When we move into a new home, it can be difficult in those first few months trying to adjust to the new space, the new routine and the new environment your now living in. Rarely, do any of us move into a new house and feel at home straight away.

But this is something we all need to combat – because your living environment is so important and so crucial to your health, stress levels and enjoyment of life – that you need to make sure your house is not just a house- but a home too.

A home is somewhere you feel comfortable, and at ease – it’s somewhere you can relax and you feel drawn to, and happy to be in after a hard day at work. A home is important – because it gives you a refuge from the things that can hurt us or damage us outside. This is something that everyone deserves.

Moving into a new home, I’ve found in the past, can be a bit daunting. And for weeks afterwards – I often felt like I was intruding in on someone else’s house- or even a show-home. That’s when I realised I need to make the house my home, and I needed to inject myself into those four walls for us all to start feeling as though we belonged there.

So how can you begin to do this?

Well it starts with finding the things that are important to you. Locating areas you love spending time in, and enhancing them. Here are my tips:

Use colour to your advantage

There is not much personality in white, and so I always recommend to people that they use their favourite colours in their home. This makes you feel like you belong there – and it’s a constant reminded that you decorated it and you have control over the space. Think about which colours make you happy and which colours you enjoy. Don’t worry about bright colours either – you don’t necessarily have to paint every wall in the house! You could choose a feature wall, or perhaps even just accent the room with accessories in your chosen colour – such as cushions or candles or rugs. It’s that easy.

Don’t forget photographs

Photographs are the quickest, easiest and cheapest way to give your home personality and I am always sad when I visit a home that has no photos. Choose your favourite family photos, or choose your favourite landscape shots from holiday – anything that is original to you. You could get them printed onto canvas for a show-stopping look (companies like Printer Pix do great prices) or you could simply pick up a cheap frame and frame a couple of snaps for the fireplace mantelpiece. Try and have at least one photograph in each room – that way, no matter where you are in the house – you are enjoying happy memories and reminded that this place belongs to you.

Don’t be afraid of a little clutter or mess

Many of us have a dream house in our minds – but the reality of that dream house is never going to be real. Because it’s just not realistic. Instead of cleaning every surface and every inch when you move in (I know it’s hard – because at this stage you want everywhere to remain perfect) just roll with it. Let you kids dump their bags in the hallway, let yourself leave the dishes in the sink over night. Let the kids sprawl out on the sofa with a blanket. It’s little things like this that turn a show-house into a real home. It’s the life and the love of a house that makes it a home, and it’s the people inside the home that make it special. Don’t worry about obsessing over the small things, and just let life happen.

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Here is a real estate pop quiz. What is the cheapest and most effective method to increase the market value of your home? A bathroom renovation? Maybe add a pool? Perhaps extend out and add another bedroom? Well believe it or not the most effective method to increase the value of your home can be as simple as fixing up your front garden.

You’d be surprised how often the front exterior of the house gets neglected when it comes to renovating homes for maximum resale value. But with these handy landscaping tips you can improve up your home’s resale value with little damage to your wallet.

Clean lines – Get out the whipper snipper and make sure all you garden bed edges are cut to perfection. A simple thing right? But clean edges can really make the difference between a pristine, well tended garden and an unruly, unkempt one. And while you have your tools out, have a go at trimming back any overgrown shrubs and prune flower bushes.

Green grass - It goes without saying that if your front lawn is overgrown with weeds, tackle that first. Get a weed spray applicator and get rid of them before you start throwing fertilizer on the grass. For greener-than-green grass you really should be starting fertilizer treatment well in advance of selling your home, although your nursery can offer some quick fix options if you lack the time.

Improve your outlook – If your family room window looks out to a brown fence or a brick wall, why not improve the view by placing a small fountain outside the window or grow a creeper on the fence. A creeper plant provides a much more natural, lush green backdrop as opposed to the harsh and raw view of concrete or bricks which can affect the inside ambiance of the home.

