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Learning how to build custom homes requires constant consideration for your own personal needs, rather than traditional room design practices.

The kitchen is no exception. We consider every aspect of how this space will be used within your new home and this can come down to the smallest of details: bright lighting for food preparation; a place for everything; perhaps space for friends and family to sit and chat while you cook. Our architectural designers have designed their fair share of spacious, functional and modern kitchens – and below are some of the key aspects we consider for your custom home , as part of our luxury home designs and build services.

Making it spacious and inviting

Put simply, the kitchen is really the heart of the home. It’s where our families gather for mealtimes and to discuss how our days have gone. It’s where we dish up favourite recipes. It can be where we proudly display artwork that our kids or grandkids have created, nurture our first precious coffee of the morning and make a cup of tea in the evening. That’s why the kitchen must be an open, inviting and thoughtfully designed space for the whole family – your family.

Exploring how your family uses the kitchen

Every family will use their kitchen differently. We can position the kitchen sink or bench to overlook the back garden, so you can watch your children while they play. You might like a butler’s pantry and sink to clear away the dishes during your famous dinner parties, or a wine cellar for your vintage collection. Or perhaps you’d like a pass-through kitchen window with a sleek bar on the outside so you can serve up cocktails in the summer. With luxury custom home builders in Sydney such as Wincrest Bespoke, this is the level of thought and personalisation that can go into your home design.

Considering space and storage 

Whether it’s just the two of you or you have a growing family, it’s vital to master the size and layout of your kitchen storage. Perhaps you’ll need extra space in your walk-in pantry for the vegetables you’ll be growing in your new garden. Maybe you’d love a sliding door to tidy away your toaster and juicer after breakfast each morning. Perhaps you’ve always wanted a commercial-style stainless steel bench so you can prepare extravagant pasta recipes. It can all be considered with the best builders for custom homes in Sydney.

Planning out the kitchen triangle 

While it’s important that your cabinets are designed in a style and finish that you love, functionality is just as key. That’s why your architectural designer will design with the ‘kitchen triangle’ in mind. This means that the kitchen sink, cooktop and refrigerator are all within a few steps of one another. It’s a simple enough premise, but it ensures your new kitchen is easy, safe and a joy to use.

Personalising finishes and colours to suit your style

In order to truly personalise your new home and kitchen, our experienced Senior Colour Consultant & Interior Decorator will help you to select external and internal colours, finishes and products to suit your personal style. Whether you’re envisioning a sleek and modern kitchen with polished surfaces, a classic and warm atmosphere complete with native timber flooring or something entirely different, our in-depth design process will ensure your kitchen aesthetic is realised to the highest of standards.

We’d be delighted to show you beautiful kitchens that we’ve designed and built, and the stunning custom homes that have led to glowing testimonials from happy clients at Wincrest Bespoke.

Australian home owners are increasingly embracing narrow blocks. Quite often, these smaller blocks can open up a world of opportunities in the most established and desirable of neighbourhoods. A home that’s cleverly designed to suit a narrow block can lead to a home that’s truly yours and unique in all the right ways. So how can you ensure every metre of your narrow block is put to its best use? With the right luxury custom home builders in Sydney, who will consider these essential aspects:

Creating open and vertical space

If you can’t build horizontally, you can still build vertically. Narrow block home designs will feel spacious and expansive with open plan living spaces and high ceilings of 2.7 metres or higher. Large floor-to-ceiling windows can fill each space with natural light and give you consistent outlooks to your green landscaping outside.

Incorporating important features

By working with a custom home builder on your narrow block, you won’t need to forego any of the must-haves you might be envisioning for your new home. A double garage, entertaining spaces, a chef-quality kitchen with plenty of bench space: it can all be possible with the right narrow block builder. We’ve created extraordinary narrow block home designs for our clients with all the mod cons.

