Building a new home comes with hundreds of decisions. One of the most important is deciding whether you want to build a one storey or a two storey house. Choosing between one and two storey floorplans can have a huge impact on how the home looks and how well it suits your family’s lifestyle. That means it’s important to balance your needs against your budget, the land you’ve chosen and the design aesthetic you want to achieve. To help get you started, we’ve got a few important things to think about when choosing between building a one storey or two storey home whether you’re looking at a knock down rebuild or a custom home project. 

Block Size and Location

Buying property is all about location, so most people go looking for a block of land that’s in just the right spot. You want good access to your work, the kids’ schools and the amenities around you. Finding a block of land that has everything you need can be a fun challenge, but don’t forget to spare a thought for the type of home you want to build. This is particularly important if you are looking at building a two story Hampton style house.

The footprint of the home is usually the biggest factor here. A single storey and a two storey floorplan with the same amount of living area can take up very different amounts of space on your block. If you’re building on acreage or a large plot, a sprawling single storey home might not be a problem. You can fit a large house on the land and still have room for a garden where the kids can play. On the other hand, if you’re buying in a newer development or an inner suburb, chances are you’ll need to consider building upwards to get the same amount of living space.

Maximising Your Property

The coast and countryside around Brisbane offer some of Australia’s best views. If your ideal block of land is one that overlooks your favourite part of the country, it’s worth building a home that lets you take full advantage of the property. The extra height on double storey homes allows your designer to craft a property that delivers the views you’re after.

But you don’t need a great view to make the best use of your land. Considering the block’s aspect will allow you to create a home that captures coastal breezes, cools passively and takes advantage of natural light. This can be done both with single and double storey homes – it just depends on your block of land and what you’re hoping to achieve with your build.

The Cost of the Build

Planning a custom home build is an exciting prospect, but budget is a major factor for many of us. The biggest difference between single and double storey homes is often in the cost, with double storey homes typically costing slightly more.

But, while a two storey build is likely to be more expensive on paper, multi-storey homes can help you save money on the cost of land. A more compact footprint means you can buy a smaller block without sacrificing the amount of living space you’re getting. Choosing to build a two storey home could even make it affordable to live in a more desirable suburb where block sizes are smaller. On the other hand, the money you save building a single storey home could go towards a larger block of land that’s more suitable for your family.

Your Family’s Needs

Lastly, you need to think about your family’s needs. One and two storey homes both have plenty to offer, you just need to choose the right design for your lifestyle.

For instance, families that like to entertain might prefer a lowset house with open-plan living spaces. Alternatively, families with young children might want to design a home that frees up yard space for the kids to play. The only challenge is matching your needs to the right home design. And don’t forget to plan ahead while you’re doing this. Your needs will change over time, so it’s worth considering how you’ll use the home in the future while you’re planning your current build.

Plan a Stunning Custom Home Build with the Team from McCarthy Homes!

Designing a new home build that offers all the features you want is a major task. You want to get everything just right, but the most important decision you can make is choosing between a one and two storey layout. Each type of home has plenty to offer, so it’s up to you to decide what’s important to your lifestyle. For any help you need planning your new build McCarthy Homes is happy to help!

We specialise in building new and custom homes in the Brisbane region. Our team of expert designers and home builders have been hard at work for decades, so we can offer all the advice and support you need throughout your home building journey. Talk to us today to find out more or visit our display homes today!

Building a new home is an exciting journey. Whether you choose to build off-the-plan or design a custom project, the block of land you select can have a big impact on the final result. Choosing the right plot of land can transform your new home experience and deliver a property that you’ll love for years to come.

It can be difficult to settle on a block of land when so much is riding on the decision. While there is no such thing as the perfect property, we’ve put together our tips for choosing the right block of land for your home building project.

Review the Location and Amenities

You guessed it! Location is the biggest factor when choosing land to build on. We’d recommend making a list of all the features and amenities you want easy access to right at the start of your hunt for a new block. You can use this list to narrow down the suitable areas and select suburbs or regions you’re interested in.

