In today’s competitive real estate market, homeowners and investors always seek the best ways to increase property value. One of the most effective strategies is to invest in good building design, which improves aesthetics and increases functionality and overall appeal. There is a significant correlation between property value, how building designers can significantly impact it, …
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Approval for building construction is serious business. Builders must only start building works after knowing all the approval requirements in NSW. As with everything relative to construction and building design, taking the proper steps to ensure your house is compliant and safe is essential. If not done correctly, it can be a very costly exercise. …
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If you’re about to embark on a renovation project or thinking of building a new home, you must be aware of any development approvals you need to submit before you start. Most minor developments won’t need development approval in Sydney. For example, if you are adding a deck or a carport to your home that …
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This popular type of design offers a range of advantages including increased privacy and independence for families, flexibility in terms of use, and potential financial gains. Here ES Design looks at how convenient dual occupancy can be for both your family and your finances.
In NSW, most minor developments won’t need approval. For example, if you are adding a deck or a carport to your home that is no greater than 25 square metres, there is no need to get council approval. However, if your renovation or build is a little larger but still straightforward, you will be required …
Continue reading “A comprehensive guide to NSW Complying Development for Builders and Homeowners”
If you are building a new home or doing a major renovation, building development approvals are essential to any construction in NSW. Planning regulations constantly evolve, so it’s always best to research and know precisely what to do before starting any planning or construction work. When you know what you are dealing with, there are …
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Retrospective council approval for building works can be a long and complicated process. However, working with a professional building designer can avoid the need for retrospective approval altogether. What is retrospective council approval, and why do you need it? Before starting your building works, including dual occupancies, it is essential to ensure that your building …
NSW planning regulations are constantly evolving. Understanding them is essential if you want to begin work on your dream home within the state.
If you are planning on building or renovating a property in Sydney NSW, then you will need to obtain DA approval from your local Council.
Dual occupancy homes offer a unique opportunity to own or rent two separate dwellings on the same block of land. This type of development is becoming increasingly popular in Sydney due to its multiple benefits for owners, renters and builders alike. Explore why two is better than one for your upcoming home design.
Are you starting on the home building journey? There are many things to consider before you start. Failing to do so can end up being a costly mistake.
As cities become denser, and housing becomes more costly, dual occupancy has become an increasingly popular option for both homeowners and investors.
Your dual occupancy home may be perfect for now, but what if things change and you need to sell? Here are some important tips to note.
When it comes to compliance in your building project, residential property designers play an important role. Here’s what you need to know.
A complying development certificate is a smart way to fast-track the approval and construction of your project. How much does a CDC cost?
Are you building or renovating a property under CDC? Here’s everything you need to know about notifying your neighbours in NSW.
You may have to submit a DA if you’re building or renovating your home. Here’s what you need to know to make the process easier.
Want to maximise your return on investment? Find out how you could streamline the approval of your next dual occupancy development with us.
Covid impacted residential building trends. Residential design had to evolve & suit changing needs. Know what’s to come. Follow ES Design.
Before you can approve your Development Application (DA), you must understand what constitutes a ‘development’.
At ES Design, our priority is to ensure that the process of building is a smooth, hassle-free and pleasant experience. In saying this, a few hurdles may arise when participating in a new build, depending on the land or property where construction is set to take place. One of these main hurdles is concerning approvals. …
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Looking for a way to maximise your space through interior design? Here are our top 4 tips from ES Design for residential design.
Whether you’re looking for financial security or a place for family to call home, dual occupancy home designs open more doors.
Owning and designing a home is a big deal, so it’s easy to become overwhelmed. While it can give you creative freedom, it is better left in the hands of ES Design.
“The city’s dream home has changed in a year. It’s now all about statements in bold, head turning architecture.” Adam Devine, Real Estate Editor—The Daily Telegraph This year’s most popular properties are not based solely on location, harbour views or size, but are based on “risky” designs. Across Sydney suburbs, architects and builders alike are …
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We’ve put together our pick of the top 5 modern residential designs for the perfect Sydney home.
