Main Building Costs that form the Contract Price
Posted on August 12th 2023
These are the main costs factors that form part of the Contract price. Base price This is pretty much the size of the home, M2 of floor coverings, Lm of cabinetry, Number of Doors, robes, etc. It is also the Standard inclusions, So this should take about a little over an 1 hour to understand. […]
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Flowchart Checklist
Posted on July 27th 2023
We respect that building a home can be one of the biggest purchases of your life and that the process can sometimes be quite involved. We’re good at list making and taking so you don’t have to be. Below is a top-line list of our home buying and building process: Smarthomes-Pre-Process-A3-6 Modify a Pre-Existing Smart […]
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Do I really want to supply materials or trades on my new home?
Posted on January 27th 2023
NO, IT’S NOT WORTH IT! Here are the reasons why it is not worth it. The Occupational Health and Safety act, requires the builder to induct trades and delivery guys into the company, They need to be inducted onto each individual job site and the trades need to go over safe work method statements with the Builder. All […]
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Smart Homes real time updates
Posted on July 27th 2020
How we communicate during the construction phase Smart Homes provides our new home buyers with real time updates on Facebook, if you choose to participate you will be added to a secret group and receive real time updates. You decide if you want to share those updates with your friends.
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Autumn Interior Colours
Posted on May 26th 2020
Autumn in the world of interior design is not just a season, is all about reflecting the exquisite fiery colours that are covering the ground outside. It’s a fun time for a whole house makeover, using bold, bright & confronting colours can be the perfect way to give your interior a new fresh seasonal look, […]
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Getting the lighting right in your home
Posted on March 2nd 2020
Many of us underestimate the power of lighting within our home, not just artificial but also natural. It’s crucial in the planning stages to get this right as it will pay off in the long run by keeping your power bills reasonable, living conditions enjoyable and if in the future you choose to move on, […]
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Freestanding Baths
Posted on June 2nd 2019
Selecting your bathtub is a key decision when planning your bathroom. The bath you choose often sets the scene of your overall bathroom design. When it comes to baths, freestanding is the perfect option to make a statement in your interior. Freestanding Baths are becoming more and more popular due to the diverse range of […]
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All the charm of yesteryear with a durable weatherboard finish
Posted on October 27th 2018
Our Laila design offers a modern take on the classic cottage look The elegant period-style design of our Laila home is proving popular with clients throughout Victoria. From the smaller plots of Melbourne suburbs to the spacious acreages and corner blocks of rural towns, the Smarthomes Laila design is very much in demand as a […]
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The Whitehaven – A Georgian Regency and Victorian inspired home
Posted on June 22nd 2018
Smart Homes” Managing Director, Travis Robbins, was on set last week filming the beautiful Whitehaven on Australia”s Best Houses. It was a shakey start but once they got started it was hard to shut him up. The Whitehaven draws its inspiration from the architecture of our early colonial buildings constructed in the late Georgian Regency and […]
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The History of Period Homes in Australia
Posted on June 2nd 2018
Do you love all the period features you see in some of our older homes in Australia and want to know a bit more about them? Would you like to have some of these details in your new home? We have put together a list of the various historical periods that has influenced the design […]
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Art Deco Homes (c1930-1950)
Posted on June 2nd 2018
Art Deco style was extremely forward thinking and modern at the time and was pulled together from the German Bauhaus School of Modern Design. Architects aimed at creating something completely different from previous eras and used different materials and shapes to achieve a unique style. From around 1930 to 1950, Art Deco was embraced as a […]
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Californian Bungalow Homes (c1920-1930)
Posted on June 2nd 2018
The Californian Bungalow arrived from America during the 1920s, after the First World War and became quickly became very popular as it was much quicker and cheaper to build that the more ornate Federation Homes. With thousands of ex-servicemen wanting to marry and settle their children on free-standing suburban blocks of land the Californian Bungalow provided […]
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Federation Edwardian Homes (c1900-1915)