Each of us has unique requirements for our ideal plot, but here are a few things to keep an eye out for:

• School catchments
• Nearby main roads and motorways
• Shops and commercial areas
• Access to public transport
• Commute times
• How close you are to family and friends
• Nearby venues or sports fields that cause congestion
• Whether the land is in your builder’s build area

Choose the Right Block Size, Shape and Orientation

The physical attributes of a block don’t just impact the value of the land, they also affect the type of homes you can build. It’s important to select a piece of land that is large enough to suit your vision for the project. At the same time, you need to spare a thought for the shape of the block and how it’s oriented relative to your neighbours and the surrounding features. For instance, a north-facing block will get more sun exposure during the day, and that’s a great opportunity to design a home that takes advantage of the natural light and heating.

Look for Slopes and Land Features

The slope and features of a block can have a big impact on preparing the site and constructing your home. Sites with large slopes may require earthworks, or they can alter the type of foundation your home design uses. Similarly, features like trees, rocks, rivers and natural formations need to be taken into account. While land features and sloped blocks can present a challenge to your builders, they can also be a major asset to your home’s design. Incorporating natural features or taking advantage of a slope can turn your new home into a masterpiece that truly stands out.

Check Utilities Access

There’s no shortage of beautiful blocks of land around Brisbane. Whether you want to live by the water, in the city or out in the countryside, you’ll be able to find land that matches your wishlist. But, before you sign a contract, you need to find out which utilities are connected to the block.

Depending on where you buy, some blocks of land have limited access to utilities like gas, electricity, water, internet and waste. Not having access to some of the services you need isn’t the end of the world, but you may find yourself having to pay to install them.

Investigate Other Legal Considerations

Some blocks of land are subject to legal considerations that impact your ability to build and live on the property. These issues are usually easy to find out about through a conveyancer or your building company.

You’ll need to keep an eye out for three main types of legal restrictions:

• Zoning. Zoning alters how you’re allowed to use a property. If you buy land in a rural, semi-rural or industrial area, you’ll likely need to apply to have the zoning altered.
• Easements. Easements are a type of restriction that sets aside some of your land for use by other entities. The most common type of easements are for shared driveways on subdivided blocks, or easements that allow utilities companies to access their infrastructure.
• Other requirements. The land you purchase can also be subject to other legal restrictions. For instance, a land developer might require you to begin building your home within 12-18 months of purchasing the block. Some properties can also be restricted by Covenants that prevent you from building certain types of homes.

Ready to Build a Custom Home on Your Dream Block? Contact McCarthy Homes Today!

Choosing the right block of land isn’t the only important decision you’ll need to make when building a new custom home. Especially if you’re building in a certain style like Hampton homes or a knock down rebuild, working with the right builder can transform the finished result. Especially if you’re building in a certain style like Hampton homes, working with the right builder can transform the finished result. McCarthy Homes is a custom home builder that works with clients from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Northern New South Wales.

Our focus is on designing considered homes that exceed your expectations, ensuring your new property lives up to your vision for the project. Start a conversation with us today to work with our team on designing your new custom home build!

McCarthy Homes was recently in Sunnybank, QLD for the Monogram Residences Sunnybank ground-breaking ceremony together with VIMG!

Our newest construction project, “Monogram Residences Sunnybank”, is located in one of Brisbane’s largest Chinese communities on the south side of Brisbane. Only 15 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, this location is the perfect blend of city convenience and community living. 

Our exclusive new project comprises 20 of the finest townhouses; architecturally designed by renowned architect Modulus Architecture to reflect the peak of 21st century luxury living. With a site area of 4048sqm our 20 Brisbane adjacent townhouses will be a mixture of 3 bedroom homes and 4 bedroom homes. This new project is a perfect opportunity for growing families or business professionals looking for a community lifestyle in close proximity to Brisbane city. 

Monogram Residences Sunnybank is undoubtedly indicated to be the best opportunity for both residents and investors, providing the most superior living experience in Brisbane, and at the same time, benefiting investors with capital growth.

