Homes

TREE-CHANGE ACREAGES IN THE HUNTER VALLEY

With so much to offer, it is easy to understand why the Hunter Valley is fast becoming a shining star when it comes to luxurious acreages for all types of tree-change adventurers…

Have it all in the Hunter Valley

A tree-change has long been a popular choice for retirees and empty-nesters who are looking to relax in a slower paced environment, as well as for families wanting to spend less time commuting and more time together. Now it is also a growing market for younger Australians too, people who want to create stronger connections to the environment and improve their work-life balance, while still building on their careers.

The Hunter Valley's regional property market is still considered strong with Newcastle and some of the wider suburbs achieving solid results and continued growth. But it is further afield in the Hunter Valley that this quiet revolution is taking place. The tree-changers who are seeking something unique, tranquil, and nestled in nature, are discovering you can have all of that while still having access to some of the state’s best facilities and amenities, a regional airport for relaxed getaways or business trips, and fast road access through to employment opportunities in Newcastle and Sydney.

Locals like us know all too well how great it is to live in the Hunter Valley; it’s a part of country New South Wales where space is ample, land is available and property prices aren’t astronomical. It’s also wine country, big music acts drop by, it has solid career opportunities, and has a university not too far away too – and the best part – building your dream home is still an achievable Aussie dream. Which is why many people who make the tree-change opt for an acreage build in the Hunter Valley.

After all, if you’re going to the trouble of uprooting your life, saying so-long to good friends, or switching jobs, then you’re going to want to make the most of your new surrounds – and live large with an expansive Valley Homes acreage.

Acreages offer more than interior space and rural luxury

The lifestyle a tree-changer is drawn too often has more to do with the country town itself (or an escape from the city), rather than a particular block of land or set of acreage plans. However, once the dust settles after the move, it is often that particular block of land, its development potential, and the array of house designs for acreages available that make the change to regional New South Wales a resounding success.

A lot of this has to do with the fact that the specifics of the block of land and the eventual country house designs which are built, are what help complete the transformation from ‘tree-changer’ into ‘a local’. More than that though, the home in which a person lives needs to be a sanctuary, a place to rest the mind and re-charge. Valley Homes have been building acreages in the Hunter Valley for many years now, and if there is something our team excels at, it is matching acreage home plans with lifestyle ambitions to help Australians live their best-life.

Acreage homes plans for everyone

When it comes to knowing what house designs for an acreage will suit each new home builder nothing beats a personalised consultation to go through acreage plans and country house designs, to visit the site gaining an understanding of vistas and rural landscaping, as well as discussing the acreage house price and get a building quote – and that’s just part of our standard service.

Customisation and personalisation is something any good acreage builder will offer – our in-house designers happen to be passionate about fine-tuning all of our acreage home designs to suit personalities and lifestyles – and it is an essential element if the build is to work with the block of land and tick all of the client’s boxes. A bigger entertaining area, a guest suite to wow your visitors from the city, creative studio or workspace, or even an eco-friendly solar passive design are just some of the regular requests we build for our acreage clients.

As long-time local builders in regional New South Wales, we have a reliable team of contractors and suppliers who know the country lifestyle, after all it’s their lifestyle too, and they know how to make the most of the surrounds with quality, long-lasting materials. Which means, if you choose to build an acreage with Valley Homes, you know you are going to be a long-time local too.

Talk to our acreage team

If you’re thinking about making a tree-change, but are unsure, there are some fantastic articles filled with real people’s regional stories and advice on making the big move away from cities such as Sydney. If you want to know more about acreages, please read our recent Luxurious acreages in regional Australia article. And if you’re ready to make the change and want to talk acreage house costs and home designs, then talk to us.

by Super Admin

PROJECT HOMES VS CUSTOM DESIGNED HOMES

When looking to build a new home there are many options available. Each option has their pros and cons, yet sometimes it can be difficult to determine what type of build will best suit your overall needs.

In Australia, the two most commonly selected building options are custom home designs and project homes, also known as off-the-plan homes. For freestanding, single dwellings, an architecturally designed build is also popular, but the uptake isn’t nearly as large as the first two categories. This makes project homes and custom home designs a great starting point to understand your new house options.

Project homes

Are built from existing plans by a builder who has negotiated bulk prices for their local contractors and materials, making the overall build competitively priced and economical.

Project homes utilise a suite of professionally designed house plans drawn up by a draftsperson. For example, Valley Homes currently has 18 floor plans to choose from, with prices starting from $242K for a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2 car, single level home, through to expansive and luxurious acreages and multi-storey homes.

A project home builder makes savings on new house plans by buying large quantities of materials and negotiating discounted labour rates. Those savings are then passed on to the client – making project homes one of the most cost effective house designs to build. This means quality inclusions, such as air-conditioning, stone benchtops, alfresco entertaining areas and generously appointed kitchens, can be included at a fraction of the cost of a bespoke architecture build.

To capitalise on these savings, clients are required to choose materials, such as the tiles or roof materials, from a set list of products. Choosing materials not included in your chosen project home’s package is possible, but it will result in additional charges. Many people see this narrowed down list of products as a positive, because it simplifies the house design process, which can become a very time consuming and stressful endeavour. Plus, you can often see the materials as they have been used in local homes by checking out your builder’s gallery.

Floor plans are also customisable, however, if any changes are requested, they will negatively impact on the savings you have made by selecting an off-the-plan build in the first place. Choosing a home builder with a good range of floor plans to choose from will help mitigate this issue and keep your project home costs down. Also, project home floor plans are usually designed for standard, rectangular, flat blocks of land. So, if your property has a substantial slope or is unusually shaped then you’re probably going to get the best outcome for your block from a custom home design. So, read on…

Custom home designs

Allow you to work more closely with a home builder to have greater impact on the overall design. You create a home to suit your needs, and your block of land at a fraction of the price of a bespoke build.

