"KUNZEA HOUSE" IS FOR SALE - A MAGNIFICENT HERITAGE STYLE HOME
Contact
on 0418 941 272 - Floor plan - Map
During our search for a place to build
our new home we rediscovered Jarrahdale which is listed on the National Trust
as a Heritage Town. A relatively new sub-division named "Chestnuts"
proposed to continue the 120 year heritage style of the area by asking new home
builders to build in "Heritage" or "Colonial" style.
This suited us very well as we wanted to build an energy efficient home which
would also be fire, termite and earthquake resistant. This is generally much
easier to do using "Heritage Style" building materials such as
Colorbond™, Fibro Cement and steel. The cost of construction is at least compatible with building in brick and tile.
On the 15th August 2004 we moved into our new home on 4,000
metre block on top of a high ridge above the Millbrook Winery and overlooking the
Serpentine River Valley. The well insulated house reduced the running costs of air conditioning to an absoulte minimum. Every drop of mains water is recycled to the garden via a sewerage aerobic treatment unit (ATU).
The internal temperature has rarely exceeded 30 degrees. The picture bottom left shows the thermometer at 2:00pm on Boxing Day 2007, the air conditioner had not been switched on at all on this day. Top reading shows internal temperature, bottom reading shows external temperature. All the high ceilinged rooms have reversible ceiling fans which we rarely use.
Connections to the internet via high speed ADSL and Next-G wireless broadband are available. The home is connected to mains water supply and telephone service. Electricity is supplied via a "Smart Power" meter. A 23,000lt water tank provides an emergency water supply in the case of fire. We have also installed backup electric and petrol water pumps to boost the auto reticulation system should it ever be neccessary to saturate the garden to prevent an ember attack from a bush fire.
Published here are some of the things we learned, in the hope that you may gain from our
experience, if you too intend to build a new home. New material will be added as we tidy up our research on various topics. We
hope you enjoy and benefit from the pages we have already published. What will
also be most welcome is your feedback by e-mail.
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OTHER PAGES
| Rules &
Regulations |
There are many government regulations involved in building
a new home. You need to know them or it may cost a lot later. |
| Typical
Covenants |
The person selling you land will place conditions on what
you can and cannot do. Read then very carefully before purchasing. |
| The Building
Block |
Selecting the right building block is a very important part
of building a new home. You are going to live there not the realty agent. |
| The
Environment |
Wind, rain, noise, sunlight, transport, medical clinics,
schools, shops are all part of the new home environment. |
| Insurance
Policies |
Insurance policies are very important to the new home
builder. Make sure you have adequate cover. Your builders insurance may not be
enough. |
| Building
Companies |
Building companies are generally brokers or house retailers
who supply materials and labour to build your house for considerable profit
margins. |
| Build Your
Own Home |
Being your own builder can save a lot of money but there is
a lot to learn. Get good advice before walking this road. |
| Budget &
Costings |
Getting the budget right can be the difference between
happiness and heartbreak. Consider professional help. |
| Trades &
Services |
Some of the many trades and services from whom you will
need to obtain quotes for your very important building budget. |
| The House
Plans |
Spend all the time you need in selecting the right house
plans. You will never be happy in the wrong house. |
| Fire
Resistant Homes |
Many more people are choosing to build life style homes
near bush and forest. Fire resistant homes are not expensive. |
| Site
Works |
Preparing land to build a house can be seriously expensive.
Get several quotes before buying a building block. |
| Sewage &
Effluent |
Many people are opting to install an Aerobic Treatment Unit
but this can be seriously expsnsive. Lack of information can also cause
problems. |
| Tips &
Hints |
A page of builders tips and hints. Share your building tips
and hints and ideas here. |
| Your
Questions |
These are just some of the questions that are asked by new
home builders. Many more will be added as they are asked. |
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