Tag: #EnergyEfficiency

Building a brand new home is one of the most exciting and rewarding things you can do. It’s your chance to create a space that reflects your lifestyle, suits your needs, and includes all those features you’ve always dreamed about. But it’s also a big project—and if it’s your first time, it can be a little overwhelming.

From understanding your options to planning your budget and finding the right home builder, here’s what you should know before you start.

Where Do You Start When Building a Home?

Before you even start sketching out your dream kitchen, you’ll need to think about the basics. 

Do you want to go the custom route, or are you leaning toward a house and land package?

House and land packages are a popular choice for first-time buyers and those looking for a more streamlined build. 

They’re often available in fast-growing suburbs across the country—including house and land packages in NSW, house and land packages in QLD, and WA house and land packages. You pick the block, choose a design, and the builder handles the rest.

If you’re after something more custom, working with experienced home builders can give you more flexibility—but it also means more decision-making.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a House in Australia?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. The cost of building a house in Australia depends on a heap of factors: location, block conditions, floor plan, materials, inclusions, and finishes.

Want a double-storey home with premium tapware, hardwood floors, and a landscaped backyard? Expect to pay more than a basic single-level build with standard inclusions. Then there are site costs—like excavation or sloping land—that can sneak up on you if you’re not prepared.

Your builder should give you a clear breakdown of what’s included in the base price and what’s extra. Transparency at this stage is key.

How Long Does It Take to Build a New Home?

The short answer: it depends. A basic home can take around 4–6 months from the start of construction. But if you’re building on a tricky block, customising your floor plan, or dealing with weather delays or council approvals, things can take longer.

It’s good to chat with your builder early on about timelines, but also be prepared to stay flexible. Quality takes time—and rushing it can lead to shortcuts you’ll regret.

How to Choose the Right Builder

Your builder is the person (or team) responsible for bringing your ideas to life, so this decision matters. Look for a builder with experience, solid reviews, and examples of previous work that align with your style.

A good builder will listen to your needs, answer your questions, and help you navigate the complex parts of the build. Ask about their process, what’s included in their pricing, and how they handle changes or delays.

If you’re not sure where to start, many home builders offer free consultations to discuss your vision and help you understand what’s possible.

Choosing a Home Design That Works

This is where things get fun—and sometimes a little overwhelming. From floor plans and façades to kitchen layouts and bathroom tiles, there are a lot of decisions to make.

Start by thinking about how you live. Do you need a home office? A guest suite? Open-plan living for entertaining? Make sure your design fits how you want to use the space now and in the future.

And don’t forget energy efficiency. Good insulation, solar panels, and orientation to the sun can all make a big difference to your comfort and your power bills.

Understanding Building Contracts

Once you’ve settled on your builder and design, you’ll sign a building contract. This document outlines everything from inclusions and timelines to payment schedules and warranties.

It’s super important to read this carefully—and ask questions if you’re unsure about anything. The contract protects you and the builder, so make sure it reflects what you’ve agreed to.

Some common contract types include fixed-price, cost-plus, and turnkey. Each has pros and cons, so get legal advice if you’re unsure which option is best for you.

Ready to Build? Let’s Make It Happen

There’s a lot to think about when building your own home—but the results are worth it. With the right team, the right plan, and a little patience, you’ll be moving into a home that’s designed just for you.

If you’re thinking about starting, Green Homes Australia is here to help. Whether you’re considering house and land packages or working with expert home builders, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today to chat about your new home goals—and let’s bring your vision to life.

Building a new home? There’s never been a better time to go green.

With rising power bills and climate concerns, more homeowners are choosing to build better. And the best part? A sustainable home puts more money back into your pocket. 

So, what does it mean to build sustainably, and what should you look out for in a builder? Let’s break it down.

What Is a Sustainable Home?

A truly green home isn’t about throwing up some solar panels and calling it a day, it’s home design that uses natural resources, chooses high-performance efficient materials, and incorporates energy-saving tech. 

Essentially, it comes down to how your home is designed, what materials you use, how you build, and how it performs over time.

Passive Solar

One of the easiest ways to build a more energy-efficient home is by working with the sun. Passive solar design uses your home’s orientation, layout and materials to naturally control temperature and light. 

