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There are lots of things to consider when you’re building a new home. 

Ceiling heights play a major role in the look and feel of a property. Lower ceilings create intimacy and comfort that’s perfect for bedrooms, while higher ceilings increase volume and provide a sense of grandeur that’s hard to beat.

Australia’s National Construction Code sets out a variety of minimum ceiling heights for residential construction.

What is the Standard Ceiling Height in Australia?

The standard ceiling height in Australia is 2.4 metres for all habitable rooms within a home.

Service rooms and other non-habitable spaces have a minimum ceiling height of 2.1 metres. Habitable rooms include bedrooms, living spaces, home theatres, kitchens, dining rooms and home offices.

Service areas and non-habitable rooms include bathrooms, laundries, pantries, hallways, walk-in robes and other spaces that aren’t occupied for extended periods of time.

You can read more about minimum ceiling heights in the National Construction Code.

Upgrading to High Ceilings

While the ceilings in your home only need to be 2.4m, higher ceilings are one of the most popular upgrades in the building industry.

High ceilings can make a huge difference to how comfortable and liveable your home is.

Many builders offer upgrades to 2.6, 2.7 or 3 metre ceilings. This minor change can significantly increase the volume of a room.

That’s great if you want to make a statement, but it’s also the perfect design centrepiece for large rooms such as living spaces.

The Benefits of High Ceilings

The height of your ceiling can make a big difference to how your home looks and feels.

Standard ceilings are a great starting point for most spaces.

They offer plenty of height for standard furniture, fittings, lighting and design elements.

But, if you want your home to make an impact, upgrading to high ceilings is the way to go.

Opting for high ceilings comes with a few major benefits:

• Make your home feel more spacious. Having extra ceiling height can go a long way to making rooms feel more spacious. Creating extra visual space is a great way to make the most of small rooms, or to make large spaces feel even grander.
• Improved natural lighting. Higher ceilings means more room for windows and more surface area on your walls. These two factors work together to improve natural light in a room, which can reduce the need for artificial lighting.
• Improved ventilation. We all know that hot air rises. When you’re heating and cooling your home, extra ceiling height can make a big difference to airflow through your spaces.
• Sense of luxury. High ceilings provide a real sense of grandeur and luxury that’s hard to replicate any other way.
• Increase the property value. Even if you don’t intend to sell your home any time soon, high ceilings are always popular with buyers. An upgrade to 2.6 or 2.7m ceilings can significantly increase the value of your property.

Different Types of High Ceilings

High ceilings are a popular feature because they’re a blank canvas for any design you have in mind!

While most ceilings are flat and simple, the sky’s the limit when it comes to building your own Hampton style house.

High ceilings give you plenty of flexibility to play with shape and volume, so your builder may offer designs such as:

• Flat Ceilings

Flat ceilings are popular for a reason. They’re simple to install, compatible with all design aesthetics, and they don’t require any special lighting schemes. This type of high ceiling works well for bedrooms and main living areas, although it makes less of an impact than other ceiling types.

• Raked Ceilings

A raked ceiling (sometimes called a cathedral ceiling) is sloped to follow the angle of the beams and trusses. Of all the high ceiling designs, raked ceilings make the biggest impact. They’re especially popular in core living areas where the additional volume allows for more creativity in lighting and furniture design.

• Coffered Ceilings

Coffered ceilings have recessed sections that bring depth and texture to a space. Coffered ceilings are popular in intimate spaces (such as bedrooms) because they allow for higher ceilings without sacrificing the cosy feeling of standard ceiling heights.

• Exposed Beam Ceilings

Large rooms with high ceilings pose a design challenge. The extra volume can run the risk of looking bare. This issue can be addressed with windows, lighting and features such as wallpaper, but exposed beams are a great alternative.

Exposed beam ceilings turn your ceiling beams into a feature. In modern builds, it’s more common for the exposed beams to be a decorative feature, rather than a structural element. Despite this, exposed beams add a fantastic sense of texture, depth and colour to rooms with high ceilings.

• Full Height Voids

High ceilings are common in single-storey homes, but they’re also suited to two-storey builds. Full height voids are often installed in entryways and stairwells where the overhead space extends up through the entire home.

Voids are a great way to invite light into the lower level, and the extra volume makes a real impact on anyone who visits your home.

Design a Home that Stands Out with McCarthy Homes!

Building a new home is an exciting journey. There are lots of things you can do to make the space your own, but high ceilings are one of the most popular options.

At McCarthy Homes, we offer complete freedom to select a ceiling design that suits your lifestyle, and we’re happy to incorporate any custom build elements you’d like!

McCarthy Homes is a Brisbane and QLD home builder specialising in crafting homes that are as unique as you.

