BETTER BUILDING - WA Country Builders | Home Builders WA · We’ve found the best online homewares...

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BETT

ER

PAUL & MICHAL’S TREETOP

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BUILDING

ARE SITEWORKS A19

Summer 2015/16

ripoff

IF I COULD BUILDagain16

EDITOR Jay Walter

CONTRIBUTORS Ali SIms

Rachel Cajaglis

DISCLAIMER

The information provided has been compiled for your convenience. We make no warranties about the accuracy or completeness of any in-formation contained in this magazine.

Directors, affiliates, officers, employees, agents, contractors, successors and assigns, will not accept any liability for any loss, dam-age or other injury resulting from its use.

Links to other web sites are provided for your convenience and we are not responsible for the information contained on those web sites. The provision of a link to another web site does not constitute an endorsement or approval of that web site, or any products or services offered on that web site, and we will not accept any liability for the use of those links to connect to web sites that are not under our control.

CONTENTSBetter BuildingWe Understand the Better Building Experience

on the cover9

10

The Hidden Costs of BuildingFeel more comfortable signing your new building contract!

What to look for in a builderBe sure to make the right choice

14

shopping + style

Finishing TouchesWe’ve found the best online homewares shops around

19 Colour TrendsThe hottest colours for your home this summer

17

our homes

Featured Design: The Cape WestThe multi award winning home

22

Summer RetreatThe luxurious Hampton Beach

26

experience waWA’s Best BeachesDiscover our hidden treasures

24

Bushfire ProtectionWhat you need to know this summer

26

monthly checklistYour Summer checklist to looking after your home

28

If I could build again..Find out what mistakes you could avoid!

Siteworks?Are they a ripoff?13

16

20 Meet the ClientPaul and Michal, our tree change couple!

Get Inspired: Coastal trends

32 Better Buildingwacountrybuilders.com.au | ruralbuilding.com.au

Better Buildingwacountrybuilders.com.au | ruralbuilding.com.au

WHAT ARE WE loving ?

These days homes are a reflection of our everday lifestyle. It’s no secret we love to build our homes to take advantage of the blocks surroundings. Is there anything better than waking up to the ocean, bush or garden views? So get out there, relax and enjoy the view you created.

BETTER BUILDING



No tool kit is complete without the new Midland Brick

Calculator App

EDITORS Welcome to our very first edition of Better Building magazine. WA Country Builders and the Rural Building Compa-ny have been building homes across WA for more than 20 years, and so we’d like to think we have a tip or too to share with you. What better way to share these tips with you than in a quarterly magazine. We’d love you to share with your friends and ask us any ques-tions you’d like answered in future editions.

In this issue we’d like to introduce you to our “Tree Change” couple who have left their cosy loft home in Fremantle to rellocate to the beautiful surroundings of Darlington. We’ve also included some interesting articles on important building topics such as Site-works and Hidden Costs. We hope you enjoy the issue! Jay Walter

notesBETTER

BUILDING



HIDDEN COSTSFeel more comfortable signing your new home build contract knowing you won’t be hit with any so called hidden costs. What you should be looking out for below.

Know your government fees and stamp duty. When building a home, you’ll only pay stamp duty on the land, which means it’ll be considerably less than what you’d pay on an established house – and ultimately mean a huge saving on your final cost.

B uilding your new dream home is an exciting and emotional experi-ence. Unfortu-nately with all of

the promotions and offers, new products, varied speci-fications and so on it can be hard to determine any hid-den costs which can drive every new home builders fear of going over budget. Knowing exactly what you are paying for will help to reduce this fear and ensure you can enjoy the building process. D e t e r m i n e t h e t o t a l c o s t o f y o u r n e w h o m e b u i l d So you have the advertised cost of the home you want but you’re not quite sure ex-actly what version of the de-sign you are getting? More often than not the base price is advertised however the photo of the home de-picts the ‘upgrade version’.

Make sure you know what design you are paying for and what it will actually look like. Think about what you want included in your new home and have a chat with your builder to see if any of it will be at additional cost. Have a look at the following list and ask your builder if it is included in your quoted price: 1. Earthworks 2. FloorFinishes 3. Internal Painting 4. Window Treatments 5. Heating and Cooling 6. Cabinets and Benchtops 7. Fencing and driveways 8. Landscaping D o e s y o u r h o m e l o a n h a v e a p p l i c a t i o n f e e s ? Make sure you assess the different home loan pack-ages and what they have to offer before locking in with any.

Moving CostsWhether you have friends and family helping you to move in or make use of a moving company, there will be fees involved with truck hire and so forth. Make sure you include this in your budget to

avoid any last minute setbacks!

