Distinct Building Company

25/07/2024

Tip for building ✅ Set a Realistic Budget and Track It Closely💰
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​Establishing a 👉🏻realistic 👈🏻budget is the fundamental step in any home-building project.

Your budget should encompass all aspects of your renovation or build, including materials, labour costs, permits, design and contingencies.

To ensure financial discipline, track your expenditures meticulously throughout the project. 👉🏻Use budgeting tools or spreadsheets to monitor costs and identify any deviations early on.

22/07/2024

In Perth, Western Australia, in 2024, it may seem silly to discuss over-capitalising when the real estate market over this way is HOT! However, so too are the building costs, so considering over-capitalisation is important.

At Distinct Building Company, we specialise in helping homeowners strike the perfect balance between creating their dream homes and making the right financial /building decisions

​In Perth, Western Australia, in 2024, it may seem silly to discuss over-capitalising when the real estate market over this way is HOT! However, so too are the building costs, so considering...

20/07/2024

You have made the decision to build a new home or extend your existing home. 🏠

Congratulations, what an exciting time ahead.

Choosing a builder 👷🏼‍♂️is one of the biggest decision you are going to have to make and one of the most important decision at that. 🤔

If you have decided to get your plans drawn up by an independent architect or designer and you would like to tender your job to several builders, you need to be aware of the hidden costs that may not be included in the quote.💰

Below is a list of 5 ✋things to look out for and what to be aware of when comparing builders.

Tips for consumers to chose a builder when planning on renovating or building a new home.

19/07/2024

Considering what to do with your tired old home that is just not functional….

Or have you run out of space in your existing home due to your family growing, or simply growing up!

A lot of people question whether they should knock over their home and start again or if they should just renovate and extend their existing home.

There are so many things to consider when deciding between the two options.

Considering what to do with your tired old home that is just not functional…. Or have you run out of space in your existing home due to your family growing, or simply growing up! A lot of...

17/07/2024

As a new homes and renovation builder in the construction industry catering to this demand, Distinct Building Company has had many enquiries into this space. ☎️

I would go as far as saying almost one in 5 enquiries we get relate to some sort of multi-generational home whether it is a new granny flat or an extension to caters for a family member to move into or a brand-new built home that has dual access for two families. 🧍‍♂️🧍🏼‍♀️🧍

In recent years, Perth, Western Australia, has witnessed a notable shift in housing preferences, with an increasing number of families opting for multigenerational living arrangements. This trend...

15/07/2024

I just LOVE the combo aluminium and glass balustrade here for this fence And we collaborated with two companies and for an epic end result. 👌

Not only does it look great 👍 but the home owner doesn’t have to spend hours cleaning the glass.

Only a small section and ALSO a clever move not putting the glass where the retic/ grass is. 🍃

Make sure you always think through all your design especially when considering the cleaning and maintenance once all done and dusted.

15/07/2024

It seems like a crazy idea that adding to your existing homes structure by a home renovation or home extension can actually cost more than building a brand new home, right?

Some of our customers, when we are initially talking to them about renovating their homes seem suprised when they start to understand the cost to renovate or extend their home.

I am here to give you a little more insight into some of the reasons why it could cost you more to renovate and extend your home than it does to do a full new built home. It is not always the case, however, speaking from experience, as a predominately renovations and home extensions builder in Perth, WA we do come up against this issue from time to time.

In some rare cases where the homes existing structure is not structurally sound we actually recommend a full demolition and new build as it is not worth the money you will spend to make the existing home structurally sound again and ready for a new home extension.

There are so many reasons why you should renovate instead of demolition but that’s not what we are here to discuss...

https://www.distinctbuildco.com.au/blog/why-a-home-renovation-or-home-extension-can-cost-more-than-a-new-build

14/07/2024

It seems like a crazy idea that adding to your existing home structure with a home renovation or home extension can actually cost more than building a brand-new home, right❓

This is one of the main reasons Why: But there are many more...

