Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Jun 19, 2020 1:59 pm Hi all, My partner and I are beginning the process of coming up some rough sketches for our new block. We are going to build a passive solar house and will be required to try and keep the design simple and modest in size to save on costs. Not having any building or structural engineering experience, I'm wondering how deviating away from a basic rectangular/square design can increase costs? Given our block shape and where we want the house to be to make the most of the northern aspect, the floor plan will likely have to be square shaped. My question is what will adding in some cut outs add to the costs with the most basic roof type i.e. will they be significant? Thinking of adding in a courtyard (not under roof) to the south to allow some light into the main living space from that direction. Would also help with cross-ventilation. The alternative is to adjust the layout and have a simple square floor plan with an outdoor area on the southern side under the main roof for services. I'm also concerned about the size of the open plan living area and the extra costs associated with engineering supports to accommodate this. Any advise would be appreciated. NB: the block is a 1040sqm hammerhead with neighbours surrounding it Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Hey, I am wanting to add a second toilet to my house, bit we have limited room. There is a hallway/entry that is never used, so was thinking this could be an option. Only… 0 4709 From a pure legal perspective, if you've signed the variation, it is a very high bar to have it set aside. No-one can give you legal advice on a forum, but you would need… 3 5477 I am not sure whether Perth has its own way of doing things in regards to this. Most of Perth has class A (sandy soil), except for some areas near rivers or hills. 2 13098 |