What you need to know about 'Sloping Blocks'

If you're wanting to buy and build on a sloping block of land in Mackay, then this is the blog post for you. 

A sloping site can be both a good and a bad thing. It can offer you scenic views and unique, modern and interesting home structure. But it can be a difficult task to construct on a sloping site because it presents some unique challenges. It calls for innovative and creative thinking. The steepness of the slope will make the construction more difficult and thus more costly than building on a flat site.

When deciding how to design your new home, there’s a lot to take in, so to make it a little easier, we've included everything you need to know before you start planning and building on a sloping site. Esprit Constructions have been designing and constructing on flat and sloping sites to know what the gradient and all the other factors will mean for you – in terms of cost and also the end result.

What is a 'Sloping Block'

When we talk about a sloping block, it simply means that the land on which you plan to build is on an incline or “drop” and is not flat like normal construction sites. Most Mackay builders are watching for less than 1m of fall across the site. This is usually diagonally measured across the building line from corner to corner, using the highest point as the point of reference.

Advantages in constructing a Home in a Sloping Block:

1. Scenic View - The elevation of a home constructed on a slope ensures you can enjoy breathtaking views and blue skies for miles around.

2. Natural Drainage and Ventilation - The higher you are, the more natural flow of ventilation there is that will help reduce your energy bills and, if designed correctly, the slope often guarantees drainage naturally.

3. Landscaped Creative Garden - You can create stunning exterior designs that are set over multiple levels.

4. Natural Light - Houses built on the side of a hill are also ideally positioned to receive plenty of natural light, which in most homes is a much sought-after feature.

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Tips for Building on a Sloping Site

1. Work with the slope - A design that runs with or alongside the contours would minimise the fall across the building, which means less retaining walls, less scaffolding and lower site costs.

2. Know your height limits - have a 'Natural Ground Level Survey’

3. Review the surface below - Every site needs a soil test and it will also give you an idea of excavation costs. 

4. Check the wind rating - If you're at the top of a ridge, on an exposed slope, then you're going to get higher wind rating.

5. Get advice before you buy - We've seen a lot of buyers purchasing an enticing sloping block of land in Mackay and being drawn in by spectacular views, only to find out that the sum of the cost is much more than anticipated.

Esprit Constructions specialises in designing free-flowing, open-plan layouts. We are happy to meet and discuss your project BEFORE you make an offer to buy your land.

Mackay Builder's Advice on 'Site Costs'

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Mackay display home visitors hope to match their dream home with the awesome new block of land they just bought at an excellent deal. But, too often, they soon find out that the savings they made on buying a block of land are far outweighed by the site costs quoted by their builder. Adam, at Esprit Constructions, is a specialist in land because he works with every block to make sure it meets all the requirements and regulations. That’s why he’s the expert people go to for advice. Over the next few blogs, we’ll look at some of the factors that can introduce hidden costs to your project when you build a house in Mackay.

Every dollar counts as we look at a single and most significant purchase of our lives. This is why we cannot blame customers for buying blocks that have been discounted, rebated or sold under market value because as buyers, we are price-sensitive. But not every block is the same – and there's not much awareness in the market that tells buyers what to look for when buying property. Mostly, it's too late by the time they meet a builder. A lot of things gets compromised since they already own the block.

Here are our basic tips:

1. Get Professional Advice - If you're a first time a buyer, everything is new to you, so it's worth looking for professional assistance. It is actually FREE.

2. Do Your Research - Prepare to ask questions and take advantage of your Mackay builder’s expertise.

3. Location is Key - Consider transport options, work proximity, schools, entertainment and shops. They're going to make a major difference in living in your new home.

Esprit Constructions is a trusted local builder in Mackay with specialisations in designing free-flowing, open-plan layouts that embrace the tropical climate of Mackay. They can customise a house and land package to suit you and the needs of your family. Their experienced team is happy to do the groundwork to save you time.

Next up, we’ll look at ‘sloping blocks’.