Posted on June 2nd 2018
The terminology “Edwardian” and “Federation” are often used to describe the same buildings as they cover the same period up to the First World War. However the Federation style also includes the more ornate Queen Anne, Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau styles. The Edwardian Home is a toned down version elegant version of other […]
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Federation Art Nouveau Homes 1895-1915
Posted on June 2nd 2018
Art Nouveau is a detail style that was applied to the form and shape of Federation style homes. It is ornamental style that flourished from the late Victorian period up to the First World War. Art Nouveau is characterised by its uses of long graceful, sinuous, organic lines. Art nouveau architecture eschewed the eclectic revival […]
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Federation Arts and Crafts Homes (c1895-1915)
Posted on June 2nd 2018
The Federation Arts and Crafts style had its origins in England, where architects and designers were reacting to the impersonal nature of the Industrial Revolution. They wanted to get away from mass production and to rediscover the human touch and the hand made. It was inspired by the writings of the British architect Augustis Pugin (1812–1852), the writer […]
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Federation Queen Anne Homes (c1895-1915)
Posted on June 2nd 2018
Many people think of “Federation” houses when thinking of period homes in Australia. However the Federation period has within in a number of different styles including the Queen Anne style. Derived from revived elements of the English architecture of Queen Anne`s reign (1702-14), these homes are deliberately lavish, creating a kind of vigorous grandeur. Most are […]
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Late Victorian Boom Style Homes (c1875-1895)
Posted on June 2nd 2018
From about 1875, with the economic boom of the gold rush, Late Victorian Architecture became more embellished and overburdened with excess columns, balustrades, exaggerated entrances, other lavish decorations and highly detailed ornamentation to the external facade. Influences from the Gothic and Italianate style was also popular as it allowed greater displays of prosperity through rich and ornate […]
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Early Victorian Style Homes (c1840-1875)
Posted on June 1st 2018
Victorian architecture is a series of revival styles built between 1840-1900 during the reign of Queen Victoria. The style includes eclectic revivals of historic British and European styles, such as Neoclassicism, Gothic Revival, Italianate and Palladianism and mixed with this is the introduction of Middle East and Asian influences such as the use of verandahs and […]
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Early Colonial Style – Georgian and Regency Period Homes (pre c1840)
Posted on June 1st 2018
This is the earliest style of architecture that you see in Australia. As the name suggests the Georgian and Regency (late Georgian) styles of architecture were built between the reign of the British monarchs George I – George IV (1720-1830). The European equivalent of the Georgian and Regency style is the Rococo style, which is both […]
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Retaining storm water on site? why not make it a feature?
Posted on August 15th 2014
If the shires storm water drains are insufficient they will require you to retain some storm water drainage on site before discharging it to the drains. If this is the case and depending on how much need’s to be retained, you might be able to kill two birds with one stone and have a big tank, you would […]
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How do Trees effect my house
Posted on August 6th 2014
If there are trees on your property or on a neighbouring property you will require tree root barrier. Not only can the tree roots interfere with the footing (the concrete that holds your house up) but it also effects the foundations (the ground). The trees change the moisture content in the ground which makes it […]
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My Solar Panel for my HWS is leaking, I have no Hot water, What do I do?
Posted on August 4th 2014
If your solar panels are leaking you need to submit a service call request immediately http://www.chromagen.com.au/index.php/contact-us/customer-care/service-request In the mean time if you have a split unit, where your panel is on the roof and your tank is online casino on the ground, you need to isolate the water from going to the panel. Follow the […]
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First Home Buyers – Read Me!
Posted on March 31st 2014
For first home buyers in 2014, things have changed in the way of grants benefits and bonuses. Its important to do your research before taking that leap and buying/building your first home, to really know what you are entitled to. Follow this link to find out exactly what funding or grants you could receive depending […]
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5 Simple tips to make your old home feel new again!
