Urban Life Magazine - Vol. 1, Ed. 1

DESIGNS T H AT I N S P I R E

Respecting the dreams of Victorians for over 15 years

DESIGN IS IN OUR DNA

When you enter our homes you will experience exceptional design and a new level of luxury.

There are currently 22 Porter Davis display sites around Victoria showcasing a variety of house designs to suit every lifestyle.

Please see the inside back page of this wrap for a list of our display locations.

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MAGAZINE

May 2016 Vol. 1, Ed. 1

Urbanlife Award-winning New Homes & Land Ideas

Durie on a mission • De-clutter in style • Pioneering spirit Industry news • Insiders • Fit, proper place

Creating light for over 40 years

L.E.D lighting specialists

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1167 High St Armadale VIC

contents

MAY // 2016

WELCOME

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FEATURES 14 TO THE MANOR BORN The Collins family savours life at Manor Lakes 24 A TIDY PROPHET Peter Walsh outlines how to eradicate mess 30 DURIE DUTY Jamie Durie wants to keep outdoor living ‘in’ 38 THE BENCH CONNECTION A simple guide to choosing the best material for your kitchen 64 BUYING POWER Money talks when it comes to balancing dreams and reality

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REGULARS

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9, 57 INSIDERS 18 OBJECTS OF DESIRE 21 COMPETITION 41, 56 PRACTICAL MAGIC 58 INDUSTRY NEWS 62 DISPLAY HOME DIRECTORY

win!

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21.

ore people than ever before are building their dream homes and starting a new life in Melbourne’s everexpanding Urban Growth Zones, and we’d love to play a part in sharing your story. Each month, Urban Life will assist you on this exciting journey – from saving a deposit and finding a design you adore, to landscaping and moving into your new home.

We’re here to inform and inspire you about the latest developments, utilising technology and the expertise of industry leaders to keep you abreast of any changes that may affect how you turn your dream into reality. And in an interactive first, we have developed an app that links you to Melbourne’s best builders simply by scanning their ad (see page 20).

Between editions, you can stay in touch with us via Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and our website. Please drop us a line and let us know how we can help.

To celebrate our launch, Urban Life and Adriatic Furniture are offering you the chance to win a $4990 voucher (see page 21). Simply register your details at urbanlifemag.com.au for your chance to win. It’s just one way we hope we can help change your life for the better.

I look forward to hearing from you.

64.

Ross McGravie Editor

SCAN ME! Download the Urban Life app and scan when you see this icon throughout the mag with a mobile device for a unique interactive experience (see page 20 for details)

PUBLISHER Ross Copeland // MANAGING EDITOR Ross McGravie // SUB-EDITOR Cassy Polimeni // ART DIRECTOR Amy Tanner // NATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Steve Kunesevic // ADMINISTRATION Gina Copeland

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INSIDER What attracted you to the industry?

I always knew I wanted to do something creative. I was forever remodelling my bedroom and repainting it as a child.

I remember going to my great aunt’s house in SA as a child. It was the most beautiful house design and my aunty, who was an interior designer, just had the most amazing textures and fabrics in every room. Everything co-ordinated with each other and I knew then that this was something I wanted to do.

What do you love most about the industry?

It’s such a fast-paced industry. It keeps us on our toes and we are forever evolving. There’s always something new to research, so I’m forever challenged on what the next style or look for our homes should be.

What do you consider your proudest moment or greatest achievement (in the industry)?

Hmm, this is tricky. Proudest moment would be seeing the smile of a beautiful young boy when we (Metricon) along with Channel 9 helped to renovate their family home that was in desperate need of more space, while he was in hospital. There’s no better feeling then knowing you have been part of changing someone’s life for the better and helping them feel great about their home.

Greatest achievement is probably knowing the satisfaction we give our clients in loving their Metricon homes. Part of my job is to forecast trends and styles as we are working on our display homes about one year in advance, so it’s nice to get the great feedback we get from our clients when they walk into our displays.

aided walkthroughs of homes, to help clients fully understand what their finished home will look like.

What’s the biggest misconception people have when building a home?

The biggest misconception people have I think is that Metricon as a large builder won’t allow any customisation or personalisation of the home; and that any such changes carry exorbitant costs.

If building tomorrow, what feature would you most like incorporated in your home?

Well, seeing I have a two-year-old and I love clothes … more storage! I think we are all wanting to move away from just the standard single linen or small L-shape walk-in robe and are wanting our storage spaces to be practical, functional but to also be a little more luxurious. Butler’s pantries are a must and I’d do anything to incorporate Carrie Bradshaw’s Designed closet into my next build. I’d also like to incorporate more organic materials into my home in the way of concrete benches and timber cabinetry to create a more organic and homely feel. As our lives change to more and more high-tech gadgets, I think we need to surround ourselves with more natural elements.

Metricon

What tips would you give for futureproofing a home?

Use products that will help improve the energy efficiency of your home.

With prices of power and gas going up, you need to be thinking of ways to help eliminate these bills. So bringing in water tanks, solar panels and energy efficient appliances is a must. Select durable materials for your home that can withstand wear and tear over time. You may pay a little more for them now, but in the long run it’s worth it. LED lighting is also a must. Also look to introduce smart technology and home automation systems. Being able to turn on and off appliances or open your front door with your iPhone is definitely the way of the future.

Jacinta Evans

Biggest regret?

Probably not travelling internationally more when I was younger to experience amazing interiors, architecture and trade fairs before the family came along.

Worst trend?

All trends are relevant to the time. But some of my overdone/ overused trends I’d be happy to never see again would be overthemed homes (too much of one theme in a house. For example, a Villa Temple theme doesn’t mean every item needs to be timber carved).

I think the way to stay away from a space ever being stereotyped as a ‘worst trend’ is to keep your home style, personal and eclectic, don’t focus on every detail being a set theme. Select items you have an emotional response to.

Senior Interior Designer

Best change?

Open-plan living and indoor/outdoor living, especially in our Australian climate. We are very lucky to be able to utilise the outdoors on a yearly basis in most of the country. Open-plan living has allowed us to bring more light and life into our homes and I think it’s a great way for families to grow and interact more with each other.

If you had the power, how would you improve the process of building?

More cost- and time-effective ways to introduce 3D computer-

What should prospective buyers look for when choosing a builder?

Look for builders who have experience. Find out how long has the company been around and how professional their service is from start to finish. Also it is crucial that they offer great home designs. Try to look past all the bells and whistles and make sure the floorplan is what you require and that it ticks all the boxes in terms of size and functional space for your family. Also always consider the home design’s street appeal and façade options available.

What do you think building a home will be like in 2030?

I think we are quite advanced in Australia, so it will be very similar, but our homes will be smarter. There will be more emphasis on energy efficiencies, building practices and smart design. Perhaps the traditional brick-veneer home will be something of the past, with more of a conscious effort to design with lightweight materials and materials that create quicker build times.

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 9

Perfect fit

The big move is only weeks away and excitement is building. Avoid a last-minute rush by making all the right moves early

10 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

MOVING

M

entally rearranging the furniture is one of the first ways people imagine themselves into their dream home. But when the dream becomes reality and moving day looms large, it’s best to be prepared early so everything runs as smoothly as possible when it counts.

The Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA) recommends allowing six weeks to prepare for a move. By this stage you will ideally have arranged three quotes from removalists and locked in your chosen company. If not, prioritise this as removalists can provide boxes as well as advice on how to best prepare fragile items such as mirrors, TVs and computer equipment for the move. They can also resolve problematic access issues for larger pieces, such as a billiard table.

Your next move should be to create a folder for all related documents and contacts so they are easily accessible in one place. This should be accompanied by packing tape, bubble wrap, labels and marking pens.

Give family, friends and essential contacts (i.e. employers, electoral office, VicRoads, banks, insurance firms, etc.) plenty of notice about your impending change of address.

The Australian Government website has a change of address checklist you may find useful (australia.gov.au). You will also need to plan ahead to ensure your phone, internet, electricity, gas and water supplies are connected before you arrive.

Grand plan Start by creating an inventory of your existing furniture to help you decide which pieces will stay, and which will go. This will also be useful in determining the level of home and contents insurance you will require at your new address. Next, obtain a copy of the floorplan and have several copies made (size A3 or larger).

Having measured your furniture and ascertained what goes where, draw each item on your floorplan and present the final version to removalists before the move. This will make their job easier upon arrival at your new address and could also affect the way the truck is packed, so you’ll want to provide the finished floor plan at least a few days out from the move.

IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Pack to the future A common mistake people make when moving is taking furniture that they later discard. If you have items that will not fit into your new home, consider leasing some storage space.

Better still, earn some cash by placing unwanted items on Gumtree, eBay or having a garage sale. Or take advantage of the free pick up service offered by some charity shops.

If furniture requires dismantling, do so at least a week in advance and ensure all attachments, screws and instructions for each piece are placed in a self-sealing bag. All bags, together with a basic DIY kit of screwdrivers, hex (Allen) keys, hooks, nails and a hammer, should be packed together.

When packing, label each box with the room it is destined for, and keep a separate list of contents for your reference.

This will make items easier to find if needed quickly. A general rule of packing is to place weighty items into small heavyduty boxes and lighter items in larger boxes. Kitchenware can usually be packed early, and it’s a great idea to wrap glasses and plates in butcher paper, tea towels or T-shirts to avoid the

black marks left by newspapers. To minimise breakage, try to leave enough space at the top of boxes containing delicate items to allow for a cushion.

Food for thought If you’re procrastinating about what to do next, check the kitchen. Around six weeks out is a good time to begin consuming any perishable items in the fridge and freezer, finishing opened packets in the pantry, and disposing of items past their use-by dates. Most of your kitchen can be packed early so long as you retain a basic selection of crockery, pots and pans.

The fridge should be defrosted and cleaned and your washing machine properly prepared the day before the move.

If you’re worried about voiding your warranty, check the manufacturer’s website for moving tips and recommendations.

It’s a good idea to pack a survival kit of items that will make you feel at home in your new abode. This might include a kettle, tea and coffee, breakfast items, cutlery, radio, toys, medications and toiletries. Keep this box aside and transport it yourself, along with basic bedding and precious or sentimental items.

On moving day make sure you have sufficient cash on hand, bucketloads of patience, and the keys to your new home in your pocket. Armed with the knowledge that you’ve done everything possible to smooth the transition, all that’s left to do is enjoy the ride. Your new life awaits!

- ROSS McGRAVIE

CHECK LIST q Make a list of to-do jobs q Avoid falling on the wrong side of the digital divide and arrange internet connectivity before moving, even if it’s only a temporary solution q Give your mobile, home phone and internet provider advance notice and don’t forget your pay TV q Avoid your precious clothes being crushed in the move by ordering porta-robes online or from removalists. It’ll save on ironing at the other end q Download apps such as Floorplanner or Roomsketcher to work out furniture placement in your new rooms q Do a pre-move recognisance, informing the neighbours with a letterbox drop of when you intend moving (to improve access for trucks) q If friends or family want to help, ask them to arrange lunch or dinner so you can concentrate on unpacking

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 11

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TO THE

manorBORN

14 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

FLEXIBILITY in design and affordability was the key for the Collins when choosing Dennis Family Homes to build their dream home. Settling on the Hartley 330 design, they flipped its floorplan, borrowed the main bedroom from The Manor (creating a walk-in storage room in the process), and tweaked various elements from room to room. For example, one set of sliding doors opening from the family room to the backyard was replaced by windows, and the east-facing window in the rumpus room was switched to the rear. The flexibility extended to Ben swapping the placement of the study with the living room. And what was originally the billiards room soon turned into the theatre room and has become the family day care room for Rebecca’s home business in its latest incarnation.

“Looking back we changed a lot and we feel Dennis Family Homes went out of their way to accommodate our changes and would definitely recommend them to anyone,” Rebecca says.

Chosen for its larger-than-usual proportions and because its bedrooms are away from the living areas, the revised Hartley design integrates plenty of storage space, including a walk-in pantry, walk-in linen cupboard and a central storeroom.

Beyond fine-tuning the layout, an unexpected benefit came when Dennis Family Homes came to inspect the progress of the home and were not happy with the brickwork.

PHOTOGRAPHY: NICK FLETCHER / STYLING: CLAIRE CAU-CECILE

O

PPORTUNITY knocked for Rebecca and Ben Collins when they decided to make Manor Lakes their home almost nine years ago, and they haven’t stopped counting their blessings since.

“We really got lucky with this place,” Ben Collins professes as he recalls the fortuitous turn of events that led to Rebecca rushing to the sales office to place a $500 deposit on the block of land back in 2007 without even seeing it first.

“Moving further away from the city meant we were definitely getting more bang for our buck in terms of space. And with us expecting a bigger family, we wanted plenty of space.”

Faced with the option of paying $136,000 for their 789-square-metre block or $177,000 for a 500-square-metre block at Point Cook, the decision was simple. As Rebecca points out, their 39.8-square, single-level residence wouldn’t have even fitted on the Point Cook block.

The Collins’ thought it might be too good to be true when Rebecca found the allotment on the internet and saw it was available. She immediately called the land sales office to query if it was true. The reason? Block 893 in the 28-allotment Stage 36 Bankside release, known as the last subdivision with big blocks, had previously been sold, but the buyer’s finances fell through. Their loss was the Collins’ gain.

