Homes

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

THE TRUE VALUE OF CUSTOM HOME DESIGN

Ever dreamt of designing your own home? Renovating an older property can be enticing, but there are often many hidden costs. Buying off the plans may suit your budget, but the finished home often won’t address your specific needs. Then there are custom home builds – they are energy efficient, well thought out, designed with you in mind, and most importantly are great value for money.

Maximise your home’s value

Like any new home build the best place to start is by getting on board with a quality local builder – it will save you time and money. A quality builder should have many recent builds that they would be more than happy to talk to you about. As well as having a great reputation for quality, it often pays to use a local builder. Why local? Well, for instance we’ve been homes in the Hunter Valley since 1971 and over that time have developed some extremely solid relationships with the best suppliers, manufacturers and service providers in the area.

Of course, this is great for us because it makes running a business a lot easier, however the real value is for you, the homebuilder. Locally made materials, sourced from our preferred premium suppliers means you get:

• Exceptional rates that have already been negotiated to give you the best price possible
• The quality is assured because of our frequency of use and long-term knowledge of the products
• Face-to-face consultations and easily accessible showrooms
• No unnecessary freight and shipping costs added into your pricing

True value doesn’t just relate to costs

There is immense value in living in a home that 100% satisfies your and your family’s needs. Having carefully considered floor plans with the perfect room placement and dimensions, not to mention the amount of rooms, all can have an incredible impact on how satisfied you are with your home. Maybe you also want an ensuite to escape your kids at shower time, an entertaining deck to relax and getaway from it all, or maybe you need more than one study because you and your partner work from home.

If you are going to invest in a new home, why buy off the plans if you are going to end up having to run your business from the kitchen table or jostle between the kids and the bathroom sink while you try and get out the door for work? Yes, there are generally marginally more costs for a custom home design when compared with an off-the-plan build, but get it right from the beginning and you’ll never want to leave the home and never want to sell, which means more in your pocket in the long run – after all your home is a long-term investment.

So what pricing is involved with a typical custom build at Valley Homes?

If you have been nodding along up until this point, you are probably now thinking, so exactly how much more will this type of build cost, what is included and how should I budget? Well, firstly most people assume that building an off-the-plans home means everything is included in the price. That’s not always the case, take for instance landscaping. For some companies that is an extra cost or just something you have to sort out for yourself.

Also, if you want to upgrade any fittings, fixtures, floor coverings, windows, doors, appliances you name it from the standard inclusions, then this will obviously be added to your initial off-the-plan figure, and in some cases the option to upgrade just isn’t available, leaving you with a house that is less than you’d hoped for – but you still had to fork out a reasonable amount of money for it.

This is where custom home builds come into their own, because if you have secured the services of a quality local builder like Valley Homes to build your custom design home, everything is detailed upfront. So the figure you are given includes everything you have discussed and agreed to, as detailed on your plans without added extras. This includes your chosen materials, internal fit out, any external works agreed to and delivery date. So there won’t be any unexpected costs that you will need to budget for once the plans and price is set.

Of course, the actual pricing will depend on the finer details, such as how luxurious and/or expansive your ideal home is, however we pride ourselves on delivering value for money. So whatever inclusions or extras you need, you can trust that our Custom Design Service will deliver the best possible price and available materials. Forget about needing maintenance any time soon, you can just move in, relax and live the life you have always wanted.

If you want more information about the cost to build a custom design home, specific to your list of must-haves and block of land, contact our team of custom design specialists.

by Super Admin

THE CULTURE OF CUSTOM HOME DESIGN

The way many of us approach the modern property market is vastly different from the early days of home ownership in Australia. Gone are the days of receiving a set of keys and that was then end of the story. Instead of buying off the plans and just maintaining your home, today Australians are far more creative and intent on personalising our piece of land. So what is influencing this changing landscape and movement towards custom home design?

