Design and Construct

Why Build a Custom Home: Tailoring Your Dream Space

Posted on by Melissa Ambrose
13
Feb


Embarking on the journey of building a custom home is not just about constructing a house; it’s about creating a unique space that resonates with your personal taste, needs, and aspirations. This adventure in customisation opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to shape every corner and curve according to your desires. Here’s why opting for a custom home can be a life-changing decision.

 

Personalisation at Its Core

The allure of a custom home lies in its unparalleled capacity for personalisation. Your home becomes a canvas where your style preferences, lifestyle requirements, and budget considerations come to life. From the layout of your living spaces to the choice of materials, every element is a reflection of you. The limits? They’re set only by material availability, council codes, and your imagination. And if you’re inclined towards eco-friendly living, custom homes offer the perfect opportunity to integrate sustainable features like strategic window placement, optimised room orientation, effective insulation, and advanced solar and battery setups.

 

Embracing Unique Landscapes

Not all plots of land are created equal, and this is where custom homes truly shine. If your land is non-standard – think unusual gradients, narrow dimensions, or unique corner locations – a custom build becomes not just a choice, but a necessity. Custom homes embrace the uniqueness of your land, turning potential obstacles into distinctive features of your home.

 

Uncompromised Quality

The decision to go with a custom builder is often driven by the pursuit of quality. Custom homes are a testament to superior craftsmanship, where the complexity and detail of the build demand a higher level of skill from tradespeople. This focus on quality not only ensures a more robust and aesthetically pleasing structure but also significantly enhances the resale value of your home. In more affluent neighbourhoods, opting for a custom build over a volume build is essential to match the worth of the land with a residence that’s equally distinguished.

 

Conclusion

Building a custom home is more than constructing a living space – it’s about creating a personal sanctuary that aligns with your vision and values. Whether it’s about making the most of an unconventional plot, aspiring for higher quality, or simply wanting a home that’s as unique as you are, going custom offers a level of satisfaction that pre-designed homes rarely match. In the world of custom homes, the only limit is your imagination.

Design and Construct

Keeping Your Custom Home On Budget: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on by Melissa Ambrose
06
Feb

Building a custom-designed home is a dream for many. However, the harsh reality is that around 80% of custom designs never see the light of day. The most significant obstacle? Budget overruns. But fear not. At Ambrose, we’ve found the path to ensure that custom home dreams are not just designed but also realized, all while sticking to a budget.

 

Ballparking and Initial Site Assessments:

Every successful journey begins with a plan, and building a home is no different. It’s akin to embarking on an ambitious journey. Before setting out, it’s imperative to understand your starting point, the terrain you’ll traverse, and your eventual destination. This means understanding your site, the type of house you envisage, and the various challenges that may arise. Before spending a dime, it’s essential to get a ballpark estimate. At Ambrose, this preliminary step is where we initiate our engagement. Depending on the site’s nuances, your envisioned home’s size, style, and finishes, we provide you with a ballpark figure. This early estimate is a compass of sorts, giving you a clear picture of where you’d likely end up at the end of the design and tendering process.

 

Construction Budgeting at Concept:

The euphoria of completing the conceptual design of your dream home is unparalleled. But what comes next is crucial. It’s here that many unwittingly make a leap into subsequent consultations without solidifying their budgetary foundation, leading to potential pitfalls. At Ambrose, we tackle this stage with precision, courtesy of our astute estimating team. They delve deep into your concept design, extracting an accurate budget to ensure you’re consistently on track. Any deviations or escalations from the initial ballpark are flagged here, allowing for an informed decision on potential redesigns to align with the budget. This stage also brings clarity to the specifics. By detailing and nominating allowances for items such as; tiles, cabinetry, flooring, appliances, plumbing fixtures, or door hardware, you’re empowered with transparency, making the subsequent selection process with interior designers smoother and devoid of surprises.