Building your dream starts with a conversation! Get in touch with us today if you’re ready to explore the McCarthy Homes experience.

A knock down rebuild is a type of new home construction that involves demolishing an existing home and rebuilding a new one in its place. In most cases, the existing property is demolished completely (including the slab and underground utilities), giving you a blank slate for your new build. Families typically opt for a knock down rebuild due to one of two reasons:

• You already love where you live, but your home no longer suits your family’s needs. If that’s the case, a knock down rebuild gives you complete freedom to redesign your home without having to move to a new property.
• Your dream property already has a house built on the land. Some of Queensland’s best properties aren’t sold as vacant land. If you have your heart set on a particular block, but it already has a home or other structures on the land, a knock down rebuild can clear the way for your dream build.

How Much Does it Cost to Demolish a House?

It costs anywhere between $20,000 and $40,000 to demolish a house in Queensland. The cost of demolition depends on the size of the home and the property layout. Demolition is the only major “additional” cost of a knock down rebuild when compared to a new build on vacant land. While it may seem like a lot of money, the cost of demolition is easily offset by the money saved on moving, stamp duty and the cost of new land.

Demolition typically isn’t included in the price of your knock down rebuild contract. Demolition is a highly skilled service, so most builders will ask you to coordinate the knock down process with an independent contractor. You’ll need to discuss the demolition phase with your builder to see whether it’s included in your contract or not. Your builder may also be able to refer you to a high quality demolition service they have worked with previously.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Demolition

The demolition process is an affordable way to clear your block of land and prepare it for new construction. The cost of demolition largely depends on the size of the home and the layout of the property. It can also be affected by:

• Asbestos. Asbestos was officially banned as a building material in 1990, but it’s found in many homes from that era. Removing asbestos during demolition is a dangerous task that can only be performed by licensed professionals. This will add to the total cost of your demolition.
• Site access. Knocking down an existing house requires serious equipment. If your home has good site access (such as sealed roads and plenty of space to manoeuver heavy machinery), this will reduce the cost of demolition.
• Underground utilities. Demolition typically involves removing underground utility runs (including water, gas, sewerage, electricity and NBN). This process may attract additional fees from the utility provider.
• Materials recycling. Queensland has a growing market for recycled construction materials. Hardwood timber, roof tiles, bricks, doors, windows and other features can often be recycled, and the value of those materials may be deducted from the cost of your demolition. This is a great way to offset the expense and reduce the amount of waste generated by your project.

In some cases, you can significantly reduce the cost of demolition by having the home removed from the block. This option is usually only suitable for timber homes such as Queenslanders that are built on platform foundations.

How Much Does it Cost to Rebuild a Home?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The cost of building a new home varies widely depending on your location, design, materials selections, floorplan, custom requirements and more. In general, rebuilding your home after demolition costs the same amount as building a new home on a vacant block.

Advantages of a Knock Down Rebuild

Building a new home is one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. While the process can be intensive, you’ll end up with a home that supports your lifestyle perfectly. And, when you opt for a knock down rebuild, you also benefit from:

• Location. The biggest advantage of a knock down rebuild is that you get to stay in the location you love. There’s no need to move away from family, friends, work and the kids’ schools – you can build the lifestyle you want without moving an inch.
• Price. There’s no question that a knock down rebuild is a serious investment of time and money. But, it’s also a cost-effective way to build a home you’ll love in exactly the right location. While there are additional costs (such as demolition), your knock down project can save tens of thousands on things like stamp duty, agents fees, moving costs and more.
• Taxation. Stamp duty, CGT and other tax obligations are some of the biggest costs associated with buying a new home. For example, if you were to purchase a house and land package in Queensland for $700,000, you would pay $17,350 in stamp duty. However, you won’t pay a cent in stamp duty if you choose to build a new home on your existing property. You can use this stamp duty calculator to estimate how much money a knock down rebuild could save your family.
• Design flexibility. A renovation project is a good way to update your home, but there are limits to what you can achieve. A knock down rebuild gives you complete freedom to design a home that’s perfectly suited to your family and lifestyle. It’s also more cost-effective than performing major renovations that include structural changes or extensions.

Build Your Dream Lifestyle with a Knock Down Rebuild from McCarthy Homes!

Investing in a knock down rebuild project is a great way to turn an existing block of land into the perfect property. If your family, lifestyle or needs are changing, McCarthy Homes can turn your current house into the home you’ve been dreaming of!

McCarthy Homes are Hampton style builders working throughout Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. We specialise in crafting homes that are uniquely yours, complete with high-end features that complement your ideal lifestyle. Our knock down rebuild service includes everything you need to transform your existing property. If you’re ready to get started then you can browse our home designs online, or start a conversation about your knock down rebuild project today!