By facing your home correctly and adding eaves or concrete floors, you can keep it cool in summer and warm in winter—without touching the air-con. This kind of smart design is something an experienced home builder can suggest from day one. It’s all about getting the basics of passive solar design right.

Smart Home Technology

Think smart tech is a gimmick? Think again.

With smart tech, you can fine tune how your house runs to make sure it’s working for you, not wasting energy when no one’s home. 

A few upgrades worth considering: 

• Programmable smart thermostats: These can learn your daily use patterns, reduce consumption, monitor humidity levels, and even connect to Siri or Alexa.
• Smart plugs: An easy way to stop energy guzzlers (like TV’s, lamps, or pool pumps) from using energy when they’re not in use. 
• Water leak sensors: Prevent water loss by monitoring showers or taps, and notifying users when they detect a leak. 

Building with Better Materials

Energy-efficient homes aren’t just about tech—they start with the right materials.

Think double-glazed windows, high-performance insulation, recycled timber, and low-VOC paints. These choices might cost a little more upfront, but they last longer and help your home run smoother.

If you’re considering a more streamlined option like house and land packages, ask your builder what sustainability upgrades are included. Some house and land packages in NSW or house and land packages in QLD already come with eco-features as standard.

Can a Home Really Have Zero Energy Bills?

It’s not a pipe dream anymore—we’ve designed what we call the Zero Energy Bills Home—a build that produces as much energy as it consumes. 

It’s a massive shift toward fully sustainable living, and it shows what’s possible when great design meets great technology.

Between solar generation, airtight construction, smart systems, and passive design, these homes are leading the charge into the future of building in Australia.

The Long-Term Payoff

We get it—building an energy-efficient home might sound like a bigger investment at first. But here’s the thing: it pays off.

From lower energy bills and better resale value to reduced maintenance and a more comfortable living environment, sustainable homes are built to last—and to save.

If you’re considering building through house and land packages WA or anywhere else in the country, now’s the time to think long-term. Make sure your future home isn’t just beautiful—it’s built for the future, too.

Builders Who Actually Care About the Environment

Not every builder approaches sustainability the same way. When looking for home builders, make sure you’re digging into their process to see if it aligns with your vision. At Green Homes Australia, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s at the core of everything we do.

We’re proud to be Australia’s only builder compliant with the ISO 50001 standard for energy-efficient home design and construction. It means our builds are held to global sustainability benchmarks—not just local ones.

Our team is focused on creating homes that perform better over time—cutting emissions, slashing energy bills, and giving homeowners better control of their lifestyle and footprint.

If you’re after a builder who really walks the walk, you’re in the right place.

Ready to Build Smarter?

If you’re dreaming of a home that’s easy to live in and easier on the planet, we’re here to help. Whether you’re after a custom build or one of our energy-efficient house and land packages, our expert team can walk you through what’s possible.

Reach out to Green Homes Australia today and let’s start designing your future-ready, energy-saving home—built for comfort, built for life.

If you’re thinking of skipping the auction stress and building your own place instead, you’re not alone. Thousands of Aussies are choosing to start building their own home, but one of the first questions on everyone’s mind is: how much is it going to cost?

The reality is, there’s no simple answer. The price tag depends on everything from home design to the site you’re building on. Here’s what’s really impacting the cost in 2025, and how to avoid nasty budget-draining surprises. 

Bigger Houses, Bigger Budgets

You’ve most likely seen it yourself—Australian homes are getting much bigger. In the 1950s, the average home was 100m². Now? We’re looking at more than double that, with the average home at 236². That’s a lot of house, and more square metres means more materials, more labour, and more money.

If you’re going with big multiple bedrooms, extra bathrooms or that home cinema you’ve always dreamed of, just keep in mind, every square metre adds to your final bill. You don’t have to go small, but you do need to be smart.

Cost Over Quality 

When you’re looking to save money, it can be tempting to take some money out of materials costs. Sure, going for budget materials will save you money, but those savings might not last long. Cheap finishes can wear out quickly, with more repairs or replacements later on that can blow out your budget. 

A better approach? Be upfront with your home builders about what you can realistically spend. They’ll help you choose quality finishes that won’t break the bank—or fall apart after five years. 

At the end of the day, this is your home—try to do it right the first time.

