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.

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

My primary aim is to maximize the utilization of a high energy star rating but its not all that easy to implement, due to the masking support from key stake holders.

Let me try to explain my dilemma, on the one hand I think all owners builders should factor in the additional cost to achieve the highest possible rating, but the incentive is not strong enough for people to consider the increased costs.

The cosmetics of achieving a high star rating is somewhat primitive, therefore the potential to build such a home is along way from the target reality.

The other hand we have different rebates in different states of Australia so this is another negative attribute to achieving a high energy star rating.

I believe there is prominent need to encourage builders to consider green status homes right now but when Australian decide to invest in items such as solar panels they may not understand what the energy companies offer for energy to the grid.

To me the green energy and sustainability package is a string pulled in many directions. The marketing maybe seen as a passive deception towards most people not understanding the calculation of energy consumption Vs energy collected from a 1.5Kw system sold back to the grid.

Let me say here that anyone that has decided to invest in solar energy has made the right decision, but the power companies and or the Australian federal government need to regulate and focus the rebate and well as the long-term grid rate paid.

This is an example the Grid payment system in 2009

Victoria,  Rate paid 60c/KWh

SA, 44c +

ACT, 45.7 +

TAS, 20c

NT, 45.76 c/kWh. Capped at $5 per day, then reverts to 23.11c per kWh

WA, 40c/kWh

QLD, 44c+

NSW, 60c/kWh

Source via

http://www.energymatters.com.au/government-rebates/feedintariff.php#fit-table

The first step if nothing else is to consider the most efficient lighting possible without compromising ceiling and wall insulation.

The first step if nothing else is to consider the most efficient lighting possible without compromising ceiling and wall insulation.

By Darren Gow-Brown

The Architect is so happy to take the money and blow hot air where the sun doesn’t shine.

Most important thing to understand is what is in the ground.
Then can you build your dream?
Then can you afford to build your dream?

More to come

I will list the fees over the 3 year loan period

Settlement Disbursement Fee                           90.00
Balance of upfront fees                                        1625.00
Insurance Administration Fee                              30.00
Packet Review fee                                                    300.00
Information Production Fee Discharge             15.00
Insurance Administration Fee                              50.00
Packet Review Fee                                                    300.00
Insurance Administration Fee                               50.00
Legal costs to be advised
Discharge Settlement fee                                         980.00
Title release fee                                                            190.00
Electronic File fee                                                        130.00
Statement issuance Fee                                                25.00

So far the cost of the loan over a three year term has commanded fees of 3785 on a interest only secured loan of 130,000.
The La trobe has provided mortgage since 1952 in excess of 10 billion to over 100.000 individuals, claiming to be one of Australia’s privately owned enterprises.

La Trobe capital & Mortgage Corporation Ltd is making the mainstream banking sector look good, well look so far.

Well done Latrobe you open the door to even a greater profits for the banking industry.

Some may think the latrobe concept is about greed some may think greed is good
In 2011 I wonder how many people are forced to bend over because they have no other choice
Welcome to Australia financial ANIMAL KINGDOM where pigs make big profits

 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