There are lots of decisions to make when buying a house. But, the very first thing you need to think about is whether you’re going to build a new home or buy an existing property and do a knock down rebuild project. Building vs buying is a big choice, and it can make a major difference to your budget and lifestyle. Each type of property comes with its own pros and cons, and it’s your job to weigh up the differences and decide which option is right for your family. In this article, we’ll go over some of the things you need to consider when deciding whether you should buy or build your first home.

1. Finding the Right Location

Location is one of the biggest factors when buying a new home. The location you choose impacts the price, and it also affects your access to friends, family, schools, amenities and other lifestyle features.

When you buy an existing home, you will have more freedom to choose a property in an established suburb that’s closer to schools, shops and other amenities. That’s great for your family and lifestyle needs, and it can also shorten your commute to work. On the other hand, most new home builds occur in developments, which tend to be located in up-and-coming outer suburbs. While it’s possible to build a new home in an established suburb, the price of vacant land rises sharply in popular areas, so you need to factor in the additional cost.

2. Your Budget

Budget is a major consideration for all home buyers. According to the latest property data, it’s currently cheaper to build a new home in most of Australia’s capital cities.

The median price of existing homes vs new builds is as follows:

Source: Property Update, Property Update, UDIA

There’s no simple way to estimate how much a newly built home will actually cost. The final price varies based on the size, style, location, building company, materials availability and the level of fit and finish. While median prices can give you a good idea of the cost of a house and land package, you’ll need to talk to your builder for a quote on your project.

3. Creative Freedom

There’s nothing quite like living in a home you designed yourself. Building a new home gives you complete creative freedom to design spaces that perfectly support your family and lifestyle. If you need additional bedrooms, office space, specialty entertaining areas or a spectacular master suite, a custom home build offers everything you’re looking for.

Buying an existing home is a bigger compromise. You’re locked into the original floorplan, and the cost of renovations adds up quickly if you want to update core spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.

4. Timeline

Getting into a new home isn’t as simple as picking one you like and shaking hands. The process can take anywhere from a few weeks to 12 months, depending on whether you decide to buy or build. As a rule of thumb, it takes anywhere between 6-12 months to construct a new home. That doesn’t include the time you spend researching Hampton style builders, finding the perfect block of land and designing your ideal home. On the other hand, it may only take you 2-3 months to buy an existing home, but the process can be drawn out if you are struggling to find the perfect property.

5. Stamp Duty Concessions

Stamp Duty (also called Transfer Duty) is a one-off tax you pay when you buy a house. It’s calculated as a percentage of the purchase price, so it can be a major expense. When you buy an existing home, you pay stamp duty on the entire value of the home. When you build a new home, you pay stamp duty on the cost of the land, but not on the price of the actual build. That can save you tens of thousands of dollars!

We can use Australia’s median house prices to estimate the stamp duty you’d be required to pay when buying an existing home:

Source: QLD, NSW, VIC, SA, ACT, WA

Depending on where you buy and whether you’re buying a first home, investment or off-the-plan property, you may be entitled to a variety of stamp duty concessions. That can make a small difference, but you’ll still pay significantly more stamp duty than you would for a newly built home.

6. Sustainability and Energy Consumption

If a sustainable home is high on your priority list then you aren’t alone. Almost 50% of the population is on the lookout for eco-conscious homes built with sustainable materials and energy-efficient features. That can be a bit of an issue if you’re buying an existing property.

Older houses rarely feature the sustainable materials and energy-saving design that modern homes are known for. If you buy an existing property, chances are you won’t benefit from things like recycled materials, passive heating and cooling, double glazing and energy-efficient appliances. It’s possible to add some of these features to an older home, but the property’s layout limits what you can achieve.

On the other hand, a newly built home can incorporate as many sustainability features as you want! Sustainable building practices are always advancing, and building a new home is the best way to take advantage of passive heating, solar power, house batteries, efficient appliances, natural light and eco-conscious design.

Build a Home that Supports Every Part of Your Life with McCarthy Homes!

Building a house vs buying an existing home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever need to make. Your choice can have a major impact on your budget and lifestyle, and it can also impact things like long-term capital growth. If sustainability, creative freedom and lifestyle are at the top of your wish list, it’s time to start a conversation with McCarthy Homes! McCarthy Homes is an award winning home builder that works across South East Queensland.

We specialise in crafting incredible homes that feature timeless design, quality finishes and the personal touches your lifestyle needs. You can explore our home designs on our website, or contact our team to discuss building a new home with McCarthy!

