Building on a sloping block presents challenges and costs that aren’t present when building on flat land. You’ll need a builder with the expertise to take a creative and flexible approach to design solutions that maximise views and minimise site costs.
Look for a sloping block specialist who will conduct a contour and feature survey before commencing construction.
Experience
Choosing an expert sloping block builder is crucial to get the best value for your money. They will be able to guide you through all aspects of building on a steep block, including helping minimise costs by coming up with solutions for things like retaining walls. They will also be able to fully factor in the other design considerations such as height restrictions and draining.
Another important thing to find out is whether your builder will provide a soil test, which will help determine whether the land has enough slope for the proposed house footprint and help to avoid costly site excavations. You’ll also want to ask about how people and vehicles will access the property, as this can be difficult with a steep slope.
Sloping blocks offer unique opportunities for creativity, such as tiered landscaping and elevated decks. Qualified sloping block builders should be able to create innovative design solutions that play to the strengths of your block, allowing you to step away from cookie-cutter homes and create something truly unique.
In addition to finding out about the builder’s experience, you can also look at their portfolio of past projects and speak with previous clients. This will give you a better idea of the quality of their work and how they would approach your project. A great builder will be able to take an informative, flexible and creative approach to a sloping block, which will save you time and money in the long run
Customisation
When you’re building on a sloping block, a builder who is experienced in dealing with these types of sites can provide a range of home designs that can maximise the block’s potential. They’ll be able to work with the natural layout of your land and create a home that makes the most of stunning views, extra light or sweeping breezes.
A good sloping block builder will be able to come up with a design solution that is cost efficient and allows for easy site construction. They’ll also be able to incorporate landscaping and earthworks that will help to manage your slope and reduce erosion risks. This may include terracing, the installation of steps and stairs or the inclusion of specific plants that can help stabilise the slope.
It’s important to choose a builder who is familiar with the challenges of building on a sloping block, as they’ll be able to minimise costs and ensure that your new home is built in line with council guidelines. Often, volume builders will opt for pre-set designs which are less expensive than custom builds, but these can be difficult to adapt to a sloping block. A custom builder will be able to factor in things like excavation requirements, retaining walls and height restrictions to arrive at an effective building solution. Their experience will also mean that they’ll be able to provide you with a more accurate timeline and budget.
Flexibility
Building on a sloping block of land presents unique challenges and added costs, but it also offers spectacular views, sweeping landscaping, natural light and ventilation and privacy. Choosing a building contractor like Varcon (www.varcon.com.au) that is experienced in sloping blocks can help ensure that the design and construction of your dream home is completed safely and according to local government regulations.
A reputable builder with experience working on sloping blocks will be flexible and happy to amend set plans and designs to suit your block, your lifestyle needs and budget. They should offer a free initial consultation, with an in-house design team that is familiar with the challenges of building on sloped blocks and can find cost-effective solutions to maximise the potential of your site.
They will be able to provide you with a detailed analysis of your block and will organise a contour and feature survey to assess the physical characteristics of the site, such as elevations, ground levels, slopes, tree roots, drainage, topography and existing structures. A good sloping block builder will also work with you to establish how your new home will be positioned on the site, taking into account natural lighting and capturing the best views. They will also be able to recommend an appropriate landscaping solution. This can be as simple as planting trees, or as complex as a retaining wall to stabilise the slope and prevent erosion.
Safety
Building on a sloping block comes with unique challenges and added costs, so it’s important to work with an experienced home builder. They’ll understand how to navigate the terrain and can offer flexible design solutions that others may overlook. They’ll also be able to minimise site costs and create a strong, stable foundation on the uneven land.
Sloping blocks are pieces of land with unequal levels of elevation, resulting in a rise or fall of three metres or less across the entire project area. These blocks are often more expensive to build on, as they require additional earthworks and retaining walls. However, a sloping block can be a great place to build a beautiful home, with unique designs that make the most of natural light and unobstructed views.
When choosing a builder for your sloping block, it’s important to consider their experience, flexibility, and safety measures. It’s also a good idea to do some research on the builders you’re considering and look at their social media, website, testimonials, and past home builds. This will give you a better sense of their professionalism and quality of work. Also, consider whether they’ll provide a comprehensive sloping block analysis before starting construction. This is an ess