 Basically, custom home designs sit somewhere in the middle between a complete architecturally designed build and a project home. The in-house draftsperson or designer makes sure the final home plans are both unique and professionally designed, while taking into consideration the site’s specific requirements, the budget, and the lifestyle ambitions of the client.

The timeline to build a custom home design can sometimes take slightly longer when compared to a project home. This simply comes down to allowing more time to finesse the finished floor plans, as well as to arrange individual material orders, labour contracts, and finalise building schedules. So, if a quick build is more important than customisation, then a project home may be a more suitable home building solution.

When opting for custom house designs there are advantages of choosing a home builder that offers both custom and project home designs. This is because they will have an established network of local suppliers working with them on a substantial number of project home jobs. While a custom home design can’t attract all the discounted rates, it can still benefit from the strong relationships the builder has forged with their local workforce, which can only be a benefit to the overall quality of the build.

Of course, the biggest benefit for choosing custom home plans is choice. You can be as involved as you like in the house design process to get your floor plans just as you want them. Beyond a unique home, benefits also include incorporating solar passive design to save on future heating and cooling costs, through to taking advantage of the best aspects of your site features, which may be views, landscaping, or slope. So, if your budget suits a custom house design, and unique features appeal to you, then this may be an ideal choice.

Ready to start on your new home plans?

If you need personalised, reliable advice for building a project home or custom home design, then we can help. Our specialised team will talk you through your unique pros and cons for each type of build. Contact us today.

by Super Admin

REASONS TO BUILD A CUSTOM DESIGN HOME

With a custom design build you can create your sanctuary, entertainment hub, business HQ, or whatever you’re into, on a more modest budget than an architect’s plans might deliver on – no wonder custom house design services are in such high demand. So, let’s get inspired…

Tailored floor plans and future-proofing

The opportunities to customise go far beyond property considerations, such as building on a narrow, sloping or unusually shaped block – they can provide the flexibility to create your dream property. A custom floor plan that suits your lifestyle now, as well as your family’s needs in the future, means you can benefit from your home design for a much longer period. Customisation of floor plans generally begins with establishing the number of rooms needed and where they are to be positioned in the home, as well as the size of the rooms, e.g., do you plan to entertain a lot, have a house full of children, get into gourmet cuisine, or make the most of your natural surrounds through integrated inside-outside spaces? By gaining an understanding of your needs – now and future – will mean your home design can be future-proof.

However, future-proofing is more than simply considering bedroom sizes and numbers. Other common features to help future-proof your home design might be to increase door widths and bathroom sizes, add custom fittings, or even to include accessibility ramps. This can be particularly important if you're nearing retirement years and intend to stay in the house long-term. Financially it also makes good sense to consider your future needs from the outset. This can reduce alteration costs in the future or avoid having to sell prematurely – reinforcing the affordable nature of custom house design, if careful planning has gone into the project.

Other special additions:

As already mentioned, a custom house design can help a new home builder address site requirements and future-proofing. But how about the fun stuff? You know, those special spaces you’ve always dreamt of and all of your unique home design ideas…

Artist studio/teenage retreat. You might have always wanted your own artist’s studio to paint, make music, write or a place simply to hideaway and relax. As you might imagine, studios require good natural light, can especially benefit from quiet areas of a home, and are often detached from the main building. So, a spare bedroom generally won’t compare to a well-planned, custom design studio. A good studio needs a bit of open space, often larger than a standard bedroom allows, and that is where customisation can provide a simple and affordable property solution. Studios can often double as guest spaces or can make an ideal teenager hangout as your family needs change.

Epic home entertainment. Many modern homes feature home cinema spaces as a standard, but the beauty of a custom house design means you can take the standard home cinema to the next level. This might include allowing for tiered seating, wired in tech, block-out screens, bar area, you name it.

Complete office set-up. And while all this talk of injecting fun and life-long dreams into development planning is exciting, business needs are increasingly on a client’s list of requirements. A substantial home office might be needed at the property, beyond a study nook or a converted spare bedroom. To meet many people’s modern work demands, the ideal home design includes a fully functional workspace, possibly with external access so clients don’t need to access the main part of the home. A complete office set-up could also save businesses from paying unnecessary office rent, adding to the overall affordability of a custom house design.

Workout in comfort. Also, as health is an increasing focus for many people living in and around Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, a home gym is also a popular request when clients are using our custom design service. Forget being relegated to a cold cement garage to run on your treadmill or lift weights – design a purpose-built space with air-conditioning, insulation, carpet if you prefer, even with wall mounted screens and surround sound speakers.

Affordable lifestyles

Custom house designs are the perfect middle ground for most people looking to build in the Hunter Valley, Newcastle and surrounds – they have a quality assured starting point with streamlined building efficiencies, which might include slab engineering, roof pitch, structural materials, orientation, through to certain finishes and fittings. But then you get to take that starting point and create something truly unique. Plus, the customisation ideas outlined in this article are just the beginning.

Contact our team today to book your personal planning session and start your custom house design journey with local home builder experts.

by Super Admin

LUXURIOUS ACREAGES IN REGIONAL AUSTRALIA

If you’re interested in property in regional Australia a rural acreage offers more than spacious living solutions, acreages are also positioned in a strong sector of the property market.

Right now regional Australia is one of the most stable markets on the current property landscape and an astute investment in regional land ownership is a relatively solid one. In fact, in New South Wales, regional blocks of land that are suitable for generous acreage home plans are plentiful, as well as being quite economical, which makes them an attractive building investment.

However, if you are unfamiliar with regional living or are unsure about what to look out for in an acreage block, the prospect can be daunting. So this article will help you start to think through your options.

Know your acreage plans and property ambitions

A cleverly planned house design for an acreage is a great starting point to establish your building budget. This step ensures you have a clear indication of acreage house costs, as well as initiates and establishes a relationship with a regional builder. But there is something just as pressing to know – your property purpose.

Is your property for permanent living or is it going to be a weekender? Are you planning on building a retreat on the site to create an additional income stream? Is it your plan to run a hobby farm with a few animals? Or plant a small crop such as an orchard? Or are your house designs for an acreage part of your retirement plan with a focus on long-term easy management?

