Have you ever wondered?

Have you ever wondered what, exactly, is involved in building a new house?

Well, we've decided to take you on a journey with us, following one of the houses we have started building at Mt Taylor, Feilding. The house is of our popular Plan 200A

We'll take photos and provide explanations of what is happening. There are bound to be a few interesting stories on the way - there always are!

With all the plans completed, contracts signed and permits obtained, we are ready to go. But first things first, we have to create an access to the building platform. Because it is a rural subdivision we need to install a culvert, then lay the base course over top. Later the driveway will be tidied up, but for now, it's built to handle large vehicles and all weather.

This is how the house is looking - boxed up for the concrete footing to be poured. Footings have to be a minimum depth of 300mm, depending on the soil. The view is from the back of the house, looking towards the road (so the garage and driveway are on the top left of the house).

Trainee foreman, Oli, age 8, is on site in his hi-vis vest.

The most interesting thing at this stage is that the house seems tiny! It's not, it's just an optical illusion, because the land around it is so big (the section is over 3,000m2). We often get concerned clients asking us if the house is the right size. Rest assured, they 'grow' as the walls go up!

The Plan 200A floor plan is below, but for this house, we've flipped it somewhat. We usually find that we never build the plans exactly the same twice.The final plan depends on sections, sun and lifestyle needs.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Building

We often get asked these two questions: "What are the advantages of building?" and "What are the disadvantages?"

And it's important, if you are considering building, that you ask these questions yourself - because they will help you decide if building is right for you. For example, if you like the idea of a brand new home, but need to find a place 'right now', then building isn't for you - because it takes time.

When building - even with a full service building company such as Homebuild - a certain amount of planning has to take place. You'll need to have input into the house design, materials and colours (that's the fun stuff). You'll also need to ensure your living, and even more importantly, your finance arrangements, are conducive to building.

We've put together a short lists of building advantages and disadvantages to help you consider your options.

Disadvantages

1. It takes time – 5/6 months
2. You have to have some place to live during building

Advantages

1. You can select a design to suit yourself
2. You can modify the selected design
3. You can go to an entirely different design
4. Its double glazed to all areas except garage
5. You choose your own colour scheme
6. You can stay with standard heating – or go to something different
7. You can stay with standard plumbing fitting – or go to something different
8. You can locate your house to best advantage – privacy, sun & view
9. You can plan fencing & landscaping to suit yourself
10. You are assured of construction to current & rigorous standards
11. Its your house – customized to your preferences; & its new!

Last but not least – you can see your house rise from the ground!