Demolition of the existing parts of the home 🏡
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This is quite a big reason, possibly the most expensive reason. 🫰

In most home renovations and extensions, some form of demolition must be done before commencing works on the new renovations. Or adding a home addition on to the existing home.
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The demolition work can cost anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars up to twenty thousand dollars depending on what needs to be removed. If there is asbestos that needs removing this makes the price jump up quite a bit, as you would imagine.

On the other hand, when you are building a brand new home you have a blank canvas to work with from slab down up to the roof. 👷‍♂️

13/07/2024

☑️Volume Builders

​A volume builder as the word implies is a builder that builds in volume and therefore to create efficiencies and build to the number of builds required for the company to profit, they work off a cookie cutter approach.

What do I mean by this, well they simply build using pre designed floor plans and elevations.

​☑️Custom Builder

A custom builder on the other hand has no designs on hand and works solely off the homeowners briefing and site. Every build these builders construct will be different to the next, and designed solely for the purpose of the site orientation and homeowner who owns the land or existing home in the case of home renovations and extensions.

There are advantages to using both builders and the end decision as to who you will end up selecting to build with will come down to your needs and wants when considering the overall project.

Deciding on a builder for your new home or home extension is a super important task that you need to spend a lot of hours researching and making sure you select the right one for you. But not all...

11/07/2024

At Distinct Building Company, we give you the option to make your own selections. We do not have standard selections like the volume or larger scale builders have. We want your home to be custom to you and what you desire. However, we do have preferred suppliers we work with that we highly recommend; but ultimately, it is your home and your design, so you are free to choose your materials.

We always recommend that you consult with an interior designer to ensure that the product of your home is everything you want it to be and more! This consulting should be done as soon as possible in the design phase to ensure the function flow and look of your home is what you envisioned from the get-go.

This blog explores the varied reasons why investing in an interior designer proves to be a sensible financial decision.

As you delve into the complexities of constructing or renovating your dream home, one pivotal factor often underestimated is the number of selections for materials, fixtures fittings and colours that...

09/07/2024

Renos More Expensive🫰 than A New Build🛠️- Say What 😲

When considering the reasons why a home renovation and home extension may be more expensive to build than a newly built home it generally comes down to the unknown surprises you may find while demolition takes place. 💫

As well as the actual cost of demolition🪧, which is not usually the case for a new build.

The other potential price rises 💹could be due to the selection of materials and fixtures and fittings and trades increasing prices due to the nature of the work.

However, when considering the above be mindful that when you are renovating or extending your existing home you are adding on to an already established home with timeless features and character and therefore you will be creating a truly unique home that has been tailored to suit your family and your lifestyle. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

09/07/2024

We recently finished a project in Mullaloo where we transformed the whole place from a tired old red brick 1990s home that was not so functional and turned it into a super functional and modern coastal delight. 🌊

The home's exterior now suits its beachy location and is very functional for the homeowners.🩴🩴

https://www.distinctbuildco.com.au/blog/mullaloo-coastal-home-transformation

08/07/2024

Price 🫰is one of the most important things to consider when you build, after all, money does make the world go around🌎 (so they say) however price needs to be considered along with other important things.

After all, you have spent a lot of money on purchasing your home and you contribute around 30% of your income towards paying it off each year so would it not be wise to consider that the person you get to build your home actually does a good job of your renovation? Not a rushed or amateur job❓

☑ Good quality workmanship should be the focus of your home renovation, as you will be looking at and living in it (your home) for a long time after the renovations have been completed.

Put it this way: is it worth an extra $8,000 over a $150k budgeted renovation to have your tradesman spend a longer time doing your job and paying more attention to the work at hand❓
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Then say, a saving of $8,000 and having to look at poorly hung doors and off-centred pendant lights over your kitchen island for the next 10 years? Or even worse faulty workmanship that could cost you more in the long run. Think about it…………. Is price everything❓

Good workmanship along with price should be at the heart of every decision when it comes to building.💫

08/07/2024

In recent years, Perth, Western Australia, has witnessed a notable shift in housing preferences, with an increasing number of families opting for multigenerational living arrangements.

This trend reflects a societal shift towards closer family ties, economic considerations, and cultural influences.

