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With a desire in the Northern Beaches for more bespoke homes, Beaches COVERED. turned to local Manly architects buck&simple for their top five insights to focus on when planning your dream home—whether you’re renovating or building from scratch.
Good planning doesn’t cost more
Good design will always increase the value of property. Well-designed homes make the best of their location, maximise natural light, are adaptable for the future and are better to live in. Getting the planning right will allow for better budget decisions and knowing where to spend.
Invest in expertise
Getting the right team together will pay dividends. Building is a messy game. Ultimately, you want trust in your design and build team—that they understand your brief, motives and have the experience to meet those expectations.
Be smart with approvals
There is more than one approvals pathway, and different pathways can be leveraged to achieve a better outcome for the site and its surroundings. Because at the end of the build, you want to still be on good terms with your neighbours.
How long?
Two and a half years. With an average build time around 14–18 months, the initial design and approvals will soak up the rest. You want to make sure you have ample time forecast for life impacts like rent, school and financial commitments.
How much?
It’s no secret construction isn’t a cheap game, especially lately. Budgeting is important and being realistic when you do is key. When creating a budget, factor in 10% GST, and set aside another 15% for consultant fees and government contributions. So yes, there goes 25% of your working budget.
Bespoke solutions and details may impact the bottom line, but it’s these details that elevate your home. Some of your favourite Sydney homes (yes, the ones you see in your socials and magazines) cost upwards of $10k–15k per square metre. Making smart decisions helps keep base costs down while ensuring the budget is allocated to the right details. There are smart ways to spend, and everything should be considered at the inception of the project, including a proper landscape budget.
102/46-48 E Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095
(02) 8313 5443
buckandsimple.com