Make sure you assess the different home loan packages and what they have to offer

TIP:

BETTER BUILDING



my houseAGAINThe era of separate rooms will not be returning in the foreseeable future.

Remember to...• Ask lots of questions

• Finalise your design before commencing construction - avoid unexpected costs

• Ask yourself where you will be in 5-10 years time and will the home plan accomo-date for this

I would undertake more research...It is very important to be informed and realistic before you commence your build. Many new home owners are under the impression that “bigger is better”, however this can often put new home owners under high mortgage stress when then realise they have to pay for landscaping, new furniture, painting etc.

You must have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve. Do you want to build a home with high quality fixtures and fittings or do you want to build bigger home and save on fittings and finishes? Do you need a four bedroom or three bedroom home?

IF I COULD BUILD There has been a growing trend in home-owners building their new homes to accom-modate for a growing family and retirement. With this in mind, many homeowners would make changes to their home design if they had the opportunity as they lacked the fore-sight to plan for future circumstances. Key areas that new homeowners would improve include increased storage space, a larger kitchen and an improved living area. Home owners love for large, open plan living areas continues therefore additional consid-eration must be given to ensure the kitchen and living area is not only aesthetically pleas-ing, it must also be practical and functional.

The push for outdoor living spaces that seam-lessly connect to the homes kitchen, living and dining areas, creating the ideal layout for outdoor dining and entertainment.

We can all agree that we have made purchases which we regret. Whether it is spending too much on something we can-not afford or spending too little on something we’ll quickly outgrow can cost dearly. Not only does it hurt our wallet, it also wastes our time. But what if the regretful investment was your brand new home? Many homeowners are left thinking ‘what if’ soon after receiving the keys to their new home.

BETTER BUILDING



ARE SITEWORKS A RIPOFF?

Click here to read the full article

You’ve heard the stories. The house design, perfect. The house price, spot on. The site works, a lot more than expected.

Siteworks also re-ferred to as Earth-works are often blamed as a hidden cost when it comes to building

Your earthworks will include:

• Site scrape – To re-move debris, rocks, trees, and any organ-ic matter

• Removal of surplus soil from the site

• Preparation of the sand pad – this is machine compacted on your site to ensure your site is suitable for construction. The depth of the sand is dependent on your site.

Other cost factors:

• Soakwells

• Site peg and house set out

• Retaining wall

• Limestone access

• Gas, electricity and water runs

• Plumbing

• Footpath and kurb reinstallment

Wait. What? What are these site works? And why am I paying this much for dirt to be pushed around on my block? You wouldn’t be alone and yes, the cost of site works can be a little frightening. But once you see what’s involved and how it works, you’ll see that it’s not the builder trying to over charge, but more a cost for what’s involved and one that many builders would love to avoid. What are siteworks? Siteworks also, re-ferred to as Earth-works are often blamed as a hidden cost when it comes to building. It is the process of levelling and compacting the ground for your new build.

FEATURING THE ARGYLE

WE UNDERSTAND | FREECALL 1800 643 800

There are two words that speak volumes about The Rural Building Company: We understand. We

understand that lifestyle is about personal choice and values, about individuality, design, image,

sustainability, romance and flair. We understand that a home and its environment should be as one,

whether that environment be in the country or urban. Like you, we chose to be individual. In choosing not

to be like other mainstream builders we are not constrained by conventional wisdom. Rather than follow

the rules, we threw them away and wrote our own.

BETTER BUILDING



http://www.wacountrybuilders.com.au/featured-articles/2015/11/10/siteworks/

builder

Look for signs of quality in the workmanship, materials and practices when you tour the display homes.

WHAT TO LOOK

Finding the perfect builder for you can be a stressful decision. Check out our checklist below to help you find the right fit.

FOR IN A

THE ABINGDON WA Country Builders | 2 Bradstocks Grove, Southern River, Western Australia Click here to view the home

Click here for full article

Finally...

visit a display

1Define your needs. What size, type and price range of home do you need? 3

Are past buy-ers satisfied? Ask for – and check – refer-ences from past homebuyers. 5

Warranty and service. How does this builder stack up for each? 7

Is the builder a member of the local Home Builder’s Association?

2Experience counts. While every builder was once a new builder, experi-ence matters. 4

Does this builder have expertise in the style of home you seek? 6

Have past homes from this builder maintained or increased value? 8

Visit display homes. There’s absolutely no substitute for this step.