Bigger was definitely better for the Collins family when they opted to sell their townhouse and build an exciting, new future

E S TAT E P I O N E E R S

That meant a four-week delay, but the work was demolished and started again by the firm’s display home builder.

“It was a mistake, but their response actually inspired more confidence that they would do a great job,” Ben says.

In hindsight, Rebecca says she would have spent more money on getting the dream kitchen she wanted. But it has been a fantastic family home, and is an experience she would like every first-time buyer to replicate.

“Make sure the house will grow with you and your family, and pay for the extras you want because once built, your priorities change where your money will be spent,” Rebecca says.

OPPOSITE PAGE: The Collins family (from left) Finn, Rebecca, Bodhi, Ruby and Ben outside their pride and joy TOP: Rebecca Collins loves the walk-in pantry and versatility of her kitchen, which she equipped with 900mm stainless-steel appliances. They were an upgrade at the time of construction RIGHT: (From top) The boys’ bedroom; the main bedroom and the family room

THEIR home is affectionately known as ‘The House That Bec Built’ due to Ben being sidelined by his writing duties, and Rebecca kept the lines of communication open with builders and checked the building site regularly.

At the time Ben was working simultaneously on two books from home – one on then Collingwood captain (now coach) Nathan Buckley and the other on famed Melbourne coach Norm Smith. So the switch of the living room and study made perfect sense to create a quiet work environment.

“Bec carried me. I sidestepped a lot of the stress,” Ben admits.

Rebecca says the planning and hard work paid off, but it remains a work in progress.

“You make more effort [to make it your own] but it is very much worth it. Then once you’re finally in, the list of to-do jobs mounts up … you’ve got the backyard to do, put in blinds, light fittings and there’s still jobs I’d like done now.”

“And don’t I know about it,” Ben quips.

HAVING a budget of up to $50,000 for extra projects is imperative once the keys are placed in your hands, she says.

“When people build, you probably need another $30,000

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 15

to $40,000 on top of what you’ve already outlaid to finish off things properly. We paid an extra $5000 to widen our driveway.

We wanted to landscape the whole backyard but had to settle for mulching it initially and that’s before thinking about light fittings and blinds and new furniture because we had a massive new home but no furniture to fill it.

“Thinking back, we were going to do this and going to do that ... it’s amazing how our priorities have changed since we moved in and how it is all governed by what we could afford at the time.”

Fortunately, Rebecca had shares earned while working in a bank and their sale funded her furniture purchases. But there was still much to be done.

Shopping around and tapping into local contacts helped the couple save big time when adding “a little luxury” with improvements over the years. Such as convincing painters at an under-construction neighbour’s house to paint the home’s feature walls, or adding the plantation blinds to fill the void between the living areas. They even saved substantially by postponing their much-wanted pergola project until recently.

A family of three in 2007, they have since grown to five, with their first-born Ruby now aged 10. Ruby still hadn’t turned two when the family moved in. She now has two brothers Bodhi, 7, and Finn, 5, and all three attend the 1800 pupil-strong Manor Lakes College (P-12) literally at the end of the street. Then there’s Mabel, the cavoodle.

They’re living proof that the Collins have never looked back.

“Funnily enough, we still haven’t grown into our home yet. The living room has largely been under-utilised by us, but as the kids get older we know that will become our sanctuary,” Ben says.

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MUD is the enduring memory Rebecca has of the early days. Built in the middle of a drought, the closing stages of construction were marred by a huge deluge of rain that continued to make its presence felt long after settlement.

The entire backyard was mulched for the first two years before trees were planted, lawn laid and garden beds formed.

Pregnant with Bodhi at the time, Rebecca enlisted the services of her dad Henk to shape the low-maintenance front yard.

“Ben was always too busy with his books, so Mum used to come and look after Ruby while I was digging,” she says.

“Even since then and the addition of the pergola, cubby house, trampoline and sand pit, gardening is still a constant in terms of time and expense. But we do enjoy it.”

WHEN Urban Life visits the Collins family on a windy but sunny afternoon, it is nearing the end of an eventful 24 hours. A Manor Lakes Facebook page excitedly announced on March 17 that Manor Lakes had officially been declared a new suburb.

To outsiders there would be little cause for celebration, considering that Manor Lakes will continue to share its 3024 postcode with Wyndham Vale. But the recognition is greeted with hope that property values in the area will increase as the estate’s newer homes are viewed more favourably from the older, more rudimentary residences in Wyndham Vale - just as the new train station opening in June had agents talking about prices being boosted by up to 10 per cent overnight.

Barely 12 hours later a dose of reality in the form of a minitornado hits the area – fittingly known as the Windy Plains – and a property several streets away loses an evaporative cooler and tiles from its roof.

E S TAT E P I O N E E R S But it doesn’t take long for the optimism to resurface.

That’s how things roll in Ellenborough Crescent.

The kids all congregate for street play or at each other’s homes, there’s outdoor movie evenings, the water fights are legendary, and the adults have put the lakeside paths and tracks to good use with the formation of a cycling group.

It’s the kind of community many can only dream about.

Ben says “all of our lives focus on the kids”, but Rebecca and many of the neighbours “go beyond their own lives for the community” by assisting at school and sporting clubs.

“To me, our street is the envy of many around here as it feels like our kids are growing up just as we did years ago,” Rebecca says unashamedly, and for good reason. It’s only a two-minute drive or a 10-minute walk from the station, and a 32-minute trip to Southern Cross station. It’s a few minutes’ walk to the lake and wetlands, and the school is equally close.

The library and soon-to-be-expanded Manor Lakes shopping centre are also nearby, with new medical clinics and even a McDonald’s signalling further progress.

“When we moved in, there were a few houses built in our street and a few vacant, sold blocks,” Rebecca says. “Manor Lakes didn’t have shops, schools or other community facilities, but we knew that would soon change. And it did.

“The growth has been amazing to behold, but the Regional Rail Link was the biggest surprise. When we bought we were aware of the transport corridor going through the estate, but when the train line was built, we were all very excited.

“We are lucky to live in a street where we know all the neighbours, and our kids often play together at each other’s homes or on the street. It reminds me of my childhood.”

Ben says the semi-rural feel is enhanced by views of the You Yangs and the plethora of activities on their doorstep.

“Every day we get outside and do something – whether it’s bike riding along the Lollipop Creek, feeding ducks at the wetlands, playing at the park, using the exercise equipment on the creek paths or going to the library where the kids enjoy reading books,” Ben says. “We love having so many options.”

WELCOME TO MANOR LAKES

“It feels like our kids are growing up just as we did years ago.”

ABOVE: Ruby, Mabel, Finn and Bodhi at play; one-year-old Ruby admires the new entry; the house pre-driveway; the landscaping of the backyard starts to take shape; and the hidden space behind the garage

PATIENCE is a pre-requisite in a new estate as construction occurs all around you, Ben says, but he’s quick to add that it’s short-term pain for long-term gain.

“In the early days it can be tough getting used to tradies driving past before 7am and hearing drills and jackhammering all day long,” Rebecca explains. “And when they made the cutting for the railway line, it reminded us of the early days.”

Ben advises buyers to heed the developer’s vision as “a pledge rather than a promise” to avoid frustration.

“We would be more than happy if there were no more changes around here, but it’s great that more development is planned, which will only further enhance the area,” he says.

Rebecca says it is vital to “ensure you’ve done your research into the future plans of the estate and its facilities”.

“While we’ve loved living here, the delivery of some services (provision of recycled water, landscaping of the lake and maintenance of the wetlands) has not matched our expectations,” she says. “But, overall, the upside of living at Manor Lakes still far outweighs any frustrations.”

Developed: 2002 Size: 750ha (9000 lots) Population: 10,000 (Projected 25,000) Estate highlights: Wyndham Vale Train Station voted Victoria’s best; the library (top); shopping centre; and lakeside parks. There’s also two primary schools, 55ha of dedicated green space and a town centre to come.

Got a building story to tell?

Email us at urbanlife@publicitypress.com.au

O b j e c ts of D esire

tapping

in

By Nicole Bittar

Creating a natural flow of crystal-clear H2O is a matter of style and substance.

These eye-catching, water-saving designs, for every wet zone throughout your new abode, have been created with flair, functionality and longevity in mind.

From top taps, maxi mixers to shower power, in chrome, brass, Onyx and nickel, they’re as easy to manoeuvre as they are to admire.

1. Vivid Slimline wall basin in Onyx matte black, Australian design with 15-year warranty. RRP: $440.55 Visit phoenixtapware.com.au for your nearest stockist.

2. Cerchio sink mixer, an Australian design with a five-star water-saving rating and 15-year warranty. RRP: $391.60 Visit phoenixtapware.com.au for your nearest stockist.

3. Gessi square showerhead with light (33065) RRP: $1721.72 Visit abey.com.au for your nearest stockist.

4. Swan wall set (A53.05) Australian design with15-year warranty. RRP: $944.

Visit astrawalker.com.au for your nearest stockist.

5. Olde English bath mixer with hand shower, floor mounted (A51.22) Australian design with 15-year warranty. RRP: $1298.

Visit astrawalker.com.au for your nearest stockist.

18 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

TEXT: XXX / IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Over 3kms of walking and bike trails

1 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 19

Urban Life offers readers a unique interactive experience

1 2 3

simply download the urban life magazine app from the app store.

open the app and then hold your phone over the advertisement or editorial page (those marked with the urban life app icon).

the app will then seamlessly deliver you to the digital link behind the page. this may be a competition offer from us; a builder’s website offering a virtual reality display home tour; it may take you to a selection of new home or interior ideas; or you might find rich media offerings, like video related to the page you scan.

THE URBAN LIFE APP IS COMPATIBLE WITH ALL ANDROID AND OS DEVICES

Follow us!

20 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

URBAnLiFEMAG.coM.AU

easy & free!

MOVING

To celebrate the launch of Urban Life, we’re giving readers the chance to win an Adriatic Furniture voucher to the value of

4990

$

RRP

It can be used at any of its eight stores across Melbourne to furnish your home.

To enter, simply register your details at urbanlifemag.com.au Open to Victorian residents over 18 years. Competition starts at 9am on May 3rd 2016 and will close at midnight on June 29th 2016.

Limit on entry per person. Drawn at 12noon on June 30th 2016 at L2, 577-579 Church Street, Richmond VIC 3121. Winners published at www.urbanlifemag.com.au from July 1st 2016. Full conditions of entry can be viewed at urbanlifemag.com.au.

adriatic.com.au

With more displays you’ll find more to love.

With more displays you’ll find more to love.

The Metricon Balmaine The Metricon Balmaine

With over 80 display homes there’s more to love at a Metricon display.

With over 80 display homes there’s more to love at a Metricon display.

Visit a display | metricon.com.au | 1300 METRICON

Visit a display | metricon.com.au | 1300 METRICON

Image depicts items not supplied by Metricon namely landscaping, planter boxes, fencing and paths.

Image depicts items not supplied by Metricon namely landscaping, planter boxes, fencing and paths.

MET 1004079 UrbanLife_Balmaine_DPS_540x310.indd 1

Love where you live Love where you live 14/04/2016 11:20 AM

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The Bargain Shopper Clutterer Those self-described ‘great shoppers’ who believe that it’s all about the price of an object and if I can get it cheaply - even if I don’t really need two cases of mayonnaise - then I need to snap it up.

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I nside

A tidy prophet Organisational guru Peter Walsh is on a mission to restore people’s calm and happiness by removing clutter from their lives

The New York Times has described you as a genius. From where does your organisational know-how come?

I’ve spent the past 15 years helping thousands of people declutter their homes and their lives. My theoretical expertise comes from a Masters Degree in Education specialising in psychology, years working in health promotion and drug abuse prevention, extensive experience in organisational change and years as a teacher. From a practical perspective I’m probably one of the most experienced professional organisers around, having combed through homes in the USA, Australia and Canada wrestling calm from chaos.

When did you know your life would be based around organising people?

About 15 years ago I was asked to audition for a Discovery Channel program in the US called Clean Sweep. I’d had experience before working in organisational change in corporations. But once I launched into helping people organise their homes, and saw the huge impact it had on their health, relationships and sense of well-being, I was hooked.

How hard is it for people to become more organised?

You give time to what you believe is important and it’s not till people see the value in being organised that they commit the time to it. Organisation for me is not so much about colour coding your shirts or how best to file your paperwork - although that is definitely a part of it - but rather it’s about creating the kind of life you want. So many people think that happiness comes from owning more. Organisation shows us that by surrounding ourselves with things that are beautiful and useful, and by honouring and respecting what we own, that happiness is really possible.

ABOVE: Peter Walsh says organisation is all about creating the kind of life you want

socially because we’re too embarrassed to have people in our homes. It robs us financially because of the cost of all the stuff.

It robs us spiritually because we can never feel at peace in a messy, disorganised home. It robs us psychologically because of the lack of peace and calm in a cluttered space, and it robs us in our relationships because of the fights and turmoil that inevitably exit in a cluttered home.

What’s the worst example of disorganisation you’ve seen?