Using split-level design to its full potential

There will be many narrow block homes in Sydney that are also situated on a hillside. If your narrow block has a slope, a split-level home design could be an ideal way to keep living spaces open while maximising any views. These house designs are also great for creating separate sleeping and living zones, which is perfect if you have kids, teens or adult children at home.

Thinking about accessibility

If you think only a single storey home can be designed to be wheelchair or walker-friendly, think again. With the increasing use and affordability of lifts in personal homes together with innovative house design, double storey and split-level homes can be designed for ease of access for everyone.

Considering council codes

Your council may have rules for narrow block homes, which may limit aspects such as building height and storeys, setbacks from each boundary or parking provisions. Building with an experienced narrow block builder will ensure that your plans are thoughtfully designed to accommodate these rules, rather than having to adapt to them at a later stage.

Put simply – don’t be narrow minded when it comes to narrow blocks. There’s no need to forego spacious living areas, or to sacrifice a top location or breathtaking view. Despite the smaller space, the design approach can be bigger and better. Smart design techniques, creative use of interior design elements and some architectural knowhow will create some incredible results.

Here at Wincrest Bespoke we love the challenge of building on narrow blocks – after all, much of our best work comes from building within the parameters of a uniquely shaped lot of land. Explore our full range of services, or contact us today to talk through your narrow block requirements. It’s time to think outside the box – narrow, wide or whatever the size!

When you build with our experienced custom home builders in Sydney, you have flexibility in how you might prefer to develop your custom home design. You might either work with Wincrest Bespoke’s expert in-house architectural designers, or you can also work with an architect of your own choice and bring your DA-approved plans to us. So how do you decide which option will best suit your needs?

If you don’t know where to begin

If you’re new to the world of custom home building or are looking for a seamless process with one point of contact, then you might consider working with Wincrest Bespoke from start to finish. Our architectural designers can work closely with you to understand your unique requirements and develop your bespoke concept home design from the ground up. Thanks to our familiarity with local planning regulations and awareness of what is a DA approval timeline, your design will be envisioned in a way that that aligns with these regulations to ensure the approval process will be as smooth, accurate and efficient as possible.

Many past clients have engaged an architect and brought their designs to us without knowing they could have started the process with our professional designing services. While we love working closely with architects, there’s nothing quite like building from start to finish with one collaborative team. Depending on the project, designing and building with us can save property owners time and money while creating their beautifully custom home.

If you’re building on a sloping or challenging block

Average construction practices, such as how long it takes to build a house once slab is poured, often differ when it comes to designing homes on uniquely shaped blocks of land. We are one of the only and best custom home builders in Sydney for blocks with a slope of 7 metres or more, and our home designs clearly demonstrate our expertise in this area. With extensive experience in building split level home designs for sloping blocks, Our designers and split level home builders can optimise your views, breezes, natural sunlight and space on even the most difficult of sites.

If you’re planning a knock down and rebuild

When it comes to demolishing your existing home and rebuilding a new custom home in its place, you’ll want to be confident that every aspect of the design is going to be thoughtfully considered. Our architectural designers are adept at reimagining the way a block of land can be used in a knock down and rebuild project. That being said, we can work closely with your chosen architect to match the intended vision for your knock down and rebuild.

If you have a specific architect in mind

Architects can have a unique style that might really connect with what you have envisioned for your new home. If you’ve been following a favourite architect’s work for years and you’re excited to see how they interpret your custom home brief, then you can be confident that Wincrest Bespoke is the builder to seamlessly collaborate with your architect and bring their concept to life. As luxury custom home builders in Sydney we have worked with some of the finest architects available – you can simply ask our team if you’d like to see examples of architect-designed homes we’ve completed.

Whether you ultimately choose to bring your architectural plans to us or create a custom design with our architectural designers, you can be sure that Wincrest Bespoke’s custom home builders in Sydney will be able to understand your vision and create a stunning bespoke home to suit your lifestyle – as we have for many families before.

And for those that are still tossing up between whether they should buy or build their first home, the knowledge that custom builds allow you to build your dream home from the ground up can make the latter an especially appealing prospect. Get in touch with our team to find out more about our custom home designs.