The lay of the real estate land

Of course, it could be said that skyrocketing house prices have had a major part to play in our drive for improved domestic design – after all we want to make the best use of what is a very substantial investment in most people’s lives. Capitalising on your investment to improve quality of life is an obvious benefit, plus it makes sense that simply maintaining a property isn’t going to draw the best possible returns when it comes time to sell. So many Australians opt to invest in their investment – and with demands high, it seems to be paying off.

Family friendly floor plans

In addition to the financial drawcards of investing in good home design, what was previously considered a functioning floor plan has shifted with the changing needs of modern families. For example, as a nation we have experienced a cultural move towards home entertaining, which has in turn changed the most requested home layout. Meaning a small, closed-off living room with no connection to the outdoor space just doesn’t work with our modern idea of home entertaining anymore.

We want ample living spaces that have a seamless flow through from one area of the home to the other, such as dining and kitchen, which is why many Australians still opt for an open plan solution when buying or designing their new home. Plus, modern home design in relation to entertaining often extends beyond the internal floor plan to create a seamless transition into an outdoor area. This effectively creates one large open entertaining space with indoor and outdoor zones.

A growing love for bespoke living

Beyond the challenges of affordability and availability of properties, and the changes in family dynamics, the Australian real estate scene has dramatically changed in other ways too. More than ever, there is a definite desire to live in luxury, elevating the comforts around us to be more than simply functional. Beautifully designed finishes and fixtures, even bespoke pieces, are painstakingly selected, not ‘out of the box’.

Amongst homeowners and new homebuilders today, there is a real drive to be unique, which is seen in the dramatic increase in custom home design requests – with the modern Australian home truly becoming an extension of the personalities that reside within its walls. It is this aspect of modern home design that has seen the most exciting, innovative and simply beautiful developments in housing take shape. Basically, Australians are becoming much more visually aware and design literate, and this leads us to what we believe is one of the most important factors in the custom home design revolution.

Television that inspires and celebrates design

From reality television to more traditional formats, there are a number of television programs aired in Australia that have definitely influenced the increasing desire for custom home design. One of the most influential programs in regards to architecture would have to be the original Grand Designs, featuring Britain’s modern architectural masterpieces and innovative and experimental designs (which has also launched spinoffs Grand Designs Australia and Grand Designs New Zealand). It has been bringing cutting edge home aesthetics and a pure love of architecture into everyday Australian’s homes since 1999. The program’s success can be attributed to how a home viewer can gain intimate access into a living space to learn what works, what doesn’t and how amazing the end result can be, simply by tuning in.

When it comes to reality television there are a number of good home renovation shows on air, including House Rules and Reno Rumble, but in terms of internal layouts, finishes and fixtures, you can’t go past Channel 9s hit show, The Block. It has had an incredible impact on home renovations and custom designs in new home builds across Australia. In its current format it has been airing since 2010 and has taken what is quite an expansive viewership through many different home renovation and building adventures. Due to the competitive nature of The Block, over the years Australians have had the joy seeing each home be an improvement on the last, with contestants going to great lengths to do something special – and the record price tags achieved at auction has without doubt encouraged Australians to give home customisation a go.

Custom home design in the digital world

Television shows showcasing what is the epitome of good design and inspiring viewers to custom design their home have helped many Australians achieve something special with their home, but they are not the only form of media that is having unprecedented influence. Internet and social media are also playing a massive part. Digital consumers are very active on sites such as Instagram, Pinterest and Houzz Australia.

Good digital platforms allow instant searches of global databases for users to gain inspiration, purchase home items and identify the builders that are creating good quality custom design homes. It’s a simple, fast and very accurate method of getting real-time home design inspiration and feed cravings for luxurious home fixtures and fittings.

So if you need some help with custom home inspiration, there is plenty you can find out from in the comfort of your own home, but many new homebuilders have also been seeking custom home design experts to help bring their home inspirations to life.

For local custom home design experts in-touch with Australia’s growing desire for unique, bespoke builds, talk to us at Valley Homes.

