12.5-metre wide home designs

To ensure you keep site works costs down, opt for as level a block as possible. On first inspection some blocks look really flat, but it’s not until you get a survey done that you can identify the degree of slope a block actually has and the costs associated with fixing that slope. A good rule of thumb is to look at the neighbouring fence lines to see if they drop down at all. If the fence line is straight all the way along, chances are you do in fact have a flat block.

Tip: generally blocks in new land estates have the advantage of lower site works because the land developer has thoroughly prepared the land before they list the lots for sale and there is not typically huge slopes.

Sometimes a block can look really great when you look at it, but what you can’t see is what is happening underground. Especially in established suburbs, where people often subdivide to sell blocks, the underground utilities can often be difficult to reach and have additional costs to run the services to your future home. For example, if you are in an area with overhead power lines, you will have to make sure a power dome is installed. In new estates, this likely won’t uncover many surprises as your main utilities are usually all set up and ready to go.

• Do you know what your block is zoned? Depending on the R-code zoning of your block, you may be restricted with what percentage of the block you may be able to build on, along with the minimum outdoor living space. These along with other council requirements are definitely worth looking into. 
• Are there bus stops, pram ramps or street trees out the front of your home? There will be certain set back requirements for these that will impact your design.
• Is there retaining that exists at the front of your block? This will dictate which side your driveway will need to be on, which will then impact where your other rooms will be in the home.
• Which way is the block facing? You want to ensure that your living areas are getting the sun in winter and shade in summer to make it more energy efficient.