BETTER BUILDING



http://www.wacountrybuilders.com.au/our-homes/display-homes/the-abingdon-2/



http://www.wacountrybuilders.com.au/help-and-advice/building-advice/what-to-look-for-in-a-home-builder/

1. Jonathan Adler Day Bed 2. Poolside with Slim Aarons book 3. Freedom Cancun Console4. Siesta Hammocks Hanging Chair 5. Walker Zabriskie Pillows 6. Brown Jordan Chair

1.2.

3.4.

5.

6.

FINISHING touchesThere’s nothing better than the feeling of adding your finishing touches and personal style to your brand new home. Here are a few of our favourite online stores for you to browse. Click on the shop names to see the stores online. enjoy...

1.

2.

4.

Orno Interiors | Merging modern with traditional, Orno Interiors’ signature style is at once timeless and unique.

Empire Homewares | Relaxed affordable luxury that combines life and style. Think beachy chic with a modern edge.

East West Design | A blend of classic designs, from a 200 year old Chinese console to a contemporary European dining table to industrial chic.

Ultimo Interiors | Dedicated in providing contemporary design within an environment which inspires creativity, craftsmanship and durability.

Boyd Blue | BB source ranges from all over the world so that clients are selecting from the best of contemporary, international and local design.

5.

3.

BETTER BUILDING



http://www.jonathanadler.com/furniture/bedroom/custom-upholstery/lampert-lounger/24-8900005.html

http://www.booktopia.com.au/poolside-with-slim-aarons-slim-aarons/prod9780810994072.html

http://www.freedom.com.au/furniture/living/consoles/22968746/cancun-3-drawer-console-table-white-wash/

http://www.siestahammocks.com.au/macrame-hanging-chair

http://www.walkerzabriskie.com/collections/pillows/bali-essence

http://www.brownjordan.com/product/lounge-chair-and-ottoman-with-loose-cushions-and-pillow.do?sortby=ourPicksAscend&page=4&refType=&from=fn

http://www.ornointeriors.com.au/

http://www.worldofempire.com/

http://www.eastwestdesign.com.au/

http://www.ultimointeriors.com.au/

http://www.boydblue.com/

Pastel colours have come a long way from only showing up in baby nurseries! Today they lend a relaxed feel to living space, making rooms feel pretty, soft edged and accessible.

Bathrooms, bedrooms and sitting rooms are ideal for using soft coloured textiles, bed-ding, and decorative accents throughout your home.

If you still want to keep a more masculine edge to your private rooms, consider mixing darker colour hard surfaces like hardwood floors and darker bench tops to create an equal balance among the two colour spectrums.

This beautiful and well-recognised colour is a lovely accent to add to any room. This soft aqua can be incorporated by using coloured chairs or painting a feature wall but if you’re not ready to take that big step why not try adding some soft blue homewares around your home to update the space.

Monochrome geometric prints in black and white provide the perfect modern contrast to white walls and wooden floors.

COLOUR TRENDS 2016With 2016 just around the corner it’s time for some new year’s resolutions, why not start with your house? We have the goss on the up and coming colour trends, to inspire the interior designer within.

Grey is the new white. It is a neutral, elegant colour that adds depth to subtle colours and makes bold colour pop. Shades of grey pro-vide a great base for interior decorating when used with elements such as wood and cop-per, instantly adding warmth to the room.

We know black and white is not a ‘new’ trend however the colour combination makes any room – from bathrooms to bedrooms – so-phisticated, chic and timeless. Monochrome geometric prints in black and white provide the perfect modern contrast to white walls and wooden floors.

This colour trend showcases colours from across the spectrum of the Australian land-scape, from the arid deserts and wild bushland all the way to our icy peaks. Greens, browns and beiges work well when paired with raw materials such as brown leathers, natural tim-ber pieces and fur throws.

pastels

tiffany blue

shades of grey earthy

monochromeFind inspiration at Midland Brick.

Anything is possible when you start with the right materials.

MBC9522

Colours and textures are indicative only due to limitations in photographic and printing processes.

From building a new home to major renovations, or from simple DIY projects to serious landscaping – Midland Brick can

help you build it. Our extensive range of products can help you get your job done on time, on budget and with minimal fuss.

With over 69 years experience and the latest technology, Midland Brick is in a great place to design and produce more

products that will enhance your next project.

For more information call 13 15 40 or log onto www.midlandbrick.com.au

BETTER BUILDING



MEET THE CLIENT

THE KARRIDALE

Soaring gable windows bathe the Karridale’s living and entertaining spaces in natural light. The home’s summer room cascades out onto the cool verandas and expansive alfresco deck, equally suited to both rural and urban environments, the Karridale is a uniquely Australian home that you must experience for yourself. For more information about this stunning design click here.