Posted on March 25th 2014
1) Don’t underestimate the power of a paint job! You will surprised how different your room looks and feels with a new coat of paint, whether it’s a crisp white or a muted grey. Your walls will look cleaner and your house will have that new house smell. The same goes for the exterior! If […]
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Choosing the right agent to sell your home.
Posted on March 19th 2014
Choosing and agent to sell your home shouldn’t be a decision made lightly. The right choice could see you with thousands more in your pocket… And the wrong choice, well thousands less! So what to look for?! Below is a few handy tips when looking for the right agent. Local knowledge is paramount! Just because […]
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Choosing your tiles…!
Posted on March 12th 2014
Tiles… An essential in any home. If you think about it, tiles are or can be used in 80% of the rooms in your home. From the entrance floor to the kitchen, the bathroom to the laundry. They’re on your walls, on the floors and even on your roof… (Stretching that a little, but they […]
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Tell us… What inspires you?!
Posted on March 3rd 2014
What is it that inspires you? In building or dreaming of your ultimate home, what is it that gets your mind ticking and the juices flowing? What’s you favorite space? We want to know! Is it a grand family kitchen? The ultimate bathroom? A master retreat? Or spacious walk in robe?
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Maximise the potential in your current home!
Posted on February 24th 2014
So you’ve made the decision to build a new home!? Now to get the best possible sale price for your current home to make the transition as easy as possible. Most people under estimate the importance of preparing their property to hit the Real Estate Market. It’s not about wiping down the bench, putting away […]
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Planing the perfect kitchen..!
Posted on February 18th 2014
For those of you who are lucky enough to be building a new home, or even doing a major reno, lets talk kitchen planning…! If you’re an avid follower of Smart Homes, you will know we are big fans of the perfect kitchen. We are on the endless hunt to show you the best […]
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Teaming up with Empire Lane Design…
Posted on February 11th 2014
Some of you may have heard of Empire Lane Design, for those of you who haven’t… Keep reading! Around 6 months ago Smart Homes teamed up with Nicole Chapman, Principle Designer and Founder of Empire Lane Design. Why? Because Smart Homes are passionate about every aspect of a home, not just the build, but the […]
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How’s your colour coordination?
Posted on February 2nd 2014
Building a home is one thing, but making sure you choose the right colours to bring that home to life, is another story! From the facade, to the colour of the toilet walls… It all counts. Here at Smart Homes, helping you choose the right colours for your home is all part of the service. […]
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Simple styling tips for the home.
Posted on January 27th 2014
Most weeks on the Smarthomes Blog, we focus on the construction/planning of a home. Sharing ideas and tips to help build your dream home. This week we’re taking a different path and focusing on the post build…. And how to style and furnish your home, to get that designer look! Of course, the style of your […]
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Who wouldn’t love a custom home?!
Posted on January 19th 2014
Customisation, is key! You’re building a NEW home, so make it work for you! This is your chance to tailor your house to your needs, every room can be functional and economical for you and your family. Look at the floor-plan… What works? What doesn’t? Lets start with the entrance. Do you love a sense […]
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The final touches – Hardware!
Posted on January 13th 2014
What’s your take on hard ware? Are you the type that’s slightly obsessive and must have everything matching?! Or do you like a sense of variety and diversity throughout the home? Either way, it’s personal choice really. But lets run through some options and pro’s and con’s! When designing your own home it’s important to […]
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Colour Selection Times To Suit You
Posted on January 10th 2014
We understand that you’re busy so to make life easier we now offer colour selection meeting times outside of office hours including before work, after work and weekend times. Click on the below image to see the full timetable. If you do require a specific time outside of these hours we will of course endeavor […]
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High Back, Claw Foot Baths
Posted on January 8th 2014
For many a high back, claw foot bath is top of the list when it comes to creating a classically elegant bathroom design. Traditionally white, a claw foot bath eludes sophistication and style while bringing some old world charm to a wash room space. These days there are some stunning colourful options on the […]
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Light up your home!