When thinking through these questions listed above, it will soon become obvious that your acreage purpose will determine size, type and even the location of suitable properties. So now ask yourself, do you want a:

• small block of about 3 to 5 acres,
• medium 40 plus acres,
• larger scale farm that would require 100 plus acres

Knowing the intended purpose of your acreage can be a critical element to the overall success of your rural property venture, because there are more outcomes to consider than simply size and budget. There can be restrictions placed on certain blocks of land by state or local authorities, including the fact that some blocks are not able to be cleared. Such restrictions might mean you can’t build that stately acreage or become the Hunter Valley’s next boutique vineyard on your particular rural block of land.

Clearing may also be the least of your problems if soil type, access to water, climate, or connected services are not suited to your needs either. So once you know your purpose, make sure you determine what specific characteristics your block of land requires.

Get to know your neighbours

Once you have nailed down your purpose, block requirements, have a budget outline and have a rough idea of acreage house prices by talking to an experienced acreage builder, the next course of action to take is spending time in the particular area. Some developers suggest a minimum of a year researching your chosen part of regional New South Wales to allow the entire scope of seasons to be observed. Of course, that may not be possible to many. So another great avenue for property research the area is to talk to the local land owners.

Find out what they do and how they manage their property through the seasons. Plus, even though rural neighbours aren’t necessarily on top of you like it would be the case in the city, the activities or business conducted on their property may create dust, smoke, noise or even odours that could affect your own business plans, or hinder the type of lifestyle you wish to create. So a quick chat at this early stage can save you a lot of time and money in the future.

Valley Homes acreages represent country living at its finest

When designing your acreage house plans there may be increased fire safety measures to consider, or more fencing required than your last place. However, the good news is, acreage house prices are often less expensive than their inner-city counterparts even though the acreage house plans can take in much larger space. This means you can design your acreage to give you and your loved ones space to breathe and take in the natural surrounds, while you are also saving investment costs on the purchase price of your block of land in comparison to buying a much smaller city block.

If you want to find out more about the types of acreage designs our team can build for you, or ask about a custom designed architectural build on your prized piece of New South Wales land, then please take a look at our extensive range of acreage designs. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our experienced team members who will offer acreage advice, as well as get your project underway.

by Super Admin

YOUR BUILDING AND DESIGN LANDSCAPE IN 2019

Just about every person we spoke to over the last year was busy, and in 2018 that was certainly true for Valley Homes too. We built a house a week as part of a unique defence housing project, Wirraway Estate, and after a lot of hard work and clever systems design we won an award for our WHS Management System. Plus we consistently provided local families and astute investors budget advice, all while delivering quality builds on a range of different building options. This included acreages perfect for modern families and duplexes and dual occupancies to suit the unique needs of retirees.

Of course, being busy is great for Valley Homes and so we are working hard to make sure 2019 will include more big partnerships with estates and larger scale projects, as well as more unique home plans to provide our local families, retirees, first home buyers, and investors new home builds that inspire. And because 2019’s New Year’s resolutions are in full swing, now is the perfect time to celebrate the successes of 2018 and then swiftly look ahead to what is in store for you in 2019…

2019 – Trends and Inspirations

Our design team is always on the lookout for the latest décor styles and building products, so here are their big 2019 tips from their favourite design sites and trend forecasters:

Colour trends

Taubmans Colour Inspirations showcase a range of looks from coastal to industrial and more traditional palettes with bold and spirited colours for the home that reflect harmony and nature. Colour giant Pantone has also released their must-have colours and Living Coral is Pantone’s pick for 2019. So while millennial pink may be out of favour, vibrant corals are set to be adding pops of colour in on-trend décors.

Interior design inspiration

In 2019 recycled, sustainable, textural, and natural designer pieces will continue to grow in popularity. Texture is a big one as it is both a visual and sensory experience, and some of the best interior designers will be carefully layering large pieces of marble or stone with soft timber tones. Natural wool and cotton rugs, velvety and soft cushions, and flowing window dressings are set to be partnered with warm metallic materials and clean, sleek lines. Gold is the metallic colour of choice for 2019, particularly popular with the modern art-deco movement, brought to life as bar carts, striking mirrors, and bathroom and kitchen fittings.

Architecture Trends

The kitchen continues to be the centrepiece of home life and the best house plans are reflecting this. Open plan living is still in high-demand, but the 2019 version includes greater focus on fostering conversations and creating design flow for keep families connected to each other, as well as connecting them to the world in which they live. The internet of things will really come into play with smart fridges being one of the most sought-after appliances in modern kitchen designs.

Industrialism is also set for a comeback in 2019 with matte black and concrete featuring in many architectural home plans. Also, just as recycled and sustainable interiors are popular, eco-friendly architecture is also set to dominate in 2019, which seamlessly connects to our next trend…

Landscaping and Outdoor

Landscaping is no longer a solely outdoor undertaking. In 2019 we will see more indoor living spaces featuring green walls and even micro urban farming units transforming homes and living spaces in meaningful and nourishing ways. Outdoor rooms are predicted to increase in popularity and one of the most fun outdoor predictions is the emergence of adult-treehouses. Another favourite here at Valley Homes is the movement towards private oases cleverly tucked away in your very own garden. They’re perfect for day-to-day luxury resort-style living, while also offering unique entertaining opportunities for guests.

Investments in 2019

Property market investment trends are probably the most important to pay attention to for developers looking for their next investment project, and also for our local families, couples and retirees wanting to either get into the property market, upsize or downsize in 2019. The good news is while some markets are on the decline regional Australia is tipped to be where Australia’s property market stays strong in 2019. So it seems Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens residents are predicted to benefit from a healthy property market in 2019.

2019, let’s get into it

Whether your New Year’s resolutions or 2019 goals are looking towards a refurbishment, renovation or a completely new construction, hopefully now you are armed with all the design inspirations and trends to get your started for what will no doubt be a busy 2019 – and if it is quality construction and building, and architectural house plans you want in your year ahead, talk to our team.