Currently, the project is in the construction stage with earth works complete. Construction will commence on site in June 2021 and the settlement is expected to be in July 2022.

Monogram Residences Sunnybank presents a sophisticated enclave of 20 luxurious 3 and 4 bedroom townhouses. Within close proximity to an abundance of lifestyle amenities including Sunnybank Plaza, Market Square, schools, Griffith University, sports clubs and two hospitals all delivering the ultimate home lifestyle.

Our project’s architecturally designed townhouses by renowned architect Modulus Architecture have been rendered into visual images to give an impression of the level of sophistication and luxury living they will provide.

As you can see below the 3 and 4 bedroom townhouses will feature industry leading designs, with possibilities including mono stringer stairs, SMEG appliances, communal areas and outdoor living spaces. 

McCarthy Homes has been Brisbane’s trusted townhouse builder for many years. We specialise not only in selling houses but in designing and building them too. From townhouses to large scale property developments, you can trust McCarthy Homes to provide high quality, luxury building services. 

To learn more about McCarthy Homes builders, contact our service team today on 07 3358 9704 or through our online contact page.

If you’ve found yourself on this page then it might be because you’re looking for alternatives to buying new land to get your new home. With the real estate market being so competitive right now it can be difficult to lock down that dream home you’ve been desiring. 

Someone might have mentioned knock down rebuilds or knock down new builds as another option. Today we’ll explain what a knock down rebuild is and how it could be the solution to getting your brand new dream home without having to move your entire life. 

What Does Knock Down Rebuild mean?

Knock Down Rebuild is a common term in housing & building, it means to knock down the house on your land and rebuild a brand new one. Perfect for people who love their location but have an outdated house, or for families who are settled into their area but have outgrown the capacity of their home. 

Deciding to demolish not only raises the value of your new property and saves you from paying stamp duty and selling costs, it also gives you the added benefit of tailoring a new home suited to your block and your lifestyle.

If you’ve got the perfect block of land but need the house to match then a McCarthy knock down rebuild can breathe new life into your block with a brand new custom-designed home.

Rebuild or Renovate? 

Depending on how tailored you want your home to be to your lifestyle, sometimes a small renovation will be enough, while for others a comprehensive rebuild gives you precisely what you want in a home.

Advantages of a Knock Down Rebuild

More and more people are choosing to knock down and rebuild their homes because the cost can work out cheaper than renovation. In terms of dollars per square metre, Knock Down New Build’s are frequently a more cost-effective option. 

With a knock down rebuild project you can walk into a brand new home without going through the inconvenience of selling or the risks of renovating. Especially in competitive areas like Brisbane and the Gold Coast, a knock down rebuild can be the perfect solution.

• Knock Down Rebuilds deliver a home that matches your desired lifestyle perfectly
• The homeowner controls the project from start to finish without having to accommodate previous design features that no longer work for you
• Your builder will know every detail of the construction process without having to make educated guesses about the quality or soundness of the original builder’s work
• Budgeting can be managed thoroughly as every element of the project begins with the homeowner
• Depending on the project it can also sometimes be faster to rebuild than to remodel an old home

McCarthy Homes are Knock Down Rebuild Specialists in Brisbane & Gold Coast

At McCarthy Homes we take pride in bringing a brand new home to our customers without them having to leave their existing land. Our team is known for providing one of the leading knock down rebuild services in Queensland; from start to finish you can rely on McCarthy Homes.

Especially in highly populated areas you can trust that your McCarthy Homes building site will operate with the highest standards in respect for your neighbours and community. Your build team will leave a clean site and implement their waste reduction policy for all home constructions. 

“It has been such a pleasant surprise to have McCarthy Homes build in my street. Your considerate policies to neighbours regarding no music, a clean site and general all-round courtesy have made what can’t help be a noisy operation as minimal an impact on the surroundings as possible. Your builders represent you at all times in a fantastic manner and demonstrate to me you are a company of character. I wouldn’t hesitate in placing you at the top of the queue to build my house in part due to this responsible policy.”

