Contrary to popular belief, building a new home from scratch is easier, more efficient and more cost-effective than buying an established home. It may sound daunting, especially if the last home you built was a cubby house when you were eight. But if you can remember the sense of emotional satisfaction you felt then, imagine how fulfilled you’ll feel when you get to “build house” as an adult.
The biggest advantage of starting with a blank slate is you’ll get exactly what you want in your home build. You can choose a new home design that suits your needs, rather than trying to modernise an older home. Forget about faded driveways and orange-brown brickwork – when you build the house you can go for fittings, colours, materials and designs that match your style and personality. There is a veritable avalanche of information and inspiration online to help you through every step of your home build journey.
‘The biggest advantage of starting with a blank slate is you’ll get exactly what you want.’
In terms of budget, when you build your house you enjoy stamp duty savings and a fixed-contract price (no nasty surprises!). But even more than that, you’re also likely to save long-term on repairs, maintenance and utility bills. A new house build is more energy efficient and lacks the health concerns or toxic materials of an older home – like asbestos, lead paint, termites and mould. The layout and appliances you choose can maximise efficiency in the kitchen and laundry to drastically reduce your electricity, gas and water bills, and increase the re-sale value of your property. The government also provides first-time home builders with a tidy financial boost thanks to the First Home Buyers Grant.
Another perk of new house build is peace of mind. When you build a new home, you can rest easy knowing that not only are you getting the best from experienced, qualified house builders, but also that everything is under warranty – even the building structure. So your most important asset is properly covered; something that just isn’t possible when buying an older house. In most states and territories, home warranty insurance includes protection against defects in work and materials as well as structural defects and non-completed work. So all the major things, as well as the minor ones such as sticking drawers, wall cracks and nail pops are covered during the ‘settling’ period.
So, how long does it take to build a house? There are quite a few variables, which all affect the answer to that question. Obviously, it depends on exactly what you’re after, but on average the process can take between four and 12 months. It’s a surprisingly short timeframe when you consider that searching for an established home, attending inspections and going to auctions can take just as long, if not longer. Some houses, such as turnkey designs, can be built in as little as eight to 12 weeks, while more customised options will take longer.
A new home build may take slightly longer than a cubby house, but it’s much less complicated and arduous than people think. Sure, there’s more to consider than simply how to steal mum’s best bed sheets and dining chairs before your sister does, but you’ll reap lifelong rewards, and benefit from a generous dose of action and nostalgia. Jump on the home building platform and get ready to start the ride of your life.
How to buy off the plan, that new house you have been dreaming of.
Let us do the legwork for you.
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