new houses
Designing New Homes
Since 2001 we have designed 60 new houses, mostly using masonry block, the balance timber frame. The vast majority of the new house designs we have completed have been from 2016 to now.
Note that we do not design for the use of steel frame wall construction. This market is only served by the steel frame manufacturers.
Planning Your Design
We advise people who are looking at a new build to research existing house designs from the web and other sources such as touring through the newer land subdivisions in their local and surrounding areas or looking on the web. When some examples have been found that reflect your desired outcome contact us and we will organise a meeting to discuss massaging your example plans into your ideal house design. It is not unusual for clients to come back and make changes during the design process. It’s much cheaper to modify a house layout during the design process than during the build process.
When you receive the plans from us it is highly recommend you show the plans to others to get their comments. You will be surprised at the number of things others suggest that you never thought about.
The Review Process
During the design process we will email the client preliminary plans and elevations of the project for feedback. Your house design process will be paused during these time periods. We advise the client to show these preliminary drawings to as many people as possible for their feedback. It’s much easier to add a window on the drawings than during construction.
Designing for Access
Note that new builds have specific rules not associated with existing houses. A lot of people don’t realise one of the rules regarding new house builds is that they must allow for wheelchair access from where the car is parked to inside the house. This means very flat path grades and no steps from stepping out of the car to inside the house (no step at the entry door). Sites with steep ground slopes may be exempt.
Engineering & Energy
The drawings we produce will need to have been certified by a Structural Engineer and have gained an Energy Rating Certification from a Sustainable Building consultant prior to commencing construction. Once the drawings we produce are approved by you we will on forward the drawings to the consultants to obtain certification for the drawings. Part of the Energy Rating Certification will require you to provide detailed information regarding “whole of home” appliances such as water heating, fixed cooking appliances, swimming pool pump, etc. We will provide the appropriate forms for you to record this information and return to us.
Ready to Start Your Project?
Let’s bring your ideas to life. Contact Ken Bridges, a qualified Building Designer registered with the Queensland Building Construction Commission (QBCC 1152837) and a proud member of Building Design Queensland.