Ready to build your dream home or investment? Get in touch today

Need ideas? Browse our portfolio

by Super Admin

ON-TREND: CUSTOM DESIGN IN THE HUNTER

The Hunter Valley draws in people from all over Australia and the world – and with this influx of people from different backgrounds and cultures the types of homes being built in the area are evolving from the classic country cottage to something more dynamic and architecturally modern. It’s definitely an exciting time to build a custom designed home in the Hunter Valley, which got us thinking – what are our favourite trends for the region’s unique property builds.

WHAT’S HOT IN HEATING AND COOLING

Swimming pools with custom alfresco entertaining zones

Many regional areas can get quite balmy during summer (nice way of saying incredibly hot). So in addition to your indoors being taken care of by a central cooling and heating system, which is a must-have for most new-home builders, a pool can completely change your outdoor lifestyle. Built-in pools offer a huge variety of landscaping and entertaining options and can be as integrated or separate to your entertaining areas as you wish – and a beautiful, well-designed pool area is always a huge summertime winner.

Fireplaces – a centrepiece of sophisticated heating

Australia has quite a dynamic climate and while swimming pools are on-trend for summertime fun, in winter the evening temperatures can drop dramatically – and that calls for quality heating. While central heating and insulation are very important for year round comfort a fireplace offers more than just heat. A fireplace is a style statement and can create a true focal point in your custom designed house. Plus, if you don’t like the idea firewood, there are many gas fireplace alternatives offering convenience, good design and energy efficiency – and of course they still provide the fireplace feel, complete with dancing flame.

FLOOR PLANS FOR LIVING AND LUXURY

Dedicated wine cellars (the Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine region after all!)

A dedicated wine cellar has the unique ability to go just about anywhere, making it a versatile and highly attractive addition to custom designed homes. Depending on your wine needs, i.e. whether your wines need temperature controlled environments or can be left at room temperature, there are many creative storage solutions to suit. From clever nooks under staircases, a dedicated room entirely for wine, or simply a display area in your gourmet kitchen, you can really let your imagination go wild.

Butler’s pantries

Continuing along the lines of clever storage, most modern properties feature well-appointed kitchens, but a butler’s pantry is that true icing on the kitchen cake. It makes entertaining and day-to-day living just that little bit easier and so much more stylish. You can easily hide everything away, keep messy appliances within reach, include a utility sink, and have a hidden spot to pop all the odds and ends you like to use throughout the day – all instead of crowding your designer bench space.

Gourmet kitchens (get creative with award-winning Hunter Valley produce)

Australia’s foodie revolution has not only increased the variety of fresh foods available at your local grocer and farmer’s market, it has led to the evolution of the home kitchen. From simply being functional and utilitarian space, today a modern kitchen boasts ample bench space, gorgeous finishes and a selection of clever appliances. Everything is expertly designed so home cooks can create gourmet meals while effortlessly entertaining their guests. Kitchens definitely allow custom home designers to have a little fun with delicious rewards.

Seamless inside / outside entertainment zones

Open plan living spaces that incorporate living rooms with dining and kitchens are what many owner builders and developers are demanding of their floor plans. But this trend is evolving to take an even more holistic approach to creating harmonious, liveable spaces. This means homeowners get to enjoy not only a great internal space for entertaining and an equally great outdoor alfresco entertaining area, but a seamless melding of the two spaces to create a large, very versatile and highly liveable property that will be the envy of the neighbourhood.

Ensuite with deep bath or double shower

Hunter Valley properties are generally generous in size, especially for the price, allowing for the opportunity to create the ultimate room for relaxation – a private bathroom with a deep, luxurious bath or double shower. Also, depending on your site specifics and surrounding views, a clever builder can integrate outdoor views and natural elements into the ambience of the room, as well as offering a wide range of fittings and fixtures that add another level of glamour and sophistication.