A few years ago I worked on a home that took 10 weeks to declutter. By the time we’d finished we found 3500 pairs of women’s shoes and more than 3000 handbags.

Most people use the ‘time-poor’ excuse. What little steps can we take to overcome that mindset?

We make time for what we believe is important and an excuse for what we don’t. As basic as it might sound, it’s all about just getting started. Clutter can make us feel overwhelmed and even paralysed. I recommend a trick I call the Trash Bag Tango. Set aside just 10 minutes a day for the exercise. Give everyone in the house two garbage bags. In the 10 minutes you’re working, fill one bag with any garbage you can find broken toys, old newspapers, torn clothing etc. In the other put things that you no longer need, use or want and are happy to have donated. If two of you do this for just one week, you’ll have 14 bags of trash and 14 bags of items going to donation.

That’s a huge start.

How is being disorganised affecting people’s lives?

Think of the language we use when we talk about being cluttered: “There’s so much stuff in that room I feel suffocated” or “All that stuff makes me feel like I can’t breathe” or “Whenever I go into that space I feel like I’m buried”. These words are a real clue to what clutter does to us - it robs us of a sense of life and vitality. Clutter robs us

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The Sentimental Clutterer Those who can’t separate the memory from the object and so hold on to anything and everything that evokes a memory or reminds them of an important person or achievement or event from the past.

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The Techie Clutterer Lovers and hoarders of all things technical and all kinds of gadgetry. Believers in electronic wizardry and the idea that the newest and brightest gadget must be the best.

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The Behind Closed Doors Clutterer Everything looks uncluttered and organised until you start opening drawers and cupboards to find that stuff has been shoved into every nook and cranny. Out of sight is out of mind.

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BELOW: Peter hopes future trends shift to a less-is-more philosophy as it’s amazing what can accumulate in your home. Removing the word ‘later’ from your vocabulary is one step, as is the need for regular reviews of your spaces

How much time do you set aside at home for tidying up each day (or) week (or) month?

Staying organised is an ongoing exercise. While it’s great to set aside 10 or 15 minutes a day to general tidying, a much better approach is to stop using the word ‘later’. Later is the best friend of clutter and the moment you start saying “I’ll put that away later” or “I’ll wash that later” or “I’ll file that later” you are encouraging tasks and stuff to accumulate and clutter to grow.

the life you want. If you start pursuing happiness by acquiring more, you’re doomed. How little or how much storage you have is irrelevant - are you treating your home and your space with honour and respect? If you’re overloading your home with more stuff you can never be happy in that space, no matter how much storage you have or how much stuff you own.

What are your top five tips to become better organised at home?

1. Keep flat surfaces clear - they are not intended for storage.

2. Never overload a space - honour and respect the physical space you have.

3. If an object doesn’t help you create the life you want, it shouldn’t be in your home.

4. If price is the best thing about an item do not buy it!

5. Don’t try to be perfect and stop using the word ‘later’.

What features do you hope a home in the year 2050 will include?

More integrated technology to reduce day-to-day clutter that accumulates in our homes, such as paperwork, magazines and newspapers. Smaller spaces that are better used - a swing away from the larger-is-better concept. Higher-density living with more shared spaces and fewer dead zones.

Is more storage in homes a good or a bad thing, and why?

You only have the space you have! It’s not about storage, it’s about only having things in your home that help you create

What does your perfect home look like?

Clean lines. Open plan. Simple. Welcoming.

Peter Walsh appeared as part of the Meet The Tastemakers master class presentations at World of Style at 410 City Rd, South Melbourne. Neale Whitaker appears next with Style Tips on Creating a Beautiful Home on June 18. For details, see worldofstyle.com/events.

The Knowledge Clutterer It’s all about collecting as much information (magazines, website printouts, tear sheets, books etc.) that you can in the mistaken belief that if you own the words on the paper then you automatically possess the knowledge.

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Entrepreneur, environmentalist and educator, Jamie Durie continues to fly the flag for Mother Nature and her never-ending wonders. He tells ROSS McGRAVIE how we can all create a better world by reconnecting with the outdoors

IMAGES: Nerida Phelan/World of Style, Tonya McCahon, Shutterstock.com

Durie duty

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E HAS hosted sustainability forums with the Dalai Lama, spread the word as a climate change ambassador with former US vicepresident Al Gore, educated Americans about landscaping on Oprah, styled the gardens of Oscar winners in Hollywood, and revolutionised how Australians view our backyards. But as unlikely as it seems, it all may never have happened for Jamie Durie.

Probably best known in Australia as the Backyard Blitz host who started the lifestyle program ball rolling back in 2000, the entrepreneur, best-selling author and heartthrob said he was initially reluctant to commit to the makeover-in-a-weekend concept.

“I didn’t want to do Backyard Blitz initially because I felt it was disrespectful to the trade by transforming a garden in such a quick time,” Durie explains. “It just wasn’t how the industry operated. But on second thought I realised it was the greatest way to educate people about the value of reconnecting with nature and thoughtful design.”

Most Australian TV viewers agreed, and the rest is history.

Seven Logie Awards later, Durie has become to landscaping and lifestyle programs what Jamie Oliver is to cooking, timing his run perfectly to garner a loyal following at the start of the infotainment era.

He has since been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2013 for services to the environment and design.

It complements the Centenary Medal he received in 2004 for

“A garden is for people to live in, and not just look at.” services to the environment, television and the community.

“Australians are one of the most well-informed nations when it comes to landscaping and home renovations – much more than the US – but I won’t take any credit for that because we’ve been spoiled with so many great programs over the years,” Durie admits modestly.

He has a point. But there’s no denying the contribution he has made.

Enjoying each and every second of filming his 53rd lifestyle show, The Living Room allows Durie the freedom to educate about topics that matter most to him.

As relaxed in person as he appears in front of a camera, Durie says working in TV is a privilege as it allows him to discuss topics about which he’s passionate.

“It makes me feel really old after 18 years in TV. But I love it because they’re such a fun crew to work with. Plus, there’s the bonus of talking to so many creative people doing fantastic work, like Melbourne’s own Paul Bangay,” he says.

He adds that the secret to his longevity is as simple as keeping the content fresh. “[It’s about] telling viewers what’s going on in the world, and updating everyone with information that is practical, intelligent and accessible.”

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UIT worrying about the curtains, stop mowing the lawn to keep up with the Joneses, and start living it up in your garden. In an ideal world, Durie envisages living in a private botanical oasis that incorporates a sustainable and family-friendly design, edible plantings and no front lawn.

“Privacy is everything, but with smart design there’s no reason you can’t be out there in your front yard having breakfast in your underwear. That means you don’t need to live with curtains if you’re using floor-toceiling windows (butt glass) that bring your gardens indoors. And there’s no reason why you wouldn’t feel exclusivity with 8 to 10foot (2.4m-3m) hedges or bamboo (privacy screens) on your perimeter … live a little and bring nature into your own space. But I can’t emphasise enough: stop mowing the front lawn to keep up with the Joneses [and instead use the space more productively for your enjoyment].”

Working with nature, he recommends native hedges, building furniture around the base of trees, running pontoons off decks, using 60cm-deep ponds instead of pools “which you look at it 80 per cent of time and swim in 20 per cent of the time”, and utilising their mirror-like qualities – “plant into them and use fish to eradicate mosquito larvae”.

Considering how you will use the space is important too: “If building bench seats, make sure they are L-shaped as people like to look at each other when they talk”.

Ideally there’s a rainwater tank in every backyard to preserve the precious resource, while drought-tolerant plantings include non-combustible varieties, such as xanthorrhoea, to reduce bushfire risks.

Needless to say, garden beds are covered with mulch. “It takes 100 years to form one inch of top soil – the chocolate for plants – and it can be wiped out in one day. Using mulch reduces the incidence of weeds as it throws a blanket over top soil to protect and preserve it.”

As a big fan of native grasses and gardens for their shape, size and texture, Durie’s ideal garden would also feature “the camels of the plant world” – cacti and succulents, such as agaves, string of pearls and echeveria, to complement the kangaroo paw, banksia and Acacia cognate (the “Cousin It” plant), which adds softness and movement to the garden.

It also combats arachnophobia as plants with movement discourage spiders from spinning a web. Alluding to the most common mistakes people make, Durie says a lack of planning is usually the biggest issue.

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ABOVE: Hands-on Jamie is never afraid to roll up his sleeves to achieve the look with his garden designs

WATCHING the passionate environmentalist speak to an adoring audience at Porter Davis’s World of Style master classes in South Melbourne last month, it’s hard not to be impressed by his energy, salesmanship and eloquence on everything from nature’s inspirations to the ravages of climate change.

Durie believes each of us have the power to influence the long-term effect of climate change.

“With another 1.8 degrees we won’t have a Great Barrier Reef, and that’s on top of whatever damage has already occurred over the past 50 years,” Durie asserts.

“Climate change is an uncomfortable reality, but we can do something about it.”

Rolling up his sleeves and preparing to get his hands dirty is nothing new for the 45-year-old, whose foresight, meticulous planning and imagination match his tireless work ethic. Chief among his concerns is educating people about sustainable design and solar power, planting trees, and

ABOVE: Jamie shares a tender moment with Lizzie, site manager and Scott Cam’s beloved dog, on the Backyard Blitz set

Cover encouraging energy efficiency through the use of LED globes, among other things.

“It’s so simple,” he says. “For example, our second-biggest carbon emissions polluter in our home is the hot water system. But using a Rinnai in-line hot water system, we’re not boiling a 300-litre tank all day for a 10-minute shower. If every shower in Australia used that system, about half of our emissions would be cut.”

KEEPING his shirt on despite the protestations of his female admirers in the audience, Durie isn’t one to shy away from his early days in the travelling Manpower Australia dancing troupe. In fact, he wears it with unabashed pride, saying it was a fabulous way to learn the elements of design, including lighting, pyrotechnics and stage and set design as he travelled the globe.

After hanging up the skimpy costumes he played a part in designing, the Sydney-born son of an Australian father and Sri Lankan mother chose to go back to school. There he memorised the names of more than 3000 plant species during four-and-a-half years of studying design and horticulture.

While plying his trade in a humble retail shop – stocking plants, pots, water features, outdoor decor and some furniture on Sydney’s lower North Shore – Durie wrote a feature for Belle magazine which turned out to be his lucky break.

Fortunately, someone from the Burke’s Backyard team read it and invited him to join a new show they were working on called Backyard Blitz.

Between takes the then 26-year-old worked hard on his fledgling business, little knowing it was setting the wheels in motion for a thrilling ride that has taken his work to 17 countries since 1998. First came multiple landscaping awards in Tokyo’s World Garden Design Competition, Hamamatsu at Pacific Flora 2004 and the prestigious gold medal at The Chelsea Flower Show in London. And best-selling books followed in quick succession: Edible Garden Design, The Outdoor Room, Outside with Jamie Durie, Inspired, Outdoor Kids, The Outdoor Room and Patio - Garden Design to name a few.

Likewise, it also didn’t take long until he was bringing together the elements of landscaping, architecture, lighting, furnishings and decoration globally.

BUT today it’s back to his origins and learning how to make the most of your outdoor room. And his concept of the Transterior – bringing the outside in and the inside out – quickly surfaces as the audience hangs on his every word. Thankfully, his practical advice is never far away.

“Furnish the outdoor room in the same way as the indoors.

Integrate a table in the design of your outdoor kitchen, or make your furniture versatile, thinking ‘Can it be a bed and a lounge?’

“A garden is for people to live in, and not just look at. It can be as simple as bringing in plants to create walls and flowers to create intimacy, using blueberries or a box hedge to create dividers. It’s about rebuilding the architecture by reconnecting with nature.

“I just want people to sit in there and smell the roses. We all know your outdoor space is where food and family come together, but it can also be where you grow and eat your own food.”

Calculating that between 5-15 per cent of your house and land budget should be devoted to your garden, Durie says

Jamie’s Outdoor Room tips Use colour at every turn on furniture, pots and feature walls Position furniture to gain the best view of your focal points Rotate plants regularly so the sun reaches all sides Raise potted plants off the ground for airflow and drainage Balance soft scape and hard scape, with at least 30% plants Do outside what you do inside – cooking, lounging, bathing Intentionally mismatch colour and texture – just match plants with same soil and water needs Involve kids in planting

What’s hot

Rubber plants Staghorn/elkhor n fe (platycerium) rns Macrame pot h olders Terrariums

ABOVE: The 1970s are back with a vengeance, with rubber plants and macrame pot holders again making a statement inside and out, and sunken lounge room-style gardens taking the look to the next level outdoors Images: SHUTTERSTOCK

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Is your landscaper registered?

If your landscape is going to cost more than $5,000 and includes construction works, only a landscaper who is a Registered Building Practitioner is legally covered to do the work and can offer you Domestic Building Insurance for works over $16,000.

By engaging a landscaper with this Registration you are guaranteed that they are experienced, carry all the necessary insurances, and operate professional businesses. They have to be in order to satisfy the strict criteria set down by the government regulatory body, the Victorian Building Authority.

This buys peace of mind that you and your investment are in the right hands because professional landscaping does make life better.

Registered Landscapers are: • recommended by Landscaping Victoria • registered with the Victorian Building Authority • professional with regard to quality outcomes • insured • leaders in the landscape industry.

