Month: May 2020

When it comes to finding your next home, you might choose to buy an existing home, build off the plan, or request an entirely bespoke solution to suit your needs. There’s a multitude of reasons that building a custom home is the superior choice – and here are seven of the most compelling.

1. You’ll love the design.
   Pure and simple, a custom home is designed specifically for you. We take into account which architectural styles you love, how much space you’ll need and how you love to live. The result is a home that suits you: A house you’ll love looking at as you pull into the driveway, and somewhere that truly looks and feels like home.
2. Spaces are designed for your lifestyle.
   When building a custom home, you can prioritise what matters to you. If your family loves watching a movie together every Friday night, then let us design an epic home cinema to suit. If you’re big on entertaining, let us design a multi-function space that provides the perfect backdrop for your gatherings.
3. Your home is designed for your block.
   Every block of land is unique, and every home should be too. The best custom home builders in Sydney can bring out the full potential in a block of land through custom services, particularly for house plans for sloping blocks with views, narrow blocks and unusually shaped blocks. Your home can be customised to make the most of views, light, ventilation and more.
4. You’ll be surrounded by your colours and your choices.
   You simply don’t need to put up with someone else’s taste in paint colours, bathroom finishes or door handles. Your custom home building process will include the ability to select finishes that you’ll love to be surrounded by every day. There’s a real sense of joy in using a kitchen benchtop that you personally chose, for example.
5. You can get great value for your investment.
   Why buy an existing home or build an off-the-plan home that doesn’t quite suit, when you can build a bespoke home to suit your needs? When you consider the square-metre value you get with a custom home, it’s an easy choice. The thoughtful custom home build timeline ensures that you won’t be paying for anything you don’t want – and everything you do.
6. You could well have lower energy bills.
   Building materials and energy-efficient design principles have come a long way in recent years. In working with the right builder, you can have a new home that is positioned perfectly to catch winter sun, allows fresh breezes through living spaces in the summer and is built with energy efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems.
7. Maintenance will be minimal.
   A brand-new custom house means no old plumbing issues, no shady electrical work and no peeling paint to deal with. It’s all modern, clean and bright, ready for you to move in. That means years of enjoyment and time to spend in the garden or relaxing, rather than fixing.

Life’s too short to live in a house you don’t love. To get started on your own design, get in touch with the respected Wincrest Bespoke team today. Our stunning custom home designs demonstrate our expertise as luxury custom home builders in Sydney.

You might be planning to knock down and rebuild in Sydney for a number of reasons:

• You envision a better-designed home and layout in place of your current home.
• Your current home is showing its age, requiring costly repairs or renovations.
• Your family is outgrowing your home, or alternatively you’re looking to downsize or simplify.

But how much does it cost to knock down rebuild? And how long will the entire process take? While knock down rebuild projects will vary in terms of cost and duration, there are certain things worth keepiung in mind to ensure your home building journey goes smoothly. As you explore the process of a knock down rebuild in Sydney, here are six things to consider:

1. Site inspection and assessment
   Once you’ve decided how much you can spend to knock down and rebuild on your home block, the first step is to have your knock down rebuild builders conduct an initial site inspection and consultation. We assess the size, slope, shape and surroundings of your land and speak with you in depth about your vision for your new home. Upward sloping block house designs are often more affordable to build than flat blocks. You see, it is all about selecting the right builder. A builder like Wincrest Bespoke understands the challenges of a sloping block and has the experience to realise its full potential. At the site inspection, a realistic estimate price guide will be given to build your dream home on your block.What you should know: You can either work with our own architectural designers or bring your architect’s DA-approved design to us. We can work closely with your architect to interpret and realise the vision you have for your home.
2. Design and consultation
   Our specialist team of architectural designers will work with you to design a custom home that makes the most of your site’s views, light, breezes and location to suit your lifestyle. When you love the design, we consult with certifiers, engineers and trades to present you with a tender that outlines all costs clearly.What you should know: If your site has a slope or a unique shape, then it’s worth building with a specialist builder such as Wincrest Bespoke. Experienced builders who build on sloping blocks of land will better understand the challenges of designing and building on unique blocks. While gradient, drainage, light and position can present a challenge when it comes to building on sloping blocks, it does not mean your block is unbuildable. Instead, Wincrest Bespoke sees it as an opportunity to build a perfect family home; one that works with the shape and slope of your block, not against it.
   