Fix the fence – A dilapidated fence sticks out like a sore thumb. So if there is only one thing you spend money on in your garden it should go towards fixing your fence. If the fence is covered in holes this might mean just replacing a few panels, however if it looks like the whole thing might come down at any moment, you should probably invest in a whole new fence. Also consider giving your fence a fresh new coat for an instant backyard face lift, whether you have a big piece of country real estate, or a small residential plot of land in the suburbs.

Author: Sarah Paige is a freelance writer and a Stockland residential real estate resident.

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For most people, entering into a building contract can be quite daunting. The good news is, most builders use standard industry association contracts produced by the HIA (Housing Industry Association) or the MBA (Master Builders Association).

Your building contract covers the following sections;

1. Agreement to Build
2. Necessary Approvals
3. Owner’s Warranties and Initial Obligations
4. Builder’s Duties
5. Site Conditions
6. The Contract Price
7. Deposit, Progress Payments and Other Payments
8. Security
9. Time for Performance
10. Possession of the Site
11. Provisional Sums and Prime Cost Items
12. Variations
13. Insurance
14. Defects Liability Period
15. Early Termination of Contract
16. Events Allowing Builder to Terminate
17. Events Allowing Owner to Terminate
18. Disputes
19. Practical Completion
20. Notices
21. Supply of Materials and Unfixed Materials on Site
22. Consequences of Non-Fulfilment of Conditions
23. Assignment
24. Severability
25. Extent of Builders Liability
26. Interpretation
27. Appointment and Authority of Owner’s Agent

Overall, coming from my own personal perspective being a person who has been a builder, as well as an owner entering into a building contract myself, I’ve found the HIA & MBA contracts to be fairly weighted so there is no advantage or disadvantage to either you as the owner, or the builder.

Here are some frequently asked questions relating to highlighted sections above;

Q: Can the builder charge me more for my siteworks?

A: Each builder will inspect your building site and use their local knowledge and contractor quotes to advise you on your site costs. However, there are going to be instances where additional costs may arise due to unforeseen requirements. Examples of these could be costs associated with hard digging if the earthworker hits rock, additional structural support if notified by the engineer or you may need to de-water your site if your water table is too high.

In these cases the building contract allows the builder to request a variation to cover the costs of the associated work. If you have any concerns at all regarding your site costs, you should speak to your builder and satisfy yourself that there is enough history in the area to ensure the allowances are correct. However, it’s always a good idea to keep little bit of extra money aside in case these costs do arise.

If you’re building in a new development, then you shouldn’t have any problems as the developer will have prepared your block beforehand.

Q: Can my building contract price increase?

A: The contract price can be adjusted if there are delays preventing the builder to start on site that exceeds 45 working days OR in the case when a new law is introduced by the state or federal government.

Typically a time delay is passed on when the building industry is booming, and there are price pressures and increases regularly. If your home is delayed beyond the 45 working days then the builder may pass on a price rise.

In the case of new laws, when the GST was introduced all builders were forced to charge the GST that was relevant, even when homes were halfway under construction.

Other than the above, your contract price is fixed and binding on both parties.

Q: How are payments made?

A: In the Schedule of Particulars your builder will nominate the stages when payments will be made. Generally there is a deposit (which is payable when you enter into the contract and you receive a copy of your indemnity insurance certificate) and then progress payments, or stage based payments when your home completed major stages.

In some cases builders may also nominate a monthly claim based on progress. This is more common in the luxury end of the building industry.

Q: What if I’m late on a payment?

A: If you’re late on a payment (required to be paid within 10 working days) then the builder can charge interest or suspend the work until the payment is made in full.

Q: How long will it take to build our new home?

A: The builder must nominate how long they expect your new home to take in the ‘Schedule of Particulars’.

Q: Can the builder extend that time?

A: The contract allows for builders to claim for extensions of time in some circumstances. Inclement weather, industrial action, acts of God etc… Also, if you make variations to your building contract, the builder can notify you that extra time might be needed if you’re increasing the scope of works.

Q: What are provisional sums?