So before you embark on your next landscape project ask your landscaper – are you registered?

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Cover

Space jam

(for tight spaces) Start a vertical ga rden on the back fence Extend the indoor flooring into outd oor room Create a canopy Place chairs and table on boundary If employing mirr ors, use a UV-resis tant and waterproof fra me to reflect the garden indoors there is never any danger of overcapitalising.

“Outdoor spaces are a growing investment,” Durie said.

“Gardens sell homes. You can rest assured that all the effort you put into your garden will be rewarded many times over. Best of all, there are no rules in gardening, so you can be as creative as you want to be.”

Central to his vision of “greening Australia one backyard at a time” are vertical garden walls, community gardens, green rooftops, school kitchen gardens, and eradicating pesticides and herbicides. But, true to form, he tailors his advice to the changing landscape of smaller backyards.

His advice is short, informative and gratefully received. Balcony gardening benefits from choosing plants with a vertical habit, such as dianella, carex and juncus, and complementing them with polystamen species, such as grevillea and callistemon (bottlebrush), to attract bees.

For those with more space who are hoping to plant vegetables, use raised garden beds that are at least 600mm-700mm deep with loose, well-dried soil combined with washed river sand.

Use parsley as a border, and peaches, pears and apple trees as hedges.

As for trends, Durie says there are always good and bad. On the up side, the 1970s sunken lounge room is back, as split-level

garden rooms maximise space and functionality. In line with his objective to replace ornamentals with natives, he also advises “planting into negative spaces”, such as adding Dutch box (Buxus sempervirens Suffruticosa) into the risers of steps.

On the downside, he’s quick to nominate dyed-red woodchip mulch as the worst trend. “It’s a spider trap, it takes years to decompose and attracts fungus at the base of trees.”

Having barely had time to draw breath during a 90-minute presentation, Durie’s audience walks away satisfied they have been enriched by their new-found knowledge. But it comes as no surprise to find him half an hour later still engaged in one-on-one discussions, passing on tips and encouraging others to join the outdoor revolution.

One thing’s for sure: If it’s up to him, he’ll leave no stone unturned to ensure we all play our part to “save the planet one backyard at a time”.

I leave with an equally positive mindset, thinking we couldn’t be in better hands. Thank goodness he had second thoughts.

Jamie Durie appeared at a World of Style master class at 410 City Rd, South Melbourne. Vogue Living editor-in-chief Neale Whitaker appears next on Saturday, June 18 for Style Tips on Creating a Beautiful Home.

For details, see worldofstyle.com/events

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CCover over

F

rom designing a furniture collection for Charlize Theron, having dinner with Michelle and Barack Obama and helping millions across the globe rethink their lifestyle, Durie would appear to many to be living the dream.

But furniture design is where his true passion lies. His range of sustainably sourced furniture uses recycled materials and ethical work practices. The pride that flows when he describes the aesthetic qualities of his human bone-inspired Bungalow armchair, or highlights the best aspects of his ficus stool, is immediately obvious.

“There’s not a straight line in any of our lines,” he beams, reflecting on the firm’s inspiration in nature.

And its daily practices are an equal source of pride.

“We don’t use pebbles, which are nature’s filtration system, on river beds. Instead we use quarry-crushed quartz … We plant five trees for every tree we use …

We only use Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified

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timbers” … and so on. He insists his design philosophy “has not changed”, and recommends that buyers always look for quality, and that any timber used in his designs be 100 per cent FSC certified.

Durie says he has learned much on his journey as his business expanded to 17 countries. Today, Durie Design employs 52 staff in Sydney, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Singapore, turning its hand to large-scale hotel, resort and commercial projects.

He now divides his time between Los Angeles and Australia, and is doing his best to slow down. But his myriad commitments to organisations such as the Australian Conservation Foundation, Greenpeace and FSC makes this unlikely – not that he’s complaining.

The best thing is he’s always learning. “I headed to factories in India, Thailand and Vietnam, sat on floors with workers assembling pruners and shears and, in

advice of branding experts and thrived.

As he maintained in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald last year: “Good design shouldn’t cost millions of dollars. And it shouldn’t just be available to celebrities. It should be available to everyone. I’ve always instilled into my team that we should always deliver Democratic Design. And I have taken great pride in being able to share techniques that I’ve used in $7.5 billion developments in Dubai in a suburban backyard in Australia.”

Thankfully, he has no shortage of influences to keep the ideas flowing and his boundless energy well harnessed. Nature is undoubtedly his No.1 inspiration, but there’s no shortage of others. Compatriot Marc

“Good design shouldn’t cost millions of dollars.

And it shouldn’t just be available to celebrities.” the process, learned about ergonomic design. It was brilliant,” he says.

Since diversifying into furniture more than a decade ago, Jamie Durie Design has won 33 international awards and bucked the trend by selling his Patio collection in Kmart and later Big W. Durie said his team’s idea of Democratic Design ensured “top-class style for everyday prices”.

Now encompassing each end of the market with his Big W Patio range and luxurious Riva 1920 offerings that retail for up to 6000 euros, Durie ignored the

Newson is also right up there for his versatility and innovation. In terms of landscape design, there’s his 1920s Australian equivalent Edna Walling, Stefano Boeri’s Bosco Verticale (vertical forest) in Milan, and even the pleaching work of 18th century design.

Lancelot “Capability” Brown rates a mention as it allows two-tier planting in one space for greater depth.

Closer to home it’s his Grandma Joy, who says he has added 20 years to her life by creating an orchard of 83 fruits and vegetables in her backyard for schoolkids to visit every day.

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THE bench connection

Your choice of surface can make a lasting impression, transforming your kitchen from production line to a stylish family hub

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OU’VE chosen your kitchen design, now it’s time to think about your benchtops. With so many materials available, it can be hard to figure out which will best suit your needs and budget.

Are you looking for a durable workspace that is low maintenance, such as laminate, or would you rather make a statement in style with polished concrete? Can you extend the budget to include the solid-stone waterfall edge you covet, or are you hoping to cut down on costs by opting for a laminate top with stone overlay? Whatever your dream, make sure you speak your builder to find out what’s included in your design, and how much it will cost to upgrade to your dream aesthetic.

Creating your kitchen is as much affordability and space as it is about functionality. But for style and substance, remember to implement the work triangle concept in your kitchen design for preparing and cleaning, cooking and storing your food with maximum efficiency.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER COST There is a significant difference between what is included in the most affordable options on the market and the most expensive. Natural stone, such as marble and granite, needs to be shipped, cut to size and installed. When dealing with stone, it’s best to leave it to the experts to ensure your cabinetry can support the sheer weight.

Similarly, concrete might be a cheap material, but a concrete benchtop is another thing entirely due to the laborious manufacture and installation processes. Work out the look you’d like, and how much you’re willing to spend to achieve it, and go from there.

STYLE It’s a good idea to make sure the material you choose matches the overall style of the home. Polished concrete might look fantastic in an ultra-modern, minimalist kitchen, but it might not work as well somewhere a little more provincial. If your budget permits, it makes sense to use the same material across all your wet surfaces (kitchen, bathrooms and laundry) to give your home a sense of continuity.

SIZE The size of your kitchen may be the primary consideration in determining which material you choose. Most benchtop products are produced in standard sheet sizes of 3000 x 1400 millimetres, so anything longer than this will need a join. If you really want a seamless look, options that can be cut to size, such as stone or acrylic moulded to the space, might be more to your taste. u

IMAGE: Burbank Homes’ Bellagio at Aspire estate, Plumpton

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CHOOSE YOUR PRODUCT Laminate The most affordable and popular option, laminate comes in a wide range of colours and patterns and textures. From high gloss to imitation stone, modern laminate offers something to suit every interior at an attractive price point.

How to care for it: Laminate requires more TLC than other materials. It can be easily scratched or stained and, once damaged, can be difficult to repair. Always use a chopping board when preparing food, and avoid placing hot items directly on the surface – use a trivet or mat instead. Also beware of harsh cleaners as these can strip the protective coating, causing discolouration.

Natural stone It is the inimitable qualities of natural stone that make it so highly sought after. For a contemporary yet classic kitchen, natural stone – such as marble, granite and limestone – is an ideal option. These hard-wearing, durable and heat-proof surfaces give your area a sleek, luxurious look and work well when paired with timber floors or tiles.

How to care for it: All stone is porous and susceptible to staining, so regular maintenance and sealing is required to help protect these surfaces. Any spills, such as wine or beetroot, should be wiped immediately. Avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaning products that can dull or react with the surface, and don’t use the counter as a cutting board. Stone is chip and crack resistant, but it isn’t impervious to damage and can be difficult and expensive to repair.

Engineered stone Engineered stone was introduced to the market in the late 1980s to meet growing demand for a product with improved density and a more consistent finish. This man-made product is generally created from a combination of naturally forming quartz aggregates, mixed with polyesters or resins.

Engineered stone surfaces have virtually no porosity, making them a more durable, stain-resistant choice than natural stone, and a particularly well-wearing option for young families.

How to care for it: Similar to natural stone, engineered stone is a strong surface, but still requires basic maintenance.

Generally speaking, all this material requires is a once over with a clean cloth and warm water. It is less porous than natural stone and more resistant to damage from wine, citrus, vinegar and other acidic liquids, but it is important to avoid using harsh chemicals and cleaners.

Solid surface If you want a long-lasting surface that will withstand conditions in even the busiest family kitchen, you might want to consider a solid surface top. Solid surface benches were originally designed for commercial use, and are made from a blend of acrylic polymer and natural minerals. Some brands offer marble or granite-look options. The solid plastic benches can be shaped to suit the needs of your kitchen using a heatbased process called thermoforming, which also means you have the option of moulded sinks and draining boards. Acrylic

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surfaces can be pricey, but they are hygienic, stain resistant and easy to repair. Because they are made from one uniformsized mould, there are no visible joins.

How to care for it: Be mindful that solid surfaces are not heat or scratch resistant, so care is still needed when preparing food. Light-coloured surfaces have a tendency to discolour over time, but damage can be easily buffed.

Timber Timber tops can give your kitchen a touch of country charm and are also easy to work in with other finishes, including marble, stone or stainless steel. Though a timber bench can add warmth to a space, it is often not the most practical option for obvious reasons. Depending on the style of timber you like, it can be a pricey option.

How to care for it:Timber benchtops require a lot of care and attention. They need to be sealed regularly, and require much more care when preparing food as they are not scratch resistant and can be affected by heat and liquids.

Polished concrete Polished concrete is having its moment in the spotlight. At first it was all about floors, but it is becoming increasingly popular in the kitchen and bathroom. This hard surface is great for kitchens with an industrial look, offering a durable, well-wearing surface. You can also customise your concrete counter by adding aggregates, such as pebbles or other materials, into the mould for a personalised touch.

How to care for it: Concrete is extremely porous, so it stains easily. It also chips and can develop small cracks. Any benchtop needs to be sealed to resist stains and water damage.

Stainless steel Stainless steel’s hard wearing and virtually indestructible nature has made it a popular choice among young families. It is versatile, easy to clean and extremely hygienic, and sinks can be welded directly into the counter, giving the benchtop a completely seamless look. They can be highly reflective, so you might need to pay attention to the level of direct sun it will receive. Also keep in mind that if not softened with warm cabinetry, fixtures and flooring, stainless steel can look cold and clinical.

How to care for it: Steel benchtops tend to scratch and dent which, depending on your taste, may enhance its industrial charm. Any dints or damage can be easily buffed out. You also won’t have to worry about placing hot pots or trays directly on this surface as stainless steel can take the heat.

Copper If you’re into the metal look, you’ll probably already know that copper has made a comeback. It’s in our coffee tables and cutlery drawers, and now on our kitchen counters. Like stainless steel, it is easy to clean and looks beautiful when complemented with the right finishing touches, but it can be costly.

How to care for it: See stainless steel.

P R A C TI Inside CAL MAGIC

A Study In Sherlock Limited Edition GiclĂŠe print from digital image c. Dex artfinder.com RRP: $104 Limited-edition

Pen pen Essey designergiftsformen.com.au RRP: $24.95

Menu wire bin (copper) stemonline.com.au RRP: $124.95

Ginnie grey office chair zanui.com.au RRP: $149.95

Copper angled floor lamp The French Bedroom Co. frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk RRP: $377

Urban grid clock artclubconcept.com RRP: $99.95

Love your work!

Macrame hanging planter (with glass pot) miafleur.com RRP: $50

Desk organiser etsy.com RRP: $90

Ovela Scandinavian style study desk with light blue drawers Kogan.com RRP: $129

If you’d like to feature a product in Practical Magic, email urbanlife@publicitypress.com.au

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 41

THE NEW PROPERTY PIONEERS Revolutionising home building, the Burbank way While ‘Burbank’ has fast become a household name when it comes to home building in Melbourne, the rise to prominence as one of Australia’s most innovative home and property groups has been decades in the making.

The Burbank story began over 30 years ago, when stepbrothers Eddie Sanfilippo and Eddie Puhar began building homes way back in 1983.

What began with several investment properties branched out into display homes with the first, the King Edward, named after themselves, opening in 1985 in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

The brothers quickly developed a reputation for their commitment to quality workmanship and exceptional customer service and, from humble beginnings, the business began to grow.