Posted on January 6th 2014
We often write about design elements in a new build, such as flooring choice, window treatments, colour combinations etc but today I’m going to focus on lighting! It’s one of the most important design feature’s of a home shouldn’t be an after thought! It’s crucial you get this right from the beginning to save the hassle […]
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Get Inspired for the New Year!
Posted on January 4th 2014
It’s 2014! Today’s blog isn’t an informative read… it’s an inspiration re-cap! 2013 was a great year and we want to celebrate that! Below is a collaboration of our most popular posts in 2013. Get inspired, get excited and make your dream home happen in 2014! To all our Smart Homes fans and their families, […]
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Gas or Wood Fireplace?
Posted on December 17th 2013
The Great Debate… Gas or Wood Log Fire place.. ?! So I know we’ve just come into summer, but your home needs to see you through all the seasons! Today we are discussing the good ‘ol’ fireplace and the benefits of gas over wood log. Much like last weeks blog about Hardwood Vs Laminate flooring… both have […]
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Hardwood Flooring Vs Laminate Timber
Posted on December 11th 2013
One of the most popular flooring choices these days is wood, but the choice isn’t as simple as it sounds… Today we are going to share some of the pros and cons when comparing hardwood with Laminate, and you’ll be surprised! Many people assume that hardwood is the ultimate in wood flooring, giving you the real deal, […]
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The bathroom
Posted on December 4th 2013
So, it’s used every morning, every night and by every member of the household! The bathroom needs to cater to so many needs, so of course – most importantly, it needs to be functional! We’re going to run through some design aspects of a modern bathroom, that are not only functional, but look good. From […]
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Laminate Benchtops 101
Posted on November 25th 2013
So last week we learnt a little bit about Ceasarstone for use on your kitchen bench tops. This week, we’re taking a closer look at Laminate! Laminate has come along way in the last decade, and is still one of the most affordable bench top material’s. Affordable, yet versatile! The colour, pattern, finish and texture […]
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Caesarstone Benchtops – The what, where and why
Posted on November 19th 2013
These days, there are so many choices when it comes to kitchen bench tops. Back in the day we were limited to laminate, wood and tile… now, we have concrete, marble, Caesarstone, granite and stainless steel to add to the mix… So where to start in making the choice!? Well, today I”m going to focus on […]
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Polished Concrete
Posted on November 12th 2013
Over the last few year’s we’ve seen a huge increase in home owners choosing Polished Concrete to finish their flooring. Is it just a design statement..? Well no, believe it or not, polished concrete flooring can make a bigger impact to your living than just a visual statement. Polished concrete is extremely hard wearing and […]
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6 Star Energy Rating & Your Home
Posted on November 6th 2013
So, you’ve all heard of ‘Green Homes’ and ‘Energy Ratings’ but what does this all mean…? In 2011 the 6 Star Standard was introduced to Victoria, aligning us with the national energy efficiency measures in the Building Code of Australia. Basically, all new homes, renovations and extensions, constructed post May 2011 must now comply with the new […]
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Choosing Bricks For Your Home
Posted on September 23rd 2013
The exterior of your home should really set the tone for the rest of the design. With bricks making up such a large component of the outside of a building it is important to choose the right colour and texture. Colour and texture variation is part of the natural appeal of clay bricks and pavers. […]
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Build your dream home in the country
Posted on September 7th 2013
Are you looking to build your dream home in the country but are struggling to find a display home that allows you to experience it before you buy? Display homes tend to be developed within large town centres in order for the builder to ensure maximum return on their investment. This is all good […]
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How to choose carpet for your home
Posted on September 6th 2013
Plush pile, loop pile, twist, patterned twist, nylon, wool, underlay. Ahhhhhhhh! With so many options on the market when it comes to choosing carpet for your home, it can be tricky to navigate your way to the perfect solution. We’ve complied all of the basic information you will need to arm yourself with when shopping […]
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Top Tips For Designing The Perfect Kids Space
Posted on August 27th 2013
We thought we would put it to our very own Interior Designer, Nicole Chapman from Empire Lane Design to create a foolproof step by step guide for creating the perfect kids space or nursery. TOP TIPS FOR DESIGNING THE PERFECT KIDS SPACE Designing spaces for children is a passion of mine and I often […]
