House construction blog

Industry news and views

Your go-to house construction blog for all things building and design, including the latest trends in new homes, renovation tips and tricks, and our latest company projects.

CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE – DISCOVER THE LOCAL BUSINESS LEADING THE WAY

CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE – DISCOVER THE LOCAL BUSINESS LEADING THE WAY

The building industry has had a nerve-racking ride after 16 consecutive quarters of interest rate rises since Dec 2019. Material prices have increased, margins are tight and construction companies are racing to the bottom to win jobs, only to fall over when costs blow...

‘Beware of Owner’s Works’: Advice from US

‘Beware of Owner’s Works’: Advice from US

In a series of articles, the team at will discuss pitfalls to avoid when building new or renovating an existing home.   Beware of Owner’s Works You engage a builder to do a portion of work but plan to complete some items yourself. You must: 1. Get an...

‘Understand The Tender’: advice from US

‘Understand The Tender’: advice from US

In a series of articles, the team at will discuss pitfalls to avoid when building new or renovating an existing home.   Understand The Tender Provisional Allowance – An estimated contingency to cover ‘unknowns’ based on costings from past projects. A low PA...

‘Trust Your Builder’: advice from US

‘Trust Your Builder’: advice from US

In a series of articles, the team at will discuss pitfalls to avoid when building new or renovating an existing home.   Trust Your Builder Building can be a nerve-wracking experience and takes a leap of faith. Finding a builder you trust makes the journey easier....

Home building mistakes to avoid: ‘Know your budget’

Home building mistakes to avoid: ‘Know your budget’

In a series of articles, the team at will discuss pitfalls to avoid when building new or renovating an existing home.   Know Your Budget People are shocked with a cost estimate that is well over their budget – leading to disappointment and frustration. Beware of...

Home building mistakes to avoid: ‘Understand Site Constraints’

Home building mistakes to avoid: ‘Understand Site Constraints’

In a series of articles, the team at will discuss pitfalls to avoid when building new or renovating an existing home.   Understand Site Constraints We regularly counsel clients who have complications due to the location of their site. Be aware of costly design...

Home building mistakes to avoid: ‘Do your research’

Home building mistakes to avoid: ‘Do your research’

We’ve heard the horror stories people share about their building experience, but it doesn’t have to be this way. In a series of articles, the team will discuss pitfalls to avoid when building new or renovating an existing home.    Do Your Research Lack of...

Home building mistakes to avoid: the full story

Home building mistakes to avoid: the full story

Mistakes That Cause Nightmares We’ve all heard the horror stories people share about their nightmare building experience. Be assured, it doesn’t have to be this way. If you plan to build a new home, or you want to renovate or extend your existing home, there are ways...

Ways To Create More Space

Ways To Create More Space

You buy a house in a neighbourhood you love. The kids come along, and you need to make room. They go from toddler to pre–schooler and suddenly your house feels small and unliveable. You declutter and reorganise, but it’s still not enough to accommodate the needs of...

IWIB 2023 Award Winner

IWIB 2023 Award Winner

Congratulations IWIB 2023 Award Winner: Outstanding Executive Employee   Marlowe Richards of Grand Pacific Homes    With an extensive background in architecturally designed homes, Marlowe brings her Interior Design expertise, as well as her empathy and...

Is Your House Too Small For Your Growing Family?

Is Your House Too Small For Your Growing Family?

Guest Post We recently wrote an article for our friends over at Illawarra Parents Guide. Click the link below to go and check it out. Wollongong Custom Home Builder Shares Best Ways To Create More Space In Your Home Grand Pacific Homes are a highly experienced...

SHOULD WE ADD A POOL?

SHOULD WE ADD A POOL?

Kids love splashing around in a pool on a hot summer day but a pool can be an expensive addition to a building project. When budget is a concern, it might be hard to decide whether to add one or not. If you are in process of doing drawings for a building project with...

Everything you need to know about Joint Venture Property Development

Everything you need to know about Joint Venture Property Development

Unfulfilled potential is the biggest enemy of any economy, and thousands of people across Australia are sitting on top of potential gold mines that they just can't access. We're talking about property, the most valuable asset most people will ever own, but that most...

Building in the Wollongong/Illawarra area

Building in the Wollongong/Illawarra area

Top tips for building in Wollongong/Illawarra area from builders South Coast residents trust We love where we live. It feels like everywhere you look there’s a stunning view, a wave to catch or a café to stop and sit at. And we know we’re not the only ones who feel...

New build process blog

New build process blog

A guide for new home builders, South Coast NSW So, you want to build a house. Perhaps you’ve bought a new block, or it’s time for that old house to make way for your dream home. But then comes the big question – what next? Don’t worry, we’re here to help you through...