You’ll undoubtedly hear the phrase ‘custom home design’ used often if you’re planning to build a new home, but there is a lot of confusion out there about what custom design truly means. Everyone from house and land developers to custom home builders in Sydney might use the term in their communications with clients, but it’s time to be clear on this; true custom design is about much more than simply shifting a couple of walls or making minor adjustments to an existing floor plan.

What is custom home design?

Custom home design is truly one-of-a-kind design. That means that when you walk into your newly built home, every aspect of its design, orientation, spaces, textures and finishes has been considered and tailored to your unique preferences and lifestyle.

Custom design does not begin with an adapted or reused design.

It begins with an in-depth discussion and an entirely blank piece of paper.

Your floor plan should be designed literally from the ground up, taking into account your block of land and its unique characteristics to optimise the space and any outlooks it can offer. Your walls should take into account the size and structure of your family, the way you interact in your living spaces and your future needs. The street appeal should appeal to you above all others. When you see your custom built home designs, you should be able to see yourself right at home.

How to ensure your custom house fits you

If you’re thinking about building a custom home, it’s worth thinking about the lifestyle aspects that make you, you. If you work from home often, you might like a light-filled office with plenty of storage. If you’re into woodworking or working on classic cars in your spare time, a double or triple garage with plentiful storage will be ideal. If you have ageing parents living with you at home or your kids are reaching adulthood, then a separate wing with its own entrance will certainly be worth considering so everyone can maintain independence. And if you love having people over, you’ll want to ensure you have plenty of kitchen bench space, a butler’s pantry and a spacious front deck for summer barbecues.

The value in a true custom home design

If you are considering whether you should build or buy an existing home, you might be surprised to learn How long does a knock down rebuild take? Are the costs and associated time worth it? There are a lot of questions you may have about the value in designing a fully customised home. Yes, the finished price may be higher than a standard project home, but with good reason. The biggest benefit to you and your family in deciding to build a custom home over a standard project is that you can build the home that you’ve always imagined.  A truly unique home that ticks all of your boxes – not a “cookie cutter” design that might be perfectly nice but not the home of your dreams.

Wincrest Bespoke is certainly not a project home builder. As experienced luxury custom home builders in Sydney, everything we do centres around delivering the ultimate quality on every bespoke build for our clients. Not only will your home be entirely unique when you build with us, but the way in which we build custom homes, as well as the premium finishes provided, will put your home a cut above the rest. That ensures true value for your investment.

Starting your custom home design

Do you have some scribbled ideas for your dream home on a napkin? Our architectural designers would love to see them. Whether you have a vision or don’t know where to begin, or are working with your own architect to develop your home design, Wincrest Bespoke can work with you to design, construct and bring to life your truly custom home.

So next time you hear any builder say, “yes, we can custom design your home”, be sure to check exactly what they mean by custom. It should always begin with your block of land, a blank piece of paper and plenty of questions about the way you live.

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.

If your home has seen better days and you’re looking to giving it a freshen up, you might be considering whether it’s better to renovate or to knock down and rebuild in Sydney. While it’s an entirely personal choice, asking yourself these four questions could help to clarify your decision.

How many rooms are you planning to refresh – one, two or all?

There’s little sense in rebuilding a perfectly good home when some new bathroom tiles could lift the quality of your home, but the decision becomes more complex if you’re planning to renovate most of your home’s spaces. Structural work such as taking out or changing load-bearing walls can quickly become expensive – not to mention the complexities of asbestos management and disposal if it’s present on your property. At a certain point it’s worth drawing a line and rebuilding instead. By knocking down and rebuilding, you can also gain greater energy efficiency, a better insulated home, more modern spaces and the peace of mind that comes with a new structure. Oh, and no old plumbing or electrical wires to worry about!

How do you feel about the structure, layout and quality of your existing home?

