why it’s best to talk to a builder FIRST

Strata Development Builder

There are plenty of good reasons to talk to a builder before you consider a subdivision of any kind. For starters, a builder can do most of the leg work for you from getting council approvals to project cost estimations. The experienced team at Blueprint Homes have completed thousands of subdivisions and can help you get started towards financial freedom. 

What to expect from your builder

  • A dedicated and highly experienced Strata Specialist
  • Free consultation regarding your site’s development potential
  • Free on-site assessment to maximising your investment opportunity
  • Land Finder Service should you require land
  • Recommendation for the most suitable design 
  • Complete budget and project costing, including feasibility analysis
  • Re-zoning advice and guidance 
  • Assist with subdivision, demolition and all head works
  • Assistance to obtain planning and building licenses
  • Government and utility approvals obtained
  • Detailed project timeline
  • High-quality designed and constructed home/s 
  • Award-winning customer service
  • Finance assistance 

Remember, rental vacancies are at their lowest ever and the demand for new homes shows no signs of slowing down. Now is the time to take advantage of this opportunity and cash in. 

If you think your block has potential for strata development or you want to find a block to expand your investment portfolio, talk to Perth’s strata experts at Blueprint Homes. Our Senior Design Consultant has over 25 years of experience in the building industry and has personally managed thousands of strata development projects across Perth. Whether this is your first venture into strata development or you’ve developed homes in the past, we’ll help you every step of the way.  

Contact the team at Blueprint Homes today.

For many people, building a new home begins with a search online. You’ll start looking at home designs, testimonials – maybe even read a blog article like this one. Once you find a design you like or a builder you trust, the next step is to see a ready-built home. In other words, a display home.

Obviously, builders can’t build display homes for every design they offer, but they will show you a variety of homes so you can see the workmanship and how they use the space available. This will give you an idea of what your home could look like. 

Builders like Blueprint Homes have display homes all over Perth, from the northern suburbs, to the foothills of Perth and as far south as Lakelands Estate, close to Mandurah. Another reason to visit a display home is to see the fittings and finishings. It’s a great idea to come and see, touch and feel the products that you’ll potentially be selecting for your new home. You’ll also pick up some handy tips on how to furnish your home.

Setting aside a day to visit a display village is a worthwhile experience, so to help you get the most out of it let’s look at what you can expect when visiting display homes in Perth.

Pre-plan your display home visit

Couple

Even if you’re setting aside a whole day, don’t try to pack in too many homes to visit. In one display village, you may have up to 20 homes from 20 different builders. After a while, you’ll forget which one was which. Have a clear idea of the builders you most want to see and spend more time in those display homes.

Each display home will have a sales consultant. These consultants are not there to put the hard sell on you (not Blueprint consultants anyway). They are there to advise and answer your queries, so come armed with as many questions and ideas as you can and don’t be afraid to speak up. If you’re unsure of what to ask, here are some questions to get you started.

  • Can I make changes to the home layout?
  • What’s included in the purchase price?
  • What are optional extras?
  • How are you different from other Perth builders?
  • Is this how my home will look or is this a premium version?
  • Do you have other display homes near me?

Before you venture out to a display home, you should also have a clear idea of your budget. This will help the consultant advise you on the style and size of home you can afford. Often, there are multiple versions of the same home to suit a range of budgets.

Which home builder should you visit first?

Display Village

Depending on the time of day or what day you choose to visit, display villages can be a hive of activity. If you have a must-see home or builder you want to visit, go there first. There was obviously something that drew you to that builder or design while you were looking online, so take your time to thoroughly inspect the home and talk to the consultant.

As we touched on above, the display home you visit will most likely be a premium version of that home design. That means the ceilings may be a little higher, the rooms may be a little larger and the kitchen will be a little more luxurious. This doesn’t mean you can’t build your home exactly like the display home – just be aware that the premium version will come at a premium price.

What’s the next step after you’ve visited a display home?