A: Builders may nominate some items as a Provisional Sum. This amount includes the price for materials, subcontractors charges, delivery of goods and the installation of the materials plus the builders margin. The final cost is then tallied once the work is completed (or quotes finalised) and then adjusted accordingly. This means there could be rise or fall on the final price. Generally, these items relate to work where there are a few unknowns. You’ll often find earthworks nominated as a PS amount as the final cost may not be known at the early stages of pricing.

Q: How is a provisional sum adjusted?

A: The builder will compile all the real costs for the work, add their builders margin then credit the original amount, and charge the new amount. In most cases the PS amount covers the real costs.

Q: Can we make changes while the home is under construction?

A: You can request for changes to be made but it is the builders choice to decline or accept that request. If you think you may want to make changes, it would be best to confirm the builders policy on ‘under construction variations’ before signing your contract. Some builders may not allow certain changes once they start building.

Q: We heard builders slug you when you make changes but don’t give much back when you ask for things to be deleted. Is that true?

A: There’s an element of truth in this question. When you make a change that will increase the cost of the contract, the builder is allowed to add their margin on top of the cost. However, if you delete an item, the builder is entitled to keep their margin, and only credit back the cost. That might seem a little unfair, however builders accept jobs knowing they will make a certain amount of money to cover overheads and ultimately make a profit.

Q: What happens if we move in and find something isn’t quite right and needs fixing?

A: Every building contract will have a defects liability period – where the builder will return to rectify anything that is broken, or needs to be addressed within months of you taking possession of your new home. The actual time frame will be noted in your ‘Schedule of Particulars’ on your contract. It’s generally completed within 6 months.

If you have a specific question that isn’t answered above, please leave a reply below and we’ll answer it to the best of our ability.

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Every Australian knows that a good home centres around a great kitchen. ‘The heart of the home’ is still found right next to the kitchen sink. Here’s a few wikid kitchens to help inspire you before you finalise your new kitchen design.

Our entertaining lifestyles mean friends and family often drop in for a meal or a nice glass of wine. We often spend hours each week in our kitchens, so it’s really important that you think about how your new kitchen is going to work for you.

What style suits you best?

Modern Kitchen with Stainless Steel Benchtops

The style of your kitchen will say a lot about your personality and play a major role in dictating how the rest of your home is perceived. This modern kitchen has very clean lines, doesn’t have any handles and features lots of stainless steel. Some people would say this is clinical looking and even describe it as being too cold. Others might feel it’s similar to a commercial kitchen, practical and easy to keep clean. Most chefs would love the functionality of the large preparation area and the mid-height appliances for easy reaching.

Which way do you want to face?

Central Sink in Island Bench

In contrast to the first kitchen, the above design has the sink in the island bench, instead of the cooktop. This is a question that presents itself in every single house design. Which way do you prefer to face when doing the dishes, or cooking the food?

Some people prefer to prepare and wash food and the dishes while having an outlook to the TV area. Others, can’t stand the idea of having a sink on the island bench because they don’t want to see a cluttered sink full of dishes in such a prominent place.

There’s no right or wrong answer – but you will need to decide which is best for you!

What types of finish best suits your home?

Timber Veneer Kitchen

The above kitchen has taken a different approach in its style. The outer kitchen benches are timber in contrast to the granite centre piece to the island bench. Also, the gloss laminate cabinet fronts to the outer kitchen contrasts the timber veneer to the island. This mix allows for several variations in colour and also creates an interest by the various textures used.

When you think of the type of finishes, be sure not to complicate the design with colours that are too busy. Most people prefer a kitchen to appear clean, so 2 or 3 colours (with a maximum of 4) work really well as a palette to decorate with other things. A nice fruit bowl for example will add a splash of colour. Your kettle, spice jars and coffee and tea tins can also decorate the kitchen.

So remember, choose your style of kitchen that most suits yours and your new homes personality. Be sure to think about the functionality of the kitchen zone, so you’re not stuck in a corner missing interaction with others or a TV. Choose your finishes in a way that allows you to dress the kitchen with nick-knacks later.

