General News
29 May, 2026
Building a house
BARRY'S CORNER: With the haste to build more dwellings in a short space of time there does not appear to be much thought going into the designs and siting of these additional requirements.
This is an ideal time to be design ready and get it right.
To me it would make sense to put a bit of thought into the process and find the many ways of saving money and for costing less in future.
First thought is orienting the structure to the north and to be taking advantage of free heating.
This is important because all other decisions roll out of early moves.
It might seem all chaos but it comes together with real benefits.
Starting from looking for a block of land it would be helpful if the developer laid the titles so most the new ground had east west and houses could have the right orientation.
Plan all smaller windows to the colder south side with the larger windows facing north, only small ones on eastern and western.
Door placement can be put in to catch any breeze that might help keep the place livable.
I followed these principles when we built our place and the theory works.
By cutting down on issues that cost ongoing dollars will make the living so much cheaper over the next few years.
If the place is well insulated it will pay for itself in no time.
There many ideas that work if they are well thought out.
This idea is to look around what other people have done.
Builders and architects should be on top of these discussions and be capable to save a lot of angst and dollars.
Living in a comfortable residence is a terrific place to spend time.
There is a lot to consider with the construction of a new house such as heating, cooling. electricity or standalone power, water supply, fire suppression, council rates, waste water and access.
Fire is a real concern for those who want to live outside an urban district and it would pay to get some advice from the Country Fire experience.
Even join the CFA and train with them.
Do not plant a garden right next to the house when there is any risk of fire.
Of course, knowing your budget will help the decisions and what may be possible.
If can be fun, exciting and costly to build a house but worth it.