Thinking about building your dream home soon? Wonderful idea! However, you have to purchase a block of land first before hiring a home builders Brisbane company. If you want to save thousands of dollars in building costs, one of the most experienced and professional residential builders and construction companies in Brisbane recommends keeping a couple of things in mind:

1. Small Lot Code

Experienced QLD builders know this already, but did you know that if a block is 450m2 or smaller, a ‘small lot code’ applies in the Brisbane City Council. The same goes for battle-axe lots under 600m2. Why is this important? Because the size and height of your new home depend on the size of your lot.

2. Demolition restrictions

The fact is that many new homeowners are looking for empty lots to build on due to numerous demolition restriction rules. Still, if you fall in love with a lot with a house, ensure you know when it was built before purchasing. If a building is built before 1946 as per the Brisbane City Council, you may not be able to demolish it.

3. Slope

Another element worth taking into consideration when trying to reduce building costs is the slope of the block. Indeed, the greater the slope, the higher the costs. What’s more surprising is that some QLD builders don’t even build on sloping blocks as they require a custom design.

Of note, when building on a sloping block, retaining walls have to be higher than usual. And, if they are more than one meter high, special engineering and building approvals are needed, which also increase build costs, according to residential builders experts.

4. Height restrictions

The height of your new home isn’t only determined by the size of your lot but also by the location. In other words, if you wish to build a home in a low-density residential zone, then certain restrictions apply as to how high above ground level your house is allowed to go. In certain cases, like on a sloping block, for example, your home will need to step up or down, which significantly increases the build costs.

5. Stormwater

Specialist construction companies in Brisbane emphasise the importance of where the stormwater will go, as it can cause significant damage, especially in case of a sloping lot away from the road. Protecting your home and removing stormwater into the street may be quite costly if there isn’t a connecting underground line available at the rear.

Now that you know the main things to consider when choosing a block to build on, you can go ahead and purchase the perfect one for you. Then, you are ready to contact Liona Constructions – the number one QLD builders – to ensure you get the dream house you deserve.

Are you thinking about building your dream home? Or maybe renovating your current one? If the answer is yes, the chances you are thinking about incorporating natural stone into the design are pretty high. Rustic, elegant, and eco-friendly stone has a unique charm. When used in interior design, it provides homes with a timeless look.

But how do you know which type of stone to use? No worries, Liona Constructions – one of the leading residential builders and construction companies in Brisbane – is here to help you learn the different types of natural stone to use in your new or remodeled home.

Each type has characteristics worth considering when choosing the idea one. So, let’s look at the five most common types, according to expert residential builders:

1. Basalts

As the most common type of stone, basalts are frequently found in homes. They are fine-grained with colours, ranging from grey to black. Grey tones seem to be the more popular choice for both interior and exterior application. Plus, they oftentimes feature small holes for a distinctive look.

Home applications: pool surrounds, bathroom cladding, outdoor shower surrounds, kitchen splashbacks, etc.

2. Granite

Granite is a type of igneous or magmatic, rock formed when hot, molten rock crystallizes and solidifies. In general, it consists of quartz and feldspar, which make it remarkably resistant to scratching, heat, and chips. Thanks to these characteristics, professional QLD builders recommend granite for both internal and external design, especially for kitchen countertops or flooring.

Home applications: kitchen benchtops, kitchen splashbacks, bathroom vanity tops, flooring, fireplace surrounds, wall cladding, etc.

3. Quartzite

Similar to granite, quartzite offers even stronger physical-mechanical features. This stone type is particularly suited for both internal and external uses and comes in distinctive colours with veining similar to marble. Thanks to being more resistant than granite, it is also one of the frequently used materials for kitchen countertops.

Home applications: kitchen countertops, flooring, wall coverings, vanity tops, stair steps, etc.

4. Marble

Marble is a metamorphic rock formed when another type of stone – limestone – is exposed to heat and pressure. Ask any QLD builders; they will warn you that marble is highly susceptible to damage as it is a soft rock type comprised of calcite and other minerals like graphite, iron oxides, micas, clay, and quartz.

Home applications: kitchen countertops, kitchen splashbacks, tub and shower surrounds, fireplace surrounds, entryway floors, etc.

5. Limestone

Limestone is a sedimentary rock mainly composed of calcite that is typically produced with a honed finish for a smooth texture and matte look. It is lovely but not  a high polished finish. Limestone comes in various colours – grey, ivory, or brown – and offers low-to-medium range of hardness.

Home applications: fireplace surrounds, kitchen countertops, flooring, accent walls, etc.

Now that you know the main characteristics of the most common types of natural stone for use in the home, it’s time to contact one of the leading residential builders and construction companies in Brisbane and ensure you get the best service.