3. Pre-construction approval
   Here we work with you to finalise the preliminary draft plans, which will include a site plan, floor plans and elevations, all meticulously designed to meet local building requirements. We’ll work with you to address any changes you might like to see. Once you’re completely happy to sign off we submit all documentation to apply for DA or CDC approval on your behalf. As this is happening, you’ll be able to choose colours, finishes and products for your new home.What you should know: There are two options for building approval: A Development Application (DA) from your local council; or if applicable, a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) which can lead to faster approval saving you time and money. Your builder will help to determine which might be right for your needs.
   
4. Demolition approval and commencement
   As we gain DA or CDC approval, it’s time to obtain a Demolition Permit from your local council. We can introduce you to a demolition specialist who can begin the process of demolishing the current building. Here’s where you say goodbye to your old home as the space for your new home is cleared.What you should know: Services on the property such as gas, electricity and sewers must be disconnected prior to demolition. The position of fences, the water metre and trees may also need to be considered, but your demolition specialist will confirm what is necessary for your property.
   
5. Construction commences
   Once your block is cleared and all approvals are in place, your builder begins work on building your custom home. You’ll have regular updates from your dedicated Senior Building Supervisor and a member of the construction team, who will ensure everything is running smoothly on site.What you should know: An independent quality control professional will conduct inspections throughout the building process so you can be sure the highest standards are being met.
   
6. Handover
   There is one final independent inspection prior to completion, where you’ll walk through your home with the Senior Building Supervisor. Once you have received your keys, you are free to move in and relax in your brand new custom house.What you should know: Our experienced custom home building team can help you to navigate the entire building process from initial site inspection to handover with our comprehensive services, making the entire journey an enjoyable and stress-free experience for you.
   

If you’re considering Wincrest Bespoke as your custom home builders in Sydney, you can explore our custom home design gallery or read our testimonials from delighted homeowners. We’d be happy to visit your address and explore the potential for your block and new home.

Is your home starting to show its age? Perhaps it’s had a few additions over the years and the cracks are starting to show. Maybe there’s a long to-do list you’ve been postponing, from plumbing to structural work to painting. For many homeowners, this is the point when they choose between pouring money into fixing their existing home and starting afresh. And it raises one big question: how much will it cost to knock down and rebuild in Sydney? 

It may be surprising to hear that the cost per square metre can actually be cheaper than renovating. Of course, exact prices are site-specific so there is no one-size-fits-all price guide. To help you get a vague idea of the costs associated with a knock down rebuild in Sydney, we’ve outlined the contributing factors that may increase or decrease the final price.

Comparing renovating costs versus knock down rebuild cost in Sydney

It’s worth considering the costs on either side of the decision. On one hand, renovations can quickly become expensive, with no guarantee of a polished finish. Some homeowners might face quotes of $10,000 or more to resolve a major plumbing issue, while a new kitchen can cost between $12,000 and $20,000 on average. Kitchen and bathroom remodels are common in older houses, and both of these projects can take a significant budget to complete professionally.

There’s also the chance of unexpected issues arising from renovation projects, such as fixing previously unknown structural issues, rotting timber, termites or mould. The possibility of uncovering unexpected problems makes it difficult to accurately predict costs and timing when renovating.

Of course, careful budgeting and planning are not only required for renovations. There are also important factors that must be carefully reviewed if you are considering the standard knock down rebuild cost in Sydney. Demolition, design and the manual building process must all be incorporated into your budget when organising the cost of knock down rebuild. While your custom home budget will be entirely up to you, the costs associated with demolition are already generally established by the current condition and location of your property.

How much does it cost to knock down a house?

The exact knock down rebuild cost in Sydney depends on a range of factors, most notably the material that your house is made from. A timber house will naturally be cheaper to demolish in comparison to a home made from brick and cement, as brick demolitions require heavier equipment. 

Other aspects that may affect the cost associated with demolition include:

• How easily accessible your property is
• The removal of hazardous materials, such as asbestos or mould.
• How large your property is and the size of the house you are demolishing

Prepare for unexpected costs

It can be difficult to preemptively determine the exact cost of a knock down rebuild, as each demolition project is as different as the houses being knocked down. Unexpected costs can easily arise from a demolition if hazardous materials like asbestos are found within your property. 

If your current house was built before 1990, then there is a chance that asbestos was incorporated within its structure. Due to the serious health implications of asbestos, asbestos removal and disposal can be both a timely and costly task. The cost of removing and disposing asbestos will depend on the exact type of asbestos and how much of it is present within the house.

Site costs

Site costs are the expenses associated with building a home on a specific lot of land. Site costs may include:

• The adjustment of utility services such as gas, electrical, sewer or stormwater.
• Land levelling in the case of sloping block house plans
• Zoning requirements
• Parking or traffic management

The specifics of site costs are covered by your development action (DA), which will address the exact provisions associated with knocking down and rebuilding in your local council. 

