HOUSE PLANS by Housemart Design

Experience and knowage with A1 Designs.

We are soon to release the first Housemart Design 6+ Stars First Home (Buyers) Range of four basic plans to suit our Victorian climate. The plans aid the first home buyer, those on a smaller budget and the investors who want to provide comfortable homes to renters. 

Housemart Design  also specializing in individual home design with energy ratings, working with clients who want to be involved in creating  their own  home . When commencing your home design or re-design, one has concerns over money, having the right design, etc, this all may come overwhelming,  and one should be aware of the following information before starting your design process:

• Firstly be aware of and respect the Copyright Act 1968 as it can lead to a lot of headache and quite large fines.

• Your home design should reflect the rural/streetscape. If you have a rural setting your home should complement the environment and the  surrounds. Note that some volume builders display homes do not suit the rural allotment. If you live in a street, you should respect the neighbourhood character. Neighbourhood character is an important part of the government planning scheme and this objective must be shown in planning stages. Both your self and a Building Designer can craft your home to complement your locality.

• Sustainability design is our future. Since 2003, government regulations have required all new dwellings to meet a Five Star Report energy efficiency standard, and will be soon extended to more stars as we try to combat global warming. An energy smart home is designed to achieve maximum solar access, therefore providing comfortable accommodation for the occupiers and at the same time will helping to reduce fossil fuel energy.  A registered Energy Rated and  Building Designer has a commitment to energy efficient designs and is equip to plan your new or existing home to meet or exceed the Government’s five-star energy rating requirements.

• Some proposed building sites will require a Planning Permit before you get a Building Permit. All sites are zoned and some zones will not allow new dwellings to be built i.e. industrial zones.  Aside from the zones schedule, there are overlay schedules that may apply to your title like flood, erosion, heritage or wildfire. In 90 per cent of titles with overlays will require a Planning Permit. Housemart Design  can advise you of what is required.

• An important part of the building process is to choose the type of builder. Types of builders can include:      -         Owner Builder      -Project Builder       - Local Builder .   Building Designers  can advise which builder will you suit and also recommend different building suppliers, sub-contractors and builders.

• Both the interior and landscape design can be done by yourself or you can engage a registered Interior Designer and Landscape Designer whose expert advice may save you more money and time in the long run.

The Housemart Design website, www.housemartdesign.com.au, soon to release  

Fact Sheets on the following subjects:              

 -   Copyright Act

 -   Home Design Recommendation

 -   Sustainability Guidelines

                         -   Town Planning Trigger List

                          -  What needs a Building Permit

                         -   Owner/Builder guidelines

                         -   Interior Design and Landscape Design

Christine McKenzie