Home Building Advice

A single storey home is usually quicker and simpler to build, and it suits families who want everything on one level. On a wide block, it also leaves plenty of room for a generous living area that opens onto the backyard.

On a narrow or smaller block, building up is often the better choice. A double storey design gives you more bedrooms and living space without giving up the yard, and it separates the sleeping and living zones.

In NSW, many granny flats can be approved as complying development, which is usually faster than a development application. Your lot generally needs to meet a minimum size and frontage, and the granny flat must meet set floor area and setback limits.

Easements, sewer lines, bushfire or flood overlays can all affect what is possible. Have a builder check your block early, so you know what can be built before you spend money on design.

A duplex puts two homes on one block and is often the simplest step into development. It suits standard suburban lots that meet council's minimum size and frontage for dual occupancy.

Larger or corner blocks may support three or more townhouses, which can deliver a stronger return but involves more design, approvals and civil work. A feasibility check before you buy or design will show which option stacks up.

Most new builds follow five main stages: base (slab), frame, lock-up, fixing and practical completion. Key stages are inspected before work moves on, and progress payments are usually tied to them.

Knowing what happens at each stage helps you plan your selections, finance and site visits. Ask your builder for a written program up front so you can see where your home is at any time.