As a new homes and renovation builder in the construction industry catering to this demand, Distinct Building Company has had many enquiries into this space. I would go as far as saying almost one in 5 enquiries we get relate to some sort of multi-generational home whether it is a new granny flat or an extension to caters for a family member to move into or a brand-new built home that has dual access for two families.

We just love the idea of getting mum and dad to move in with you to help save on the bills and or care for them as they age.

In recent years, Perth, Western Australia, has witnessed a notable shift in housing preferences, with an increasing number of families opting for multigenerational living arrangements. This trend...

06/07/2024

While many homeowners focus on the aesthetics and architectural aspects of their homes, two crucial factors often get overlooked in the design phase: cabinetry layouts and electrical layouts.💫
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In this article, we'll delve into these often-neglected aspects of home design, discussing their importance, offering practical insights, and sharing a few laughs.🤣

https://www.distinctbuildco.com.au/blog/the-two-most-overlooked-aspects-of-designing-your-home-or-renovation-in-perth

05/07/2024

Deciding on a builder for your new home or home extension is a super important task that you need to spend a lot of hours researching and making sure you select the right one for you.🫵

But not all builders are created equal, and you can generally categorise builders into two major categories.✌️

Those two categories are Custom Builders and Volume Builders, also known as Project Builders.👷‍♂️👷‍♂️

https://www.distinctbuildco.com.au/blog/custom-builder-vs-volume-builder

04/07/2024

Time becomes an invaluable resource for those juggling work, family👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, and various commitments. Recognising the value of your time, interior designers play a crucial role in streamlining the selection process.⏳

They ensure that each choice aligns with your vision without subjecting you to the stress of exhaustive decision-making. Which saves you time in the long run.☑️

Distinct Building Company acknowledges the importance of time efficiency and understands that an interior designer can help you make informed choices without compromising your schedule.💫

01/07/2024

A kitchen as they say is the heart of the home.🏡

Therefore, a lot of thought should go into the planning and design of a kitchen.🍴

We have built many kitchens over the years as a renovation company and every time we help our clients build their kitchens, we go over the same points of discussion and advice….

​So here are tips for when designing a kitchen and what to consider….💫

https://www.distinctbuildco.com.au/blog/tips-for-kitchen-design-and-layout

27/06/2024

Deciding on a builder for your new home or home extension is a super important task that you need to spend a lot of hours researching and making sure you select the right one for you. 🫵

But not all builders are created equal, and you can generally categorise builders into two major categories.👷‍♂️

Those two categories are Custom Builders and Volume Builders, also known as Project Builders.

https://www.distinctbuildco.com.au/blog/custom-builder-vs-volume-builder

25/06/2024

Multigenerational living, a concept deeply ingrained in many cultures, refers to households that include two or more generations residing under the same roof.

It's not just a practical housing solution but also a testament to familial unity and support.😘

Distinct Building Company understands the importance of embracing this lifestyle and has been proactive in offering solutions to accommodate the diverse needs of multigenerational households.👨‍👩‍👧‍👦👩‍👦

Some households 🏡may be multi entry and some may have the same entrance with different levels for each generation, either way the design flow makes it easy and functional for two families or more to enjoy the benefits of a home under one roof or on one piece of land.

https://www.distinctbuildco.com.au/blog/embracing-the-multigenerational-lifestyle-the-growing-trend-of-multi-generational-new-built-homes-and-renovations-in-perth

25/06/2024

Before getting started on your research into your kitchen you need to be mindful of the things in a kitchen that could blow your budget 🫰

I will simply list what I consider higher-end or more expensive options for a kitchen

☑️2 Pac paint instead of melamine doors and panels, the cost to go with a higher-end finish such as 2 Pac painted doors and panels can increase the cost of a kitchen by 30% or more in some cases

☑️Having drawers in place of cupboards will increase the cost by more than 200%, in some cases as drawers cost a lot more to manufacture due to all the mechanisms – although drawers are significantly more functional - just be mindful of where you place them, and you can save money by not putting in as many drawers

☑️Bench tops can really blow a budget, Caesarstone can be significantly more expensive than a local WA manufacturer such as Q stone. Also, if you opt for a new Porcelain bench top like the ones Dekton make then this will potentially blow the budget even more. So, make sure you discuss your benchtops with your builder and get an idea of the cost

☑️Tapware- you can spend over $1,000 on your kitchen tap, also if you go for a gold finish over a chrome finish it can cost 150% more.