Making custom changes

Hopefully, you didn’t try to see too many display homes in too little time and have a clear idea of the home you like. You’ll no doubt have a bunch of glossy brochures showing the home design and a list of inclusions. Now you need to narrow down the field.

The good news is, you don’t need to compromise as much as you might think. Blueprint Homes is one of the few project builders that offers custom design changes at no extra cost. So, let’s say that you like 80% of the Blueprint Homes’ design but you’d prefer the kid’s bedrooms at the back of the house, or the alfresco area moved… not a problem. Blueprint won’t charge you for the service to make changes to your plans before you start building. You are free to make as many changes as you would like, to make the home design perfect for you. The Blueprint Homes’ team may even recommend changes to suit the size and shape of your block. It’s all about building a home that matches you and your lifestyle.

If you want to visit one of Blueprint Homes’ display homes, click here to get information on locations and opening times. Alternatively, if you want to chat with a consultant, contact us now.

Finance is always a hot topic. Over the last few years, we’ve seen the price of living skyrocket while wages have stagnated. For many that means less (if any) savings in the bank.

So, what if you’re looking to build your dream home? If you approach a bank, they’ll generally lend you 80% of the property value and you have to cough up the other 20%. Sounds reasonable right? But if you’re spending $500,000 on a house and land package, that’s a $100,000 deposit. Who’s got that kind of cash sitting in the bank?

Thankfully, there are other options, including ‘no savings home loans’ or ‘low deposit home loans’. Rather than having to outlay 20%, you may only need 1%, 2% or 5% for a deposit – a much more manageable and realistic option. 

While a lower deposit means you can get into a home sooner, there are some reasons people shy away from no savings home loans. Let’s dig a bit deeper and find out if a no savings home loan is the right loan for you.

How a No Savings Home Loan works

First Homebuyers

Before you can apply for a No Savings Home Loan there are a few qualifying questions you’ll need to tick off.

I am at least 18 years of age

I am a permanent Australian resident

I am up to date with all monthly loan repayments

I am employed and earn a gross annual income of at least $50,000

I don’t have any defaults or bad credit history 

If you do qualify for a Low Deposit or No Savings Home Loan, you’ll then be separated into further categories.

First Homeowner

If you classify as a first homeowner, you can apply for, and use, the First Home Owners Grant towards your home deposit. You’ll be surprised at how even a 5% deposit can make a big difference to your overall payments. Be sure to check whether your loan requires a parent or family member to go guarantor on your loan. A guarantor is basically extra security for the bank and can sometimes be required for a no savings home loan.

Current Homeowner

If you are a current homeowner and are considering building an investment property, some no savings or low deposit home loans may not apply. Talk to the team at InReach Finance to find out which loan option is best.

It’s important to note that while the banks may reduce their usual 20% deposit for your home loan, they could insist you pay a one-off fee to protect themselves. This is known as Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). This fee can add thousands of dollars to your loan amount and will only benefit the bank should you be unable to make your repayments. Make sure you ask about LMI when you are applying for your home loan.

How to apply for a No Savings Home Loan

Keys to new home

If you’ve ticked off all the qualifying questions, the next step is to talk to a lender. This could be a bank or an independent finance broker. If you’ve never had a home loan before and you’re building your first home, it’s good to talk to someone who specialises in lending for construction homes.

Using a lender that knows the construction industry and how mortgage payments work can help you in the long run. 

  1. There is no alliance with any bank or lending institute – it’s all about getting you the best interest rate and term loan. 
  2. A home construction specialist knows you don’t need to pay a builder up front and that payments are made in stages throughout the build.
  3. They work closely with the builder and do a lot of the leg work for you. This includes managing your finances, so you only pay the builder when it’s needed.  

If you’re ready to build your dream home now, talk to Blueprint Homes’ exclusive finance division, InReach Finance. Whether you have some deposit or no deposit, the team at InReach Finance will help you find the perfect loan.