Retreat

Paul+MichalFrom Freo to Darlington, the treechange of a lifetime... Paul & Michal are what we refer to as the tree change clients! They are a fun loving couple who enjoy their fitness and outdoor activities and were looking for a change of scenery. This has led them from Freo to a secluded block in the Darlington forest and then even-tually to us!

When we were approached by Paul and Michal, they had very specific ideas in mind that they would like to achieve, the most im-portant being to capture their beautiful slop-ing views. They immediately fell in love with the Karridale design and with some adjust-ments they were on their way.

Paul and Michal believe it’s the details that makes a house and we completely agree!

Click here to see their home!

BETTER BUILDING



http://www.ruralbuilding.com.au/our-homes/retreat-range/the-karridale-retreat-2/

http://www.ruralbuilding.com.au/our-homes/retreat-range/the-karridale-retreat-2/

http://www.wacountrybuilders.com.au/the-better-building-experience/testimonials/paul-and-michal/

FEATURED

Design Features

4 Bedrooms

2 Bathrooms

Home Office

Kitchen Scullery

Open Plan Indoor Entertaining

Spacious Outdoor Kitchen Area

DESIGNER: Rob K.Rob is a talented designer that has been with the group for 14 years.

Rob wanted to create a con-temporary home with great rear views and a connection with the external outdoor liv-ing.

The design has been situated to capture the block’s stunning rear views, with the outdoor al-fresco area built to seamlessly in-tegrate with the modern indoor kitchen area.

INTRODUCING THE CAPE WEST

DISPLAY ADDRESS

65 Houghton Boulevard, Oyster Harbour Albany

Click to view the home

designWith a multitude of industry awards under it’s belt, The Cape West in Albany is a real show stopper. Have a read of why we think this display is well worth the visit!

Introducing the Cape West, a beautiful design incorporat-ing open space and vast expanses of glass living areas to perfectly encapsulate all the romance of your block’s views.The home boasts a modern minimalistic rendered elevation with feature windows.

The floorplan has three distinct zones: a relax room adja-cent indoor and outdoor entertainment areas, the master retreat and secondary bedrooms.

As you walk through the double door access to the arrival area, the three guest bedrooms, similar to the master re-treat are secluded from the main living areas of the home.

Each room has window features, creating a larger sense of space and providing exterior views.

BETTER BUILDING



http://www.wacountrybuilders.com.au/our-homes/display-homes/the-cape-west-2/

BETTER BUILDING



THE HAMPTON BEACH

Retreat

A beautiful family home design inspired by coastal overtones emphasised by an eleva-tion of weatherboard and limestone cladding complimenting an infusion of light blues and greys throughout the interior.

The alfresco is large enough to accommo-date for outdoor dining and entertaining with an integrated barbecue and a bench top that flows across the full width of the space.

The master suite was designed to emulate a hotel suite combining a spacious bedroom with access to a retreat study area for maxi-mum privacy.

ADDRESS 5 Egyptian St, Dawson EstateFor more information about this stunning design click here.

THE SUMMER

BETTER BUILDING



http://www.wacountrybuilders.com.au/our-homes/display-homes/the-hampton-beach-2/

http://www.wacountrybuilders.com.au/our-homes/display-homes/the-hampton-beach-2/

Hamelin Bay is possibly the most picturesque beach in the Margaret River Region

coastlineWA’S MOST AMAZING

If you’ve had the experience of backpacking around Europe, trekking around South America or experiencing the infamous Venice Beach in LA, you’ll know that whilst there are so many cultures to be admired there is nothing like returning home to the land of red dirt. In WA we are privledged with some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the world. And just incase you haven’t got to them all, here are some of the best just in time for Summer.

A 15 hour drive North of Perth. The Ningaloo Reef’s main barrier is only 100m of shore here. The reef encloses crystal-clear water and beneath the surface, the lagoon is teeming with tropical fish, creating a picturesque snorkelling spot.

1. TURQUOISE BAY

As pictured above: The beautiful Esperance coastline. There are a string of stunning beaches along the coast of Cape Le Grand National Park

Family friendly Meelup Bay is another pic-turesque beach in the Margaret River region. With a shaded grass area and calm waters, Meelup provides a beautiful family friendly beach. There’s kayaks for hire which are a popular activity with the locals!

Possibly the most picturesque beach in the Margaret River Region. Fine white sand, crystal water and a great spot for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. But that’s not all, Hamelin Bay is the best place we’ve seen wild stingrays in Australia.

Powerful surf, perfect for those eager surfers! Yallingup is also a favourite spot for snorkel-ers due to the sheltered swimming lagoon at the southern end of the beach. There is also a kid friendly swimming area and a nice long stretch of beach heading north.

