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Grow up or move out

Holly CoomeyThe West Australian
The decision of whether to build up or build out ultimately depends on the stage of life you are at, the accommodation required and what your budget permits, according to Atrium Homes Sales and Marketing Director Daniel Marcolina.
Camera IconThe decision of whether to build up or build out ultimately depends on the stage of life you are at, the accommodation required and what your budget permits, according to Atrium Homes Sales and Marketing Director Daniel Marcolina. Credit: jodiejohnson/Getty Images/iStockphoto.

What you need or want from a new home, or the size of block you are working with, may automatically determine whether you build up or build out. But if you have the opportunity to choose either, what factors should you take into consideration?

Atrium Homes Sales and Marketing Director Daniel Marcolina said there were pros and cons to both.

“The decision of whether to build up or build out ultimately depends on the stage of life you are at, the accommodation required and what your budget permits,” he said.

There are a number of pros to building a multi-storey home and one main con – cost.

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“Building up makes it easier to create different zones under the same roof and maximise the size of the home,” Mr Marcolina said.

“It enables the ability to capture views from an elevated standing point and allows more build area to incorporate additional features on the front and side facades.

“Unfortunately, building up comes with a cost – the cost to build is higher per square metre due to building requirements such as scaffolding, stairs, balustrading and more.”

When it comes to building a wider property, rather than a higher property, there are also a number of advantages and disadvantages, according to Mr Marcolina.

“Keeping the property as one storey means keeping all accommodation at one level, not needing to navigate stairs, which can be an issue for some, reducing the size of the yard if you don’t have the time or inclination to tend to the garden, and a lower cost to build due to negating the need for the extra building requirements,” he said.

On the other hand, if you are a green thumb, building out means you reduce the yard space and the capacity to create your dream garden, and you may be facing a higher cost of land.

“A larger block may be required to fit in everything you need,” Mr Marcolina said.

“The block cost may be higher due to the additional land area required to build the desired home.”

In some cases, the luxury of having the opportunity to build out is stripped away due to the land options available to buyers.

“We have seen a trend in people building up, but this is mainly due to lot sizes becoming smaller because of affordability, and supply and demand,” Mr Marcolina said.

The chosen block can determine whether you are going to have increased expenses when it comes to the building stage.

“Blocks are becoming smaller and reduced in width, which unfortunately increases the cost to build,” Mr Marcolina said.

“Narrow-lot home construction costs considerably more than a squarish home due to the extra perimeter in a rectangular-shaped home.

“So if you’re wanting to keep the cost down, whether it be building up or building out, then seek a block that is squarish and adequate in size for your requirements, and consult your builder or designer before committing to a block.”

CONTACT Atrium Homes, 6310 8888, www.atrium-homes.com.au

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