Our top 5 Articles of 2018:

BUILDING 1 HOUSE A WEEK FOR DHA SPECIAL HOUSING PROJECT

VALLEY HOMES’ WHS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IS A WINNER!

BUYING A BLOCK OF LAND – 5 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR BUILD ON BUDGET

LIVEABLE, LOVABLE HOMES FOR YOUR RETIREMENT: DUPLEXES AND DUAL OCCUPANCY

ACREAGES FOR MODERN FAMILIES

by Super Admin

KNOCKDOWN YOUR HOUSE – KEEP YOUR CONNECTION TO HOME

As The Castle’s Darryl Kerrigan famously said, “It’s not a house, it’s a home” – and it’s a heart-warming quote that acknowledges the attachment we all make to where we live. Darryl’s statement is not about the physical structure or the peeling wallpaper housed within it.

It’s about the memories made, the proximity to friends and family, and a representation of how you want to live your life. And it is this sentiment which gets to the core of why a knockdown rebuild is increasingly popular, especially amongst Newcastle families.

It’s actually a very common situation many families across Newcastle find themselves in – you don’t have enough bedrooms, share a single bathroom, are constantly patching old wiring and plumbing, or need to finally get that dedicated home office to expand your business. So it can be hard to ignore the mounting list of cons for staying, but moving means uprooting your family and saying goodbye to memories made on the property. To solve this dilemma many opt to knock down their home to build a brand new home in its place. It’s the best of both worlds!

It’s so common in fact, simply take a drive through any Newcastle suburb and you are bound to find a number of knockdown rebuilds in progress. They are especially popular in established Newcastle suburbs that are zoned for sought after schools. This is where a builder like Valley Homes come in. We can help you hold onto those memories, maintain your community ties, and upgrade your home lifestyle by creating more floor space, adding rooms, creating new family entertaining zones, and connecting modern services – all for a fraction of the price of a full renovation.

If this sounds like you, before you get carried away with dreams to land renovate we recommend you look into a few things first:

1. Get to know your budget

Many people search ‘cost to knockdown and rebuild home’ when starting their budget research and yes, a knockdown rebuild can often be cheaper than a full renovation. This is of course a huge part of the appeal, especially as it can also save you spending money on the fees and taxes associated with buying and selling. But construction isn’t free, of course, and with any investment of this size it is always a good start to talk to your financial service provider. If you have an existing mortgage this is a good opportunity to find out how much money you can access for a build and get a solid idea of the current equity in your property.

Plus, when we talk about knowing your budget, we mean more than simply knowing how much you can get from the bank. We also mean knowing how much you want to spend and how much it will cost to build the type of home you aspire to live in. Talking to an experienced knockdown rebuild builder can give you accurate quotes relating to this. Keep in mind property restrictions, such as a slope, can increase overall budgets.

2. Can your house be knocked down?

Something you may also need to consider is whether your property is restricted by heritage listings. Heritage listing can mean a knockdown is not an option, or it may mean that partial elements need to be maintained when you rebuild, such as a front facade. Also, before you knock down anything make sure your local council allow the type of home you intend to build in its place. It’s one thing to knockdown a rundown house, but if you can’t build a bigger dwelling on the place because of council restrictions relating to height or footprint, then you should definitely know that before the bulldozers move in. This is something an experienced builder can assist with. At Valley Homes we can liaise with council for you so you have all of the information from the outset.

3. Quality builds takes time

Before you start the knock down rebuild process it will help you manage expectations and budgets if you are aware of how long your build will take. Time can also directly impact your budget, especially if you are expecting to rent a house while the construction takes place. Keep in mind a two-storey dwelling will take longer to build than a single storey and if your budget will only stretch to a certain amount of weeks, it will save you a lot of anguish and financial stress if you take this into consideration in the planning stage of your project.

Is a knockdown with the plan to rebuild your home solution?

Maybe you subscribe to Daryl Kerrigan’s sentimentality, or maybe you just love where you live but are due for an upsize or upgrade. Either way, our team of knockdown rebuild experts can give you a quote, a building schedule and answer all of your construction questions – simply contact us on 02 4934 1400 or at sales@valleyhomes.com.au

by Super Admin

AFFORDABLE ARCHITECTURE

Google ‘affordable architecture’ and most of the results are blogs and articles featuring shipping containers, tiny living trends and pre-fabricated house designs. It’s all a little off-beat and quirky, which of course can be beautiful and inspirational, but maybe that isn’t what you had in mind? If your idea of a budget-friendly architectural build is moreover a unique, generous, and luxurious home built to a conservative or set budget, and doesn’t include retro-fitting a shipping container, squeezing your family into a jazzed-up caravan or building ‘just another pre-fab kit-home’ – then read on…

Firstly, the ‘not-quite-right’ Google results mentioned above probably occurred because the words ‘affordable’ and ‘architecture’ traditionally are not close allies. Especially as the word architecture historically aligns more closely with ‘expensive’. Fortunately however, this isn’t the case anymore. Modern architects have the skills to design a dream home filled with creative solutions and architectural features, all for a reasonable price.

Achieving such a house is simply a case of knowing:

1. where to splurge and where to pull-back,
2. who to talk to regarding house designs, and
3. which builder can bring your dream home to life.

To help you out, we’ve covered all three…

1. Keeping your architectural design on budget

• Keep your floor plan as simple as possible. Open floor plans are on-trend and require less walls and internal infrastructure. This means you get a modern floor plan with an increase sense of space, while your building costs are reduced due to less materials and structural requirements.
• Standard sizes save you money. When working with your architect try and stick to standard sized elements where possible. Oversized doors, windows, gables, etc. mean that they have to be custom made, can’t be bought in bulk, and generally cost more.
• Luxury comes in all sizes. Ask yourself, and be honest, “How many rooms do we really need?” By sticking to the size you actually need you will be able to spend more on quality design details, feature areas, be more eco-friendly, and even allow for impressive outdoor zones.
• Strategic features. Architectural design must include unique features that reflect your lifestyle and personality, however if you are conscious to keep your build ‘affordable’ then exercise a little restraint and save your architectural features for key spaces only. High use or entertainment spaces tend to be the most popular areas to maximise architectural
• Durable materials over fussy or flashy trends. If you are investing your time and money to build an architecturally designed home, chances are you intend to live in it for many years to come. So keep your ongoing maintenance costs down by choosing smart from the outset. Hardwearing stone and natural wood timbers etc., tend to have great longevity.

