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’.

Land rush is on for Mackay

The $25,000 HomeBuilder grant announced by the Federal Government will see a land rush in Mackay. This incentive will create strong demand for new homes so people will need to act quickly to secure the limited quality land that is currently available.

Construction has to start within three months of the contract date and the contract has to be dated before the end of this year so there is no waiting around for more land to come online. The best way to source land is to talk to a trusted builder who knew all the options that were available because they knew what to look for and how to avoid the pitfalls. Some blocks of land might look like a good deal but they can end up costing tens of thousands of dollars more when it comes time to build.

Talking to a local builder first means you can secure a block of land that suits your budget and the style of home you want. And it also pays to talk to a mortgage broker to confirm what the budget of the new home needs to be.

The grant would be a great boost to the local economy, providing an incentive to those who have been hesitating to make their next move. The Mackay market was on the cusp of solid demand prior to the COVID-19 because more people are moving to town and the area represents good value and a solid investment due to our proximity to the Bowen basin hub.

We haven’t yet seen the full extent of the uncertainty the pandemic caused in the housing market because there is a delay between signing a contract and turning the first sod and an even longer delay before figures are reported. Mr Pearce said the government had recognised the housing industry was a major employer in the Australian economy and acted accordingly.

As a local project builder, the potential of this building incentive to help provide continuous work for employees and long-term trades is tremendous.

Just remember to trust a local builder as they support local trades and suppliers and this has an ongoing benefit for the whole community.