Mudrooms – Australian style

Mudrooms are the norm in countries with wet or snow laden winters, however they are becoming more and more popular in Australia for good reason. A mudroom is a practical space that is hardwearing and easy to clean, joins the outside with the inside, and cleverly stores day-to-day items such as school bags, shoes, hats, beach and pool gear, and umbrellas. A mudroom can be as small as a thoughtfully designed cupboard, all the way to a hardwood or tiled room with beautifully designed hangers and cabinets – and many rural Australian homes are opting to build one.

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL TEXTURES AND MATERIALS

External cladding and textural features

A key feature about any custom design home is that it is unique, inside and out. The plans, interiors and property aspect are all specific to the project, as well as and the needs and budget of the homeowner – and this without doubt extends to the home exteriors too. External elements such as bespoke ironwork, stone cladding and timber feature panels embrace contrasting textures and colours to create a statement about the property’s style and design credentials. This is particularly popular with medium density developments and standalone homes alike.

Natural textures and organic materials

New homes are appealing because they are well, new. The wiring and plumbing are spot-on and the floor plan is exceptional. But new doesn’t mean shiny and lacking in soul. Rough stone, earthy tiles, natural timber grains, exposed brick and marble are just some of the finishes many Australians are choosing in their custom home designs. Natural materials effortlessly create warmth and add softness to a space. Partnered this with textured rugs, throws, pillows, and of course furniture and you have a new home that feels like it has been your private retreat forever.

Valley Homes are the Hunter Valley’s custom home design experts catering for a range of price points and of course dreams. Talk to us today.

by Super Admin

KNOCKDOWN REBUILD OR RENOVATE – WHAT SIDE OF THE FENCE DO YOU SIT?

Whether you should knockdown and rebuild or renovate is a hotly debated topic amongst many Australians and it can mean the difference between adding a few extra greys and making your bank manager smile. So let’s take a look at the advantages of each option…

Knockdown rebuilds are a good idea when…

• You need to work to a fixed budget: renovations are renowned for uncovering hidden issues within a structure, leading to unexpected costs. As you probably know, whenever you are renovating you need to have a contingency amount put aside, and sometimes even that won’t cover it. With a knockdown rebuild you know exactly what the final cost will be from the outset.

• Your suburb is undergoing a housing transformation: If the façade and size of your house is out-dated and smaller than surrounding homes, then your overall property value could be affected. This is not about keeping up with the Jones’, but ensuring your home is capitalising on the street value and not dragging it down.

• You want to downsize and/or upgrade without having to leave the neighbourhood: a knockdown rebuild can open up many options. As well as being able to build out and up you can also subdivide your block of land and sell off part or build a duplex. Essentially, a knockdown rebuild means you can create an income and upgrade your fittings and fixtures, without having to leave the area you know and love.

• Maintenance issues are increasing: patching up an ageing home can feel like you are chasing your tail; new roof and guttering, wiring, plumbing, even foundations can need replacing as your property Fixing problems as they arise may spread the cost out over time, but if you add up the expenses, on top of any renovations you may be planning, then your mortgage will most likely be suffering.

• You need to move major services in your property if you renovate: moving services that are required for a kitchen and/or bathroom, such as gas and plumbing, can add significant costs to your renovation budget and can quickly blow out. If you can’t avoid such moves it may pay to price up alternative options such as a knockdown rebuild so you have a clear understanding of all costs before making a decision.

• You want to do more than simply add solar panels to reduce your energy costs: new homes are built to be environmentally sustainable and energy efficient. Improved building materials, quality insulation, passive solar design, water tanks and solar panels are now part of new home designs as standard features – not just tacked on at a later date.

• Carrying out major extensions require new foundations and rooflines: Starting fresh can be a wise solution to ensure your home foundations are exactly what you are after and of course structurally sound. If you are going to be investing a considerable amount in this project then you want the finished home to be exactly what you want without having to compromise due to existing foundations and rooflines.

Or finally… 

• Your home is screaming ‘demolish me’: sometimes you won’t have a choice: fire, termites, fallen trees, and a million other scenarios, may take the decision out of your hands and there is nothing left to do but call in the bulldozers. Knockdown rebuild professionals can take all the stress out of that process for you by arranging everything from demolishing your property through to quality construction.