It wasn’t long before Eddie’s son Jarrod Sanfilippo came on board, adding another dimension to Burbank with his strong business acumen, work ethic and experience in the automotive industry.

Initially bucking the family trend of building homes, Jarrod followed his passion for all things automotive and enjoyed a successful career at Holden, where he was awarded Engineering Trainee of the Year, before joining Burbank to work with his father and learn more about the industry.

A decade later, it’s clear that decision was a

wise one – for Jarrod and for Burbank. Today, with Jarrod now leading the business as managing director, Burbank Homes is one of Australia’s premier builders. Building homes across Victoria, Queensland and now South Australia, Burbank Homes offers living options for everyone – from apartments, to townhouses, and boutique home and land packages.

But Burbank Homes is only one part of the Burbank Group of Companies.

Together, Eddie and Jarrod have developed the Burbank Group to include numerous companies and divisions including a land development company, licensed plumbing and electrical businesses, a finance company, and a property repair and maintenance business, just to name a few.

In addition to servicing their own portfolio of clients, all businesses within the Burbank Group of Companies continue to service Burbank Homes. Such integration across this diverse range of industries means Burbank can provide second-to-none service to every customer along with trademark outstanding quality – which is exactly what they’ve done for more than 25,000 Australians.

The Burbank vision is a simple one – to deliver a wide range of home solutions through exceptional service.

To find out more, visit www.burbank.com.au.

Fast Facts Over 80 display homes located across more than 30 display villages in Victoria.

More than 30 years’ experience and over 30 industry awards.

Part of the Burbank Group of Companies, which includes 13 interconnected businesses.

Offices in Victoria, Queensland and South Australia.

WHY CHOOSE BURBANK?

Q&A with Burbank’s Managing Director, Jarrod Sanfilippo What’s the current trend for home designs?

Open-plan living continues to be popular, but there’s a new focus on having separate zones to accommodate everyone in the family. Think huge master bedroom suites with adjoining, private living spaces at the front of the home for parents and an open-plan kitchen, meals and family area towards the rear, usually opening up onto an alfresco. There’s a real focus on kitchens, which form the heart of the home and also double as entertainment zones where family and friends come together.

What trends do you predict for home building in the next 5 years? I think we’ll see a greater shift towards townhouses and apartments, particularly as the cost of land increases in Melbourne. Knock-down rebuilds are also rapidly rising, and are the perfect solution for people who love their location but want to upgrade or upsize their home. In today’s market, everyone is trying to maximise their usable space and make it work for their families in the best way possible.

Any tips for homebuyers? Where’s the best place to start? The first step is to work out a budget, talk to a bank or broker about obtaining finance and, if you’re a first home buyer, check your eligibility for the first home buyer’s grant. The next step is to think about

where you’d like to live, starting with the region and then the estate. From here, you can start looking at floor plans to suit, remembering that almost all of them can be modified or customised to suit your needs.

If you could give one tip about how to choose the right home, what would it be? Think about your family’s needs today and tomorrow and visit as many displays as possible, so you get a great idea of what’s available. Also, don’t try to navigate through the decision alone. Speak to a sales consultant who can help you find the perfect fit for your needs – there are so many options available, and they really are a wealth of knowledge.

What’s your favourite room in the home and why?

The lounge room. It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy some family time – and some TV. What do you do when you’re not busy building homes? I like to keep things pretty simple outside of work. I enjoy spending time with family and friends.

I’m also a big sports fan. I love footy and follow the Hawks, so I try to get to as many games as possible.

I also love motorsports, go-karting and anything to do with cars. There’s still an automotive engineer in me somewhere!

• Whether you’re looking for a traditional detached home, a townhouse or an apartment, or you’re thinking of knocking down your existing home to rebuild a new one, Burbank has a home to suit every budget and lifestyle.

• With an integrated business model including in-house finance, land development, plumbing and electrical companies, Burbank guarantees the highest quality homes and the most simple, seamless building experience.

• A 30 year structural warranty, fixed site costs and a guaranteed site start are just a few examples of how Burbank provides a customer experience and aftercare commitment that’s way above industry standard.

• Burbank’s unique online portal, MyPlace, allows customers to track the progress of their build and get regular updates, together with photos, throughout the major stages of construction.

• ‘The Edge’ Selection Studio, located in Melbourne’s CBD is the perfect place for customers to see, touch and select colours, fixtures and fittings for their home, under the expert guidance of Burbank’s design and styling team.

Light up your life Everyone wants to present their home in the best possible light. Flick your creative switch with the help of these illuminating suggestions

invention.

Fast-forward almost 140 years and lighting continues to have the ability to inspire awe, these days more from an aesthetic point of view than a practical one. As well as providing a sense of safety, security and comfort, it can also create atmosphere, and help set the mood of a room.

The right lighting can open up a small space, or make a large space feel more comfortable and inviting. It can bring energy to a room for a night of entertaining, or enhance comfort and relaxation after a big day at the office. A wellexecuted lighting plan takes into account the primary functions of a space and the optimum levels of light required. Good

44 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

lighting is often the finishing touch that complements the design and decor, and makes a room feel complete.

There are many things to consider when choosing lighting for your home, and you will need to consider more than just downlights and dimmers. Thoughtful lighting design takes everything from ergonomics and efficiency to ambience and aesthetics into consideration. These small nuances can be the difference between a homely sense of warmth and comfort or the bright, sterile vibe of a hospital.

THE BASICS Lighting can be broken down into three main categories: ambient, task and accent. A good lighting plan will generally combine all three to enhance and accommodate a room’s function and features.

Ambient lighting, or general lighting, provides an area with overall illumination. It creates a comfortable, warm glow, allowing you to see and walk about safely. In smaller

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T

HOMAS Edison was definitely onto something when he managed to create a long lasting and commercially viable light bulb in 1879. Not only did he put an end to the Dark Ages of candles and kerosene lamps, he transformed the day-the-day lives of millions with his practical and economical

I nside

spaces, such as the laundry or toilet, ambient lighting also serves as the primary source of task lighting. A central source of ambient light in all rooms is fundamental to the overall lighting plan. It usually consists of ceiling, wall-mounted or recessed lights.

As the name suggests, task lighting is used for specific functions, such as reading, cooking or applying make-up. It should be free from glare and shadows, and bright enough to prevent eyestrain. Options include recessed and track lighting, pendant and under-cabinet lighting, as well as by portable floor and desk lamps.

Accent lighting creates a sense of depth and drama by providing visual interest. It is used to highlight key features such as indoor plants or artwork, or to illuminate design or architectural features such as a textured stone wall or window treatment. Accent lighting is provided by concentrating a higher wattage of light on the focal point – approximately triple the lumen of the general lighting surrounding it – and works best using recessed and track lighting, wall-mounted lamps or hanging pendants.

LIGHTING STYLES

OPPOSITE PAGE: Pendant lighting makes a statement TOP (from left): Ambient lighting, or general lighting, illuminates an area; bedside lamps exemplify task lighting; and accent lighting highlights key features

Once you’ve decided what requires highlighting, the next step is to determine how you want to achieve it. Your lighting needs to be an extension of the character of the home, so it’s important to choose pieces that work with your decor.

For example, chandeliers are a great way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space. They can be a great source of ambient or task lighting, depending on the positioning, and come in a range of styles to suit various interiors. Adding a dimmer will allow you to adjust the intensity of the light and will help reduce energy consumption and extend the lifespan of the bulb.

Ceiling lights are a great way to create a focal point for a room. The type of fixture you use will likely be dictated by the height of your ceiling. Higher ceilings and stairwells allow for long-hanging statement pieces, whereas surface-mounted and short-hanging fixtures will be more appropriate for spaces with low ceilings.

Pendant lighting is probably one of the most popular styles used in modern homes. Pendants come in myriad styles, shapes, materials and textures, and can provide ambient and task lighting. Pendants are a great option if you’re looking for lighting that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also practical. They can be suspended over kitchen benches or dining tables to provide warm task lighting, or hung over bedside tables as a reading light, freeing up prime bedside real estate. Another way to use pendants is to hang them in clusters at varying heights to create a beautiful statement piece. Dimmers give you the option to adjust light as required to suit the mood of the room.

Rest assured, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to lighting your home, it’s just a matter of using a little creativity and imagination, in the true tradition of Thomas Edison.

LIGHTEN UP Lighting should complement your lifestyle. Here are a few key considerations: •

What will be the primary function or activities in this space? If there is more than one function, will it require different types of lighting?

•

What mood or ambience are you trying to create?

•

Are there decorative or design elements you’d like to highlight?

•

What is the colour scheme of your home? Dark colours absorb more light so supplementary lighting may be required to illuminate areas with dark wall colours or finishes.

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 45

JG King Homes going from strength to strength A FAMILY BUSINESS BUILDING STEEL FRAME HOMES ACROSS VICTORIA FOR OVER 30 YEARS. The King family have been building homes

Their commitment to award-winning

JG King believe that once you discover

for Victorian families since 1985. In that

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at it. So get all of the style, and all of the

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industry. They are the only builder to offer a steel frame as standard with every home, backed by a BlueScope Steel 50-year peace of mind structural warranty.*

You can visit a number of JG King designs, on display at multiple locations across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Visit jgkinghomes.com.au for further information.

Alpha Collection

#H6

UP COLLECTION With stunning facades and cleverly designed floorplans, the Up Collection is the perfect fit for first home buyers, downsizers and investors. Packed full of quality inclusions such as a Colorbond® roof and BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) 12.5 as standard, you wouldn’t believe you could own it for as little as $112,995.^ To top it all off, the

About the home collections

simplicity of the JG King Up Collection means you could be building your dream home in as little as 7 weeks.^

FEATURES • Multiple living spaces

ALPHA COLLECTION The Alpha Collection delivers contemporary design and liveability, designed with quality and affordability in mind.

• Parents retreat with large walk in robe • 3 additional good size bedrooms • H6 design shown, starting price from $143,995†

ALLURE COLLECTION The Allure Collection sets the benchmark for outstanding design, diversity and quality of finish, featuring a superior list of standard inclusions.

Terms and conditions: *Conditions apply. For 50 Year structural guarantee pricing visit www.jgkinghomes.com.au/privacypolicy. ^Up Collection pricing based on H1 design in Melbourne metropolitan build zone. 7 week timeframe conditions apply. Visit www.upbyjgking.com.au for further information. †H6 Up Collection pricing based on Melbourne Metropolitan build zone.

JOHN G. KING COLLECTION Inspired by the classic and quintessential elements of early colonial architecture, the John G. King Collection is characterised by their widespread, light-filled living spaces, perfect for life on bigger lots.

FIND YOUR NEAREST DISPLAY: jgkinghomes.com.au 1300 JGKING

Question Time Building a new home is one of the biggest commitments of your life, so you want to be properly informed at every stage. Your builder is the best place to start, and don’t be afraid to ask plenty of questions

48 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

LEGAL

T

here are some decisions in life that require research.

You wouldn’t order brunch without first perusing the menu on Instagram to make sure you pick a photo-worthy dish, and you wouldn’t buy a dress for an important event without sending a change-room selfie to your besties for approval (OK, maybe that’s just me), so it makes sense that you wouldn’t buy a house without finding out more about your chosen builder and the construction process first.

A reputable builder removes much of the potential for stress and frustration, so selecting the correct one will ensure your dream home experience won’t turn into a nightmare. Before signing on the dotted line, there are a few simple questions you should ask to ensure your builder not only suits your needs and budget, but will deliver your home on time, without any stress or costly surprises.

“A reputable builder takes away much of the potential for stress and frustration.”

Learn from history Perhaps the most important query is whether your builder is registered and licensed with Victorian Building Authority. Once this is established, it’s worthwhile learning more about the firm. How long have they been operating in the area? How many homes have they built? What are some of their previous projects?

Besides browsing client testimonials, ask to inspect past projects to view the quality of finish and longevity. Protect your interests by raising any queries you have about bankruptcy, warranties and insurance.

Inclusions Many bigger builders offer fixed-price contracts, but smaller operators can’t always offer that same degree of certainty. Either way, the full cost should be advised long before building begins and should include an agreed contingency fund for unexpected costs.

Before making a commitment, establish whether the price allows for all connections, such as water, electricity, sewer, gas and stormwater, and clarify how much has been allocated for site costs, such as removal of excavated soil, rubbish clearance and landscaping.

When considering the contract, ask if it incorporates everything you see in the display home or as part of meeting the six-star energy ratings. This should detail any clauses for wet-weather days and document how the building maintenance process works and how long it will take. The total cost is usually split over several stages of construction, but it’s important to have payment dates and terms in writing to avoid any confusion.

DUE DILIGENCE *

Check with Consumer Affairs Victoria to see if they have received complaints about your builder

*

Ask proposed builders for contact details of past clients, so you can do a reference check.

Follow up with drive-by inspections of past projects

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Once work begins Keeping the lines of communication with your builder open should be the primary consideration for every owner. Establish who will be your building supervisor and how best to arrange regular on-site inspections, including final inspection procedure.

As with any serious commitment, it’s important to do your homework in order to achieve the best possible results.