 

Final Documentation:

The nexus between aesthetic allure and structural soundness is where the magic of custom home building lies. This balance is achieved with adept structural engineering. Engaging with an experienced builder during this phase is pivotal. It ensures that while the home mirrors your aesthetic aspirations, it stands firm on the foundations of structural integrity. Interior design, the soul of your home, is another crucial aspect. It’s where your home’s essence and personality take shape. At Ambrose, our sales and construction managers harmoniously collaborate during this phase. Their combined expertise ensures that designs are not only enchanting but also grounded in practicality and budgetary reality.

 

In Conclusion:

Building a custom home that reflects your dreams while staying within budget isn’t a herculean task. It demands a disciplined methodology, vigilant tracking, and the right partners guiding you. At Ambrose, our passion lies in realizing your home-building aspirations without straining your finances. If our process speaks to your heart, we warmly welcome you aboard this transformative journey. Your dream home, within your budget, is more achievable than you think. Reach out to Ambrose today, and let’s embark on this beautiful journey, together.

Design and Construct

How much does it cost to build a custom home?

Posted on by Melissa Ambrose
31
Jan

 

The Real Cost of Building a Custom Home

Building a custom home can be a dream come true for many, offering the chance to design a space that perfectly aligns with your unique needs and aesthetic preferences. However, the costs associated with this dream can vary drastically. In this piece, we’re diving deep into the biggest contributors that can make a significant difference in your final bill.

 

The Power of Design:  

The design of the house is often the most prominent factor dictating costs. Homes crafted from personal dreams rather than pragmatic blueprints tend to be pricier. Larger open spaces necessitate a more extensive and expensive structural framework, while larger windows can mean smaller bracing areas, thereby necessitating more steel reinforcements. A structurally efficient design might peg the timber and steel costs for a 400m2 home at around $150,000. But with spacious designs, unconventional shapes, and massive open spaces, this can easily triple. Furthermore, an increase in the roof height from the typical 2.7m to 3.0m can add an additional cost between $60-80 per m2.

 

Land Characteristics:  

The slope and accessibility of your plot can significantly impact the overall budget of your custom home. Sloping lands often require landscaping, retaining walls, and even integrated retaining in the house base. Timber retaining walls, for example, can cost about $500 per m2, while masonry options might touch up to $700 per m2. Accessibility plays a crucial role too. Tight spaces or plots that are difficult to access can inflate costs related to machinery, scaffolding, and logistics. For reference, a fall of over 2m across the house pad usually implies additional costs for retaining structures. When this fall reaches 4m, costs can rise steeply, increasing by an additional $300-$1000 per m2.

 

Material Choices:  

Your choice of materials, both external and internal, can have a profound impact on the project’s cost. External cladding types, for instance, can drastically vary in price. Standing seam metal cladding can be four times pricier than conventional materials. Similarly, stained timber cladding and stonework can be 3-4 times more expensive, while aluminium timber-look cladding can cost up to five times more. Render, on the other hand, might be 1.5 times more costly. Internally, the choices are boundless. From appliances and tapware to cabinetry and tiles, your selections can significantly influence the luxury feel and the final bill of your home. For cabinetry alone, costs can range from a modest $60,000 for a standard package, to a whopping $200,000 for a high-end setup.

 

Closing Thoughts:  

Pinpointing the exact cost of building a custom home is no simple task due to the multitude of factors involved. For a straightforward site with mid-range finishes, you might achieve a budget below $3,000 per m2. However, with challenging plots, custom external finishes, and top-tier internal choices, costs can easily surpass $3,500 per m2. A successful custom home building experience requires partnering with a builder that offers robust cost management throughout the design and preliminary phases. It’s not about cutting corners, but about making informed decisions every step of the way.

Design and Construct

How Long Does It Take To Build A Custom Home?

Posted on by Melissa Ambrose
ascotia-house
25
Jan

The Complex Journey of Building a Custom Home: Navigating Timelines and Challenges

Building a custom home is a dream for many, but it’s a journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected challenges. No two custom homes are alike, and this uniqueness adds complexity to the construction process. At Ambrose Design and Construct, we understand that every custom home project is an intricate puzzle, and we take pride in carefully accounting for various factors to provide homeowners with a practical completion date that aligns with their expectations.

