Building a sloping block can be much more expensive than building on a flat block for a number of reasons. This is because much of the ground needs to be excavated in order to provide a level base for the house to sit on. This can result in additional costs as dirt must be hauled in and dumped on site. The steeper the block the more extensive the earthworks will be, driving up the cost of construction. Extra materials such as extra steel will be required in order to support the structure of the house on a sloping block as it bears more weight than it would on a flat block. In addition, more concrete is required for foundations as the slopes increase the amount of earth that needs to be packed into these areas in order to provide a stable base. Labour is also generally more expensive on a sloping block due to the fact that it requires more work to achieve the necessary results. In addition, more complex structural calculations are necessary in order to ensure that the foundations are strong enough to support the weight of the house and to withstand the forces of gravity and wind. Another important factor is the type of soil which will determine the extent of support that the foundation requires. This is majorly subject to soil test which can vary from site to site. As a result, the cost to build your house on a sloping block will be significantly higher than the cost to build it on a flat block.

However, the overall cost will depend on the extent of your slope. For example, a larger drop from one metre to three metres will require more extensive work. In addition, the extent of the landscaping required will depend on the slope of your block. If your block is very flat you may be able to get away with just a front yard and a back yard, but if your home has a pitch to it then you will more than likely be required to extend your garden area down the side of the block as well. Landscaping and retaining walls will also increase the cost of the project so it is important to factor these in when planning your budget.

What are the benefits of a sloping block?

Sloping blocks are generally considered more desirable than flat blocks due to the extra space they provide for the home and the stunning panoramic views that many properties offer from the top of the hill. From a practical point of view, most homes built on sloping blocks are very difficult to level and for this reason need to be constructed using specific construction techniques in order to ensure structural integrity.

Not only does it provide stunning elevated views from the comfort of your home, but it also enables an added level of creativity with your home design, often for a more affordable land price. Data shows sloping blocks often offer a lower purchasing price than their flat-land counterparts. Building a home on a sloping block will depend on several factors including the size of your block, the extent of the slope, the type of cladding used and the number of additional landscaping features that are required. In rural areas of Australia, larger blocks tend to be more steeply sloped while in urban areas, smaller blocks of land tend to be flatter or terraced to make it easier to build on them. Factors such as the location of the lot on the block will also affect the design and layout of the home, as will the age of the existing home on the property.

How to choose a sloping block builder?

Choosing the right builder is one of the most important decisions that you will have to make when building your new home. A quality builder will not only take care of the design and construction of your home, but also assist you throughout the building process to ensure that everything is running smoothly and there are no problems along the way. When searching for a builder, the most important thing to look for is experience. Ask to see examples of the builder’s work. You should also ensure that they are properly licensed and that they have a good record of customer satisfaction before hiring them for the job.

Every builder has different experience and interest in different types of building. The problems that an experienced sloping block builder encountered are far different from a builder who does multi units development. Look for builders who have built lots of homes in your particular area so that you can gauge their level of experience and find one who will be right for your project.

Communication is also a key factor as you don’t know what you don’t know. A good builder is able to translate technical problems or situations to the clients with non-building background. Price is also an important factor to think about when choosing a builder.

Building a sloping block home can be a challenge and choosing the right builder is the most important decision that you will have to make throughout the process.