When you decide to build your dream home, you’ll want it to look exactly as you imagined. Whether it’s expanding the size of your entertaining area or having a luxury kitchen – you’ll want to choose a builder who can customise your floor plan and deliver exactly what you want.

It sounds easy, right? Well, there are two ways to approach this. The first is to get your home designed by an architect or draftsman and engage a custom builder to build your home. The big issue here is cost. You will get what you want but you’ll pay a lot for it.

The second approach is to find a project builder that offers custom floor plans. You may have found a home design that’s similar to what you want but you’d like to make adjustments or you’ve got the design ideas in your head and you need someone to put them onto paper. A builder like Blueprint Homes can do this at no extra cost. Clearly, this is a much more affordable way of building your dream home.

Apart from the savings, why else would you choose a project builder that offers custom floor plans? Let’s take a look.

Your floor plan is custom designed around you

Custom floor plan - living area

If you’re building a home that you’re going to be in for a long time, you’ll want it to match your lifestyle. Maybe you’re the outdoors type and need a bit more width or height in the garage for your ‘big boy’s toys.’ Or you love your movies and would prefer a larger theatre room. If you choose the right builder and let them know your ideas up front, they will custom design the floor plan you want.

It’s also important to consider unexpected lifestyle changes, like working from home. It may not require a big adjustment to your floor plan but creating a separate study away from the main living area is well worth considering.  

Some of the most common custom additions or alterations include:

  • Adding a scullery to the kitchen (standard in many Blueprint Homes’ floor plans)
  • Relocating or removing a room
  • Increase height of living or family room ceiling (also standard in many Blueprint Homes’ floor plans)
  • Lengthening or widening a room or zone
  • Upgrading from standard fixtures to luxury features

Custom designing a floor plan to fit your block

Custom design home on block

When you begin customising your floor plan, make sure you consider how your home is positioned on the block. Your builder should advise you early on how to position your home to maximise natural light and warmth. This usually involves facing your living areas towards the north as much as possible. By doing this, your main living areas will receive sunlight for the longest part of the day in winter and will be shaded by the eaves of your home in summer. Not only will you be more comfortable in your home but you’ll also save an enormous amount off your heating and cooling bills.  

If you’ve visited display homes recently and thought the home is too big for your block – think again. A custom design builder can adjust the whole layout to ensure the home fits your block perfectly. On the flip side, if you have a large block and want a home that will fill the space, you can expand or add to your favourite design as much as you want.

How to start custom designing your home

Discussing custom foor plan

So, what’s the first step to building a custom designed home? You’ll need to choose a trusted builder – one that guarantees what they say and can back up. 

At Blueprint Homes, we offer all customers our Peace of Mind Pledge. This pledge assures you that the home you want is the home you’ll get. Using our Design Matrix, you’ll be able to sit with our design team and adjust the home layout exactly as you want. This means you see and approve everything before a single brick is laid. Now that’s peace of mind! 

Our Peace of Mind Pledge is one of many  reasons why Blueprint Homes have won a record number of Customer Service Awards from the HIA and MBA. In fact, the first criteria to win such an award is ‘Assistance with the Design Process’. We take great pride in being recognised for our dedication to our customers and delivering them the perfect home.   

If you want a custom designed home, without any added costs, contact Blueprint Homes today.

We’ve all seen the recent headlines…

“Perth builder goes into liquidation” “Family left with unfinished home”

Understandably, the public has plenty of questions and concerns. 

Over the last two years, the building industry has been booming. Shouldn’t WA builders be in a strong financial position? 

Well, there are several factors that have caused some companies to fail.

  • Increase in building materials and labour costs
  • Taking on too much work
  • Poor financial management  

Potentially, it’s a combination of all the above. 

For Perth’s more experienced builders, they saw how rapidly the market was growing and made the call to limit the number of clients they took on. While every builder has been subjected to supply issues and cost increases, some have better managed their clients’ expectations and their own finances. 

