There are lots of considerations that go into building your dream home, but one aspect of the build rarely considered is what challenges might arise from the designated site, one of the most common difficulties being sloping blocks. A sloping block refers to a site where there are uneven elevation levels, resulting in a piece of land that slopes from one side to the other.
Usually a rise or fall of up to three metres is manageable for most builders, but anything above this is where things grow trickier and more expensive. However, the benefits of building on a sloping site are plentiful. Properties that sit on a sloping block offer superior stunning views and appreciate in value over the time.
At Ozzbuild, we specialise in sloping and difficult sites. Here are the most important aspects you need to understand about building on a sloping block before you begin, taken from our years of experience and expertise.
Understand the cost involved
As previously explained, a sloping site that rises or falls beyond three metres is where a build can increase in cost. This increase is due to the advanced difficulty of the site, the amount of labour needed for the build and any specialists that may need to be involved. However, this shouldn’t deter you from building on a sloping site! Often the costs are balanced out by the purchase of the land, with sloping sites often selling for far cheaper than level sites.
There are also design solutions, such as split-level homes, that can help ensure the home build remains cost efficient (more on this down below).
Hire a specialist builder early on in the process
The kind of difficulties that arise on a sloping block require a specialist builder who has extensive experience working with sloping sites. They will have the best understanding of what’s involved in building on a sloping site, how long the build will take, the cost involved and will know how to overcome any challenges. Whereas working with less seasoned builders might see the project’s timeline expand and costs balloon.
A specialist builder should also work with an architect or designer early on in the process. This will mean the builder can use their expertise in sloping sites to consult on the design which will ensure costs are controlled and minimal changes are needed during construction.
Before you hire someone, dig around for information on potential builders. Check out their social media and website, read testimonials and look at their previous home builds to get a sense of their values and process. Create a shortlist and begin to make enquiries. Once you’ve narrowed down your selection, you should also reach out to the builders’ previous clients to gain an insight into what the build will be like with them.
Making an informed design about your specialist builder will mean your build will be a seamless process more likely to be completed on time and within budget.
If you want to be cost-effective, consider a split-level home
Challenges to building on a sloping site can be overcome using a split-level home design. This kind of design takes advantage of the sloping site by staggering the floor levels. For example, the front half of the house may be at street level and include a garage, living area and bedroom with stairs leading up to the remainder of the home. This is cost efficient as entrances to the home are at ground level and will not require the building of new retaining walls.
At Ozzbuild, we’ve worked with many designs to create gorgeous split-level homes. Check out our luxury knock-down rebuild in Kangaroo Point, which took advantage of a long 60 metre site, or our Como project, which was built into the side of a sandstone mountain.
If you’re ready to get started on the construction of your new home on a sloping or challenging site in Sydney, get in touch with the experts at Ozzbuild today!