Prevention is better than cure, so avoid stress and misinformation by laying the foundation for a good working relationship with thorough research and trouble-shooting any issues long before they arise.

* Check all inclusions and costs are defined in writing

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 49

Rhode Island façade.

T H E U LT I M A T E FA M I LY E N T E R TA I N E R From the Porter Davis Lifestyle range, the Vancouver is a design created so you can live the good life. Flexible to accommodate your young, growing or established family, the layout, proportions and quality inclusions make the Vancouver a stand out house.

It’s a no compromise design – it has all the features and benefits of a much larger, more expensive two storey design but with the convenience and affordability of a single storey layout. The floorplan boasts five living

ALFRESCO DINING RUMPUS

spaces, four bedrooms, double garage and study nook as standard, giving residents a huge amount of social and private spaces, as well as the flexibility to convert areas as needed.

The Vancouver is the ultimate family entertainer. It’s essentially a host – a floorplan ready and willing to cater not only to a family’s individual lifestyle needs - but also its preferences.

FAMILY

MEALS

BED 4

KITCHEN LDRY GALLEY

STUDY NOOK WIP

BED 3 ACTIVITY LOUNGE WC BED 2 BATH

HERS WIR

MASTER BEDROOM

ENTRY

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A C R E AT I O N O F CLEVER SPACE

BATH BED 4

BED 4 MEALS FAMILY

FAMILY

From our Advantage range, the aweinspiring double-storey Charlton could be the answer to your housing dreams.

The Charlton provides totally integrated living with zoning for peace and privacy upstairs, making it a perfect choice for a growing family.

areas provide the perfect place for social interaction at any time of the day. Upstairs is dominated by four generous size bedrooms, two bathrooms and games room which DINING divides the minor bedrooms from the master bedroom.

On the ground floor a gorgeous kitchen, family area, dining room, lounge and not one, but two study

The Charlton offers two storeys of family living at a very affordable price.

PDR

STUDY NOOK DINING

MEALS KITCHEN

PTRY

STUDY NOOK

GAMES LDRY

WIR

PDR

ENTRY LOUNGE

HERS ENS

ENTRY

MASTER BEDROOM

PORCH STUDY

GARAGE PORCH

GARAGE

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STUDY NOOK

ENS LOUNGE

BE

KITCHEN

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BATH BED 3

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Dazzled by the delights of a display home?

Consumer Affairs Victoria urges buyers to ensure they are informed before signing on the dotted line

52 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

W How it works

You fall for your dream home and want to take the next step.

It seems simple and affordable: the company has plans and a building process and they take the stress out of building by obtaining all the permits for you. Even better, large building companies are usually a one-stop shop with an in-house network of lawyers, surveyors, designers and tradespeople who can focus on the nitty gritty, leaving you free to plan your

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SHOW BUSINESS

HAT you see isn’t always what you get when it comes to display homes, but that’s only because many buyers overlook the fact that what they might be able to touch and feel at a display home isn’t the standard model.

By their very nature, display homes highlight the ‘display’ factor. In other words, they showcase the best that a builder offers in a particular design, style or budget. The standard model may have the same floor plan, but that chilled water dispenser, InSinkErator or top-of-the-range oven probably won’t be there, the high-gloss tiles may have a matte finish, or the spa could be replaced by a standard bath.

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. So it’s important that you know exactly what you’re buying when you sign on the dotted line. Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) says first-time buyers can be blinded by the spectacle of a display home, so they have produced a series of fact sheets to guide you through the process.

LEGAL decor, furniture and shop around for schools.

The transition from dream to reality can be extremely smooth, but it’s important that your expectations match any commitment you make. House and land packages generally involve at least two contracts – one for the sale of land and the other to build the house. Building can only begin once the plan of subdivision is registered and the property title is created.

You have the right to cancel your land sale contract if the subdivision is not registered within 18 months or a pre-determined date specified in the contract. The building contract usually mirrors this date and should have clauses inserted to ensure your obligations under the building contract do not start until after registration has occurred. In a worstcase scenario you could be charged and the builder could end the contract if registration is delayed.

Take your time For this reason, CAV advises buyers to never sign documents under pressure.

“As building contracts can be complex, we recommend that you get a building lawyer to review your building contract before you sign,” they say.

The downside of consulting a building lawyer is losing the five-day cooling-off period that allows you to change your mind without major penalty. If you withdraw from a contract during the cooling-off period, the builder is entitled to keep $100 and any approved out-of-pocket expenses they incurred before the contract was withdrawn. They must refund all other money.

Despite this, it’s often better to be safe than sorry, particularly with what will be most people’s biggest purchase in their lifetime.

For an independent viewpoint, CAV recommends that you assemble a team including a building lawyer, a building consultant and a building surveyor. The lawyer will help you understand and negotiate the contract, particularly if your home is being customised. The consultant ensures the plans suit your specific needs and monitors the quality of work during construction, and the surveyor checks that building work meets minimum standards of the building regulations.

ALL IN THE DETAIL •

Select your fixtures and fittings and specify them in your contract.

•

Make sure contract variations are determined with your builder and put in writing.

•

Foundation data should put you and the builder on a level playing field. You should not have to pay later for work that was not foreseen.

•

You will be required to pay a specific amount for each completed stage of building. The stages are usually base, frame, lock-up and fixing, but only pay if you’re satisfied the work is complete.

If you choose to build a replica of the display home, your contract must include the home’s exact plans and specifications If customising plans, get an exact cost of building and any changes so you can determine if they are justified. Ensure changes are specified in writing, not just in the plans.

If you agree to cheaper fixtures and fittings, make sure you understand what you are getting (and agreeing to do without).

Perhaps most importantly, if you love a particular design and decide not to proceed with that builder, their plans are covered by copyright and cannot be used.

CONTACTS Law Institute of Victoria (liv.asn.au) Building Practitioners Board (vba.vic.gov.au/buildingpractitioners-board) Victorian Building Authority (vba.vic.gov.au) Consumer Affairs Victoria (consumer.vic.gov.au)

Pre-construction contracts A soil report is necessary for the builder to gather foundation data so they can design the footings and give you a cost estimate. They may ask you to sign a document to authorise this. If the contract includes design or specification work, obtaining permits or other building activity, it is a building contract. This provides you with rights under the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 and protection under Australian Consumer Law.

NEED TO KNOW It can be expensive to change a standard plan or add extras after you’ve signed.

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 53

Features: •

Wyndham Vale train station and other public transport options

•

Shopping centre

•

Primary and Secondary Schools

•

Childcare and Kindergarten

•

Community Centre, library and maternal health

•

Parklands and playgrounds

•

Wetlands, fitness stations, walking and bike paths

•

Access to major road networks

Here’s what some of our residents had to say about living at Manor Lakes •

“We like the outdoors and here you have a country atmosphere while still being close to the city.

We also found out it was a very dog-friendly estate, with lots of walking paths, which is important to us as well.”

•

“The school has given us so many more options and opportunities. The teachers help us in every way and everyone is respectful of each other in working well as a community.”

•

“It’s easy to get everywhere and we have three or four parks in close walking distance.”

•

“We tell them it really is only half an hour to the city, half an hour to the bush and less than half an hour to the beach.”

•

“It doesn’t matter what lifestyle you want.

Everything is so much more achievable here at Manor Lakes.”

•

“We have no intention of leaving Manor Lakes and see ourselves here forever.“

Sales Office - 2 Eppalock Drive, Wyndham Vale, open daily 10am to 5pm.

Suburb recognition - Manor Lakes is about to become its own suburb.

Residents - around 9,000 people already call Manor Lakes home.

Lollipop Hill - is the latest land precinct within Manor Lakes.

Community Events - activities held each year, including Australia Day event, Easter Egg Hunt, Community Fund and Christmas Lights competition.

PRACTICAL MAGIC

Alto Bath earlysettler.com.au RRP: $699

Bemboka Luxury Towels lavenderhillinteriors.com.au RRP: $74

Caminha bathrobe urbanara.de RRP: $81.69

Copper soap dispenser zanui.com.au RRP: $44.95

Fresh Norman Copenhagen Block dark grey top3.com.au RRP: $465

Iittala Vitriini Box 60x60mm (Clear Oak) stemonline.com.au RRP: $129.95

start

Emporium Venus Perfume Bottle emporiumhome.com.au RRP: $12.95

Indian soap set of lemon, lavender, vetiver oxfamshop.org.au RRP: $19.95 Fleur De Lis Bathroom tile wall stickers spincollective.co.uk RRP: $41.89 (36 stickers)

Pirch Bridge rogerseller.com.au RRP: $595

Menu Bath Toilet Brush stemonline.com.au RRP: $159.95

Link Bath Mat Arko Furniture utedesign.com.au RRP: $79.95

Splosh koko reed diffuser vanilla sugar splosh.com.au RRP: $34.95

Mirror Frameless idyllhome.co.uk RRP: $312.08

If you’d like to feature a product in Practical Magic, email urbanlife@publicitypress.com.au

INSIDER What attracted you to the industry (and when)?

We started the home business in 1982. We were attracted to the vibrancy of the industry. Home building is completely different from land development. Land development is a long-term business and it can take over 20 years to develop a housing estate. Meanwhile, home building is generally a short-term project that can be completed within 12 months. The two businesses complement each other.

What do you love most about the industry?

Growing up, my family couldn’t afford to rent a house, let alone to buy one. What I love most about the industry is being involved in delivering one of the basic human needs - the need for shelter, in particular constructing homes for young families, the first-home buyers.

What do you consider your proudest moment or greatest achievement (in the industry)?

In 1992, we set a goal to build a long-term sustainable business.

I am proud to say that we have achieved that goal. Our business is 100 per cent family-owned business. All of my children decided to join the business and now the third generation of the family is also showing great interest in the business. Some of the other achievements that came to mind include being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (2005) and the Sir Phillip Lynch Award (2003).

space, which enables the family to entertain all year round.

If you had the power, how would you improve the process of building?

It would be to move the impediments to housing affordability, such as planning constraints and unfair taxation on new housing.

What is the biggest misconception people have when building a home?

The biggest misconception is that building a new home is a difficult process. We have been building new homes since 1982 and in that time have built homes for many thousands of customers. We are happy to pass on the knowledge gained over those years to our customers so that the process becomes simple and easy.

If building tomorrow, what feature would you most like incorporated in your home?

I can’t imagine anything better than the homes we are currently building. Dennis Family Homes’ designs incorporate everything a family could need. Our homes feature generous, open-plan meals, kitchen and living areas for family time, play time and entertaining, and functional everyday storage features, such as walk-in robes and pantries.

Bert Dennis Dennis Family Homes

Biggest regret?

I have learned a lot over the journey. Maybe I would do some things differently, but I don’t have any real regrets.

Worst trend?

Lack of a co-ordinated approach on housing affordability. New housing and land is being taxed by a disproportionately high amount, which affects affordability, making it harder and harder for first-time buyers to get into the market. I would like to see a more co-ordinated approach on addressing this issue by local, state and the Federal Governments. We’re doing our bit by designing more affordable homes and releasing more affordable land, but I believe more could be done.

Best change?

The disappearance of the formal dining room and a greater focus on the family room – an open-plan central living space that brings family closer. The family room now incorporates the kitchen, meals and sitting area. The family room is also often connected to a covered outdoor living

What tips would you give for futureproofing a home?

Take your time to research the quality of the homes built by various builders. Talk to other customers to get their experience. A well-built, highquality home will stand the test of time. From a technology perspective, I would make inquiries about whether the land you are buying has or will have access to the NBN as I believe this will become as necessary as having water, gas and electricity.

What should prospective buyers look for when choosing a builder?

A reputable, reliable builder with good designs who has been around for a while.

What do you think building a home will be like in 2030?

It is hard to imagine better than what we are currently doing at a comparable price. There may be more use of prefabrication materials, but my prediction is that in 20 years people will still have preference for bricks and mortar. We will probably see more and more high-density development as land close to the CBD becomes more and more expensive.

Founder URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 57

INDUSTRY NEWS

Great outdoors become greater THE size of our backyards may be shrinking, but their importance to everyday Australians seems to be increasing.

The inaugural Great Australian Backyard Survey, sponsored by Adbri Masonry, found more than four in five of the 1133 respondents consider the outside space was important when considering whether to rent or buy a property.

An entertaining or dining area topped the list of what we want in our backyard.

It edged out a garden or vegetable patch, outdoor kitchen, pool or spa and water feature.

Once there, modern-day Aussies used it for relaxation (69.45 per cent),

gardening (67.48 per cent), entertaining (64.57 per cent), cooking and dining (50.38 per cent) and kids play area (38.91 per cent).

Revealing that one-third of the respondents spend a minimum of an hour each day in their backyard, the survey also found almost double (62.58 per cent) had invested in it over the past year for positive returns. These include enhancing their home, improving their lifestyle and health, and spending more time with family.

More than a third (35 per cent) would like to improve their backyard but can’t afford it, with another fifth planning to do so in the next 12 months.

Solar lights up capital cities

cyclists pedalling furiously for several hours to produce the same amount of power that Australia is now creating from the sun.”

By comparison, 774MW of new wind power was connected to the national energy market, while 1300MW of coal power was decommissioned in 2015.

