We now know the Australian government is ok for private utility companies such as Electricity, Gas and water are charging as much as they can, like the Australian Banks.
We now know that forecast planning is essential if we are to sustain a quality life for when we retire, as right now its possible to service a loan and pay the bills in our working life but what about when we retire.
This brings me to my next point, and that is designing the concept in Australia to take us through to at least 2030. The perfect home will be required to perform the following tasks.
Collect water
Collect Energy
Dispose of waste
NOT REQUIRE ANY SERVICES
If I wrote this article say 10 years ago you would think I’m crazy but now this is the challenge of my lifetime, to achieve this goal.
We know the most suitable concept design is to maximize the winter sun so we may reduce heating costs in the colder months during the year. Then we need to prevent the summer sun from heating up the home in the blistering hot months during the year.
We now know its not rocket science that water consumption is no longer the main cost compared to fixed costs. So in other words if you only consume one litre of water for the whole year you will be charged for waste costs and parks and gardens, to this day I still do not know why a rate payer is paying for something not related to the home, but that’s our Government.
This is why we need to design our concept home according to how we may afford to live in the future.
I’m still researching the subject of building a home with my target audience to be Owner builders.
The most common activity of an owner builder is to make a visit to an Architect, and this is the first mistake.
You may ask why, good, I’m glad you asked the question.
An architect is the best place to go if you need a concept drawing although if you have some time learn to design or go to a site like planner where you can draw your concept to see if its anywhere near practical, more on this later.
If you have a site already in mind you must research what is in the ground.
What services are available and if they are in the ground you are best to find out where exactly on your lot the service points are.
From my limited knowledge if you see a sewage line on the plan its best to call in a pipe locator, this way you will know where the pipe is and therefore know if your design is applicable
When Graeme Ambrose decided to build a house it was worth filming.
This home was designed to feature many benefits, including sustainability, as part of my research into owner building I met Graeme Ambrose, a key stake holder in energy star rated homes and sustainability.
This is part one in the house of the future produced by Darren Gow-Brown
When it comes to building a house the first step is choosing the correct block of land I interviewed Russell Joseph to learn more about one of the more important aspects of owner building When interviewd by Darren Gow-Brown I always learn more each time I meet Russell this is the reason why I continue to change the structure of my DVD titled Owner builders the business side Russell was interviewed April 2010 ready for the Melbourne Home show where Russell will be speaking about owner building in more depth
To following questions will be asked upon my interview with Russell Joseph
1. Russell what made you get involve with the owner builder industry
2. What are the major steps to owner building?
3. I know nothing about building, am I getting myself into something over my head?
4. Can my partner get involved with the management of the project?
5. What steps are needed to build a house within budget?
6. How do I know if I can save money by being an owner builder?
7. How big a home can I afford for my budget?
8. How do I calculate my site costs?
9. What finishes can I afford in my home?
10. How can I buy at builders rates?
11. Is it difficult to obtain finance for owner building?
12. How do I know if I am buying the right block of land that I can afford to build on?
13. What type of research is required to build a home?
14. What are concept drawings?
15. What’s the difference between Concept drawings, and architectural drawings?
16. At what stage should an architect produce completed drawings?
17. Can a Kit Home be customised to my own plan?
18. What exactly is “Lock Up Stage”?
19. What if I require special reports in order to get my plans approved through council?
20. Am I restricted as an owner builder with the number of homes I can build?
21. How often do I need to be on site during construction?
22. Is it necessary to be onsite when trades people are working?
23. How do I schedule the trades?
24. When dealing with trades people how do I ensure good workmanship
25. When should a trade’s person be paid for there work?
26. How do I know if the trades I select are of good character and offer quality workmanship?
27. Where can an owner builder go if faulty workmanship has taken place?
28. What if I am not satisfied with the quality of one of the trades?
29. How do I handle disputes on site if I have one?
30. As an owner builder, how do I take responsibility for all OH&S issues?
Owner Building is considered to one of the three most difficult tasks to achieve
Whilst at the same time its estimated that Owner builders account for over 30 % of all new homes built every year.
Owner builders are now challenge to comply of 5 star rating and therefore this site will be a good place to start your research.