Of the 19 glorious white sand beaches in Perth, City Beach is one of the favourites. This beautifully clean and uncrowded beach is popular with surfers, backpackers and families keen to enjoy some of the 3,000 hours of sunshine Perth gets each year.

2. CITY BEACH 3. YALLINGUP

4. HAMELIN BAY 5. MEELUP BAY

BETTER BUILDING



10. THEBasinRottnest Island is located only 18 kilometres off the coast of Perth. A stunning beach, you could be forgiven for thinking you were actu-ally on the Great Barrier Reef! Just off the beach is a hole in the platform reef forms a large natural swimming pool.The Basin is sheltered and very popular with families and great for snorkellers (ideal for novices) due to shallow reefs and gentle swells.

One of Mother Nature’s most inviting swim-ming pools, Greens Pool is a short scenic drive West of Denmark. Green Pool is among Western Australia’s most iconic beaches. A picture postcard of clear emerald waters, pure white sand and sculpted rocks that shelter the bay from the swell beyond, it’s a top spot for swimming, snorkelling and diving.

Little Beach, 35 kilometres east of Albany is a beautiful white beach and one of the nicest beaches on the South West coast. Turquoise water, white sand, and a giant stone against the sea make this beach a must-see in the region.

Lucky Bay is Australia’s whitest beach and is also one of Western Australia’s most idyl-lic; the biggest jewel in a string of stunning beaches along the coast of Cape Le Grand National Park and Esperance. A 45-minute drive from Esperance, Lucky Beach is known famously known as the beach with Kanga-roos hoping around.

Drive west out of Esperance and 7km along the Great Ocean Drive will bring you to Twi-light Beach, the most popular swimming and surfing beach in the Esperance area. The calm, pristine waters of Twilight makes for an idyllic spot for swimming and snorkel-ling. As the beach curves to the southwest it becomes increasingly protected by two offshore rocks.

6. GREENS POOL 7. LITTLE BEACH

8. LUCKY BAY 9. TWIGHLIGHT

BETTER BUILDING



Bushfires are a serious risk in many parts of Western Australia, particularly in the warmer months. If you are living in or near bushland, it is important to prepare your home for the possibility of a bushfire.

BUSHFIREprotectionWhat you need to know this summer...

Prepare a bushfire survival plan

Developing a bushfire survival plan will help you take action and avoid making last min-ute decisions that could prove deadly during a bushfire.

1. A bushfire survival plan should apply to:2. Any house in an area with a history of bush-fires

3. Houses within a few block of bushland

4. Properties not at direct risk that are situated near wilderness

5. If you’d need to travel through bushland in order to escape

6. It is important to check and update your plan annually. Make sure all family members are familiar with the plan

Maintain a fire protection zone

Here are some practical tips to reduce therisk of your home catching alight by simply maintaining your property to create a “pro-tection zone” around you home:

1. Clear away all leaf litter, long and dry grasses, and any thick undergrowth near your home2. Clear gutters of leaves and other flammable debris3. Install screens and shutters and keep them closed, so embers can’t enter your home 4. Cover roof vents with wire mesh5. Be aware of where and how flammable liquids are stored

Make modifications to your home

You should prepare your home to survive a bushfire, even if your plan is to leave. A well-prepared and constructed house is more likely to survive a bushfire than an unprepared one.

Here are some tips on how to prepare your property:

1. Protect underfloor spaces with non-com-bustible sheeting or metal flywire. This will prevent embers from landing under the house and starting small spot fires

2. Cover all external vents with metal flywire

3. Protect evaporative air conditioners with metal flywire screens

4. Ensure any external timber cladding is regularly maintained and all gaps are sealed

5. Install fencing made form non-combusti-ble materials such as metal or brick

6. Windows should have metal fly wire screens or shutters, and well maintained timber window frames

BETTER BUILDING



S U M M E R maintenance checklist

Give us a call today to build your dream home.

WA Country Builders FREECALL 1800 227 161Or click here to view our office locations

THANK YOU

Clean carpet

Clean ceiling fan blades

Clean showerheads

Clean bathroom drains

Clean range hood and filter

Clean refrigerator

Inspect the roof for leaks or damage

Re-seal the garage floor

Clean and reseal decking

Recalk seals on doors and windows

Wash the windows on the outside

Pressure wash the exterior

Clean and prep the pool

Clean the gutters and downspouts

Cut back shrubbery

Sharpen tool edges

Check the mower

Clean your outdoor cooker

Inspect outdoor play equipment

Check smoke detectors

Check the air conditioner


http://www.wacountrybuilders.com.au/contact/

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