Luxury interior design doesn’t have to mean high costs – it all comes down to the finer details, and embracing your individual style.
When it comes to designing a home, it is likely you’ve considered the differences between dual occupancy and townhouse options. Here at ES Design, we’re advocates of both, seeing as each has their own benefits depending on various factors, from council requirements to making the best use of the land. The truth is, both developments …
Continue reading “Dual occupancy homes vs townhouses: what is the right choice for you?”
In our articles, we’ve touched on two extremely important and necessary elements for your development – the Complying Development Certificate and Development Approval. However, we haven’t explored another integral piece of documentation needed to begin construction, the Construction Certificate (CC). In this article, we’ll expand on everything you need to know about the CC, including …
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When deciding on the design for the upcoming construction of your property, you will have to determine the type of development that you want. Within residential developments, several types of design can impact the functionality and comfort of your home. Considering your needs, future goals and your family’s lifestyle is important when designing your home …
How long do Construction Certificate (CC), Complying Development Certificate (CDC) and Developing Application (DA) approvals last? This is a question that is integral to the construction timeframe of any type of project. It’s well-known that construction on projects that require approvals cannot begin until approval has been granted. However, approvals also have a time limit. …
As designers, we’re well aware of how difficult designing a home can be. There are many factors to take into account and a lot of conceptualisation behind designing the perfect home. For luxury homes, professional designers and architects at ES design often recommend that homeowners practise restraint as it can be incredibly easy to go …
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When designing a home for investment, there are two popular options that people have in mind: a dual occupancy home and a granny flat. Naturally, our clients ask themselves and us, “Should I build a dual occupancy home or a granny flat?” While we usually attempt to answer as straightforwardly as possible, like our responses …
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Most construction projects in Australia require some form of development approval, whether it be a Complying Development Certificate, construction certificate or development consent. Very rarely would a project be considered as an exempt development and not require any form of approval. These varying approval requirements are based on the development’s impact on the environment and …
Building development approvals are an essential part of any type of construction in Sydney. However, newcomers to the industry as well as first time home builders are unaware of who requires building development approvals in addition to what building development approvals constitute. It’s expected that those unfamiliar with our industry are none the wiser, however, …
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When people build homes, they build for a purpose. That purpose may be for investment, comfort or design versatility. Regardless of what their purpose is, different houses can achieve different goals which is why the design of your home is crucial for achieving what you want. Some home designs are self-explanatory, such as a single …
Continue reading “What are the advantages of a manor style home?”
Townhouses can be small spaces that have a lot of potential. A townhouse is a multi-floor home that shares one wall with another property, essentially making it half the size of a single family home in some cases. Though townhouses have this decreased space, our ES Design team can cleverly develop your floor plan to …
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Dual occupancy homes are excellent properties to invest in, whether you are purchasing or building. If you are building, then you are at an advantage because you can customise your property according to your intention. With dual occupancy homes, the design potential is huge and can repay your investment in our services by producing impressive …
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Hiring a building designer is a novel idea to many homeowners, however, designers like those hired at ES Design, have a wealth of knowledge about residential architecture and interior design for homes in Sydney. Building your new home is a massive construction project that requires more than just a little conceptualisation and financing. Whether you’re …
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Luxury homes are sights to behold. Impeccable craftsmanship and thoughtful designs are just some of the elements that make luxury homes visually appealing and a joy to live in. Developing an effective luxury home requires restraint from the designer. At ES Design, we understand why clients want as much as possible from their luxury home …
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In 2021, we’re seeing a great shift in home design trends that have forced architect firms in Sydney, as well as draftsmen, to reconsider their approach. According to realestate.com.au, the top five features in new homes and renovations which are of greater importance now include allowing for more natural lighting; larger living spaces; greater outdoor …
When it comes to a home’s functionality and aesthetic, a large portion of the responsibility rests on the shoulders of the designers and architects on the project. A duplex house contains two residences, either on top of each like apartments or next to each other like townhouses. This unique layout makes the design and architecture …
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Luxury homes in Sydney are sights to behold. They have impressive designs and are finished with high-end materials that make it immensely impressive. Luxury homes differ from country to country because architects realise the needs, wants and climates of their communities and design luxury homes according to their clients and their surroundings. While you may …