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Organise Your Pantry – Kitchen Storage Solutions
Posted on August 20th 2013
Do you ever wish you were one of those super organised people with one of those perfectly ordered pantries? You know, those super streamline food cupboards lined with flawlessly arranged containers with easy to read labels… Well, it may be easier than you think. Our good friends at Tuppaware have developed a brilliant new service […]
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Smart Homes NEW Colour Selection Centre
Posted on August 18th 2013
So, you’ve fallen in love with the display and have made the exciting decision to build your new home with Smart Homes. Congratulations! Now it’s time to make your house your own by selecting all of the exterior and interior design finishes. Take a trip to our brand new, state-of-the-art selection centre (pictured above) […]
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Cardina Shire Business Awards
Posted on August 11th 2013
Each year the Cardinia Shire Business Awards recognises the best of the best in small and big business across a broad range of categories. Think The Oscars for Cardinia based business. To be nominated within any of the categories a business must be seen to strive for excellence, go above and beyond […]
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Why Solar Powered Electricity
Posted on August 5th 2013
Have a bright future in your new home, with solar power. By Chromagen Solar & Energy Solutions http://www.chromagen.com.au/index.php/products/residential-products/solar-power The building of a new home is a very exciting time for people. This excitement is fuelled by the prospect of a new start in the comfort of your brand new home and with a bright future ahead. […]
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Making Your House a Home
Posted on July 28th 2013
A good home design encompasses the lifestyle and personality of the people living in it. That’s why, at Smart Homes, we are committed to working closely with each individual client to create a customised floorplan and overall finish that complements the way you live. While we do have an array of unique floorplans readily […]
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Cooking with colour
Posted on July 21st 2013
To most, the idea of making the plethora of colour choices required for their new kitchen is enough to make them want to order an off-the-shelf flat pack. Granted, the list of decisions required for a standard sized kitchen design is extensive it need not be a daunting task. Step 1. Choose Your Pallet: […]
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Storage 101
Posted on July 13th 2013
Fact: You can never have too much storage. It takes years and years to accumulate the abundance of kitchenware, crockery, appliances and food stores that most people harbour in their kitchen so it pays to take a little time to carefully plan where it should all go in your new space. O.K now let’s be […]
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Bathing Beauty
Posted on July 8th 2013
The timeless elegance of the Victorian and Edwardian style bathroom has been a design favourite with Australian families across the nation. With the signature wide open bathing spaces and statement pieces such as decorative free standing baths these design styles have stood the test of time. Remarkably the traditional bathroom is often sacrificed in a […]
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Old meets new
Posted on July 1st 2013
Blending traditional style with modern finishes can be a little daunting. The good news is that there are some key design guidelines that can help you seamlessly combine the old with the new. Key traditional features are at the heart of any period home. Think high ceilings, timber floors, hallway corbels and detailed skirting boards. […]
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smarthomes Build Federation and Country Style Homes
Posted on June 3rd 2013
At smarthomes we love building homes that celebrate Australian architecture. As a nod to construction and design from times gone by, we love to reproduce historically inspired Federation, Cottage and Victorian-style homes. Early federation style houses give a home personality, a unique feel, a trip down memory lane and no matter the size, can easily […]
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Customise Your Dream Home
Posted on May 10th 2013
Ok, let’s get this straight. We’re not bloggers, we’re builders. We don’t know a whole heap about blogging but we’re going to give it a crack. It’s here where we’ll share some of what we know about building, industry news and anything that inspires us. All in the name of helping you navigate building a […]
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Interior Design Inspirations
Posted on April 30th 2013
At smarthomes we think that the interior design of a home is just as important as the outside. The options are limitless when it comes to flexing your personality through interior design. Check out some pics from The Design Files to get inspired.
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