Sarah and Iain, a family of three with a dog, were at their wit’s end with their current home’s limitations. Cramped spaces, outdated features, and a lack of functionality pushed them to seek a new family home that would meet their long-term needs. With elderly mothers requiring a safe environment, a budget of $650,000 for the build, and $110,000 for landscaping and a pool, they embarked on the challenging process of designing and building a modern home. Despite uncertainties around cost management and navigating the building process, Sarah and Iain were able to create a spacious, functional home tailored to their family’s needs.
Sarah and Iain faced multiple issues with their existing home, which no longer fit their family’s lifestyle:
Space Constraints: Bedrooms were so small that a double bed left no room for other furniture.
Elderly Parents: Both of their mothers were aging, and the current home lacked the safety and accessibility features needed for visits or extended stays.
Outdated Features: The bathroom was original and not functional, while old brown window frames failed to enhance the home’s aesthetics.
Kitchen and Storage Issues: Despite a previous renovation, the kitchen was still too small, and the house was lacking enough storage space to meet daily needs.
Building Process Concerns: Sarah and Iain were not experienced in construction and were worried about costs, quality, and understanding building jargon. They feared potential budget blowouts from unforeseen expenses.
Land Selection
Sarah and Iain’s block of land presented some challenges, but ultimately proved to be a great choice:
Positive Attributes: The flat terrain, north-facing rear, and eastern right boundary ensured plenty of natural light. Additionally, there were no bushfire, flood, or acoustic impacts.
Challenges: A sewer infrastructure at the back needed to be accounted for during construction, particularly for the pool. Minor retaining walls were required on the left and right boundaries but did not necessitate engineering.
With a focus on creating a spacious, modern, and functional home, Sarah and Iain tailored their design to include:
Lower Level:
Upper Level:
Exterior and Construction:
Interior Details:
Pool and Landscaping:
To manage costs and reduce stress, Sarah and Iain implemented the following strategies:
Transparent Budgeting: Detailed quotes and pre-planning—including a CCTV inspection for the sewer line and clear post-construction steps—ensured no surprises during the project.
Step-by-Step Guidance: With no prior knowledge of building, the couple was guided through the process by their builder, who explained each stage in plain terms.
Quality Assurance: By selecting reputable contractors for the demolition and construction phases, Sarah and Iain ensured the home was built to the highest standards.
Sarah and Iain's new home successfully met their aspirations and resolved all their prior frustrations.
Ample Space for Everyone: The thoughtfully planned layout provided enough space for their family, accommodating their mothers comfortably during visits.
Modern Functionality: The new home featured stylish, contemporary finishes and practical additions like a WIR, a study, and energy-saving solar panels.
A Safe and Comfortable Environment: Updates like ducted air-conditioning, security screens, and large bedrooms created a haven for their growing family.
On Budget and On Time: Careful planning and cost management ensured the project was completed within their $650,000 budget for the build and $110,000 for landscaping and the pool.
Space Matters
A well-designed layout resolved Sarah and Iain’s frustrations with cramped bedrooms and lack of storage.
Future-Proofing Works
Considering the needs of their mothers and planning for a sustainable energy solution prepared them for the years ahead.
Clear Communication is Key
Having the building process and budget clearly explained helped them feel confident as first-time builders.