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Dual occupancy designs are two homes on one block of land. While it may be perplexing to some, dual occupancy designs are becoming increasingly popular among investors and young couples who view it as a cost-efficient method of owning a home while also earning income (through the rental of one home). The main advantage of …
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Everyone wants to achieve a cost-effective building design, but not every client understands what this entails or means. Having a small budget or reducing the cost of construction as much as possible is not the only way to be cost-effective with your building design. Instead of just maintaining low-costs throughout the building design, a comprehensive …
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Designing and building a luxury home is exciting but complex. A luxury home design is full of potential, but what makes a residential property’s design luxurious? Luxury home design may not be what you think. It doesn’t just involve gaudy furnishings or extravagant architecture, although they may be included as well. Instead, luxury home designers …
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The way you design your home’s floor plan and layout affect your home’s potential, in a number of ways. It is an essential part of the building process and is one of the key features you must consider for your home to be accommodating to your lifestyle and suitable to your family. Because building a …
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Complying development approval is needed for a number of different residential, commercial and industrial projects and is necessary to begin construction. Read more below.
An Occupation Certificate is a mandatory part of the DA and CDC approval processes. It should be sought to ensure the health and safety of a building and its occupants, but beyond that, there are many other legal and financial reasons to obtain an Occupation Certificate before moving into or using a new building. What …
To receive your home or building design plan, our design team goes through a design process that allows them to present a comprehensive design plan that is functional, includes all of your requirements and is compliant with the Building Code of Australia (BCA), Australian Standards and Building Fire Safety regulations. Our design process also allows …
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If you’re planning to construct or renovate a manor house, we expect that you’re probably a bit confused about the process of its construction. Manor houses are regal, beautiful and a coveted mix of country and city, making it the envy of any homeowner. However, in Australia, manor homes remain a mystery, with many Aussies …
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If you’ve made the exciting decision to construct a dual occupancy home, then you most definitely will want to ensure that the large investment you are about to make pays off. But, just how do you guarantee that your dual occupancy home will be designed and constructed in both aesthetically pleasing and valuable ways? You …
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Luxury home designs usually require careful attention and planning in both its design, construction and fit-out. When it comes to luxury, restraint with colours, accessories and textures is usually thrown out the window to exude a lavish and rich aesthetic. While 2020 is no different with its flexible and individualistic trends, they seemed to have …
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A residential design service consultation is a great way to explore your options and discover what you need from your future property. At ES Design, we aim to help you find what you need and want so that you can start building faster. Part of beginning the residential design process is filtering through trends, needs, …
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Building or renovating a new home or your commercial business can be thrilling, however, getting the approval to develop can be overwhelming. If you are interested in renovating or constructing your property, whether commercial or residential, you will have to acquire a building development approval. To receive development approval, there are three standard methods in …
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A complying development certificate (CDC) is issued for straightforward residential, commercial and industrial developments. Of course, ‘straight forward’ is determined via several factors, but generally they are less complex buildings than those that require development approval. A CDC can be approved more quickly than a Development Application (DA) but is used for buildings or constructions larger than exempt development. …
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Examples of multiple dwellings include dual occupancies, townhouses, villas and any secondary dwellings on one block of land, such as granny flats. In higher density areas, multiple dwellings boast abundant opportunities for living and investment. Through clever architecture, properties on one piece of land can be maximised, ensuring areas are used to their full potential. …
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The scope of work of a draftsman and an architect can overlap in many ways. Architectural draftsmen produce drawings for construction developments. These can range from brand new homes to alterations and additions of existing homes, and even extend to commercial and industrial developments. A draftsman is responsible for preparing technical drawings as well as …
Designing your dream home is a thrilling, yet overwhelming experience. Besides the aesthetic features, it is important to consider elements that will contribute to the timelessness of your home. Dream homes are built for the long-term, so it is important that you work with architectural designers to consider long-standing, but appealing trends. Top 5 trends …
Designing, building and renovating your home is no easy task. It can be exhausting, overwhelming and put pressure on your pocket. For developers, a tight budget is usually the most difficult constraint to overcome. However, in a world of new and innovative materials, finishes and furnishings for the construction and building industry, the possibilities have become endless for building designs and renovations, even when on a budget.
