Property buy is full of fact versus fiction. You might have dismissed a great idea or location based on someone’s opinion or a random news article (often with a hidden agenda).
So, let’s take a minute to debunk some of the common myths around our area of expertise: building a home from scratch, and whether it’s cheaper or more costly, and why.
Myth 1: New builds cost more and are laden with hidden costs
Let’s get straight into the big one. The bottom line is, new builds don’t cost more. In fact, when building with a house and land package, you know all the costs from the outset and can tailor your home to fit your budget.
There’s also no room for unexpected costs, because all of the plans, inclusions and trades are set and agreed upon at the time of contract signature.
The only reason a budget could fluctuate after this time is if you decided to make changes after the contract has been signed.
At Insignia Homes, you can rest assured that our decades of experience will ensure all parties have a clear understanding of the contract and costs before construction begins. We will work extensively with you on every decision – from house selection to finishings – to guarantee the project meets your borrowing capacity and delivers the best quality home within your means.
Myth 2: Buying pre-owned is more environmentally friendly
While some may think that using new materials to build a new home is harmful to the environment, it’s actually the opposite. Older homes have old appliances, old insulation, less environmentally-aware designs and poor air-sealing methods, which make for an inefficient home that costs more in power usage.
Much older homes can contain harmful chemicals in paints, adhesives and sealants, too.
On the flip side, new homes can be built with sustainable or recycled materials, contain efficient appliances and fittings and utilise practical insulation solutions and less harmful pollutants (such as paints and sealants).
A good builder will be able to offer advice on the placement of windows and rooms to make the most of the available natural light, and provide minimal heating/cooling requirements.
Together, these factors will deliver a more environmentally-responsible and cost-effective home for you to enjoy for years to come.
Myth 3: A small, single storey home will cost less to build
The first step in ensuring a budget-effective build is selecting the right house for the block (or vice versa). Many of the initial site costs (such as earthworks, block drainage, council fees and fibre optics) will be the same regardless of whether you build a single or multi-story home.
From there, it’s important to discuss the costs if your specific build with your property group. You may be surprised to discover multi-storey builds can actually be cheaper per square metre, due to their smaller footprint, smaller roof, and fewer requirements for large, weight-bearing structures.
Myth 4: I have to secure my block of land before sourcing a builder
Actually, there’s plenty of upsides to having your builder involved in the search for your block. Having a professional on hand can make block selection much simpler, as they can guide you through new estates, as well as the types of home that will best suit the lot (taking into consideration the finer details, such as slope, orientation, view, rock etc).
One of the best places to start your hunt for the perfect block, is with a detailed conversation with a property group about your aspirations. The more detail you can provide about the type of neighbourhood, style of home, access to amenities etc you can provide, the easier your search will be!
Myth 5: House and land packages offer no flexibility in floor plan and finishings
When you work with a property group to bring your dreams to life, you can select as many or as few customisations as you please. While a set package price will give you a range of standard floor plan options and include entry level finishes, you’ll also be offered a selection of upgrade options to meet your budget.
Extensive consultations will ensure all your wishes are captured in your plans before you sign the dotted line. By working collaboratively, we can ensure you’ll receive a property that you love to call home. That’s a fact!
If you would like to discuss the customisable house and plan options that best suit your needs, contact our team for an obligation-free appointment.