Here’s where we consider the ‘bones’ of your current home. Do you like your outlook, the rooms within the home, and the way the home captures natural light and breezes? Or can you see greater potential in your block of land? Residential architecture and building have come a long way in just a few decades, particularly for complex, narrow and sloping sites. You could well be enjoying a far superior outlook in a contemporary home, complete with the location and neighbourhood you already enjoy.

How long do you plan to live in your home?

It’s worth asking, because this can have a significant effect on your choice and your budget if you do decide to knock down and rebuild. If the home is an investment property and you plan to rent it out, you might choose to simply renovate the key areas such as the bathroom and kitchen. If it’s your family home and you’re planning to live there into the foreseeable future, then there may be great value in investing in a home that’s tailored to your family and lifestyle by working with reputable custom home builders in Sydney.

How much will you have to spend?

It’s common to wonder, “How much does a knock down rebuild cost in comparison to renovating?” It’s often surprising to find that a knock down and rebuild can actually cost less per square metre than an extension or renovation, due to disassembly and disposal costs. Some of our clients have been pleasantly surprised when their fixed price quote for a new home matched their initial renovation budget.

To fully gauge the costs of a knock down and rebuild, it’s worth engaging a home builder to assess your site and explore the options for a new home design to suit. It may well be a comparatively affordable option if your existing home requires major work.

The age of your building can also have an effect on your financial decision. If you’re dealing with a historical 1920s home that exudes character, then a thoughtful renovation might be best. However, if you’re faced with mounting maintenance costs for a 1970s or 1980s building for example, then a rebuild could almost certainly be wise.

Ready for a professional opinion regarding your home? Wincrest Bespoke specialises in knock down and rebuilds throughout Sydney and the Central Coast. You can explore our custom home designs or read our client testimonials to gain a sense of what could be achieved at your own property.

Building on a sloping block can introduce many challenges – making it important to know what to look for in a custom home builder. Your new home could be perfectly positioned to make the most of beautiful views, a sense of privacy, fresh breezes and natural light. These diverse sites can also provide the opportunity for architectural innovation and interesting design when it comes to building your custom home. So how do you get started on a sloping site build?

Who to talk to about building on a sloping site
There are some unique complexities to take into account when planning a sloping site build, which we’ll cover in a moment. Intelligent design and planning will be key to ensuring success, so it’s vital to speak with a designer/builder who has experience with a wide range of sloping sites. The builder will topographically survey your site to maximise the potential of the site, while minimising the need for expensive earthworks.
The considerations of building on a sloped site
There are a number of considerations that sloping block builders and designers/architects will take into account before a home is designed and built.

• The incline and positioning of your site, and whether it’s sloping up, sloping down or has a cross fall to factor into design decisions. Good design will make the most of these unique qualities.
• Soil or rock structure, and how this will shape decisions about drainage and foundations.
• Natural light and how this reaches the site. The position of your home and its windows can determine how comfortable your living spaces will be year-round.
• Potential outlook and viewpoint. Thoughtful house plans for sloping blocks can provide unique opportunities to gain extraordinary views that other homes can’t.
• Ventilation and wind exposure. This will ensure fresh breezes can flow through your living spaces, without allowing any gale force winds to cause havoc through the home!

The perceived costs of building on a sloping site
If there’s one factor that makes people hesitant about building on sloping blocks, it’s often cost. Many will envision expensive earthworks and costly problems arising through the building process. While it’s true that there can be some additional costs such as excavation and logistics, the value of working with an experienced designer/architect and builder is that they will use the slope to its full advantage. The right design can remove tens of thousands of dollars from the cost of building with a less experienced team.
What’s more, sloping sites can cost less to purchase and result in you living with a view and a lifestyle that’s absolutely priceless.
The thing about sloping sites is that they’re all unique. The key to success is working with those who offer the services to make your design and build process straightforward and enjoyable.
Explore our portfolio now for inspiration on sloping block house designs, including those on blocks with falls of up to 7 metres. The testimonials from our clients demonstrate our expertise in unique and split level home designs for sloping blocks.