One the other side of the real estate spectrum, renovations can be an attractive option when… 

• You are a qualified tradesperson: If a renovation is within your skill level (and you have the time) then it may save you money to renovate, as well as give you a sense of personal and professional achievement.

• You live in a heritage listed home: sometimes knocking down a property and starting from scratch isn’t an option. Besides the fact that you may love the period features and original charm, there may be legal requirements restricting what changes you make.

• You only want to make small tweaks here and there: if your home only requires putting up a few floating shelves and a lick of paint, then obviously renovate away. Cosmetic renovations are essential for homeowners to put their stamp on the space and also keep it up to date with the latest colours and styles.

• You don’t have small children, a demanding job or plans to relax on weekends: while the financial costs may be significant with a larger style renovation the other big cost can be time. Instead of the streamlined construction, typical of new home builds, you will need to manage many different trades, budgets, schedules and of course be able to commit your own time. 

• You have deep enough pockets and big ideas: like all things in life, sometimes you have to follow your heart. If you can’t think of anything better than whipping out your hammer and paintbrush and giving a DIY renovation a go, then of course go for it. All we can say is please do your homework first, get experts involved where possible and good luck.

Want to know more about knockdown rebuilds?

Valley Homes has been completing knockdown rebuild projects in Maitland, Newcastle and the Hunter Valley for many years. Our experienced team will take care of the entire process for you, from council approvals, demolition, custom design and construction. If you would like to discuss anything about getting your own knockdown rebuild underway, talk to us.

Further reading

• Turn Your Knockdown into a Knockout is a comprehensive article outlining the top five reasons why people choose a knockdown rebuild
• The great realities of a Knockdown Rebuild discusses why better results can be achieved with a knockdown rebuild instead of opting to renovate.

by Super Admin

DISPLAY HOMES – DESIGNED TO DAZZLE, NOT NECESSARILY DELIVER

Display homes serve a purpose for the mass production line approach to building, which they ‘display’. They are key selling tools for building quick, affordable estates, but they aren’t always what they seem…

What you see isn’t always what you get

As you step out of your car and walk up the beautifully finished driveway and landscaped front yard to the commanding portico entrance your eyes are wide with excitement. Opening the front door to a display home will set your real estate dreams buzzing. That is what they are designed to do. But usually nothing of what you have seen so far (driveway, landscaping, portico) is a standard inclusion in the price.

They have lured you in with dreams of grandeur and it doesn’t end there. Top of the range fixtures and luxury inclusions will dazzle throughout; the kitchen and bathroom will no doubt impress with high-end bench-tops, premium tiles and extravagant appliances. All of which is good if that’s what you want and can afford, but don’t expect the advertised price to include all of these wow-factors as you walk through the house.

Everything on display isn’t in the advertised price

If you asked the sales rep taking you through the property to give you an actual price of everything you see in the display home, you will probably find that it is nowhere near the base price being advertised – and the cost to replicate the home as you see it can often drastically changes the value of building a production-line style home in the first place. Flexibility is limited and any addition or alteration you want to make from the standard package will cost you time and money – and you still end up with a home looking exactly the same as everyone else in the street, no cheaper than if you went to a reputable builder offering quality in-house designs.

Mass production can have its price pitfalls

The mass production building model, which utilises display homes, is effective at reducing costs. They do this by buying up big and then farming out the materials across multiple builds. This means savings can be made on material costs and even labour can be streamlined if the new home builds can be arranged to occur simultaneously or in close proximity. Because this building technique heavily relies on the customer using the specified materials to take advantage of the cost-cutting measures, if any changes or upgrades to materials occur the final price can be dramatically altered.

In-house designs are the new go-to in affordable, quality houses

Display homes and off-the-shelf builds used to be one of the only cost efficient housing options – not any more. In-house designs are now one of the best ways to secure a quality home that dazzles like a display home at a comparable or cheaper price. How? Firstly a builder utilising in-home designs doesn’t have the overheads of building a display home to sell the design, which equates to substantial savings across their entire design portfolio. Plus, because the cost isn’t so tightly aligned with the bulk material model the designs are more flexible and any changes made won’t necessarily see you being lugged with exorbitant variations.

