BUY, BUILD, RENOVATE?

HOW -TO GUIDE Get building!

With so many incentives to build currently, here’s a handy, go-to guide to get you started

FROM choosing your location to sourcing quotes and signing contracts, to advice on what to do before you move in, we’ve got it all covered for you. Location, location, location Some of the first questions and considerations you’re going to have are about where you want to live and what you want your home to look like. But what should also come into the equation is your budget – how much have you got to spend? The thought of owning a new home can seem almost out of reach for many Queenslanders. But with initiatives including the $25,000 HomeBuilder grant, the $15,000 First Home Owner’s Grant (FHOG) for new builds, the $5,000 regional boost and the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (FHLDS), there’s an array of options to ease your entry. If you’re looking to buy, build or renovate, Master Builders Display Villages are located in the most progressive parts of Queensland. A visit to a display village is a fantastic place to see what you like in a home, what options are available and what fits within your budget. There are consultants in each home who will be able to facilitate your every question and can arrange a meeting with a broker if you’d like to explore that path. Show me the money When it comes to sourcing quotes, we recommend getting at least three quotes from licenced builders. Why? Because the cheapest quote isn’t necessarily the best option, so don’t feel you have to accept the first quote you get. When sourcing quotes, the more specific you are about your plans and requirements, the more accurate the quote is likely to be. If you

create a job brief setting out exactly what you want and supply it to every builder you’re sourcing a quote from, it should make the process of comparing quotes easier as it will ensure the quotes will be based on the same specifications. Next, it’s time to compare. Review and compare each quote you receive, but don’t make your decision off price alone. View previous work from a builder – you might find a folio of work on their website – and speak with past clients if possible. It’s all about communication When you’ve chosen who you’ll build with,

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ensure you get your contract in writing. The majority of building disputes occur when no written agreement exists or the agreement has been poorly documented, as this can lead to misunderstandings. Having a written contract in place between you and your builder clearly sets out what you both agree to and helps to prevent disputes throughout the building process. Building work valued over $3,300, must legally be covered by a written contract – though it’s a good idea to have a contract regardless of the value of work. When your renovation or new home is complete, there are three items that need to be ticked off. First, you’ll receive notification of practical completion, then you’ll conduct a final inspection and finally, pay the builder all outstanding money for the work. Your decision to buy, build or renovate should be an enjoyable one. Just be sure to choose an experienced builder who you can trust to deliver the level of quality you’re after. For further information visit mbqld.com.au or contact 1300 30 50 10.

BUILDER OF CHOICE

ADCO aspires to be the builder of choice for our clients, our consultants, our contractors and our people.

Quality key to winning home

Corey and Rachael Hobbins, owners of Hotondo Homes Gold Coast, were thrilled with their major win in this year's Master Builders Gold Coast Housing & Construction Awards

CELEBRATING on the night with their closeknit team, Corey says the win for the Erskine 225 Southampton was special. “The award means a lot to us because it really reflects on our values as a builder and a business.

“We have always prided ourselves on delivering value but also making sure the quality is right. That the inclusions that keep the value of the home are there, and that there is very little maintenance required. “We believe in doing it right the first time,” Corey said. While the team offer over 90 floor plans across three ranges for new home buyers to choose from, it was the new Erskine 225 Southampton that really stood out . The spacious and bright, four-bedroom, twobathroom family home features a Hamptons style façade and a beachside ambience perfect for Gold Coast living. From the paint used to the passive design that will create an energy saving home for years to come, everything has been carefully chosen and included. And though there are cheaper new homes in the market, Corey explains the standard of the inclusions is important for a cost-effective home in the long term. “I come from a site management background and have worked on some large-scale projects such as shopping centres and office buildings. I learnt on these projects that the client won’t go for the bargain price upfront, but rather look at the long-term savings of using quality products, reducing maintenance and allowing for maximum productivity,” Corey said. “To me it’s the same with family homes.” The team are happy to work with their clients from finding a design and layout to suit their lifestyle, through the build, to handing over the keys to a brand new home. “We offer a total turnkey service and pride ourselves on being up-front and honest about cost. "There are no hidden expenses. “Whether you’re just considering your options, or you’re ready to get the ball rolling, the team can help you on your journey and ensure you get the end result you’re hoping for.”

Stanhill Developments

Rawcorp is an award winning construction company specialising in multi-residential, commercial and industrial developments throughout Northern NSW and SEQ since 2005. With a tight focus on quality and engineering value for money, Rawcorp is poised to continue to deliver high calibre projects for both new and repeat clients alike for many years to come. Commercial | Industrial | Residential

3/160 Gooding Drive, Merrimac, Qld 4226 P: 07 5559 3555 rawcorp.com.au

Bellevue Developments

Shaping the city of tomorrow

Having been established in the construction industry since 2005, Rawcorp combines the expertise and knowledge of directors Anthony Rigby and David Walton

RAWCORP prides itself on the team's personal approach to business as well as their wide-ranging experience, adaptability and expertise to procure and perform the different elements of project construction, from inception to completion. Anthony and David both possess a keen desire to be involved in the future evolution of the Gold Coast and the two entries submitted in this year’s Master Builders Housing & Construction Awards program indicate they are well on their way to such an achievement. Stanhill and Bellevue are two projects which help stamp the Rawcorp name on the Gold Coast skyline and perfectly illustrate the keen attention to detail exercised throughout every build they undertake. "Stanhill" consists of two and three-bedroom luxury apartments perfectly positioned on Chevron Island.

The apartments feature an open floorplan design while blending indoor and outdoor living. Residents are spoilt with amazing views of the Gold Coast skyline and waterways throughout. Innovation and first-class workmanship were key to this particular project, with a versatile plan devised to ensure a state-of-the-art, seamless finish. “Originally proposed as a block construction, to increase the speed of the build, it was decided to change to two level precast panels from the podium level,” Anthony said. “This enabled less structure throughout the build and lighter construction techniques enhanced our progress internally.” To enhance the look of the timber floors, Rawcorp sourced a tile that overlayed the pattern of the selected tile with the colour of the alternative rectified edge tile. The selected tile had the appearance of a seamless timber floor.

High quality European fittings were used throughout,and luxury inclusions help to make this project a real standout. The rooftop communal areas take apartment living to soaring new heights. A professionally equipped gym,luxurious private dining facilities with commercial Miele cooking equipment and a separate entertainment and spa enclave for private functions raises the bar in terms of ultimate livability. A ground floor swimming pool with glass bead finishes rounds out this project’s firstclass features. positioned at The Glades Golf Course. Blending modern and contemporary design, these apartments offer skyline and hinterland views with the added luxury of the golf course at your doorstep. Sticking true to their solutions-focused brand and hands-on approach, Rawcorp ensured Bellevue exceeded the client’s expectations. “The development is aimed at the owneroccupier market with a higher standard of fittings and finishes being selected throughout the building,” David said. Attention to detail throughout the development was paramount, with European appliances taking centre stage. Five sky homes on the top level complement the whole project providing superior finishes such as parquetry flooring and Italian made carpet. These five sky homes also boast private buggy parking with additional storage. Featuring a ground-floor garden deck and pool, all-purpose gym, sauna and barbecue area, Bellevue offers resort-style living in a stunning setting. With 15 years in business to their name and a string of impressive projects, it seems Rawcorp directors Anthony Rigby and David Walton are well and truly stamping their mark on the Gold Coast construction landscape and helping to carefully shape the city of tomorrow.