Mr Johnston said solar power output was expected to keep growing in 2016 but not at the same rate.

“Last year, the Australian solar industry grew overall but this was primarily due to large-scale solar power stations coming on line. Other major solar projects are in the pipeline but unlikely to be built until 2017 and onwards.

“With the largest penetration of rooftop solar in the world, Australia should expect its volume of residential sales to slow down. Batteries are obviously starting to create a buzz in the marketplace, but sellers are not expecting to shift high volumes until prices become more competitive.”

AUSTRALIANS are generating enough power from the sun to light up all homes in Brisbane and Perth.

SunWiz managing director Warwick Johnston said Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria were leading the charge by creating five gigawatts (gW) of power.

“Solar power now makes up nine per cent of Australia’s total electricity generation capacity (of 56GW), with more solar power (913mW) added to the grid than any other fuel source,” Johnston said. “Those numbers are so huge they can be difficult to picture, but imagine for a moment that you’re an elite cyclist travelling in a pack at 60km/h. By maintaining that speed for several hours you would create 250 watts of (human) power - or about the same as a single solar panel. It would take 20 million elite

58 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

Values double every decade

Growing pains test planners

MELBOURNE was the only Australian capital city to realise the oftenmentioned claim that property values double every decade. Over the 10 years to January 2015, Melbourne values increased 100.9 per cent, ahead of Sydney (78 per cent) and Darwin (75.3 per cent). Hobart (17.1 per cent), Adelaide (41.7 per cent) and Brisbane (44 per cent) were at the other end of the spectrum. “It looks unlikely that by the time January 2021 rolls around that home values would have doubled over the decade in any of the capital cities.

Over the past five years, Sydney and Melbourne are the only capital cities in which home values have increased by more than 10 per cent,” research analyst Cameron Kusher said.

CRANBOURNE East, South Morang, Epping and Point Cook have topped the nation as the fastest-growing suburbs as it highlights that city fringes are growing faster than the rest of the country.

Australian Bureau of Statistic figures showed the top two suburbs were expanding by 88 people each week.

Craigieburn/Mickleham and Truganina also featured in the top 10.

Melbourne was officially the fastest growing capital city in Australia, with1760 people moving to the Victorian capital each week. The city added 830,000 residents over the past 10 years, according to SGS Economics and Planning.

It is the second year running the city’s growth corridors in the north, west and south have dominated the boom.

Just Cause VILLAWOOD Properties and Henley Homes again played their part in making a major contribution to the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal and its charity home auction.

Villawood Properties donated a 512-square-metre block at its landmark Trillium community in Mickleham, while Henley Homes donated a luxurious ‘Emperor Belle’ Q1 home from its premium range.

The double-storey house was sold to the Elsikmani family (Joe, Houda and Noah) for $663,000, with the proceeds donated directly to the hospital.

Over its 24 years, the auction has raised more than $13.25 million.

All proceeds from the sale are given

directly to the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Villawood executive director Rory Costelloe said hundreds of tradespeople and suppliers donated their time and equipment to build the home and make each auction possible.

“This initiative resonates at Villawood Properties because so many of our staff have been personally touched by the amazing work of the Royal Children’s Hospital,” Costelloe said. “It also strikes a chord because of our passion for engaging with the issues that affect and improve the broader community and for creating communities that are sustainable in every sense.”

2016 was Villawood’s seventh year of involvement with the charity home auction. It is the company’s largest single phwilanthropic activity.

INDUSTRY NEWS Greater choice in Burbank alliance

Jarrod Sanfilippo and Steve Maher

CUSTOMERS will be the winners with greater choice and flexibility after the Burbank Group announced its partnership with Urbanedge and Eight Homes.

The family-owned-and-operated group said the partnership enhanced its diversity as it aimed to become Australia’s leading home builder.

“We were already meeting a large portion of the market’s needs, but now we can truly cater to every customer out there,” managing director Jarrod Sanfilippo said.

Urbanedge director Steve Maher said the combined expertise was unique.

“All three companies are awardwinning companies who have worked hard to establish themselves as trusted brands. In our industry, it’s all about continuous improvement - about finding ways to do things bigger, better and smarter in order to improve the customer journey and the end product.”

Traffic project goes with flow

Geelong eyes land of opportunity

TRAFFIC flow between Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook, Melbourne and Geelong is a key focus of the State Government’s $70 million East Werribee Transport Improvement Project.

It is an integral aspect of the future East Werribee Employment Precinct. It is a large scale-development precinct that includes the planned town centre based around a central lake and heritage park setting, commercial areas, health and education precinct, business enterprise areas, and substantial areas for highquality residential development.

Meanwhile, Planning Minister Richard Wynne has approved 500 new lots for affordable housing as part of the Lincoln Heath South precinct structure plan in the Point Cook area.

Highlighted by a wetland area, it is next to Saltwater Reserve, and close to Point Cook Coastal Park, several town centres, community facilities and is linked to the Williams Landing train station via existing bus routes.

The opening of the Sneydes Rd interchange is predicted to improve access to the Princes Freeway for all Point Cook residents.

MORE land development opportunities for Victoria’s largest regional city will be part of an urban renewal action plan undertaken by the Geelong Authority.

Launched in September, the Authority is tasked with streamlining major planning opportunities, driving greater investment and improving Geelong’s streetscapes and open spaces.

Chaired by Avalon airport business manager Peter Dorling, the Authority would work closely with the Central Geelong Task Force to identify ways to revitalise Geelong’s city centre.

As for coastal communities, a discussion paper on the Moolap Coastal Strategic Framework Plan - and the 1200ha of industrial and coastal land on Geelong’s doorstep - is expected to be released soon.

“Moolap and our coastal communities deserve a clear plan for growth, planning and jobs, and that’s exactly what we’re getting on with providing,” Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville said.

Places Victoria will also work closely with the Authority, through land acquisition, infrastructure design and development partnerships.

At-risk kids win in cubby challenge PORTER Davis’s team proved they were just big kids at heart when their entry topped the auction prices in the Cubby House Challenge at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.

Five building and architectural firms submitted their dream cubby houses to benefit national youth homelessness prevention charity, Kids Under Cover.

Porter Davis’s design, the Relic, broke all auction records by securing $17,200.

The remaining cubbies - from Archsign (Duplay), Fairhaven Homes (Fun House), Grocon (Cubey House), Hartman Homes (Pl-yGround) - totalled $63,800 for the charity, with this amount being topped up another $40,000 by Gandel Philanthropy.

These cubby houses were assessed by a panel of experts including Grand Designs Australia host Peter Maddison, with Pl-yground awarded top architectural honours. Its design team from Matt Gibson Architecture + Design integrated a ball pit, lavenderembedded wall panels, a fireman’s pole and climbing nets.

The auctioneers came from Woodards, Hocking Stuart, RT Edgar, Nelson Alexander and iSell.

Kids Under Cover chief executive Jo Swift said the proceeds “from all of this creative energy will go to help at-risk young people and provide them with

opportunities they may not have had”.

“The cubbies are always an important element of the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, with children actively encouraged to interact with and play on them. But these cubbies are also an important way for us to educate families and others about the work of Kids Under Cover, and how we help prevent youth homelessness and support at-risk families. We are proud of the Cubby House Challenge’s ability to educate and engage. And we are grateful for the auction results and subsequent donations to allow us to continue with our work,” Swift said.

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 59

There’s more to love in every Metricon home.

There’s more to love in every Metricon home.

There’s more to love in every Metricon home.

The Metricon Hampshire The Metricon Hampshire The Metricon Hampshire

Visit a display | metricon.com.au | 1300 METRICON Visit a display | metricon.com.au | 1300 METRICON Visit a display | metricon.com.au | 1300 METRICON Image depicts items not supplied by Metricon namely landscaping and fencing.

Image depicts items not supplied by Metricon namely landscaping and fencing.

Image depicts items not supplied by Metricon namely landscaping and fencing.

MET 1004079 UrbanLife_Hampshire_540x310.indd 1

Love where you live Love where you live Love where you live 14/04/2016 11:20 AM

DIRECTORY BURBANK HOMES (Open Mon-Fri noon-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-6pm)

SoUth EAST (S) Clyde North 30 Flowerbloom Cres, Berwick Waters Cranbourne East 23 Bathgate Cres, Livingstone Estate Cranbourne West 3 Erindale St, Clarinda Park Estate Dandenong 70 Cheltenham Rd, Metro Village 3175 Keysborough 3 Olivetree Dr, Somerfield Estate Officer 20 Hardwick Pl, Timbertop Estate Wantirna South 2B Appledale Way, Harcrest Estate

North (N) Craigieburn 18 Dashing Rd, Aston Estate 3 Montreal Circuit, Highlands Estate Doreen 1 Mensa Circuit, Plenty River Estate Epping North 14 Corbett Ave, Aurora Estate Greenvale 20 Destination Dr, Aspect Estate 46 Flourish Circuit, Greenvale Gardens Mernda 18 Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages Mickleham 515 Mount Ridley Rd, Trillium Estate.

Open Mon-Wed noon-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-6pm 48 Newmarket Pde, Merrifield Estate Sunbury 10 Rosenthal Blvd, Rosenthal Estate

West (W) Melton 1 Willandra Blvd, Willandra Estate Melton South 10 Ladbroke St, Atherstone Estate Plumpton 13 Rowling St, Aspire Estate. Open MonWed noon-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-6pm Point Cook 64 Boardwalk Blvd, Boardwalk Boulevard Estate 12 Gramercy Blvd, The Address Estate Taylors Hill 62 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

HARPLEY ESTATE (W) Burbank Homes’ double-storey Marriott 4200 in Werribee’s newest estate is a statement in style.

Part of the luxurious ‘Elements

by Burbank’ collection, it has four bedrooms, three entertainment zones, a chef-grade kitchen and even a library. It’s also available in two other sizes: the 3700 and 4700. It’s open on weekdays from noon-5pm and weekends from 11am-6pm.

Billeroy Way, Werribee Melway Ref: 204, K8

25 Peppermint Grove, Taylors Hill Estate Truganina 18 Everholme Dr, Allura Estate Werribee 3 Charter Rd, Riverwalk Estate 5 Billeroy Way, Harpley Estate Williams Landing 7 Harvey St, Williams Landing Estate

Geelong and Bellarine (G) Armstrong Creek 11 Coastside Dr, Warralily Coast Estate Norlane 1a Yooringa Ave, New Norlane

CARLISLE HOMES (Open Mon-Fri, noon-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm) Armstrong Creek (G) 3-7 Decourcy Way, Warralily Coast Estate. Ph: Kim 0400 304 519.

Clyde North (S) 19-25 Flowerbloom Cres, Berwick Waters Estate.

22-26 Waler Cct, Selandra Rise Estate.

Cranbourne North (S) 9-11 Stoneleigh Rd, The Avenue Estate.

Ph: Rob 0423 633 181.

Greenvale (N) 2-4 Petal Close, Greenvale Gardens Estate. Ph: Richard 0400 442 442.

Mickleham (N) 52-54 Newmarket Pde, Merrifield Estate.

Ph: 9008 5470. James 0423 977 145.

DENNIS FAMILY HOMES (Open 11am-5pm daily. Ph: 1800 336 647) Armstrong Creek (G) Warralily Coast Estate Coastside Drive, Warralily Coast Estate.

Burnside (W) Lexington Dr, Modeina Estate. Open Thu & Fri only.

Clyde North (S) Flowerbloom Cres, Berwick Waters Estate.

Craigieburn (N) Dashing Rd, Aston Estate Fletcher Rd, Highlands Estate Cranbourne East (S) Bathgate Cres, Livingston Estate Cranbourne West (S) Red Maple Dr, Casiana Grove Estate Diggers Rest (N) Sully Court, Bloomdale Estate Greenvale (N) Flourish Circuit, Greenvale Gardens Estate Melton South (W) Castletown Blvd, Waterford Estate. Open Sat-Wed 11am-5pm.

Mernda (N) Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages Estate Mickleham (N) Newmarket Pde, Merrifield Estate Mount Duneed (G) Native Ave, Armstrong Estate Ocean Grove (G)

Sacramento St, Oakdene Estate.

Officer (S) Penshurst Cres, Timbertop Estate.

Williams Landing (W) Harvey St, Williams Landing Estate.

EIGHT HOMES Armstrong Creek (G) 103-104 Lampard St, Warralily Coast Estate. Ph: David 0417 511 147.

Clyde North (S) 4-5 Belant Way, Selandra Rise Estate.

Ph: Adam 0415 215 761.

Craigieburn (N) 7-9 Montreal Circuit, Highlands Estate.

Ph: Kelly 0414 845 600.

Cranbourne (S) 14-16 Erindale St, Clarinda Park Estate.

Ph: Chloe 0425 809 385.

Cranbourne East (S) 13 Bathgate Cres, Livingston Estate.

Ph: Megan 0405 550 044, Shani 0439 887 863.

Melton South (W) Ladbroke St, Atherstone Estate.

Ph: Tela 0413 146 870.

Mernda (N) 23 Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages.

Ph: Baiden 0412 543 434.

Williams Landing (W) 61-63 Sayers Rd, Williams Landing Estate. Ph: Brad 0426 477 847, Luke 0416 039 657.