Tailor your level of involvement with in-house designs

Far from simply taking your money and building the house exactly as you see it on the plans, an in-house design package by a reputable builder will allow you greater involvement, which translates to control, if you want it. Instead of shying away from alterations to the original design an experienced builder will actively encourage it, so your home is personalised to suit your lifestyle and your needs, all within your budget.

There are many decisions to be made when building a new home and while sticking to the base design options available through a display home may reduce some of the stress associated (including hidden costs) you may not end up with a home you actually want to spend time in. For people who know what they want from the property the amount of options available are less daunting and more exciting. Besides, a builder experienced in in-house design builds can help navigate you through the options best suited for your selected design, style and budget – streamlining the process for you.

Flexibility on all levels with in-house design

Display homes usually have very specific block size and slope requirements. For example, if the block of land you have purchased is a sloping block or is an unusual shape, i.e., narrow or an acreage, then you may find the display home options extremely limiting. In-house designs however can often be more flexible as there are usually more options available in the first place, plus they are fully customisable to ensure your new home makes the most out of the location and the land specifications.

Sign on the dotted line with confidence

Whether you opt to go down the path of a display home build or want the added flexibility and personalisation of an in-house design you need to do your research. Housing builds can be a minefield of council requirements, design finalisation, engineering certification and construction – display homes and in-house designs alike. So when you choose a building company to trust with such a significant amount of money, make sure they are experienced and manage the entire process for you.

It’s also often a good idea to ask the builder if you could see some builds that were recently completed or better yet if you could speak to the owners to get first-hand feedback on the entire process. Plus, get it in writing what the final package is going to cost – after all you need to be comfortable with the price, as well as the finishes, fixtures and overall design.

Valley Homes has a host of In-House Designs available to choose from backed by a team of experienced Building Designers and over 40 years of building expertise. Talk to our team to find out how we can build your dream home.

by Super Admin

COUNTRY HOME DESIGN – ENJOY THE PERFECT DAY, EVERY DAY

Wide-open spaces, stunning vistas and breathtaking sunsets; country life is about enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds you – all in the comfort of your luxurious, cleverly designed, acreage home.

7am – good morning!

Your master bed is perfectly positioned so you can effortlessly draw back the curtains and see the early morning sun dappled on your favourite eucalypt.

Good country home design means getting the most out of the stunning parcel of land you have tucked away in country NSW. Good design ensures your floor plan and positioning take advantage of any views you might have, makes the most of sunrise and sunsets, as well as integrates the natural elevations and existing greenery, ponds, creeks etc.

There are many clever design elements to seamlessly bring the outside in; large windows, sliding cavity and bi-fold doors, even vertical gardens all increase the sense of space and proximity to nature when you are comfortable inside. Glass pool fences keep little ones safe, comply with regulations, and also allow the landscaping and natural surrounds to be true features.

8am – breakfast is served

Savour your favourite breakfast perched comfortably at your spacious breakfast bar, adjoining the kitchen and overlooking a private little garden.

If you’ve ever watched a home renovation television show or read any magazine such as Australian Country or Hunter Lifestyle you would know the phrase ‘kitchens sell houses.’ The reason is two-fold – apart from kitchens being a substantial investment, getting a kitchen right can drastically change the feel and functionality of a home.

Whether you consider yourself a gourmet cook or prefer a ready-made meal, your kitchen should incorporate intuitive design to be stylish and functional – whatever the task. A quick breakfast needs a comfortable, well-positioned breakfast bar. A large family needs a well-stocked pantry or better yet a walk in butler’s pantry. An entertainer needs an oven and stovetop that are up to the challenge of cooking many different dishes at once. The list goes on. On top of the actual cooking and food prep the kitchen also needs to create a sense of flow within the surrounding space.

