So You've Decided to Build a New House?
Here are a few things you can do before engaging an architect.
Building a new home is more than just a construction project—it’s a dream come true. You’ve spent years saving, pinning inspirational images on Pinterest, and following your favourite architects on Instagram (yes, even that Mal Bas Architects account!). Now, whether you’ve bought a vacant plot of land or are mulling over a knockdown rebuild, the big question looms: how do you get started?
Over the years, I’ve met many clients bursting with excitement, ready to dive into the project but unsure about the first steps. While the natural response is to jump straight into hiring an architect to work through your vision, budget, and goals, taking some time to do your homework can clarify your ideas and set you up for success. Here are some hands-on, practical steps set in the context of Australia, Victoria that you can tackle before engaging an architect.
If your looking to renovate your property have a look at this article for some helpful tips and ideas.
Understand Local Planning Regulations
In Victoria, the government’s Mapshare tool (mapshare.vic.gov.au) is a fantastic tool available to the general public. With it, you can locate your site and see some of the local council rules that apply. From setback requirements to height restrictions, knowing some these details early on ensures your dream design has the potential to meet these requirements.
Don’t hesitate to call up your local council or even Melbourne Water. They can provide insight into property specifics like flooding risks, legal points of discharge, or even potential termite issues. It might feel a bit technical at first, but a quick chat can transform confusing jargon into practical advice for your project.
Secure and Review Your Land Title
Grab a copy of your land title, register and associated documents.
This can be done at website similar to Landdata https://www.landata.online/
These document can outline some specific details about your land title, including any restrictions like S173 agreements or other covenants that might affect your plans. If anything on your title looks puzzling, talk to your lawyer or conveyancer to get the lowdown on what it means for your project.
I’ve had experience in the past where a restriction on the title has had a significant impact on a project, so its important to review and understand these early in a project.
Dive into Property Value Research
Your home isn’t just a place to live—it’s often your single largest asset. That dream project carries a financial dimension, so it’s important to do your homework here. I find it useful to connect with local real estate agents to understand the current market: What’s selling well? What are buyers looking for? And most importantly, how much should you realistically spend on your new build?
By comparing a well researched and benchmarked cost of construction with the current land value, you can at least get some more pieces of information to makes your decisions from.
Get Clear on Your Vision
Before engaging with an architect, take time to clearly define what you want for your new home. Start by brainstorming the essential elements of your dream house:
- Functionality: Consider the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and other living spaces.
- Style and Aesthetics: Reflect on architectural styles you admire and design elements that resonate with you.
- Future Needs: Factor in any anticipated changes, such as a growing family or evolving work-from-home requirements.
If you already have a detailed vision and the design aligns seamlessly with all applicable regulations, you might consider consulting with a draftsperson. They can cost-effectively produce preliminary drawings. However, if your vision is still evolving like most people, working with an architect can provide valuable guidance to refine and enhance your ideas.
Architects are skilled in balancing aesthetics, functionality, and regulatory requirements, ensuring your dream home is both beautiful and practical
Decide on Your Approach
Here’s a truth: building or renovating a home is a massive project that can quickly become a full-time job. Ask yourself how involved you want to be in the nitty-gritty of the process:
Full Professional Engagement: Working with an architect means you get a seasoned professional to navigate all the regulatory red tape, coordinate with contractors, and bring your vision to life with minimal stress.
DIY Approach with a Draftsperson: If you’re up for juggling another project on top of your day job, you could hire a draftsperson and manage permits and building processes yourself. It might save money, but beware—it could also test your sanity!
The path you choose should align with both your budget, your experience in building and construction and your willingness to shoulder extra responsibilities.
The last word
Taking these preparatory steps not only sharpens your vision but also puts you in a stronger position to collaborate effectively with an architect. Whether you decide to dive in headfirst with professional help or take on some of the leg work yourself, remember that a well-planned start is the foundation of a successful home-building journey.
As I haven’t consulted directly with you about your home or your site, the suggestions above are of course generic and are not a complete and/or an extensive list and/or accurate for everything you should do. Again say it with me, “This article provides general guidance and is intended for informational purposes only. Every project is unique, and regulations, costs, and timelines vary. This information cannot be used to make financial or other decisions, you must consult with a professional to provide you with a personalised and unique advice suited to your circumstances.”
Also be aware of the limitation of the information provided in the Linked websites.
If you’d like more specific advice, reach out using the below form.
We’ve completed projects with the below councils, so if you’re looking for a profession in these areas, do reach out! Macedon Ranges Shire council, Woodend, Kyneton; Glenlyon and the Hepburn Shire council; Truganina and Wyndham council; Malvern and Boroondara Council; Brighton East, Hampton with Bayside council; Pascoe Vale and Merri-bek council; Essendon, Moonee Ponds, Footscray and the Moonee Valley council; Sorrento and the Mornington Peninsula Shire; Windsor and the City of Stonnington; Sunshine and Brimbank City Council.