Site Costs

If your block of land is sloped, rocky, remote or just plain tricky to navigate, you’ll need extra gear, labour and time to get the build underway. 

Planning overlays, council regulations and restrictions can also bump up the price, sometimes before construction even begins. If you’re looking for house and land packages in new estates, you may be able to avoid these headaches. With house and land packages in NSW, WA house and land packages or house and land packages in QLD—there are fewer surprises and more builder-friendly blocks.

Timeframe 

Post-pandemic supply chain delays haven’t completely disappeared. Materials can take longer to arrive, and skilled trades can be hard to pin down. And when your build gets held up, it’s not just frustrating—it can be extremely expensive. 

Holding costs, storage fees, they all start to stack up—and that’s before you factor in builders having to wait to start construction. Before you start building, make sure you have a realistic timeline. The more prepared you and your builder are, the less stress (and loss of budget) you face.

Complex Design 

A custom floor plan with skylights, vaulted ceilings and fancy finishes—it might be gorgeous, but it’s not cheap. 

The simpler your layout, the smoother (and faster) your build. That’s why so many people choose a volume builder who offers ready made plans at lower prices. If you’re choosing one of those, keep in mind that any added upgrades—more storage, nicer benchtops—will add to your total. 

Want something truly your own? A custom builder will give you the freedom to start designing from scratch, but the cost will be higher, and timelines will stretch. It all comes down to what matters most to you.

Added Expenses

Sometimes when we get swept up in the excitement of planning, we can forget that landscaping, fencing, pools and council costs aren’t included in the overall building budget. 

These extras can add thousands to your final bill if you don’t plan ahead, so always ask what’s included (and what’s not) before signing anything.

Building Your Dream Home in 2025

While prices vary depending on location and build, the average cost to build a house in Australia ranges between $620 and $3900 per square metre—all before landscaping, permits and upgrades. 

That’s why it’s so important to work with home builders who are honest about costs upfront. If your builder isn’t transparent with costs, it might be time to look elsewhere. 

Have a budget in mind? Chat with our Green Homes experts for a quote breakdown—and see how we can help create the home you’ve always wanted.

So, you’re ready to build your dream home—exciting! But before the real fun begins, there’s a big decision to make: Should you choose a custom builder or a volume builder? Both have their benefits, but the right choice really depends on your needs, budget, and how involved you want to be in the process.

Let’s break it down so you can make a choice that fits your lifestyle (and your plans for that dream walk-in pantry).

What’s a Volume Builder?

Volume builders—also called project builders or production builders—construct large numbers of homes every year. Think big companies with big displays, lots of pre-designed floor plans, and a streamlined process.

If you’re looking into house and land packages, especially in popular areas like house and land packages in NSW or QLD house and land packages, there’s a good chance you’ll come across volume builders.

They keep things affordable by building at scale and offering a set range of designs, materials, and finishes. This means fewer decisions for you—but also less flexibility.

Pros of Volume Builders

• Budget-friendly: Costs are usually lower due to bulk purchasing and standardised designs.
• Display homes: You can walk through a finished version of the home before committing.
• Efficiency: Their processes are fine-tuned, so timelines can be faster—at least on paper.
  

But here’s the catch: Changes can be limited.

If you want to tweak layouts or materials, that flexibility often comes at an added cost (or isn’t available at all). You’ll also be one of many clients, which sometimes means less personalised attention.

Custom Home Builders, Explained

Custom home builders are all about creating something unique—designed from scratch around your needs, your block, and your lifestyle. 

If you want a split-level home on a sloping block or a floor plan wrapped around your backyard pool, they’ll help you make it happen.

With home builders like Green Homes Australia, you get a one-on-one experience from the first sketch to the final handover.

Pros of Custom Home Builders

• Total control: You can design everything—from layout and room sizes to materials and finishes.
• Better fit: Your home is tailored to your block and your needs, not pulled from a catalogue.
• Personalised service: You’ll work closely with your builder during the entire project lifecycle.
  

It’s a more hands-on approach, so it’s perfect if you want something that feels truly yours. You’ll also often work with a smaller team who knows your project inside and out.

So, Which Builder Is Right for You?

Here’s a quick way to think about it—if you want a cost-effective, efficient process and you’re happy picking from set designs, a volume builder can be a great option—especially if you’re buying into a new estate with NSW house and land packages, house and land packages in WA or similar areas.

