Alright, you have decided now is the time to build your home in Perth. After conducting your due diligence and searching the market far and wide, you have set your heart on a block of land. The location is perfect and you are in love with the neighbourhood.
However, it is situated on the slope of a hill, and you are worried about what possible hindrances this may cause you in achieving your construction dreams.
Firstly, have you considered that there are a few things to note about building on a sloping block? Building on a sloping block can be both good and bad, depending on how you go about your construction project. This is why we have created an introductory guide on navigating this foreign terrain.
First things first – what is a sloping block?
A sloping block literally means that the land you are planning to build on is on an incline, decline or slopes sideways. Unlike standard building sites, it is not flat, nor does it necessarily have even levels of elevation. As a general rule of thumb, this means a rise or fall of approximately three metres or less across the building area.
What are the types of sloping blocks?
Here are the typical types of sloping blocks you might encounter during your land search.
- Sloping up – where the low point is at the road
- Sloping down – where the high point is at the road
- Cross fall – the slope is from right to left or left to right
- Or, a combination of the above listed
What are some of the positives of building on sloping blocks?
If you speak to several people who have built before, you might hear more hindrances than positives. Believe it or not, sloping blocks can come with positives! Here are our reasons on why one should consider a sloping block.
- You will be privileged to amazing views as your home is on an elevation
- Natural ventilation as you are higher up, therefore meaning less energy bills
- Plenty of natural light
- Potential for increased privacy with secluded spaces
What are the additional costs to consider?
Generally speaking, when building on a sloping block of land, one can expect to incur more site works’ costs. Costs to consider when building on a sloping block include:
- Removal of fencing to allow site access and building
- Split levels inside the home to allow flow to the ground level outside
- Removal of additional fill
- Cavity filled under croft walls
- Water proofing of underground walls
- Retaining walls
- Brick build up under the house
- The adding of additional steps
Are you ready to speak to a custom-builder in Perth?
To get started, you should work with your Perth developer who understands the intricacies of building on a sloping block. At Elven, we are well equipped to execute your custom home building project in Perth, regardless of the complexity of the site. Speak to us today!
