Marklew Constructions
What sort of budget should I allow?
The Institute of Architects quotes a range from $10,000 per square for project builders and between $18,000 – $30,000 per square for individual architecture. Marklews are able to design and build for an investment well below the Institute of Architects suggested construction costs.
Human nature shows that we often want more than we can afford, or more than we are prepared to budget. It’s important is to be realistic in terms of both budget and expectation. Low cost volume builders tout $5,000-$6,000 per square but you need to ask: what’s included at that price and more importantly, what’s not.
Why should I use an architect?
The greatest concern for a lot of people is that if they work with an architect, they will end up over budget. The benefit of working with Marklews is the mutual feeling of trust. If your expectations out-weigh your budget, we will tell you. If we are realistic in terms of what we can produce for you, then you the client, in every circumstance, will end up with a home that responds to your needs. Of further benefit is that our consultant architect’s involvement ceases at sketch plan stage and Marklews professional team continue to oversee the construction. This means your home will have been designed to exacting standards at a minimal architectural fee structure.
How long will it take?
The architectural design process doesn’t happen overnight. The time span for the series of design meetings will depend on both your ability to communicate your wishes and the understanding of the Architect to translate those wishes into acceptable design elements. In normal instances, it could take a period of up to three months before a contractual commitment is made.
Can I make changes?
Even though a number of design meetings may have taken place to finalise all aspects of the project, you may still feel that some points need to be clarified or altered after signing the contract. Marklews is happy to respect your wishes in these circumstances and work with you in ensuring your home is a reflection of your wishes and requirements. Clearly the more effort put into making the right decisions at the appropriate time will ensure a more manageable construction process, but changes can always be accommodated.
What is Passive Solar Design?
Passive solar design is about orientation and aspect. Windows are placed to get the winter sun and shaded from western sun and southern heat loss. Five star energy ratings have done a lot to lessen heating and cooling costs but if your home is carefully designed so that summer sun penetration is minimised and winter sun floods your living areas, you and your family will physically feel better. That’s the measure of good passive solar design. The environment will also benefit and you will save on your utility bills.
Should I buy or build?
Really, there is no right answer. On the one hand, it’s obviously easier if you can buy a house that already contains all your requirements. On the other, getting what you really want in a design and detail sense can be one of life’s most rewarding experiences. And if you do it well, it can be one of your best financial investments.
The Institute of Architects quotes a range from $10,000 per square for project builders and between $18,000 – $30,000 per square for individual architecture. Marklews are able to design and build for an investment well below the Institute of Architects suggested construction costs.
Human nature shows that we often want more than we can afford, or more than we are prepared to budget. It’s important is to be realistic in terms of both budget and expectation. Low cost volume builders tout $5,000-$6,000 per square but you need to ask: what’s included at that price and more importantly, what’s not.
Why should I use an architect?
The greatest concern for a lot of people is that if they work with an architect, they will end up over budget. The benefit of working with Marklews is the mutual feeling of trust. If your expectations out-weigh your budget, we will tell you. If we are realistic in terms of what we can produce for you, then you the client, in every circumstance, will end up with a home that responds to your needs. Of further benefit is that our consultant architect’s involvement ceases at sketch plan stage and Marklews professional team continue to oversee the construction. This means your home will have been designed to exacting standards at a minimal architectural fee structure.
How long will it take?
The architectural design process doesn’t happen overnight. The time span for the series of design meetings will depend on both your ability to communicate your wishes and the understanding of the Architect to translate those wishes into acceptable design elements. In normal instances, it could take a period of up to three months before a contractual commitment is made.
Can I make changes?
Even though a number of design meetings may have taken place to finalise all aspects of the project, you may still feel that some points need to be clarified or altered after signing the contract. Marklews is happy to respect your wishes in these circumstances and work with you in ensuring your home is a reflection of your wishes and requirements. Clearly the more effort put into making the right decisions at the appropriate time will ensure a more manageable construction process, but changes can always be accommodated.
What is Passive Solar Design?
Passive solar design is about orientation and aspect. Windows are placed to get the winter sun and shaded from western sun and southern heat loss. Five star energy ratings have done a lot to lessen heating and cooling costs but if your home is carefully designed so that summer sun penetration is minimised and winter sun floods your living areas, you and your family will physically feel better. That’s the measure of good passive solar design. The environment will also benefit and you will save on your utility bills.
Should I buy or build?
Really, there is no right answer. On the one hand, it’s obviously easier if you can buy a house that already contains all your requirements. On the other, getting what you really want in a design and detail sense can be one of life’s most rewarding experiences. And if you do it well, it can be one of your best financial investments.