 

The Lay of the Land

One of the initial challenges in custom home construction is the terrain. Many plots of land are not perfectly flat, and this introduces several complications. Sloping land, for instance, requires the installation of a blockwork base structure to counteract the slope. Additionally, retaining walls may need to be constructed to manage the land’s natural contours. These early steps are critical in ensuring the home’s stability and longevity.

 

Accessibility Matters

The accessibility of the construction site is another crucial consideration. In some cases, the site may be tight or have limited access points, which can impact the sequence of construction. Certain elements of the build may need to be prioritized or executed differently to accommodate these constraints. Planning for accessibility challenges is essential to keeping the project on track.

 

Finishing Touches

Custom homes often feature unique and intricate finishes that set them apart. These finishes, such as 2pac paint finishes on cabinetry, venetian rendering, or precisely mitered tiles, can add significant time to the construction process. Attention to detail is paramount, and these finishing touches are where craftsmanship truly shines.

 

Trade and Access Limitations

The subcontractors employed by custom builders are typically smaller, boutique operations. While their expertise is invaluable, delays can have a cascading effect on the project timeline. Factors like epoxy floor coatings, sanding, and polishing real timber floors may limit access for other trades, potentially extending the project’s duration.

 

The Challenge of Split-Level Construction

Some custom homes are designed with split-level layouts, adding complexity to the project. A three-story or more custom home with intricate design elements requires meticulous planning and execution, which naturally extends the construction schedule. The complexity of these projects demands additional time for precision and attention to detail.

 

Setting Realistic Expectations

In the world of custom home construction, there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. The timeline for completing a custom home can vary significantly based on the site, design, and finishing requirements. In cases where the site is relatively simple with minimal slope and good access, a timeline of around 10 months might be feasible. However, for larger, multi-level homes with challenging sites, homeowners should anticipate a timeline of approximately 15 months.

 

Our Commitment at Ambrose Design and Construct

At Ambrose Design and Construct, we recognize the intricacies and uncertainties involved in custom home construction. Our approach is rooted in meticulous planning, clear communication, and a commitment to delivering on our promises. We take all these factors into account when analyzing construction timelines to ensure that the completion date we provide is both fair and reasonable. Our goal is to empower homeowners to plan their lives confidently, knowing that their custom home will be built with precision and care.

 

In conclusion, building a custom home is a complex journey, filled with unique challenges that can impact construction timelines. However, with the right team and careful planning, homeowners can see their dream homes come to life. At Ambrose Design and Construct, we are dedicated to making this journey as smooth and rewarding as possible, ensuring that every custom home we build is a testament to craftsmanship and innovation.

Design and Construct

How Long Does It Take To Design A Custom Home?

Posted on by Melissa Ambrose
16
Jan

Designing a custom home is a dream for many, but it can be a complex and lengthy process if not approached correctly. To help guide you through the challenges and provide valuable insights into the custom home design timeline, we’ll discuss some key factors to consider and how to overcome them.

 

Having a Clear Vision

One of the most critical aspects of custom home design is having a clear vision of your desired end result. This vision serves as the foundation for the entire project. Without it, you risk spending unnecessary time and resources on redesigns and modifications to stay within your budget or to bring your inspiration to life.

It’s essential to work with a professional design and construct builder who has an experienced building designer intimately familiar with your local area. This expert should also have a track record of successful collaborations with consultants and planners. This ensures that the initial design won’t encounter a host of issues during the tender stage or construction.

Unclear visions often lead to multiple redesigns, potentially adding an extra two months to the design phase. Therefore, a well-defined vision is a crucial first step in the custom home design process.

 

On-Budget Design

Selecting a builder with a proven track record of delivering designs within budget is of utmost importance. To maintain budget control and ensure your project aligns with your financial constraints, implement a price check procedure at the end of the concept design phase. This practice allows all parties involved to verify that the project aligns with the budget and can realistically be built.

At Ambrose, a rigorous construction budget process is conducted during the design phase. This enables early adjustments to the design without significant time loss. Many stunning designs never materialize due to budget overruns during the tender stage, leading to catastrophic results. Discovering you are over budget at this stage can necessitate going back to the design phase, which may add 3-6 months to the design timeline.