An acreage home generally means you have more freedoms in regard to kitchen size, so ultimately a successful kitchen will come down to selecting the right plan from a reputable country home builder. Look for a builder that has great working relationships with local suppliers specialised in designing and fitting out kitchens. Such as how Valley Homes has specialised in-house designers and works with renowned local kitchen builders Valley Kitchens and indoor and outdoor tile suppliers Amber Tiles and Carpet Court.

11am – room to live and breathe

You and your loved ones happily potter about in the open plan living room, flowing out to your deck or shady courtyard; reading books, listening to music and simply enjoying the space.

Clever acreage floor plans allow families to enjoy being together without being in each other’s space. It takes advantage of the larger plots of land to maximise living spaces, while carefully creating a sense of cosiness through zoning. While you can create zones through interior design, zones can also be planned at the building stage. This might include a quiet nook for reading in the evening, an inbuilt desk to keep your daily tasks organised and in easy reach, or a large lounge area with built-in entertainment. Talking these things through with your designer and homebuilder at the outset will help you make the most of your space.

Other elements to keep in mind when building are what little luxuries you would like. This might mean integrated sound systems so that your favourite tracks are never far away, ducted air-conditioning and well-placed fans keep you cool and comfortable when things are heating up or cooling down outside, or simply the type of flooring you would like – soft woollen carpets, natural timbers or even sleek modern tiles. A quality homebuilder specialising in country acreage designs will have extensive knowledge and access to sought-after finishes and fittings to help you give your home the wow factor.

3pm – entertain, play and sunsets

Your friends and family look forward to get-togethers at your home and enjoy afternoons by the pool and alfresco dining under the stars.

A country home is just as much about the outside as the inside when it comes to entertaining too. Inside an acreage-style home there is the flexibility to have a theatre room, formal dining area for dinner parties, or even room for a pool table. Outside there are opportunities to incorporate a barbecue or even outdoors kitchen into the landscaped garden and pool area. A well-designed country home should be where your friends and family all want to come to escape.

The clear advantage when it comes to designing a country home is the amount of space you have to play with. If squeezing your dream home onto a 450m square block in an inner-city suburb seems unrealistic and often too expensive to secure the block in the first place, opting for a full acre in somewhere like the Hunter Valley could be one of the best decisions you’ve made.

9pm. Relax in your piece of country paradise

And when the day is almost over your luxurious bathroom is the ultimate place to relax and take in the sunset through your thoughtfully placed window.

Just like kitchens, bathrooms sell houses too. A good bathroom is more than clean and functional, it is a retreat, a room you actually want to spend time in. Country bathroom design has come along way since the outhouse days. Any quality design team knows how integral a well-positioned and well-appointed bathroom and ensuite can be to a new homeowners overall satisfaction and long-term happiness with their home.

Great country house design in NSW means including all the best fittings in the most functional and stylish way possible, without being constrained to a tiny space; a deep bath instead of just a shower, possibly a double vanity with overhead and under-bench storage, even a double shower head instead of a single.

An acreage-style home is the Australian dream at its best

Valley Homes has six luxurious floor plans to build your modern house in rural Australia – from the expertly laid foundations to the stylish and strong rooftop there is a package to suit your needs. The Acreage Series is everything you would expect in good country home design – and is fully customisable to allow for your properties views and orientation. Talk to our in-house team of acreage specialists today.

by Super Admin

ACREAGE LIVING: WHEN BIGGER IS BETTER

The opportunities for acreage living in Australia are incredibly diverse. You can find acreages on the fringes of major residential areas, near the coast or in rural towns. Whatever your choice of location, acreage living can hold great appeal.

1. Serenity

An acreage property means you’re a long way from your neighbours. If you enjoy the quiet life, what greater way to start the day than to throw open the doors onto your verandah and enjoy breakfast with just nature for company. The luxury of seclusion also means you’re not disturbing anyone either. You’re free to party until the early hours, or let your children be as rowdy as they please without raising the ire of your neighbours.

