Knockdown rebuild and Dual Occupancy projects let you stay in your home suburb – close to school, work and all your favourite amenities – but with the benefits and added value of a brand-new home. It can also prove to be less costly (and less stressful) than renovating or even buying established.

But how do you know your block is a good candidate for a knockdown rebuild or dual occupancy project? This is where an expert Site Assessor can be a great asset to have. We spoke with Richard Hobby, Knockdown Rebuild & Dual Occupancy Sales Manager, on the benefits of having a quality professional looking after your project.

‘It’s crucial to understand the unique requirements of a customer’s block, including surrounding buildings, traffic and vegetation. Each site poses a different challenge, and it’s important that you understand exactly what’s possible before you sign on the dotted line or pay a deposit,’ says Richard.

‘An experienced Site Assessor is specifically trained to find any potential issues with your design and block before they arise.’

What does a Boutique Homes Site Assessor do?

Our Site Assessors can ensure that your block and dream home design are compliant with council and building requirements – allowing you to set a budget and timeline, without any nasty surprises.

Read more: How to choose the perfect design for your knockdown rebuild

Specialist Knockdown Rebuild and Dual Occupancy Site Assessors can also show you how to make your build as cost-effective as possible.

But Richard says the biggest benefit of a professional site assessment is peace of mind.

‘This is your new home, your land and your money – and building is probably not your area of expertise – so it’s understandable that many customers feel anxious,’ he says.

‘At Boutique Homes, a big part of the Site Assessor’s job is asses the site for the customer and answer any questions they may have in simple, jargon-free terms.’

‘There is very little that a good site assessor cannot finalise or answer on-site, and it really builds a sense of rapport and trust between builder and customer. That way, you sign your contracts knowing exactly what to expect.’

The dangers of unprofessional Site Assessors 

While some builders offer initial site assessments to inform design and budgets, many require a deposit first. This means you risk discovering that your property isn’t a viable knockdown rebuild or dual occupancy project – after you’ve already paid a costly deposit.

It’s also important to ensure the Site Assessor has the experience to back their advice.

‘Many builders provide ‘site assessments’ by whoever has the time for a drive-by or access to Google Street View. This can be anyone from a Sales Consultant or Site Supervisor to a Contract Administrator. While each of those roles is crucial to the process of building, none of them specialise in assessing a site with the selected design,’ says Khara.

‘A specialist Site Assessor will perform a full review of your floorplan and block for residential code, including council and title requirements, online and on-site construction, planning problems, and more.’

And with issues as small as tree removal or your new home blocking your neighbours’ sunlight enough to push back your build by thousands of dollars and months at a time, it’s worth doing your due diligence.

‘When the right checks are not done, then the customer is the one who has to sacrifice the house, budget or timeframe they were promised,’ says Richard.

‘Often there’s an easy solution – you just need the right person at the right time to tell you what that is.’

 

What to expect from our site assessment process

All Boutique Homes’ customers are provided a complimentary, obligation-free, in-person site assessment by a Site Assessor specialist.

 

Here’s how it works:

  • Your Knockdown Rebuild Specialist or Developments Consultant will get to know your goals, needs, budget, site and preferred design.
  • Your Site Assessor will work with your Knockdown Rebuild Specialist or Developments Consultant to ensure that your selected home design and your own site are a perfect match. This process includes doing a thorough review of your particular council overlays and residential code, checking the land title, and reviewing the typography (slope) of your block.
  • At an arranged time, you will meet with your Boutique Homes Site Assessor or provide access to your site for the assessment. The Site Assessor will take measurements and photos of the block as a record of existing conditions, while answering any questions you may have.
  • A detailed report is completed for our team to finalise design, site requirements and costs. You can now rest easy knowing your dream home has been checked and validated by a qualified professional without outlaying any costs upfront.

Get in touch to find out more about your complimentary site assessment

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