If you’ve other ideas that make a great kitchen, let us know by leaving a comment below.

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Shelford Homes are displaying their flagship home The Riviera in Wandi, and it’s sure to impress home buyers.

The Riviera is unassuming from the street, a contemporary double storey design that is a reflection of popular home buyers tastes. The neutral colours are very popular with Perth home buyers and they’ll appreciate the way this home has come together.

While the exterior is unassuming, the interior is not. There has been a lot of attention given to every detail of this complex but outstanding design.

The front of the ground floor features a home office with recessed ceilings and a cinema room, again with the feature recessed ceilings. Both areas are private and behind double doors that otherwise lead into the main living areas.

The open plan living features a galley kitchen that sits beneath the upper floor above, but the dining area itself is fully open to the whole first floor with the two storey void area soaring upwards. In contrast, a sunken living room sits off to one side tucked neatly behind a central dual fireplace. The 2 storey high windows to the dining let in a great amount of light making the living areas feel very spacious.

The rear of the home caters to the home owners, with a luxury master suite, large walk in robe and feature ensuite that incorporates a circular corner spa. There’s also a make-up niche for those last minute preparations before guests arrive!

Upstairs, there’s two minor bedrooms, each sharing a bathroom. The central lounge features a kitchenette and allows viewing through to the downstairs dining area. A front activity room opens out to the front balcony to enjoy some outdoor relaxing.

You’ll also discover a guest bedroom that enjoys its very own ensuite. A fantastic addition for an older first born child or if you have guests regularly and want to give them a bit of their own privacy.

Finally, if you like outdoor living, you’ll love the way the outdoor alfresco includes a cooking area and looks directly out onto the swimming pool through frameless glass pool fencing.

The Riviera is the most expensive of all the display homes in the Wandi display village, but showcases just what Shelford Homes can build when asked. The overall style this home exudes is a tribute to the whole team who made it possible. For those with more modest budgets, a cut down version is also available.

Shelford Homes have priced the display home at $1,124,661

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This stunning single storey display home has just been completed for Impressions in Perth’s southern suburb of Harrisdale.

The exterior finishes of this display home have been carefully selected to create a classic, quality and timeless look. 

The mix of face bricks, render, timber and steel set off this elevation

Moda Interiors was engaged to complete the exterior and interior colour and material selections, artwork, homewares and furnishings.

Colour consistency helps bring the home together

When putting together a builders display home its important to chose finishes and materials which are eye-catching and stylish whilst showing potential client’s what is achievable within the builder’s own specifications.

These window shutters make a statement

For the interior spaces, a clever use of available light, warm and inviting colour scheme and quality furnishings come together to create a beautiful, liveable home. A few carefully selected eye-catching pieces bring the classic living areas to life.

Lighting sets the mood in this wonderful bedroom

Moda Interior’s team of Interior Designers have been successfully working with some of Perth’s most popular building companies for over 15 years – to find out how to achieve a stunning and exclusive look for your new home, drop us a line at Moda Interiors on 9440 9000 any time or view more interior design ideas on our web site.

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Today we had some good news with the NAB cutting their rates to below 7.0% with their 32 basis point reduction.

The NAB currently sits at 6.99%, the lowest level of all the major banks. 

It’s not as good as matching the Reserve Banks official cut of 50 basis points however, and the NAB will still profit nicely by not passing on the complete cut.

However, for new home owners looking to built this is a welcome sign as other banks are sure to follow suit.

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If your new home building budget is around the $200,000 mark, then you’re going to love the large family sized Honeywood display home by Aveling Homes.

The minimalist street scape keeps this home tastefully simple with the central porch the only pronounced feature. Once you enter the home you’ll find a raised ceiling in the foyer leading you towards the open living areas. 

The master bedroom is to the front of the home, with viewing directly out to the street. A large walk in robe sits between the bedroom and the ensuite.