2. Space

Not only will your children have the freedom to be boisterous, but they’ll have the space too. Imagine sending your children out to play knowing they’re reaping the benefits of plentiful fresh air and not having to worry about pollution or the dangers of traffic.

Of course, increased space also means there’s more to maintain. However, this can also be a plus for families as children have the opportunity to learn responsibility and practical skills that can stand them in good stead for later life.

3. Self-sufficiency

Greater space means you have the luxury of being able to grow a lot of your own fresh fruit and vegetables. If you’re a keen gardener, just think of the pleasure you’ll gain from filling your home with beautiful fresh produce.

You’ll also have room to keep animals – chickens for eggs, goats to keep the grass down and even horses if you’re a keen rider.

4. Expand with ease

The design of your acreage property is entirely up to you. Unlike building on smaller inner-city land, you’re not as restricted and you can choose a floor plan that meets your needs. There are certain luxuries that come with acreage development, and whatever the house you initially choose, there’s always room to expand. Perhaps your friends become so envious of your lifestyle that they visit more often, or maybe you’re planning to have more children; the bigger your property, the more room you have to expand your home.

The first steps to living the acreage dream

If you can see yourself enjoying all the advantages of living on an acreage property, or you’ve already chosen your land, it’s time to start researching the type of home you could build. Valley Homes is an essential start and we guarantee, the perfect place to end!

Browse the Acreage Series where you’ll discover six floor plans to choose from. Each is individual in its design, but they’re united in the luxury they offer. You can go with the set plans, or add your own flair to make sure your home becomes the dream you’ve always envisaged. Talk to the Valley Homes team today to start bringing your acreage home vision to life.

by Super Admin

GOOD THINGS COME IN COMPLETE PACKAGES: HOUSE & LAND

Newcastle is a fantastic place and it’s not just us who thinks so – The Australian newspaper certainly agrees! If you’re looking to build a new home in this vibrant city, you can still find land available in the suburbs surrounding the CBD. However, there are some exciting new developments opening up in towns such as Weston, Cliftleigh and Ellalong that are further out from the city, yet still within commuting distance to the centre of Newcastle. What makes these new areas attractive to those looking to build a new home is the opportunity to take advantage of a house and land package.

What exactly is a house and land package?

As the name suggests, a house and land package includes a block of land and the house you’d like to build on it. You have a choice of home designs and a reputable builder such as Valley Homes will make sure you get the best plan for the block.

You’ll also get a turnkey contract, which means that the builder takes responsibility from the design of the home through to its completion. You take over when it’s literally time to ‘turn the key’!

Aside from the convenience, there are 10 reasons house and land packages are a smart investment.

A house and land package sounds attractive – how do I start?

Deciding to build a new home is a huge decision and there are some important considerations before you sign a contract.

1. Find the right suburb

As we mentioned above, house and land packages are often found in areas that aren’t in the heart of the city. Does this suit your needs? For example, you may need to consider access to public transport if you don’t have a car, check out how far away the nearest shops are, and if you have children, research schools and day care centres. A great idea is to have a chat to a few people who live in the area to see what they love about it.

2. Choose the best block

The block of land can affect the type of home you build. While size is obviously important, you also need to consider slope, elevation and aspect. If you love the afternoon sun in winter, make sure you consider the orientation, or if you fancy a view, check out whether the land has the elevation to allow it.

3. Ask the right questions

Choosing a house and land package should make the process of building a new home stress free. However, this is only true if you have the right builder. A reputable builder should be able to answer all your questions and put you at ease. For example, inclusions should be one of the first things you enquire about. You don’t want any surprises. Also ask about the different layouts available. A good builder will be able to offer you a range of floor plans to suit your lifestyle. Then make sure you have a clear idea of construction times.

With many stunning house and land packages available in the Newcastle region, as well as a stellar reputation dating back to 1971, Valley Homes can confidently answer all your questions regarding house and land packages, leaving you reassured that you’re making the right decision. Talk to the team today.

by Super Admin