2. Working with local Architects

There are many highly regarded and talented architects working in the Newcastle and Hunter regions. This is great news for home builders, however it can feel a little overwhelming. After all, architectural builds can be a highly personal experience, especially for those who are investing a lot of their time and energy into the project.

In addition to credentials and registration details, what you want to find out from prospective architects is: Do they ‘get you’? Do they respect your opinions and ideas? And can they work within your budget? If you can answer ‘yes!’ to all three, then you are in good shape.

Personal recommendations for local architects is many home builder’s preferred method of finding a suitable person. However, if personal recommendations from family, friends or colleagues isn’t possible, we recommend starting at sites such as Houzz.com.au, Local Search, Yellow Pages, and of course, Google.

Local media features, such as the Newcastle Herald’s Homes of the Hunter, are also a great source of home inspiration, as well as handy to find out the names of local architects. Another helpful tip is to keep an eye out for local developments which interest to you. Most development sites provide contact details for the builder and architect involved. This can be particularly useful to see how the design takes shape and what features work.

3. Building your plans with Valley Homes

Our team is uniquely positioned to build a variety of options, from acreages to duplexes. We can build plans provided by an external architect and we also have a suite of pre-designed floor plans to choose from, as well as a custom home design option that engages our in-house draftsman. All of this means flexibility and freedom to choose the best option for your plot, budget, and lifestyle.

To talk all things architectural and affordable, our team can be contacted on 02 4934 1400 or send a message here

by Super Admin

ACREAGES FOR MODERN FAMILIES

Family living in the country, on the outskirts of the suburbs, or even on a rare block of land in the inner city is truly something special in an acreage home.

There are many positive advantages to choosing to build an acreage and one of them is breathing space. Yes, acreage builds give you and your family space to breathe as you grow as a family together. They provide relaxing spaces for when you want to read a good book or escape the daily mayhem that is family life. On the flipside, acreages also have ample space to invite everyone you know and love over to your home, to join you and your family for dinner and drinks. Acreages are a home that provide the best of both worlds – a retreat and an entertainer’s paradise in one beautifully appointed, luxury development.

Acreage home designs can be built anywhere, just as long as the block can accommodate it. However, without doubt the Hunter Valley is a popular choice for home builders in the Newcastle region. The popularity of the Hunter is due to a number of reasons, including rural lifestyle, competitive block prices, land availability, and great access to family-friendly facilities, including quality schools and modern recreational centres.

In fact, beautiful, often private and quite expansive blocks are sometimes available in the Hunter Valley for the same price of a small apartment in an inner city block…so when it comes to family life it is easy to see the drawcard. Plus, an acreage gives you the option to enjoy a large outdoor entertaining space that is all yours. You may have that in an apartment, but it is often a communal space. Or on a regular size block of land the outdoor areas are increasingly small due to limited land availability.

How about a gourmet kitchen with butler’s pantry? When space is at an absolute premium, as in an apartment or a home built on a standard-size block, gourmet kitchens may be a standard inclusion, but a butler’s pantry is rare. In acreage home plans a butler’s pantry is the norm. You see luxury is never compromised due to space when it comes to modern acreage homes.

And then there is parking…

One parking space is fairly standard, but two parking spaces is mostly unheard of in an apartment, unless you are building a penthouse or upper level home. Most regular blocks for stand-alone homes allow for off-street parking and a garage for two cars, sometimes more. But in a standard acreage build, home owners and developers can opt for a triple garage with added workshop – and of course on street parking is free for any of your guests. No pesky meters.

Plus, in an acreage build you have so much more freedom to build your home the way you want to build it. Such as choose the view you want to incorporate, or decide whether it is morning or evening sun that you want to make the most of. You are not restricted to a set spot for the front door or where the plumbing needs to connect to your kitchen, like you would have to adhere to in an apartment. You also don’t need to worry about neighbouring homes blocking your sun or restricting your view like you do in built-up suburbs. And as for growing families, you may even want to build stables for a horse or even a rehearsal studio for band practice, all you need to do is customise the already expansive floor plans.

In addition, the concept of breathing space mentioned earlier also applies to the land surrounding your home, not just the space within it. Many modern acreage home builders choose to allow the landscape to be an extension of their living space, while also being a tool for privacy. That is, the acreage doesn’t take up the entire footprint of the block of land and the surrounding outdoor space adds to the property’s appeal.

Of course, in addition to the features already mentioned, there are many more benefits to choosing to build an acreage on your block of land, such as luxurious ensuites and family bathrooms, generous bedrooms, study nooks and offices, comfortably sized living and entertaining zones, and storage, storage, storage.

Here at Valley Homes we have six modern floor plans that are fully customisable and packed full of clever and contemporary features, which our team is only too happy to discuss with you. So please, if you’re interested in giving your family room to grow, while being able to relax and entertain, you might be interested in knowing about our range of house designs for acreages. We can also discuss the average acreage house prices and costs, as well as show you some of our previous projects. Simply call 02 4934 1400 or drop us a line today.

Ready to build your dream acreage home? Get in touch today

Need ideas? Browse our Acreage Designs

by Super Admin

BUYING A BLOCK OF LAND – 5 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR BUILD ON BUDGET

When the finances are lined-up and the development or suburb has been decided upon: next step is securing the all-important block of land. And while that may sound simple, it can be anything but. There are many factors to consider – some may cost you more than you bargained for and others will be simple if you have all the facts from the outset. To help you get the best out of your development build we’ve put together some tips to make buying your block of land a breeze.

