Building a custom home is the ultimate way to craft a living space that perfectly reflects your personal taste and fits with your lifestyle. In Geelong, where architectural styles range from charming coastal cottages to sleek modern designs, the possibilities for creating a one-of-a-kind home are endless. But, the process of building a custom home can seem daunting, especially if you’re new to custom building. To help, we’ve put together everything you need to know about creating a custom home in Geelong. From finding the right builder to navigating local regulations and designing a space that fits your lifestyle, it’s all there. We’ve also included our expert tips on how to make the most of your home-building journey. So, let’s get started –
Start with your vision
The first step in building a custom home is to define your vision. This is your opportunity to dream big and think about what you really want in your home. Do you envision a modern open-plan layout with plenty of natural light? Or perhaps a more traditional design with separate rooms and cosy spaces? Take the time to list your must-haves and nice-to-haves, so that when it comes time to allocate a budget, you know what’s most important to you.
Consider factors like the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and living spaces, as well as whether you want extras like a home office, gym, or a guest suite. The clearer your vision, the easier it will be to communicate your ideas to your builder.
Choose the right custom builders in Geelong
Selecting the right builder is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the custom home-building process. Geelong is home to many reputable builders who specialise in a range of architectural styles, so it’s important to find one whose experience aligns with your vision. Look for builders with a proven track record of delivering high-quality, custom homes on time and within budget.
Rock-solid advice – Here are a few things to consider when looking for a builder –
- Do they have specific experience building custom homes in the style and size you want?
- Have you checked their customer reviews, asked for references, and even visited previous projects to see the quality of their work?
- Are they easy to communicate with, responsive to your needs, and transparent about costs and timelines?
- Are they known to be trusted custom builders in Geelong – do they understand the Geelong area, including local building codes, regulations, and the unique characteristics of the environment?
Working with a design team
Once you’ve chosen your builder, the next step is to work with a design team to bring your vision to life. This is where your ideas start to take shape on paper. A skilled designer will work with you to create a floor plan that meets your functional needs while also considering the aesthetic aspects of your home.
Some builders have in-house design teams, which means that you’ll benefit from the cooperative relationship already established between the builders and designers. It streamlines the design process, preventing potential conflicts and ensuring that the design of your new home is likely to be more efficient and cost-effective.
When working with a designer, think about how you want your home to flow. Open-plan living spaces are popular for their flexibility and modern feel, but you may also want to create separate zones for privacy and quiet. Your designer will also help you make important decisions about materials, finishes, and fixtures that will give your home its unique character.
Rock-solid advice – A great way to approach your custom home design is to work with a designer recommended by your builder. Enso Homes offers the flexibility of choosing between our talented in-house design team or collaborating with your preferred local architect. Working with our trusted design team means you’ll benefit from the seamless partnership between our builders and designers, ensuring a smooth, streamlined journey towards achieving your vision for your dream home.
Understanding local regulations and planning
Building a custom home in Geelong requires a thorough understanding of local planning regulations and building codes. These rules govern everything from the height and size of your home to its proximity to neighbouring properties and how it fits within the character of the neighbourhood. Your builder and design team will guide you through this process, helping you obtain the necessary permits and ensuring your design complies with local regulations. In some cases, they may even do it all for you.
Rock-solid advice – As expert custom builders in Geelong, Enso Homes does all of this for you, so you can focus on the fun stuff.
Budgeting for your custom home
Building a custom home involves more than just the cost of construction. There are a number of other factors to consider, including design fees, permits, site preparation, and landscaping. To avoid any surprises, it’s essential to have a clear and detailed budget from the outset.
Rock-solid advice – The earlier you discuss your budget with your builder and design team the better. They can help you identify where you can save money and where it’s worth investing in higher-quality materials or finishes. It’s also important to include a contingency fund in your budget to cover any unexpected costs that may arise during construction.
Site considerations
Most people don’t think about it, but the land you choose to build on also plays a major role in the overall design limitations and cost of your custom home. This is especially relevant considering that Geelong offers a wide variety of landscapes, from coastal plots with ocean views to suburban neighbourhoods and even rural properties. The rolling hills and slopes of somewhere like Highton and Fyansford can demand site costs up to ten times higher than the flat, builder-friendly blocks in Armstrong Creek. Your builder and design team will help you assess the site and determine how it will impact your design and costs.
Rock-solid advice – When selecting your site, consider things like:
- What direction will your home sit on the land? Can you take advantage of views or sunlight?
- Does it feature a steep slope? This can add complexity to your design and increase construction costs because you’ll need retaining walls or specialised foundations.
- What type of soil does the site have? Different types of soil require different types of foundations, which can affect your budget too.
Interior design and finishing touches
One of the most exciting parts of building a custom home is choosing the interior finishes and details that will give your home its unique character. From flooring and cabinetry to lighting and paint colours, these decisions will transform your house into a home. Working with an interior designer can help you create a cohesive look that reflects your personal style while also being functional and practical.
Rock-solid advice – Consider how you want each room to feel, and choose materials and finishes that will work towards that feel. Remember to work with your builder, who will be able to recommend cheaper alternatives that give you the same effect, so you can invest those funds into another part of your new home.
The construction process
Once the design is finalised, permits are approved, and the site is prepared, the construction phase begins. During this time, your builder will work with a team of tradespeople, including carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and landscapers, to bring your custom home to life.
Rock-solid advice – It’s important to maintain regular communication with your builder throughout the construction process. Regular site visits can help you stay informed about the progress and address any issues that arise in real-time.
Moving in
Once construction is complete and you’ve moved in, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labour. Building a custom home is a rewarding experience, and nothing beats the feeling of living in a space that’s been designed just for you. By working with an experienced professional, you really can turn your dream home into a reality – and make the process an unforgettable one too.
At Enso Homes, we are expert Custom Builders in Geelong, specialising in creating custom-built homes, bringing years of experience to every one of our projects. Get in touch with us and find out why so many Australians trust us to guide and inspire them through every step – from initial design to finishing touches. We’re dedicated to supporting you and making sure that your dream home really does come to life.