☑️An under-mount kitchen sink will cost an extra $150-200 just to install compared with an above-counter sink

☑️Also, the type of sink you choose can alter the price, a butler’s sink will cost over $1,300 in most cases while a double under-mount sink may only cost $600, or you could opt for a cheaper option and get a 1.5 bowl above counter sink with drainer for under $260.

☑️Appliances are an obvious one, you could spend $5,000 or more just on the oven alone‼️

The above is not an exhaustive list, but it gives you a place to start to try and understand the ways in which your kitchen budget can start to blow 💣

24/06/2024

Electrical Layouts: The Power of Good Design 💡

Now, let's shed some light on another often-overlooked aspect of home design – the electrical layout. Electrical design goes beyond simply deciding where your outlets will be; it's about creating a seamless flow of power throughout your home. Here's why it deserves your attention:

1. Two-Way✌️ Switches: Have you ever fumbled around in the dark trying to find a light switch? Two-way switches, often ignored, can make your life easier. These switches allow you to control the same light from two different locations. Imagine being able to turn off the hallway light from both ends – it's a game-changer for convenience and flow in your home.

2. Dimmer Switches: 🔦Mood lighting is a real thing! Consider whether you want dimmer switches for certain lights. They allow you to set the ambience and save energy by reducing brightness when it's not needed. Ask your building designer or us at Distinct to help you determine which lights should be on dimmers for that perfect lighting control. Or consider which areas of your home you may need a lighter light or a moody space.

3. Switch Placement:💫 Think about the placement of your switches. It's not just about where they are but also what they control. Carefully plan which lights are connected to each switch. You don't want to be switching on the kitchen lights when you meant to light up the living room.

4. Energy Efficiency: 🍃An efficient electrical layout can contribute to energy savings. Your designer or selected lighting supplier can advise on energy-efficient lighting options and smart home solutions to make your life easier and reduce your carbon footprint.

5. Safety First: 🦺Electrical design is not just about convenience but also safety. Properly placed switches and outlets can prevent accidents and ensure your home is a haven for your family.

23/06/2024

When building or renovating your home in Perth, Western Australia, it's easy to get swept away by the grandeur of architectural designs the allure of interiors and all the tapware fixtures and fittings.

However, as we've explored in this article, paying attention to the often-overlooked aspects of cabinetry layouts and electrical layouts is crucial for creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing home. That you want to live in forever.

So, when planning a New Build or Home Extension in Perth, remember don't underestimate the power of well-designed cabinetry and electrical layouts – they're the unsung heroes of your dream home!

If you have any questions or want to get started on your journey of building, please feel free to reach out to Distinct Building Company for more information on our process and how we work.

https://www.distinctbuildco.com.au/blog/the-two-most-overlooked-aspects-of-designing-your-home-or-renovation-in-perth

21/06/2024

Building or renovating a home is an exciting journey filled with endless possibilities, but it can also be daunting.

While many homeowners focus on the aesthetics and architectural aspects of their homes, two crucial factors often get overlooked in the design phase: cabinetry layouts and electrical layouts.
​
In this article, we'll delve into these often-neglected aspects of home design, discussing their importance, offering practical insights, and sharing a few laughs.

Cabinetry Layouts: The Functioning Heart of Your Home 🧑‍🍳
Electrical Layouts: The Power of Good Design 💡

https://www.distinctbuildco.com.au/blog/the-two-most-overlooked-aspects-of-designing-your-home-or-renovation-in-perth

17/06/2024

Recently, I chatted with Louise from Perway Construction, another renovation company here in Perth.

Louise's values align with ours when it comes to educating our potential homeowners first to ensure they are well aware of the pitfalls and things you need to know before building or renovating.