At ES Design, our team is trained to advise, design and execute your wishes regardless of your budget. As we have been in the industry for over two decades, we have developed a few tips and tricks for executing a cost-effective building design or renovation. In this article, we’ll outline these budget-friendly solutions so that you can afford your dream property.
6 budget-friendly effective building design and renovation tips from our team
#1 Solar passive building design
In line with sustainable trends, solar passive building design is a great way to remain cost-effective for years. Bear in mind that the initial cost of a solar passive building design is high, however, it pays for itself and in a few years, you’ll be benefiting from low utility costs.
A solar passive building design involves using effective insulation and orientation and sustainable materials in the design of your property. For example, the awnings or eaves of your home should be used to reject sun and direct ventilation in the summer, and vice-versa in the winter. Concrete flooring and reverse brick veneer keep the heat absorbed and out of the interior, limiting the need for air conditioning. A solar passive building design is incredibly effective in Sydney where sunny days make up the majority of the year and is a smart investment for anyone looking to save money in the long term.
#2 Only build what you need
It’s easy to get carried away with a building design or renovation plans. Property owners get caught up with trends and elaborate, but unnecessary, additions such as theatres, en suites and game rooms. If you have the budget, then, of course, go for it! However, if you’re looking to cut back on your costs, then deeply consider what is needed for your lifestyle, family and future plans. Kitchens, laundry rooms and bathrooms are usually where costs are high because of expensive finishes, so consider either reducing the number of these rooms or its space. For example, do you need an ensuite guest bathroom or does a half bath suffice?
#3 Use timber frames
Consider using a timber frame for your renovation or construction of a house extension. Timber frames are sustainable, incredibly quick to build, saving you money on construction and labour costs and are extremely affordable. There are several finishes available, making it extremely likely that you will find an option to suit your aesthetic.
#4 Understand that being an owner-builder is not always cost-effective
When owners become builders, it’s either because he or she wants to supervise everything, or he or she thinks that it is a cost-effective option. However, the latter is often untrue. While you will save money by not having to hire a builder, you run the risk of spending more money than you need to because of your lack of industry knowledge. A professional builder has connections to better deals and will know what options are more plausible and economical. Additionally, you will more likely than not be torn away from your actual job, which is a loss in income for you. While the choice is yours, we highly recommend hiring a professional builder.
#5 Remember less is more
As mentioned previously, the urge to add all the bells and whistles to your property can cause you to spend unnecessary money. Our team understands that too minimal a design can result in a boring home, however, simplicity in construction has both a structural and design cost advantage. When a building’s design involves intricate cantilevers and setback, the cost can quickly rise because of wall misalignment and extra support needed below. Be simple with your design to save on costs and end up with a structurally functional and beautiful home.
At ES Design, we work with you to ensure that you get exactly what you want from your property. We know how important a building design and renovation project is, especially if your livelihood depends on it, and thus, will work to ensure that we provide you with the best advice and guidance possible so that your development potential is maximised. To find out more about our services, call us on 0460 000 000.
