It is no surprise that the popularity of sloping block and split-level home designs is increasing, with many buyers rushing to take advantage of the ‘million dollar views’ building on a sloping block can provide.
Building on a sloping block is attractive to buyers for a variety of reasons. Not only does it provide stunning elevated views from the comfort of your home, but it also enables an added level of creativity with your home design, often for a more affordable land price. Data shows sloping blocks often offer a lower purchasing price than their flat-land counterparts.
However, it is important to note that building on a sloping block can present unique engineering and design challenges. For this reason, there are a number of things you should take into account if you’re thinking of building on a sloping block. From specialty home designs to costs, contracts and approvals, it may seem like there’s endless things to consider.
While building a home can be stressful, with the right professionals by your side building on a sloping block doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
Step 1
Single-storey split level homes are a common type of sloping block home design, allowing you to build the front and back access points at ground level with the retaining walls built into the structure. This can help reduce the amount of retaining around the outside of the building line giving a better overall appearance.
With G.J. Gardner, you may choose from various approaches however being a local builder it’s likely they know the site and have built on similar slopes. They will help you find a (remove structural) design that works with the natural fall of the land and appeals to you.
Building on a sloping block requires more thought at the early stages, planning and management. Your friendly G.J. Gardner expert slope housebuilder will talk to you about any design challenges that could come up and work with you to select a new home from our designer range that is suitable or come up with a complete custom design for your block.
Step 2
The additional cost of building on sloping land can in some cases be significant — if you think you’ve found the perfect block of sloping land, it is highly recommended that you speak with a building professional before signing any contracts. Before you begin building, you will also need to make sure you meet council regulations and get any necessary approvals. A sloping block often requires more rigorous planning than building on flatter land—it is important that you have done your research with an expert builder. Councils will be interested in the structural foundations of your home, soil stability and drainage along with height to boundary and privacy requirements as just a few of the key areas to address.
Your local G.J. Gardner builder is an expert in your area, meaning they’ll be able to help get your slope house design approved by the local council. While the time it takes to process applications varies, G.J. Gardner will take care of all the building paperwork so you can rest assured that everything is being completed correctly. Our team of professionals will help get your sloping block home design approved quickly and efficiently.
Likewise, with our fixed contracts you don’t have to worry about delays in constructing your new home, extra costs or any unpleasant last-minute shocks.
Step 3
When building on a sloping block, excavation may be required depending on the gradient of the slope. Cutting into the slope will help create a flat platform for the foundation of your new home. Retaining walls may also be needed to stabilise the soil. What exactly will go into the site preparation varies for different cases depending on method of construction chosen e.g. stumps or slab. When we build on your downward sloping block home, we try to work with the block in order to reduce any unnecessary excavation.
Another thing to consider in construction is drainage. Water is always going to try to head to the lowest area, if you house is in the path of this you need to work out how to deal with it. For this reason, good drainage is crucial if you have a sloping block. Your local G.J. Gardner builder will make sure to discuss water runoff and drainage systems with you and solve any problems before they occur.
Step 4
Building with a trusted company such as G.J. Gardner means you can rest assured there’ll be no unpleasant surprises when you move in. Our homes are made to last using high-quality materials, so once you’re settled into your new home, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the amazing view!
If you’re interested in building on a sloping block, contact us today.
Images and photographs may depict fixtures, finishes and features either not supplied by G.J. Gardner Homes or not included in any price stated. These items include furniture, swimming pools, pool decks, fences, landscaping. Price does not include all facades shown. For detailed home pricing, please talk to a new homes consultant.
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