So here is a small exert from our conversation that delves into comparing builders quotes and what to look out for.

Louise: When homeowners first approach us for assistance with their renovation, some tell us that they have received two to three quotes from other builders.
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So we know it's a cliche thing to do by receiving three quotes, but we're going to talk to you today about why this isn't always the best approach and why builders quotes are so different and what you can look out for instead.
So welcome, Jane, to the conversation.

So Jane, if homeowners are looking at various quotes from a builder, how can they compare the quotes and what do they need to look out for.

https://www.distinctbuildco.com.au/blog/comparing-builders-quotes-and-what-to-look-out-for

17/06/2024

I love the concept of a Wet Room 🚿 🛀- The modern day shower bath combo.

Not only does it look fancy but in my opinion it is a far better option than the old Shower over Bath concept I grew up with.

So if you want a bath AND shower in your bathroom and you have the space why not consider it.

This one above 👆🏻 that we recently completed in has the luxury of a double shower AND a view of the trees 🌳 🍃

15/06/2024

Building a new home or renovation involves engaging so many different professionals, from designers, architects, building surveyors, and engineers through to builders and a varying number of different tradesmen.👷‍♂️
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When each of these professionals gets involved change from job to job. But one question that is commonly debated on home renovations and custom-built homes is…..

When should the builder get involved❓

To answer this question, I think you need to consider what involvement the builder has in your new home or your home's renovation❓

https://www.distinctbuildco.com.au/blog/should-a-builder-be-involved-at-the-design-stage-of-a-build

13/06/2024

A short while ago you could build a new home in under 6 months from start to finish..... Believe it or not!😳

Now that seems crazy given the timing right now for most builds here in Perth.🦢

But why are we experiencing massive delays and why is it taking much longer to build a home or home renovations❓

There is an industry-wide issue that is not only affecting Perth, Western Australia but furthermore is reaching the whole of Australia. There is even talk of construction industries in other parts of the world suffering from huge delays.‼️

While the pandemic brought about massive boosts to our industry it has caused a negative knock-on effect that is causing grief and stress amongst all builders and trades alike.👷‍♂️

There are three reasons for these delays which I will delve into more.

https://www.distinctbuildco.com.au/blog/how-long-will-it-take-to-build-my-new-home-or-home-renovation-in-perth-western-australia

13/06/2024

In recent years, Perth, Western Australia, has witnessed a notable shift in housing preferences, with an increasing number of families opting for multigenerational living arrangements.🏡👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

This trend reflects a societal shift towards closer family ties, economic considerations, and cultural influences.💫

As a new home🏠 and renovation builder in the construction industry catering to this demand, Distinct Building Company has had many enquiries into this space. I would go as far as saying almost one in 5 enquiries we get relate to some sort of multi-generational home whether it is a new granny flat or an extension to cater for a family member to move into or a brand-new built home that has dual access for two families. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

We just love the idea of getting mum and dad to move in with you to help save on the bills and or care for them as they age.

https://www.distinctbuildco.com.au/blog/embracing-the-multigenerational-lifestyle-the-growing-trend-of-multi-generational-new-built-homes-and-renovations-in-perth

12/06/2024

As you delve into the complexities of constructing or renovating your dream home, one pivotal factor often underestimated is the number of selections for materials, fixtures fittings and colours that must be selected for all items within the build. Hence, we believe an interior designer is your best partner in crime in this area.👷‍♂️

At Distinct Building Company, we allow you to make your own selections. We do not have standard selections like the volume or larger scale builders have. We want your home to be custom to you and what you desire. However, we do have preferred suppliers we work with that we highly recommend; ultimately, it is your home and your design, so you are free to choose your materials. 📏⚒️

We always recommend that you consult with an interior designer to ensure that the product of your home is everything you want it to be and more! This consulting should be done as soon as possible in the design phase to ensure your home's function flow and look is what you envisioned from the get-go.💫

This blog explores the varied reasons why investing in an interior designer proves to be a sensible financial decision.
https://www.distinctbuildco.com.au/blog/invest-wisely-the-significance-of-interior-design-in-your-home-building-journey