Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Apr 22, 2012 1:58 am Hi everyone, Just moved to Perth and in the process of looking for a block to build a home. Got a couple of questions if you can help me: 1) Found a block that's 520 sq m with a 25 m frontal. I'm wanting to build the biggest plot possible on the plot as I often entertain friends and family indoors. Does this mean that I won't be able to build as big of a house as on a narrower block since there will be a lot more front yard due to the distance required from the house to the curb? I know that I can always build more to the back of the plot, subject to the 50% max build requirement. However, I'd prefer a larger backyard than a big front yard. 2) I came from Melbourne where it's common to build brick veneer houses. However I understand most houses in Perth are built double-brick. I've been told by builders and read articles that it's not necessary, and could even be detrimental in terms of insulation during summer. This is especially true since Perth has a very temperate climate. Apparently some brick company did a good job in marketing double brick many years ago. I'm wanting to build a house with about 240 sq m of living areas at the lowest cost. Does anyone know a builder who can build brick veneer and would anyone know roughly how much savings I would realize? The house area areas are: 240sq m living, 36 garage, 24 al fresco, 7 verandah. By the way, if I were to go ahead and build this house, I realize that I need to find a bigger block than the one mentioned above... Cheers. Re: Newbie questions 2Apr 22, 2012 12:58 pm dakr I've been told by builders and read articles that it's not necessary, and could even be detrimental in terms of insulation during summer. Hi dakr. I have also been told and read this numerous times that double brick homes can be less comfortable than a properly insulated brick veneer. We are also building brick veneer and it is certainly cheaper than double brick. The key is to make sure you insulate the brick veneer properly (eg min R1.5 batts in the walls, R2.5 in ceiling - although I heard this might be revised upward for BASIX - and most importantly, put sarking on the roof and Western wall). Sorry, don't know any builders in your area (we are in Sydney). Good luck! T SunshineT's Build: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=34585 Designs start: 4/12/09 DA: 5/7/11 Demo: 22/12/11 Slab: 24/2/12 Keys: 31/8/12 a building inspector should be able to tell you about any major problems but we need a floor plan with dimensions to clarify options for extra bedrooms ... sometime an… 1 8792 Personally, considering your layout (study/work desks in bedrooms), I don't think you have any other option but to leave NW windows and make them as big as possible e.g.… 7 10564 We had this happen to us last year and got charged a variation. Try and give away as much as you can that is usable to charity otherwise if you are in Sydney I have a… 1 4545 |