While the open plan living area with combined kitchen, dining and living rooms are spacious enough for a family of five, the Honeywood also includes an audio visual room and a separate activity area outside the minor bedrooms. These living zones provide lifestyle options so there’s more scope for individualism in the home.

If you feel like relaxing, you can escape to the audio visual room and watch your own movie while the kids take over the living to play on their Xbox and little Johnny or Suzie can still be doing there homework in the Activity area, without being disrupted.

Features like the raised ceiling in the living and dining rooms and a coffered ceiling in the audio visual add those nice touches to your new home.

This is a big family home, with 220.46m² of living area and a total area of 279.78m².

The Honeywood by Aveling Homes currently sells for $196,095

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In 2012 the Master Builders Association of WA (MBA) presented the Best Display Home $280,000 – $310,000 to Summit Homes for The Monaco display home in Wandi. We thought it would be great to catch up with Ewan McConnell from Summit Homes and have a closer look to find out what makes this award winning display home so special.

There are just so many features in this display home that make it a fantastic home, well deserving of the award.

Some of the design features mentioned in the video include:

• 8.8 star energy efficiency (which is simply amazing)
• Designer kitchen with feature thick benchtops
• Soft closers to all doors and drawers in the cabinets
• Open plan living with raking ceiling which extends through the Dining and Alfresco
• Raised coffered ceiling to the Living room
• His & Hers ensuite with double vanity basins and double shower heads
• Awesome outdoor entertaining area with the covered alfresco
• ‘Feature swimming pool & BBQ entertainment area’ (Note: this isn’t included in the display home price)
• Triple garage
• 248m² of living area with the total area coming to 335m²

The front of the home also includes the three minor bedrooms, a bathroom, powder room and feature IT Nook. Complimenting the minor bedroom wing is a home theatre and dedicated home office or parents study, which as Ewan points out could be converted to an extended entertaining zone or bar area.

Suited to families wanting great living zones and plenty of facilities for the kids, the Monaco display home by Summit Homes in Wandi is definitely a home you want to inspect.

If you’ve visited The Monaco, tell us what you liked about the design by leaving a comment below.

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Lifestyle Homes has been building in built up, established suburbs when home owners have decided to knock down their old homes and build a new home to suit todays modern living. It seems fitting they would be nestled into the new display village in Iluka in the heart of this well established coastal suburb.

The Sunsets display has some really wonderful features. The grand two storey high portico entry with feature stone and elevated roof sitting atop the timber louvred vents makes an impressive street statement. The modern transparent panelled garage door compliments the two storey high front window glazing, keeping a consistent theme of contemporary styling.

Upon entry the large foyer soars upwards as your eye follows the winding central staircase. The foyer is filled with light thanks to the large windows.

A home office is immediately to the left creating a comfortable working environment with views to the front and side garden. If you need a break, you can relax in the tiered seating inside the home theatre. Equipped with sound proofing and acoustic ceiling panel underlit with feature lighting. This theatre is just fantastic and any movie lover will enjoy thoroughly.

The remaining ground floor space is dedicated to the living zones. The rear of the home looks out to the back garden from the Kitchen, Dining and Living rooms while the undercover alfresco can be enjoyed while looking out over the pool.

Any chef would envy this kitchen. The large island bench has waterfall benchtops and creates a wonderful bar area. There’s also a double oven, 900mm wide cooktop and plenty of overhead cabinets.

Pool fencing is often a regulation we all comply to, but would prefer not to. However, Lifestyle Homes has cleverly enclosed the alfresco, making the rear garden a pool a totally uninhibited entertainers dream. The rear free-standing gazebo caters wonderfully to the built in BBQ area and interplays nicely with the swimming pool.

The first floor caters for all the sleeping areas, with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a powder room. There’s also a sitting room that has access out to the rear balcony which mirrors the alfresco area below.

All the minor bedrooms have large robe spaces and feature recessed ceilings adding extra height. The master bedroom enjoys ocean views, a recessed ceiling, enormous walk in robe and an open ensuite.

The Sunsets display home by Lifestyle Homes currently sells for $626,240

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