Tips for building a new home

The standard R rating on new home builds is a 6 star rating making the home more energy efficient than earlier built homes pre energy rating changes.  The R rating is achieved by using a combination of building materials and items such as insulation, solar hot water units, double glazing, home orientation, rain water tanks with plumbing to toilets and laundry just to name a few that could be used in your new home build.
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What to look for when buying a knock down rebuild site costs: The construction of two double storey homes around 25 square each. The cost of the two homes would be around $650 to $700k including subdivision, surveying, design, demolition, planning, engineering, soil testing and all fees from start to finish. Some areas you should be looking at are Doncaster, Blackburn, Vermont, Donvale, Ringwood, Reservoir is also worth a look.  Size of land would need to be minimum 750m/2 plus.
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First cold water is pumped through the roof panels, and is heated by the sun. The heated water then returns to the tank, and is stored for later use.  At night (or especially on cold days) the gas or electric booster makes sure the water is heated to a usable temperature. 
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My old tube TV eventually gave up on Monday, so off we went to Harvey Norman, JB Hi Fi and The Good Guys to have a look at what was on offer.  We found a great selection at all stores, with the The Good Guys being the best in price. We purchased a 60 inch and we went home to install the new TV. I set up the bracket up on the wall and allowed for the 60 inch with
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Always consult with your builder before you buy land. They have the experience and knowledge to help you determine if the land is suitable for your requirements.  Most builders would offer this service for free or just a small fee to cover their time. At Berstan Homes we don't charge any fees and work together with you for the best outcome for you not the land agent. Many clients have come to me over the years and have already bought
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Most people are looking for a good deal and are searching for ways to save money. Several of my budget minded clients have asked the question how to upgrade their kitchen appliances? My answer is simple, go to the auction houses they have great discounts and have most items have warranties.  The two auction houses I recommend are the Folwes auction group and Greys auctions. With both companies you can get an itemized list of all the items on sale
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New homes should come standard with fly screens with the increase of insect activity and the ease of infection spread by airborne insects.  The cost is minimal and approximately $300 for an 18 square home. Some of the diseases that can be spread by insects in Victoria are Ross river virus, Dengue fever, Barmah forest virus and Australian Arboencephalitis are the main diseases. It's just not worth taking the risk with your family, insist your new home has fly screens
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We are currently using a Brivis gas add on system that works both heating and cooling. The system uses the same ductwork and only uses electricity for the fans and the cost savings are significant. The system offers refrigerated air conditioning and is very efficient. 
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Many questions I get about flooring and sustainable options. Bamboo flooring is the stick out option being produced from plantation Bamboo and extremely hard wearing. The Bamboo is harvested every 5 years unlike many other timber veneer products requiring growth of 15 years plus. Bamboo also comes in many colours and styles. The latest is a matt finish which has been stressed and is a stunning product worthy of consideration in a new home build. 
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Many new estates have little allowance for large back yards; so many new homes have small yards to work with. Just because the area is small would require the gardener the need to think outside the square by using vertical gardens and stands which will help to create your own personal gardening adventure.
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