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uilding a home is an exciting journey, one that is filled with anticipation and planning. From selecting the right design to watching your property take shape, each stage of construction is an important step toward creating your dream space. At Builders Brisbane, we are committed to delivering quality construction in a timely manner. Here’s a detailed guide to the typical build times for the various types of structures we offer:
Granny Flats: Typically 3-4 Months: If you are looking for a small and quick housing solution, granny flats are a great option. They have a compact design and can be built in a short span of time. We take care of every step of the process, from planning to execution, to ensure that your tiny home is ready in 3-4 months.
Loswet Homes: Typically 5 Months: Lowset homes, or single-storey homes, are more complex to build than granny flats. They usually take about 5 months to finish, but this may vary depending on the size of the floor plan. Lowset homes are suitable for families who need more space and comfort.
Double-Storey Homes: Typically 7 Months:
Building a double-storey home requires more time than a single-storey one. These homes are large and luxurious, and they usually take about 7 months to complete. Some of the factors that increase the time frame are the use of steel beams, different types of cladding, multi-level roofs, and scaffolding that needs to be set up and removed.
Duplexes: Typically 7 Months: Duplexes are a type of housing that have two units attached by a common wall. They usually take about 7 months to construct and can offer some advantages over single-family homes. For example, duplexes can make efficient use of land and provide a source of rental income for the owners.
Extending Build Duration: Landscaping and Other Considerations
While we strive to meet the timelines mentioned above, there are factors that may extend the build duration by up to a month. Here's a look at some common considerations:
Landscaping: The aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces is vital. Custom landscaping can add weeks to the construction process, depending on the complexity of the design.
Weather Conditions: Unpredictable weather can lead to delays. Rain, strong winds, or extreme temperatures might hinder the progress of construction. Living in Queensland, we have some amazing weather during the winter and large amounts of rain in Summer. Keep in mind the seasons when talking time frames.
Permit and Inspection Delays: There are various factors that can affect the duration of a construction project. One of them is the legal and regulatory aspect, which involves obtaining the necessary permits and passing the required inspections. These processes can sometimes cause delays or interruptions in the work, depending on the availability and efficiency of the authorities. At times, it is important to plan ahead and anticipate any potential issues that might arise from this aspect.
Customisation:If you choose to add or modify certain aspects of the construction, it might extend the timeline depending on the complexity of the changes.
At Builders Brisbane, based in Ormeau, South East Queensland, we take pride in our craftsmanship and commitment to timelines. We understand that your home is more than just a building; it's a personal space that reflects your taste and lifestyle. That’s why we work closely with you to ensure that every detail is attended to, even if it means spending a little extra time to get it just right.Should you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us. We are here to help you build the home of your dreams, or an amazing investment to catapult you to a brighter financial future.
Who Pays for the Power Consumption During Construction?
Power consumption during construction is an important factor to consider, and typically, the responsibility falls to the property owner. However, this can vary depending on the agreement between the owner and the contractor.
Property Owner Responsibility:
The property owner may be responsible for paying the power consumption during construction, especially if it is stipulated in the contract. This consumption includes the electricity used for tools, machinery, lighting, and other construction-related activities.
Contractor Responsibility:
In some contracts, the builder or contractor might include the cost of power consumption as part of the overall project cost. In this case, the owner pays for power indirectly through the contracted price. It's essential to clarify who will cover the electricity costs in the initial agreement to avoid misunderstandings later. For Builders Brisbane, the owner pays for the consumption of electricity by reimbursing the existing tenant in the property. The alternative to this is hiring a generator and charging for the generator usage which is substantially more expensive. If there is no power connection to the property (for example it is an empty block of land and not an extension to an existing house or granny flat, the builder installs a temporary power meter and pays for the energy usage.
Why Does My Meter Board Have to be Upgraded and/or Relocated?
The relocation and upgrade of a meter board during construction is often necessary for various reasons:
Safety Concerns:
If the existing location of the meter board is deemed unsafe or not up to current regulations, it must be relocated. This is the case for the vast majority of current meter boards, as soon as we touch the
Construction Requirements:
The extension or renovation of a property might necessitate the meter board to be moved to accommodate the new layout or design.
Accessibility:
Ensuring easy access to the meter board for both residents and utility providers may require relocation. Energex requires that the meter board be within 2m of the front wall of the house.
Legal Compliance:
Local regulations may mandate specific positioning or safety requirements for meter boards, prompting the need for relocation. Energex requires that the meter board not be located on a driveway or behind a fence or any other obstruction for the purposes of meter reading. Builders Brisbane always work with licensed electrical professionals to handle this relocation, ensuring that it meets all local regulations and safety standards.
How Do Secondary Meters Work in a Granny Flat Situation?
Granny Flats are often equipped with secondary meters to track the power consumption separately from the main residence. Here's how they work:
Separate Billing:
A secondary meter allows for independent billing, so the occupant of the Granny Flat can be responsible for their electricity consumption. This arrangement is particularly beneficial for investment properties or rental situations.
Monitoring Consumption:
Secondary meters help in understanding and managing the energy consumption of the Granny Flat. This separate monitoring can be useful for budgeting and energy efficiency planning.
Compliance:
Depending on local regulations, a secondary meter may be required to ensure that the billing and consumption are handled according to legal standards. This is especially important if you are a landlord intending to charge tenants separately for power usage. In the context of Granny Flats, secondary meters play a crucial role in providing autonomy and clarity in energy consumption.
Conclusion
No matter the separate metering situation we will always ensure that there is a sub-board within the granny flat to enable control over the switching and circuitry for the occupants. Understanding the ins and outs of power consumption, meter board relocation, and the use of secondary meters is essential for anyone involved in the construction process. At Builders Brisbane we will always provide awareness of local regulations to our clients and ensure that these aspects are handled efficiently and in compliance with the law. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!
About
Sean Wilson
As a third-generation designer and builder, I have building in my blood. I've been designing and building my whole life. Specialising in management and company building, we have built an amazing team in Builders Brisbane to bring your dreams into reality!
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