Simon Rowell, Wilson

What to look for in a builder who offers Knock Down Rebuilds

Unfortunately there are too many builders who will agree to a knock down rebuild without ever scoping the project or completing a site inspection. These steps are crucial to the proper planning of your project so that there aren’t any nasty or expensive surprises when it’s too late to turn back.

At McCarthy Homes we have years of experience with knock down rebuilds; working with homeowners throughout the entire project to present them with their dream home at the end.

We complete site inspections and project planning from the beginning to be sure that we can achieve your dream design on your existing block of land. As experts in the field for knock down rebuilds you can rest assured that our team will make the project smooth and hassle free to leave only the excitement of a new build in your mind. 

Whether your block is narrow, steep, on acreage or in town McCarthy will work with you to create your dream home right where you are so you don’t have to lose your fantastic views, great suburb or perfect street. 

Knock Down Rebuild Steps To Replace Your Old Home With A Brand New One

Choose your dream home design from our huge range, you can even custom design your home depending on the conditions of the lot! Our team will then complete a site check to determine if the house design and build will work on your existing block of land.

Foundation works and Estimate of Cost. Once you are ready to get started we will organise the necessary site tests and present you with itemised site costs, available upgrades and a detailed siting showing how your dream home design will be positioned on your block.

Our customers can also currently take advantage of the McCarthy Homes Stay Right Where You Are Offer which includes a $20,000 Demo Allowance, 10.kw air conditioning system and True Core steel frame, all for the cost of $4999! 

Next you’ll review the costs and builder’s plans. We’ll go through all of the associated costs with your knock down rebuild and show you the intended positioning of your new home on your block. 

After the contract is signed you can get creative and choose the colours, finishes and fixtures for your new homes from our huge selection of home décor options. Use the assistance of our consultants & take inspiration from our display homes to ensure you get the best look possible. 

Demolition, contracts and permits. McCarthy Homes will organise everything from demolition to rebuild so the build progresses smoothly. From electrical & lighting layouts to the building contract and your building permit.

Watch your dream home come to life. It’ll start by pouring your concrete slab, then erecting the house frame before gaining ‘lock-up’ status and adding the interior and exterior finishes. McCarthy Homes will be with you every step of the way to advise on updates and answer any questions you may have.Handing over the keys to your brand new dream home. Together we’ll reach the end goal of every McCarthy Knock Down Rebuild; to give you, the homeowner, your dream home exactly the way you want it and on your own land.

Knock Down Rebuild Before and After

At McCarthy Homes you can select your dream home from our stunning range of designs or create your own custom design with guidance from our builders.

The end result is a home with every luxury you could ask for, that suits your lifestyle and is located right where you want it.

Knock Down and Rebuild Your New Dream Home With Confidence With McCarthy Homes.

From the Sunshine Coast to Ballina and anywhere in between, McCarthy Homes are the knock down rebuild specialists in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. 

Talk to us today about your knockdown rebuild home. You can contact us on (07) 3358 9704 or submit an enquiry online now to find out how McCarthy Homes can help you!

McCarthy Homes is excited to launch new house and land packages in the Brisbane and Moreton Bay regions! 

Our prime locations in Rochedale and Newport are perfectly suited to all household sizes and lifestyles. Choose from our stunning range of home designs, purpose built for lots of all sizes, from small or narrow lots all the way to 5 bedroom family households. 

Contact us today and we can start tailoring a package for your dream home!

Newport House and Land Packages

Our Newport house and land packages are an unbeatable opportunity matched only by a premier location with everything you need at your doorstep. Whether you’re a growing family or retirees looking to relax, Newport has the superb liveability you’ve been searching for! 

This idyllic coastal location offers kilometres of endless beachside foreshore to be explored with the Scarborough precinct at your door. Take in exceptional ocean vistas along with café precincts, tapas bars and restaurants while listening to the gentle sound of lapping waves to soothe you into your evening. In Newport you’ll enjoy brilliant proximity to numerous boutique shops, lush parklands and superb schooling from early learning to senior education, you have plenty of options to choose from.