If you want more control, unique features, and a one-of-a-kind home, then a custom builder is likely the better fit. Yes, it might cost more upfront, but you’ll get a home that’s exactly what you want—no compromises.

What to Look for When Choosing Any Builder

Whether you go custom or volume, make sure your builder ticks these boxes:

• They’re licensed and insured in your state.
• They’ve got a solid reputation—check reviews and ask for references.
• They communicate well and are transparent about timelines, pricing, and process.
• You feel comfortable working with them. This one’s important—you’ll be in touch a lot.
  

If possible, try to visit a finished home or speak with someone who’s recently built with them. A walk-through of a project in progress can also give you insight into how they manage quality and site organisation.

Creating Your Dream Build

At the end of the day, your builder should make you feel confident, informed, and excited—not stressed. Whether you go for a volume builder for simplicity or a custom builder for creativity, choose the team that’s the best fit for your goals.

And if you’re still unsure which way to go, have a chat with our team at Green Homes Australia. We’ll walk you through the differences and help you understand what’s possible based on your vision, your block, and your budget.

Building your own home is exciting—it’s a chance to bring your dream space to life, right down to the taps and tiles. But before you start picking paint colours or designing the perfect open-plan kitchen, you need to choose the right builder. And with so many home builders out there, knowing where to start can be tricky.

Whether you’re building from scratch or exploring house and land packages, here are seven key things to think about before locking in your builder.

1. Check Their Experience with Similar Builds

Not all builders are created equal. Some focus on affordable volume builds, while others specialise in luxury or sustainable homes. If you’re after a custom design or specific layout, make sure your builder has experience with those types of projects.

Look through their past work, ask for examples, and make sure their style and quality align with what you want. If you’re interested in house and land packages in NSW or house and land packages QLD, check they’ve delivered successful builds in those regions.

2. Look at Their Track Record

Word of mouth counts for a lot. A builder with happy clients is always a good sign. Don’t be afraid to ask for testimonials, reviews, or references. You want to hear from people who’ve actually been through the process.

Online reviews and forums are also great for getting an honest take on how builders handle deadlines, budgets, and customer service. If they’re known for delivering quality on time (and without hidden extras), they’re worth considering.

3. Understand Their Pricing and Inclusions

When it comes to building costs, it’s not just about who offers the cheapest quote—it’s about understanding what you’re actually getting. Two quotes might look similar on the surface, but one might include things like landscaping, flooring, and lighting, while the other doesn’t.

Make sure the quote is detailed and transparent. Ask what’s included and what’s not. If you’re considering house and land packages in WA, this step is especially important, as packages can vary widely in what they offer.

4. See If You Actually Like Working with Them

This one’s big. You’ll be spending months talking to your builder—making decisions, asking questions, reviewing plans. It helps if you actually get along.

Book a face-to-face chat or phone call. Are they listening to your ideas? Do they seem flexible and transparent? Do they explain things clearly? If the mood’s off, it might be a red flag—even if everything looks great on paper.

5. Ask About Their Building Process

How does your builder manage the project from start to finish? Some builders will walk you through every step and check in regularly. Others might be less hands-on once construction kicks off.

Ask about timeframes, stages of the build, and how issues are handled if something unexpected comes up. If you’re building remotely (say, in a regional location), it’s even more important to know how they’ll keep you in the loop.

6. Make Sure Communication Is Easy

Regular updates make a big difference when building a house. Find out how your builder plans to communicate—email, phone, portal updates, or in-person site visits—and how often you can expect to hear from them.

You don’t want to be chasing updates or wondering what’s going on. A builder with solid communication habits will help you feel more in control and confident throughout the project.

7. Check for Industry Recognition and Awards

A builder with awards or industry recognition has usually gone the extra mile to stand out. It’s not everything—but it does show they’re respected and take pride in their work.

Membership in professional bodies (like the HIA or MBA) or features in home design publications can also give you peace of mind that you’re working with someone reputable.

Choosing A Home Builder? Take Your Time

Choosing a builder isn’t just a box to tick—it sets the tone for your entire home-building journey. Take your time, do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether you’re going for a full custom design or browsing house and land packages, finding the right fit will make all the difference.