 

Interior Design Integration

Interior design is a vital component of custom home design and construction. It allows professionals to bring together all the important details and aspects that matter to you. At Ambrose, once you progress from the concept stage to the preliminary stage, a construction budget with nominated allowances for items like tiles, cabinetry, and flooring is provided. This helps you and the interior designer manage your selections effectively, ensuring they align with your budget.

Without these measures in place, underestimating the costs of your selections can lead to multiple revisions of your tender, further extending the preliminary process by several weeks.

 

Streamlined In-House Process

Attempting to manage all these aspects independently can be a daunting and challenging task. Ambrose’s ability to handle these processes in-house under the supervision of their professional team enables a streamlined, linear process from start to finish.

Here’s a breakdown of the Ambrose custom home design timeline:

  • CONCEPT DESIGN (8-10 weeks):
    The initial phase, but far from the end of custom home design.

  • CONSTRUCTION BUDGET (2 weeks):
    A critical step to ensure your project aligns with your budget.

  • PRELIMINARY BUILDING STAGE (8-10 weeks):
    Includes interior design, structural engineering, and building approval.

  • DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL (if required):
    May add at least 2 months to the process.

  • CONTRACT TENDER (4 WEEKS):
    Costing all current documentation to provide a total construction price.

  • CONSTRUCTION START:
    Once a contract is offered and your construction start date is determined.

 

In conclusion, designing a custom home is a multifaceted process with various challenges. However, by having a clear vision, working with professionals, and implementing rigorous budget and interior design processes, you can navigate these challenges more smoothly and achieve your dream custom home.

 

Best wishes,
Lee Ambrose
AMBROSE Design and Construct

Design and Construct

5 Dream Home Features You’ll Want To Consider

Posted on by Melissa Ambrose
06
Jun

The path to building your dream home won’t be a walk in the park. There will be so many questions and uncertainties that you will need to answer and address throughout the process, but preparing ahead of time, knowing what you really want and using an experienced luxury home builder are key factors to making this a success.It’s easy to go down a rabbit hole especially when you are not fully equipped with research about the land, interior designs etc. That’s why it’s important to keep in mind that when you’re building your dream home, you have to make sure that it better suits your lifestyle. Here are some features of a modern dream home you’ll want to consider:

luxury home

 

An Open Floor Space

When you build your dream home with a luxury home builder, embrace the wide open spaces with this home set-up! Open floor plans allow your home to be multi-functional, yet inviting at the same time. Since this floor plan omits interior walls, it lets sunlight flood into your home space providing natural light. It generally gives your home a larger feel and it makes it easier for you to entertain your guests from anywhere in the house.

interior design

 

Big Windows

This goes well with an open floor space as it allows natural light in. It also gives a classy appeal while providing maximum airflow to your home.

kitchen interior design

 

Feel the Luxury with a Soaking Tub

This is definitely a beautiful addition to any bathroom. It’s designed to bring comfort and relaxation to anyone who wishes to bathe in it.Don’t fret, most modern bathrooms are plumbed for standard bathtubs, so installing one won’t be a pain (especially if you use a luxury home builder). There are plenty of beautiful soaking tubs you can choose from that would go well with an industrial style bathroom.

copper bath tub

 

Concrete Pools

It’s a great addition to any home especially if you live in a warmer climate. Not everyone is open to the idea of installing a pool, but it’s a good investment that adds value to your home.Now, before you decide on when you want to have the pool installed, you’ll have to choose what type of pool you want first. Concrete pools are becoming more popular as they are built in the size or shape you want. It’s considered the most durable type of pool and the best thing about it is that existing concrete pools can be rebuilt or redesigned.

swimming pool design

 

Take Your Time

It’s imperative to have an open mind and keep your expectations low. The decision-making process for building a dream home can be stressful and time-consuming. You’ll need to know exactly where you can or can’t compromise. Hire a company who cares about your vision and finally make your dream home a reality! For more tips, check out the luxury home builder blog page.