Our house and land packages in Newport can be tailored to suit your household needs. Whether it’s a design suited for a narrow lot or you need a 5 bedroom home built you can find your dream design with McCarthy Homes.

Rochedale House and Land Packages

The best location near Brisbane city! Our Rochedale house and land packages are prime lots with the CBD only 20kms away, it’s the place to be for aspiring new homeowners. 

Fresh and modern, the thriving community of Rochedale is the ideal place to build your new home. Perfectly positioned for travel in any direction, Rochedale offers the opportunity to live a great community lifestyle that’s close to the city and amenities. In Rochedale you can live on a street lined with lush, green trees and look across the panoramic views of the Brisbane skyline, this area has everything you need to work, live and play.

Rochedale is the perfect place for growing families and business professionals. With large lot options for 5 bedroom homes or designs tailored to narrow blocks that still give you room to grow. 

Browse through our selection of house designs to find your dream home and we’ll make it a reality.

Concrete

Taking care of concrete can be a little difficult. Unfortunately, even the best laid concrete can crack under the right conditions. At McCarthy Homes we do everything we can to ensure that any concrete we lay on driveways or paths is right for the environment. To take further steps to ensure your concrete goes the distance, be wary of having heavy vehicles park or drive on it and don’t undertake extensive digging nearby. Consider planting trees further back from any concrete as well, as roots can quickly crack and distort concrete.

Decks and Exposed Wood

If you’ve just taken delivery of your home, one of the first things you will need to do is coat all wooden decking with sealant. This will help maintain the integrity of the wood in all weather conditions. It will help seal out water and may provide a barrier of protection against other damage. Over time, you may find that your deck attracts dirt and stains. You’ll need to scrub it down thoroughly and reseal it on occasion to keep it in pristine condition.

The same rules apply for other exposed wood around your home. Ensure that new sealant is applied as needed. Pay particular attention to wood that is directly exposed to the elements, particularly sunlight and rain.

Condensation

While many modern homes are built with extractor fans and are designed to promote adequate air flow, you will need to take some steps to prevent condensation forming in certain areas of your home. Basic steps you can take to reduce condensation include opening bathroom windows when water is in use and using extractors and ventilation systems. Limiting the ability for condensation to form inside your home will also help prevent any mould growing.

Flooring

Depending on the flooring in your home, you may need to take different steps to maintain it at a high level of quality. Carpet should be vacuumed regularly, preferably with a vacuum cleaner that’s appropriate for its thickness and conditions (if you have pets, consider a vacuum cleaner with an attachment for pet hair). Carpets should be shampooed roughly every two years, or less, to ensure they stay clean and stains don’t become set in.

Wooden floor boards may need to be polished at times. If mopped regularly, they may also need to be polished and have new varnish or sealant applied. Tiles and linoleum should be mopped regularly. Be wary of uneven wear on some parts of your flooring. This can arise due to heavy foot traffic or furniture footings.

Gardens and Pool Areas

If your brand-new home was built by us, we will provide guidance on landscaping and gardening that will assist you in maintaining the integrity of your home. Some things to be aware of include:

• Ensure that all gardening, soil, additional tiling or paving etc is located beneath the level of the damp proof membrane.
• Ensure that nothing covers the weep holes in brickwork.
• Aim for a 75mm split between your gardens, gravel, soil and grass and the weep holes.
• Weep holes must be kept open and able to be visually inspected as part of termite prevention, in addition to protecting brickwork from moisture.

Your pool areas should be maintained according to your local council guidelines. You should ensure that they do not sit above the level of your home and that there are adequate measures in place to ensure that all excess water drains away from your home.

Maintenance advice

If you are unsure how to maintain any part of your home and would like professional advice, please contact us. We always seek to ensure that our clients are provided with adequate information at handover, however sometimes some eventualities arise which cannot be planned for. We’re more than happy to point you in the right direction if required.

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Or, call us on (07) 3358 9704