Tip 1. Have your home plans in mind before you buy

This may sound obvious, but before you do anything as drastic as buying a block of land first draw up a rough plan of what your new home will include. It doesn’t need to be architecturally accurate or even look like a house, it just needs to give you an indication of house size – which translates to how big your property needs to ideally be. That is, if you want four bedrooms, two living areas, two bathrooms, a double garage, galley kitchen, in-ground pool and veggie patch – then you need to narrow down your search to only include suitable blocks and will avoid you having to compromise on your custom home designs down the track.

Tip 2. Sloping blocks can be costly – but can also reward

Buying into a new development will often present a variety of options regarding whether the property has a slope or not, as well as the direction the slope falls – and the blocks with slopes on them are often much cheaper than their flat neighbours at the other end of the street. If you are budget conscious, and who isn’t, then there is an important thing to note. While the initial block of land may be cheaper to purchase, sloping block builds are frequently more expensive than non-sloping builds. Site costs can be larger, foundations may need specialised engineering and home designs will need to be customised to work with the block. However, depending on the slope orientation, sloping blocks can also offer the opportunity for views, better access to natural solar, or even clever integration of cross breezes. It often is the case that in more established suburbs sloping blocks actually tend to attract higher resale prices.

Tip 3. Get the dirt on your soil

If your soil is reactive then this means it has an increased chance of moving. The movement is usually due to either increases or decreases in moisture, but essentially it will determine the type of sub-floor you will require and how deep the footings will need to go. Also, if your property was previously part of an industrial plant or something similar, ensure the soil has been tested for chemical levels and is safe for residential builds as this may be very costly to rectify. Also, if you are buying a block of land that has large rocks and/or established trees then understand your home design may end up having to work around them, or alternatively you might be up for some hefty removal fees and council permits to clear the land.

Tip 4. Narrow blocks can be a challenge

There have been some amazing homes built on narrow blocks and there are many innovative technologies designed to maximise your sense of space in smaller or narrower homes. However, whenever the words ‘innovative technologies’ appear in relation to new home builds it generally isn’t followed by ‘inexpensive’. Narrow blocks can be a design challenge, which can translate into increased costs. Plus, if the blocks are also for sale on either side of your chosen property and they are also narrow blocks then the chances of the new owners building upper levels to maximise floor space might mean your natural light will be reduced. It can also mean you will have to be comfortable being very close to your neighbours.

Tip 5. Know your neighbourhood’s fire and flood risk

A new home that backs onto pristine bushland might sound idyllic, but before you hand over your life savings it pays to understand how being close to bushland areas impact on your building costs. If your house is within 100 metres of bushland your block of land will need to have a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) that your builder will have to comply with. Often requiring more expensive materials. Also, you need to know if your block is below flood level. If it is in a 1:100 flood prone area your custom home design may also need to be altered. Plus, if there is a fire or flood on your property and then you wish to sell at a later date, this can affect your final sale figure. Not to mention the increased insurance premiums you will be paying in the meantime.

And that’s our top 5 consideration on purchasing properties…

Hopefully with these things in mind you are now feeling more confident to secure your unique block of land – and after you have done that we’d love you to come and speak to our team of custom home design specialists to maximise your property’s shape, aspect, and potential.

Interested to find out more? Get in touch today

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by Super Admin

YOUR YEAR FOR HOME HAPPINESS

While many Australian’s focus on health and fitness, a better work life balance, and making more time for loved ones, a very large portion also have their New Year’s goals firmly pointed towards building their little piece of property happiness in 2018 – otherwise known as a brand new custom designed home! So let’s start the inspirational design journey right now...

Five top design inspirations:

If you are yet to start a home inspiration Pinterest board full of your favourite colour trends and architecture features, and you haven’t been trawling Instagram to find out if copper fittings are still must-have kitchen accents or if Millennial Pink is still the shade of the moment, then relax. Not only is the start of 2018 an exciting time when New Year’s resolutions become New Year’s actions, it is also the time when all of the best design blogs, supplier websites, property magazines and home builders are keen to help you discover architectural insights and colour tips, as well as reveal the latest fittings, fixtures and finishes to customise your dream home.

And here’s a taste of the top 2018 trends to get your started:

1. Metallic fixtures and fittings

First up, according to Real Living magazine’s inspirational site Homes To Love, yes, copper is still a favourite metallic. However, brass is overtaking it as the must-have accent colour, particularly for bathroom and kitchen fittings and fixtures, as well as pendant lights. If you’re not big on brass yourself, you might be pleased to know that classic silver is also not far behind brass in the popularity stakes.

Knowing what accent materials and colours you prefer is a great starting point when it comes time to select your overall colour palette for your new home, as it can determine whether you opt for standard or luxury inclusions when finalising your house plans.

2. Considered contrast

Contrast is a long-standing tool when talking about great custom home design, but as a 2018 trend it has a new paired back, simplified twist. Essentially, considered contrast refers to contrasting tones, materials, textures and even styles that add additional layers of interest to create a dynamic design space, while using only simple palettes or a limited range of textures and tones.

We love this reinvention of contrast and highly recommend this sparing, considered approach, which will maximise your wow-factor and ensure your home is cohesive. For example, if you are a fan of the latest range of Steel Matt Colorbond and PGH Bricks, like home renovators on The Block are, you can create external interest by contrasting colours, while limiting the finish to matt.

3. Tiles and nature

Tiles made from natural materials are proving to be in high demand in 2018 already, which is in-line with the Japanese inspired Wabi Sabi trend. This nature centric trend sees many new home builders choosing to mimic nature in their designs and architecture, creating inviting and earthy spaces. Examples of this are contrasting sleek marble benchtops with reclaimed timber dining areas, or pairing crisp, glossy tiles with earthen matt ceramics.

In addition to tiles, Wabi Sabi has also inspired custom interior landscaping, bringing the perfect imperfections of nature into your most intimate living spaces. Amber Tiles’ new range of eco sandstone-inspired large format tiles are particularly attractive for custom home designs in 2018 that utilise shared indoor/outdoor areas to create a seamless, durable transition, while enhancing the overall design.