Find out more about gaining DA approval in NSW here.

Demolition costs

Demolition costs vary from project to project. Factors such as location, neighbouring structures, temporary fences, trees and access to the site will all impact the final cost of knock down rebuild projects.

Accomodation costs

While your house is under construction, there may be associated costs with finding temporary accommodation. Hotels and rental properties may offer a special price if you are planning on staying for an extended period of time. You may also be able to cut costs by staying with friends or family for free. 

It’s important that you are fully aware of the custom home build timeline before committing to your temporary accommodation. This will ensure that you correctly budget your accommodation costs and factor this into your overall project.

Non financial costs

There can be another, less tangible cost to renovations and rebuilds, and that is the potential emotional toll. The time and energy spent on finding and vetting multiple renovation contractors and monitoring their work can be draining – and doing renovation work yourself is a whole new level of tiring!

Building a new home also requires working with an experienced team to realise an end goal, so that you can experience a smooth and stress-free process. At Wincrest Bespoke we have a dedicated project manager on each build who is your main point of contact for our services, and our team provides a fixed price for the project to provide peace of mind. From design to finish, you can rest assured knowing we’ll guide you through the process without pressure or hidden costs. That feeling in itself can be invaluable.

The end product

Ultimately, the knock down rebuild process results in a custom-built home that is worth the associated costs and waiting time. Your final home will be tailored to your exact needs in a way that is impossible to achieve by purchasing a pre-existing property. You’ll have living spaces that are designed for your family and the way you love to live. You could have plenty of storage, from walk-in closets to spacious pantries. You’ll also have a home that uses your block of land to its full potential. That can eliminate a range of problems that an existing property can have – from awkward garage entries, to living spaces that cost a lot to heat because of their poor design.

Wincrest Bespoke specialises in designing and building custom home designs that capitalise on the innate benefits of your lot while also putting your design objectives at the forefront of the project.

Ready to get started? Get in contact with Wincrest Bespoke

Our experienced team is ready to help you build your dream home. To discover how you could transform your pre-existing house into a home that is perfect for your lifestyle, get in touch with us today.

You may be planning a new home build, a knock down and rebuild or a major renovation to your property. If this is the case, these works will require DA approval before work can begin. Here, we answer the most common questions asked about the approval process in New South Wales.

What is a DA approval?

A development application, or DA, is a request for legal documentation that will permit a development to go ahead on a specific lot of land in accordance with local planning requirements. DA approval is typically provided by your local council.

How do I get DA approval in NSW?

You can submit a DA to your local council, or have a DA submitted on your behalf. The process can be quite complex depending on what the planned works involve and where the property is located, and can take anywhere from two weeks to a number of months for the council to process.

If you’re working with a builder, architect or engineer to make a change to your property, they’ll typically prepare and submit the DA on your behalf. The benefit to this is that a local building or design team will often be familiar with the unique rules of your council area, so designs and applications can be tailored to suit. As such, gaining approval can be a far smoother process when working with a professional provider.

You might prefer to engage one team who can both design and build a home; or to engage a builder who can provide a design and gain DA approval on your behalf before taking these DA-approved plans to your builder of choice. At Wincrest Bespoke we provide both options for our clients.

How much does DA approval cost in NSW?

The cost of submitting a development application will vary depending on the nature and cost of the works, and which local council your property is located in. DA fees can range from a couple of hundred dollars for minor works to thousands of dollars for a large project. You can usually find a schedule of fees and charges on your local council’s website.

If working with custom builders in Sydney who submits a DA on your behalf, this cost may be included as part of the services they provide.

How long does a DA approval last in NSW?

Once again, this depends on the works and which local council your property is situated in. DA approvals will specify a lapsing date, which are typically two to five years from the date of consent. This means that the approved building, engineering or construction work must commence within this time period. Extensions may be available upon application to the local council. If you’re building or knocking down and rebuilding a home with a custom builder like Wincrest Bespoke, then the process will be streamlined to ensure you step into your new home as soon as possible.

Is there an alternative to a DA that might be faster?

Yes there is! It’s called a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) and it can streamline the approval process significantly – in fact, plans can have approval within 10 days rather than months. A CDC is issued by a private certifier rather than council and verifies that the plans abide by state government regulations against the rigorous planning and environmental criteria. Another benefit is that in order to lodge for a CDC all total costs must be provided upfront, so you’ll receive a final cost for your home early in the process.

You can visit one of our offices or call your local Wincrest Bespoke team to find out if you can be in your brand new home faster with CDC.