For couples and families beginning their home building journey, they want security and assurances that they’ll get a quality-built home in the quickest possible time. Most are turning to Perth’s trusted building names – those who have been at the forefront of the industry for years. 

Let’s take a closer look at the type of builders you should avoid and how a wrong decision could cost you thousands of dollars.

How to spot a dodgy builder

We’ve always been told if it’s too good to be true then it probably is. A builder that makes handshake deals or doesn’t provide any references is someone to be avoided. 

Here are a few tips to help you spot unsavoury operators.

Deceptively low price

It’s the first thing many people look at but buying on price alone is fraught with danger. As we said above, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Make sure you do plenty of research and ask questions, lots of questions. If the builder avoids answering anything, that’s a red flag. Remember, you may pay less for your house up front but if the builder is using cheap materials or cutting corners, you’ll be paying for it in the long run.

No references 

It’s wise to speak with previous clients of your home builder- it will help you decide whether the builder is best suited to you. If a builder doesn’t want to show you any references, they may be hiding something. When you do get to chat with a reference, ask: 

  • Were you happy with the quality of the build? 
  • What was communication like?
  • How well did the builder respond when problems arose? 
  • Would you choose the same builder again?  

No written quote & large deposit

All quotes should be written. No ifs, no buts. If your builder doesn’t present a written quote outlining everything involved in your build, it’s time to walk away. Another thing that has featured in the press recently is how much money people lost when their building company collapsed. Your builder shouldn’t request a huge up-front deposit, as per the Home Building Contracts Act 1991. Instead, progress payments are made as your building progresses.

Pushing you to sign a contract

A good builder will not rush you to sign a contract. You should have plenty of time to review any paperwork and run it past all legal parties if required. If the salesperson is hovering over you with a pen while you’re trying to read the fine print, that’s another red flag.

Understand what’s included and excluded in the price

Building a new home is certainly an exciting time and some builders will take advantage of your euphoria and skip over important conditions in your contract. 

The golden rule is…. Don’t sign anything you don’t understand.

A building contract is more than just standard paperwork. If you’re not 100% sure about something, ask your builder before you sign… it could end up saving you thousands.

What is ‘Prime Cost’ and ‘Provisional Sum’?

Prime cost is the budget set aside for items in your new home. This can include things like taps and light fittings. If you had a particular style of tap or light you wanted installed but didn’t let the builder know, they may install a low budget product and add that cost (along with a healthy mark-up) to the prime cost.

Remember to state on the contract what items you want installed before you sign. If you don’t, you’ll end up paying for the already installed items as well as any new fittings you want.

Provisional sums can be a costly addition to your building process if you’re not careful. Basically, this refers to the unknown or estimated costs during your build, like excavation. The key is to always have clear communication between you and your builder. More experienced builders will usually be able to give you a closer estimated cost.  

Changing the floorplan

For builders like Blueprint Homes, changing the floorplan before you build is not a problem. Unfortunately, that’s not the case with every builder. Again, it’s crucial to ensure you make changes before you sign any contract. Even minor additions or extensions can change the number of materials needed or the labour required.

Remember, when you do make any changes to your contract, be sure to get both you and the builder to initial the changes. If you don’t, it won’t be legally binding. Don’t let the builder tell you ‘they’ll sort it out later’. You have to pay attention to the small details to ensure you don’t get any big surprises.

Building timeline 

This can be a touchy subject for both building companies and homeowners. Each party wants to get the home to handover stage but there are often other factors that cause delays. A lot of issues can be resolved with clear and open communication. As we’ve seen, when you have record homes being built in the middle of a global pandemic with material and labour shortages, deadlines are going to be extended. You need a builder that’s upfront and honest with you, not one making promises that never get delivered. 

If you want to talk to a trusted WA builder who has years of experience and a swag of industry awards behind them, talk to Blueprint Homes. Blueprint can help you find a block of land, arrange your finance and deliver the home you richly deserve.

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