4. Custom joinery

Customised storage has long been a custom design home essential and our team of custom home designers and builders have always relished working with our customers to personalise and capitalise on all possible areas of interest when finalising house plans. However, custom joinery in kitchens is a particularly exciting trend at the moment and is tipped to get bigger and better in 2018. Think natural, sustainably sourced timbers to craft open shelving, feature benchtops, or clever under-bench storage.

We are proud to work very closely with the winner of the 2017 HIA Hunter Kitchen of the Year Valley Kitchens and their custom designed joinery extends beyond the kitchen to also include entertainment hubs and expansive wall units – and they always receive outstanding customer feedback.

5. Share your vision with design experts

Choosing to build a home that will be your sanctuary from the world, your private entertainment mecca, or your haven for culinary creativity is an admirable goal and one you definitely don’t have to go alone. Collaborating with designers and architects can take your initial ideas and inspiration from being impressive, through to being a home that will give you complete and absolute home happiness.

Simply pick up the phone, send us an email or drop into our showroom to learn how our team of custom home design specialists can turn your custom home design goals into reality.

by Super Admin

FLEXIBLE IN-HOUSE DESIGNS AS FLEXIBLE AS OUR CUSTOMERS

At Valley Homes we are extremely proud to say that our extensive range of in-house duplex and house plans are rarely the final designs our customers move into. This is because, as Sales Manager Kaye Purdon says, “Our in-house designs are mostly used as a base for clients to create their own plans.” And with over 25 years working with the team at Valley Homes, Kaye knows the benefits of a flexible in-house suite of designs. “It’s win-win. Customers can save money and time on the initial design, while still creating something unique to them.

“Customers can sit down with one of our designers and discuss modifications to the house or duplex plan. This may include favourite features from their existing home or a design element they have seen in a magazine or online.” This flexibility can be seen in one of our most popular designs, the Braidwood Duplex, which as Kaye describes, “Can be easily modified to include a walk in pantry, study nook, or additional bathroom and ensuite options. We even have many different façade options as well.”

After completing a Bachelor of Architecture (Honours) at Sydney University and establishing herself in the industry as an intuitive architect, Valley Homes’ Designer, Stef Kinsey, has been working with the team for over seven years. Stef has been involved with over 320 projects, including budget conscious, low cost house builds through to luxurious investments with top of the range fixtures and design extras. Stef’s personal favourite in-house design is the Oakhampton from the Acreage Series, simply because it has it all. “It is a plan that has defined zones for parents, children and teens, dedicated entertaining spaces, and includes a study or guest bedroom. The most common design alteration requested by customers are increased alfresco areas and a third car space in the garage, which are also already included in the Oakhampton.”

The popularity of in-house designs goes beyond the economically beneficial house and duplex plans and their inbuilt flexibility. It also extends to being

able to see first-hand what works. As Stef points out, “Yes, in-house designs are a good starting point for clients to tweak plans and personalise living spaces to suit their lifestyles, but because the design has most often been previously built by us, customers can drive-past an existing home to get a true understanding of the street appeal, suitable façades and overall style, before fully committing to the investment.”

Valley Homes’ investment in producing a comprehensive collection of in-house plans, many under the direct guidance of Stef, means there is a range of features, configurations and budget options available. As Stef says, “Having such a wide choice also means that customers can also select a house or duplex plan that suits the site orientation to take advantage of their specific views, aspect or even access. This is particularly important to take advantage of the beautiful northern sun for living spaces and alfresco entertaining areas.”

The in-house design process – planning your low cost build with Valley Homes

If you are researching your home design options and want to know more about the process, here is a quick snapshot of what you can expect when working with us:

1. First you will consult with someone from our sales team to get a personalisedoverview of the process.
2. If you want to progress, at this stage all you need to do is provide the site details.
3. Then it is a matter of sitting down with one of our designers, such as Stef, and selecting the best house or duplex plans for your budget, your site aspect and size, and your lifestyle – and then customise to suit.
4. This is when we will give you a quote, otherwise known as a preliminary tender.
5. If you decide to go ahead with the quote we will prepare all of the necessary documents and plans for submission to council…
6. …while you get to select the colour schemes, finishes, fixtures, fittings, and extras.
7. We will then build, build, build.
8. You receive the keys. Simple.

As Kaye says, “Our experienced staff manage the entire build process efficiently and stress free, modify designs to suit individual requirements, and deliver a high quality finished product.” So it really is easy to see why in-house designs are one of the most popular options for customers wanting to build a duplex or house, especially when budget is top of mind.

If you would like to know more about in-house builds, the economical, dare we say it cheap to build nature, please drop us a line or phone us on 0249341400. We also have many floor plans available to view online to make your preliminary research as simple as possible.

Another informative dual occupancy article:

• In-house designs – Plans

by Super Admin

HUNTER VALLEY SPOTLIGHT – EVEN MORE REASONS TO BUILD YOUR VERY OWN ACREAGE

Now is a great time to experience an authentic country lifestyle and build your very own luxury acreage in the Hunter Valley. The region has easy access to modern facilities and city opportunities, it has many good size plots available at competitive land prices, and it is the home to agricultural icons, such as the nearby vineyards – and this is tranquil little piece of regional Australia is definitely on the up and up.

If you’re not sure what an acreage is feel free to contact us for a chat, but typically it is a single level home on land larger than an acre allowing for expansive, relaxed designs, full of the luxury inclusions you just couldn’t fit on an inner city block. This includes a gourmet kitchen with butler’s pantry, his and hers walk-in robes, triple garage, additional workshop, very generous living and private spaces, and so much more. Most importantly, it’s not just picking one or two of these either, it is enjoying the whole suit of spacious extras!