Thousands of decisions go into designing your new perfect custom home. One of the most important is the orientation of your house. Choosing the right orientation can have a big impact on how you use your spaces and whether you’re prepared for the hot summer months. Good orientation, combined with things like ceiling fans, smart window placement and energy-saving features, can set you up to enjoy a comfortable, sustainable home for decades to come! Designing a home with the right orientation requires serious planning and forethought. In this article, we’re going to explore the best orientation for houses and how you can design an energy-efficient home that stays comfortable year-round.

What Is House Orientation?

House orientation refers to the direction that your home faces on your block. Facing your home the right way allows you to take advantage of passive heating and cooling. With good design, passive heating and cooling can warm your home in winter and keep it cool in summer. This dramatically reduces your energy bills and makes your main living spaces more comfortable, even during Brisbane’s hot summers.

There are two major factors when it comes to house orientation: the sun’s path through the sky and the prevailing winds in your area. In South East Queensland, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, but it travels through the northern sky at a slight angle. This means the northern side of your home will receive the most sunlight during the day, and that the western face will get most of the hot afternoon sun.

The Best Orientation for Houses in South East Queensland

The best orientation for a house in South East Queensland is usually north-facing. Facing the home to the north allows you to capture light and heat during winter while keeping out the worst of the sun during summer.

When we say a home is north-facing, we typically mean the main indoor and outdoor living areas are placed on the northern side of the home. These areas receive the most use throughout the day, so they benefit more from the natural light and warmth. This also keeps bedrooms, offices and other areas cool, making it easier to get to sleep at night!

It’s not always possible to buy or build your new Brisbane home with a north-facing orientation. If that’s the case then you don’t need to let alternative facings put you off. With the right layout, an east or west-facing home can provide passive heating and cooling that keeps your spaces comfortable year-round.

How to Design for Passive Heating and Cooling

It’s simple to say a north-facing orientation is the best option for homes in South East Queensland. But, designing a home that takes full advantage of passive heating and cooling is a much trickier task. The best design depends on the orientation and layout of the block, road frontages, neighbouring properties and terrain features like slopes and mature trees.

If you’re interested in designing a passive home, talk to your builder about the goals of your knock down rebuild or custom home project. They will be able to help you craft spaces that stay warm in winter and cool in summer by:

• Placing living areas on the north side of the property to take advantage of natural light and solar heating
• Extending eaves, awnings or external blinds to provide shade during summer without blocking the light in winter
• Placing covered outdoor living areas on the west or eastern faces to shade the walls of your home
• Considering neighbouring homes and whether they will block sunlight from reaching your windows, walls or solar panels
• Using fences, vegetation and other design features to shade your walls and direct the prevailing breeze through your home
• Designing open plan interiors that make the most of cross-ventilation during the summer months

It’s worth noting that your home doesn’t need to face perfectly to the north to take advantage of passive heating and cooling. In South East Queensland, homes can be rotated approximately 10 degrees west or 20 degrees east of north and still benefit from the sun’s light and heat.

The Best Orientation for Natural Light

In South East Queensland, the best orientation for natural light is north-facing. That is, the rooms on the northern side of your home will receive the most light throughout the day. We typically design homes that place kitchen, living and dining areas on the northside of the property to capture this stunning natural light. Combined with east and west-facing windows in bedrooms and other areas, this creates a bright and airy lighting plan without overheating your spaces.

Using Landscaping to Improve Passive Heating and Cooling

Blocks of land come in all shapes and sizes. Whether they’re long and narrow, sloped or a wide-open space, you won’t always be able to design a home with the perfect orientation. On these tricky properties, landscaping can make all the difference to the passive heating and cooling in your home. Landscaping features like hedges, shade trees and covered alfresco areas can be used to:

• Keep the sun off the walls of your home
• Provide shade for outdoor entertaining and play areas
• Redirect the prevailing winds and funnel them into your home
• Block hot, dry or harsh winds

It takes forethought to plan a garden that will add to your home’s beauty and comfort. Talk to your Hampton style home builders to find out more about choosing greenery that will grow to provide shade and protection from Brisbane’s harsh summers.

Build Your New Home in the Best Orientation with McCarthy Homes!

Designing a home that makes the most of its orientation is equal parts art and science. If you want to take advantage of passive heating and cooling then there’s no substitute for experience! McCarthy Homes is a custom home builder working across South East Queensland. We have delivered hundreds of unique projects, and our expert team can craft a stunning home that offers natural light and comfort in abundance.

With endless customisation options and home designs that are suitable for any block, we can create a property that’s perfect for your lifestyle and the local climate. Contact us at any time to discuss your block of land and let our experts help decide on the best orientation for your new home!