HENLEY (Open 11am-5.30pm daily).

Craigieburn (N) Whitfield Cres, Highlands Estate. Ph: 8306 6040.

Clyde North (S) Flowerbloom Cres, Berwick Waters.

Ph: 8306 6070.

Lipizzan Way, Selendra Rise Estate.

Ph: 8306 6000.

Greenvale (N) Greenvale Gardens Blvd, Greenvale Gardens Estate. Ph: 8306 6039.

Mernda (N) Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages Estate.

Ph: 8306 6080.

Taylors Hill (W) Peppermint Grove, Taylors Hill Estate.

Ph: 8306 6025.

Truganina (W) Mainview Blvd, Allura Estate.

Ph: 8306 6073.

Williams Landing (W) Harvey St, Williams Landing Estate. Ph: 8306 6010.

JG KING (Open Mon-Wed noon-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm) Clyde North (S) 40 Flowerbloom Cres, Berwick Waters Estate. Ph: 0407 273 929.

Craigieburn (N) 6-8 Star Way, Aston Estate.

Ph: 0459 141 489.

Cranbourne (S) 39-41 Bathgate Cres,Livingston Estate.

Ph: 0417 388 738.

Melton South (W) Cnr Bridge Rd & Astley Dr, Atherstone Estate. Ph: 0431 745 435.

Mernda (N) Stradling Rise (off Galloway Dr), Mernda Village. Ph: 0400 803 165.

Mornington (S) 207 Main St. Open Mon-Fri noon-5pm.

Ph: 0497 072 187 Point Cook (W) 58 Citybay Dr, Saltwater Coast Estate.

Ph: 0438 590 368.

Romsey (N) Greenfields Blvd, Lomandra Estate.

Ph: 0447 451 597.

Werribee (W) Billeroy Way, Harpley Estate.

Ph: 0409 230 357.

METRICON HOMES Balwyn (E) 90 Belmore Rd. Open Sat-Thu, noon5pm. Ph: 9859 7983.

Cranbourne (S) Cnr Thompson Rd and BerwickCranbourne Rd, The Avenue Estate.

Open 7 days, 11am-5pm.

Ph: 9915 5739, 9915 5615.

Craigieburn (N) Dashing Rd, Aston Estate. Open 7 days, 11am-5pm. Ph: 9271 5370.

Glen Waverley (E) 672 High Street Rd. Open 7 days, 11am5pm. Ph: 9802 9981, 9802 1621.

Keysborough (S) Westwood Blvd, Somerfield Estate. Open 7 days, 11am-5pm. Ph: 9701 5048.

10 Olivetree Dr, Somerfield Estate. Open 7 days, 11am-5pm. Ph: 9798 5033.

Mickleham (N) Newmarket Pde, Merrifield Estate. Open 7 days, 11am-5pm. Ph: 0401 520 150.

Point Cook (W) Tristania Dr, Esperance Estate. Open 7 days, 11am-5pm. Ph: 8375 0740.

Werribee (W)

215 Timbarra Dr, Riverwalk Estate. Open 7 days, 11am-5pm. Ph: 0415 188 777.

Wollert (N) Timble Close (off Pine Park Dr). Open 7 days, 11am-5pm. Ph: 8407 2191.

PORTER DAVIS (Open daily 11am-5pm) Armstrong Creek Armstrong Blvd, Armstrong Estate. Open daily 11am-5pm. Ph: 5242 5212 Clyde North Flowerbloom Cres, Berwick Waters Estate. Ph: 5915 9107.

Cranbourne East Lineham Dr, MayfieldEstate.

Ph: 5915 9126.

Cranbourne West Red Maple Dr, Casiana Grove Estate.

Open Sat-Thu 11am-5pm. Ph: 5915 9111.

Greenvale Destination Drive (off Amira Blvd), Aspect Estate. Ph: 9999 2160.

Keysborough Westwood Blvd, Somerfield Estate.

Ph: 9701 8965.

Melton South (W) Ladbroke St, Atherstone Estate.

Ph: 8407 4990.

Mernda (N) Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages.

Ph: 8750 4208.

New Norlane (N) Yooringa Ave, New Norlane Estate. Open Sat-Wed 11am-5pm. Ph: 9394 7610.

Officer (S) Grandvue Blvd, Grandvue Estate. Open Sat-Thu 11am-5pm. Ph: 5919 6105.

Plumpton (W) Aspire Blvd, Aspire Estate. Open Sat-Thu 11am-5pm. Ph: 8750 2924.

Point Cook (W)

Coastwatch Rd (off Saltwater Prom), Saltwater Coast Estate. Ph: 8750 3096.

Romsey (N) Melbourne-Lancefield Rd, Lomandra Estate. Ph: 0408 231 492.

Sunbury (N) Rosenthal Blvd, Rosenthal Estate.

Ph: 8747 1604.

Wantirna South (S) Appledale Way, Harcrest Estate.

Ph: 8820 3100.

Werribee (W) Charter Rd, Riverwalk Estate.

Ph: 5250 5442.

Williams Landing (W) Cnr Palmers Rd & Opsum Way, Williams Landing Estate. Ph: 8751 2115.

Wollert (N) Pink Park Dr, Eucalypt Estate.

Ph: 9408 1048.

URBANEDGE (Open Mon-Wed noon-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm) Armstrong Creek (G) 9-11 Decourcy Way, Warralily Estate.

Ph: Catherine 0435 803 337.

Clyde North (S) 14-16 Flowerbloom Cres, Berwick Waters. Open Mon-Thu noon-5pm, SatSun 11am-5pm. Ph: Steve 0466 778 262.

Greenvale (N) 21-23 Destination Dr, Aspect Greenvale Estate. Ph: Carmen 0407 820 151.

Keysborough (S) 5 Olivetree Blvd, Somerfield Estate. Ph: Andrew 0413 957 385.

Williams Landing (W) 65-69 Sayers Rd, Williams Landing Estate. Open Mon-Fri noon-5pm, SatSun 11am-5pm. Ph: Rosie 0416 769 310, Steve 0403 371 311.

Win a $4990 voucher on us!

SEE PAGE 21 FOR DETAILS

FINANCE

Buying

power When it comes to what you want and where you can buy, money talks.

Be prepared to make sacrifices if you want a place to call your own

A

ffordability means different things to different people. For economists, it primarily refers to housing stress – when home buyers spend more than 30 per cent of their gross household income on housing costs. But for first-time buyers, it’s all about spending power. At its simplest, affordability is the constant juggling between your wants, needs, budget and bank balance. Like it or not, the latter will be the single biggest factor in determining the choice available to you.

If you are contemplating taking the leap into home ownership, it pays to be informed about the realities of the Great Australian Dream.

Even if your bank balance is less than you’d hope, there is never a better time than now to begin your research.

Visiting new estates and inspecting display homes allows you a touch-and-feel experience and helps you work out what

The pre-approved amount usually applies for a set time, and sets a limit on what you can borrow. But it allows prospective buyers the chance to put their plans into action.

Saving requires immense discipline to reach your goal, but it’s worth reminding yourself exactly what your priorities are. Besides the sale price, the not-insubstantial matters of stamp duty, settlement and mortgage costs, home insurance, removalist costs and conveyancing are also due, the sum of which can surprise first-time buyers. Also factor in a contingency fund for emergencies.

A word of advice: It is rare to find the perfect home, so compromise is often required. One may have to settle for a smaller home in your preferred location, or a move further out if a bigger home is the priority. Either way, your financial strength and gut instinct will highlight which is more appropriate.

Home ownership can be extremely rewarding, but it brings

you’d like in your home, but knowing what you can afford is the next step. Familiarise yourself with what you can borrow by using an online loan calculator. This will give you a ballpark figure of what amount may be borrowed. Then make an appointment with a lender to learn about types of loans, fees, repayments and the First Home Owner Grant.

If you’re yet to start saving, write down a monthly budget, and stick to it. This should incorporate all your income and expenditure, paying particular attention to savings, rent, loan and credit card repayments, food, clothing and holidays, phone and utility expenses, motor vehicle costs and any other incidentals that affect your bottom line.

While your deposit is gradually taking shape, get the green light for house hunting from lenders by gaining pre-approval.

64 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

with it great responsibility. If the sums, sentiment and all the boxes are ticked, you’re on a winner. But if the emotions and finances don’t balance out, it will pay to steer clear – for the time being.

Living it up and home buying aren’t necessarily compatible, but with good planning it is possible to enjoy the best of both worlds. - ROSS McGRAVIE

IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

“If you are contemplating taking the leap into home ownership, it pays to be informed about the realities of the Great Australian Dream.”

PERF E CT FO R FI RST-H O M E BUY ER S AN D INV ESTO R S

Buying a property... starts with FINANCE

FI RST H O M E BUYE R

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UNIQADVANTAGE.COM.AU

PROPERTY IN V ESTOR

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PORTER DAVIS

D I S P L AY CENTRES

NORTH WEST REGION DISPLAY CENTRES

SOUTH EAST REGION DISPLAY CENTRES

ATHERSTONE ESTATE Ladbroke Street (off Atherstone Boulevard), Melton South | Melway Ref: 343 B5 T 03 8407 4990 | OPEN 7 Days 11am–5pm

BERWICK WATERS ESTATE Flowerbloom Crescent, Clyde North Melway Ref: 131 C8 T 03 5915 9107 | OPEN 7 Days 11am–5pm

ROSENTHAL ESTATE Rosenthal Boulevard, Sunbury | Melway Ref: 381 K9 T 03 8747 1604 | OPEN 7 Days 11am–5pm

CASIANA GROVE ESTATE Red Maple Drive, Cranbourne West Melway Ref: 133 B7 T 03 5915 9111 | OPEN: Sat–Thurs 11am–5pm

7

GRANDVUE ESTATE Grandvue Boulevard, Officer | Melway Ref: 215 D3 T 03 5919 6105 | OPEN: Sat–Thurs 11am–5pm

WEST REGION DISPLAY CENTRES ARMSTRONG ESTATE Armstrong Boulevard, Mt Duneed Melway Ref: 479 F1 T 03 5242 5212 | OPEN 7 Days 11am–5pm

2

THE ADDRESS ESTATE Gramercy Boulevard, Point Cook T 03 8750 3096 | OPEN 7 Days 11am–5pm RIVERWALK ESTATE Charter Road, Werribee | Melway Ref: 244 E1 T 03 5250 5442 | OPEN 7 Days 11am–5pm

4

WILLIAMS LANDING ESTATE Cnr Palmers Road & Opsum Way, Williams Landing Melway Ref: 203 J7 T 03 8751 2115 | OPEN 7 Days 11am–5pm

5

WOODLEA ESTATE Woodlea Boulevard, Rockbank Melway Ref: 344 H6 T 03 8250 2924 | OPEN 7 Days 11am–5pm

NORTH REGION DISPLAY CENTRES 10 9

13

ASTON ESTATE Valiant Crescent, Craigieburn | Melway Ref: 386 B7 T 03 5250 6326 | OPEN 7 Days 11am–5pm

MAYFIELD ESTATE Lineham Drive (off South Gippsland Highway), Cranbourne East | Melway Ref: 134 A9 T 03 5915 9126 | OPEN 7 Days 11am–5pm

ASPECT ESTATE Destination Drive, Greenvale | Melway Ref: 385 K12 T 03 9999 2160 | OPEN 7 Days 11am–5pm

11

EUCALYPT ESTATE Pine Park Drive, Wollert | Melway Ref: 182 D1 T 03 9408 1048 | OPEN 7 Days 11am–5pm

8

LOMANDRA ESTATE Melbourne-Lancefield Road, Romsey Melway Ref: X921 E12 T 0408 231 492 | OPEN 7 Days 11am–5pm

12

MERNDA VILLAGES ESTATE Stradling Rise, Mernda | Melway Ref: 390 E8 T 03 8750 4208 | OPEN 7 Days 11am–5pm

HARCREST ESTATE Appledale Way, Wantirna South | Melway Ref: 72 J2 T 03 8820 3100 | OPEN 7 Days 11am–5pm

SOMERFIELD ESTATE Westwood Boulevard, Keysborough Melway Ref: 89 E12 T 03 9701 8965 | OPEN 7 Days 11am–5pm

14

BRIGHTON EAST 333 South Road, Brighton East | Melway Ref: 77 A4 T 03 6268 0326 | OPEN 7 Days 11am–5pm

REGIONAL DISPLAY CENTRES IMAGINE ESTATE Swanson Boulevard (off Strathfieldsaye Road), Strathfieldsaye, Bendigo | Melway Ref: X909 E3 T 0457 606 613 | OPEN 7 Days 11am–5pm LUCAS ESTATE Eleanor Drive, Lucas, Ballarat | Melway Ref: X926 K3 T 0408 920 851 or 0417 375 255 OPEN 7 Days 11am–5pm STOCKDALE FIELDS ESTATE Cross’s Road, Traralgon | Melway Ref: X928 D7 T 03 8786 9786 | OPEN: Sat–Thurs 11am–5pm

At Porter Davis we believe new homes are the foundation for great dreams.

We stand to respect and nurture those dreams.

PORTERDAVIS.COM.AU 1800 PORTER (1800 767 837)