If you’re keen on building a luxurious country retreat with all the acreage property must-haves mentioned above, you might then be asking, why is the Hunter Valley such a standout option for building in regional Australia? Well, the Hunter Valley is continuing to show strong developmental potential through the extensive planning and vision of developers and the Local Council. Current developments are supporting existing industries thriving in the area, such as mining, agriculture, hospitality, and tourism, as well as working to create solid infrastructure, providing employment opportunities through the building of new schools, shopping districts and recreational facilities.

While you may want to escape to your own private acreage hideaway and not worry about surrounding progress, it will no doubt be

comforting to know the Hunter Valley is a solid financial investment. Projects like The Levee in Maitland nearing completion, Huntlee the brand new town just outside of Branxton selling early stages, and the recent sale of the expansive Anvil Creek site which is tipped to include a golf course, amphitheatre and further residential opportunities, is creating a lot of interest in the property market.

The recent spike in interest is also partially thanks to the recent upgrade of major arterial roads, in particular the Hunter Expressway. Getting in and out of the area is quicker and easier than ever with Newcastle less than an hour away. Plus, as more attention has been drawn into the growing population, so too is the focus on ensuring public transport also keeps up – which is usually a good sign for future proofing an investment.

The only downside to all of this amazing news about the Hunter Valley’s bright future, is the word is getting out and more people are wanting to build there. As you probably know, when it comes to property markets increased popularity means prices may soon be driven up too – as well as the most spacious or most secluded blocks get a little harder to come by. The great news for prospective acreage builders, however, is that land prices are still very competitive, especially when compared to nearby Newcastle and there are still many blocks available that are perfect for an acreage build. Now is the time to act.

A great starting point for anyone interested in building a new home in the Hunter Valley, and you’re still deciding if an acreage build is best for you, is to take a look at our six featured acreage floor plans. This will give you clear and simple information about potential layouts, inclusions and the potential you will have for an amazing country lifestyle. Also, each design is fully customisable, which is particularly important so you can maximise the unique aspects of your specific block.

Other great acreage and/or Hunter Valley articles:

• Country Home Design – Enjoy the perfect day, every day
• Acreage living – when bigger is better
• On-trend: Custom home design in the Hunter

by Super Admin

HOME BUILDING TIPS: FOR AN ARCHITECT DESIGNED HOME BUILT ON YOUR LAND

Whether you are looking to buy land, have recently inherited land or already own a block you can see yourself enjoying for many years to come, there are many design and financial benefits to building on land you own, as opposed to buying a finished home or a house and land package. Regardless of how you came to own the land however, if the type of home you hope to build requires architectural input we have a few tips to help you maximise your land value, build smart and be happy with the final result.

1. Ask your architect to carefully consider your unique landscape

One of the major reasons clients of Valley Homes seek out an architect to design their home is to have an optimal floor plan, an enhanced home lifestyle, as well as complement the surrounding landscape – we like to think of it as the trifecta of good home design. Good design will incorporate views and make the best use of the property aspects to allow the house to sit harmoniously in its surroundings.

We recommend you make sure your architect understands your vision of the entire home, including landscape and natural surrounds.

The appeal of your particular landscape may be it’s central location and nearby cafés. This may mean your landscape also includes towering apartment blocks or busy street fronts, which means it’s also likely that your home design will need to consider privacy, soundproofing and easy access for off-road parking. Alternatively, your landscape may be a sprawling acreage that may need some large trees incorporated (or cleared) and/or the property’s creeks, dams, or natural watercourses to be taken into consideration during the design process.

Basically it’s your land, so it has to work for you and when off the plan isn’t going to cut it, make sure your custom design does.

You’ve probably heard it before, but…

2. Get to know your surrounds and services well

Before you get swept up in building on a secluded parcel in the Hunter Valley or becoming a city-dweller and building in central Newcastle, research the services and facilities in the area and make sure they match up with your needs, now and ten years down the track. Schools and childcare facilities, retail and entertainment, cafés and restaurants, hospitals and GPs, plus community and recreational facilities are very important when deciding on whether your block is ideal for a family home or if it is more suitable as a duplex or dual occupancy.

Also, it pays to understand the costs involved in connecting water, electricity, gas, telephone, internet and sewerage. City builds, such as in Newcastle, will usually have little problems or additional costs (above standard) for any of these services. However, move out to the country and the connections may incur substantial additional fees.

With this is mind you also need to know if your land is in a flood zone or a fire danger area. All of these factors will affect your overall budget, the type of house you will be able to build, as well as ongoing costs, such as insurance.

It really pays to have all of these factors clear in your mind, because if you inherited the land and/or are not tied to building in this particular spot, if the land you own isn’t measuring up to your needs it might be better to sell at this early stage and look at building somewhere more appropriate.

3. Save on stamp duty if you can

Buying an empty block of land with the intention to build can make great financial sense as stamp duty is only payable on the land, saving you a considerable amount of money as the house component is essentially exempt.

While it may be tempting to seek a builder who can offer a ‘buy on completion’ arrangement, with the builder essentially taking on the land value and you paying one single payment on completion, this essentially becomes what is traditionally known as a ‘house and land package’. This means you will then be required to pay stamp duty on the entire home. But it your already own the land outright then you don’t need to worry about stamp duty at all – happy days.

4. Know when and when not to compromise

For most people, building a home is a real balancing act. Throughout the design and building process you will be faced with many, many decisions relating to your finished home. This will most likely start with the building orientation and size, bedrooms and living spaces, and whether or not there are council regulations. Extending all the way through to the types of windows, doors and even external finishes.

All of these decisions have associated price tags and while you may have a strong vision you may also have a finite budget. Try and decide early on what elements are critically important to you and what features can go if they have to. This will help you avoid being put on the spot and making decisions you may regret later.

Valley Homes specialises in building your plans and have great relationships with many Newcastle and Hunter Valley based architects. So if you have architects plans that need expert builders on the job or want a recommendation for a local architect with a proven track record, talk to us.

Other helpful links:

Archicentre Australia

Oneflare – Newcastle Architect Search

Master Builder’s Association, NSW

Land and Property Information, NSW

by Super Admin