Housing Grant summary June 2013

Realestate.com.au have posted an excellent article that summarises the various grants and subsidies offered in each state.

They have put together a snapshot of nationwide concessions, and any recent or forthcoming changes, to help you determine if you’re eligible, and decide if now’s the time for you to enter the property market.

Click on your state below to learn about the building incentives available to you.

Victoria

New South Wales

Western Australia

South Australia

Queensland

Tasmania

Australian Capital Territory

Northern Territory

To help boost new home construction, most States have announced they will stop providing grants for established homes. 

The Federal government has introduced a "First Home Saver Account" incentive program.

A first home saver account is a special purpose account. Your balance is increased by a contribution from the government, up to a limit each year if you qualify. You don't pay tax on the interest the account earns. Rules apply.  Learn more here.

  

Ezy Pole Home Construction Systems

Now that so many builders and developers have discovered the benefits of our construction system for their own projects, we've decided that it would be a good idea to create a separate logo for the steel pole home construction system that we have developed over the last 13 years.

Our new "Ezy Pole Home Construction Systems" logo is designed to be used in conjunction with our builder partner logos, to avoid confusion regarding which company performs the actual construction.  Promoting the builders services in conjunction with our pole home construction system.

This logo also identifies our construction system an a product in itself, in addition to our kit home packages.

Ezy Homes really do make it easy to build on sloping sites - or when a fast to build, ultra strong building solution is required.

Contact us today to discuss your project.

Eazy Homes is NOT Ezy Homes

Following recent comments from people contacting our office, we see there is a need to clarify that Eazy Homes (in WA) is not us - the original Ezy Homes Australia.

After spending 12 years building the Ezy Homes brand, it is quite surprising that ASIC approved the use of Eazy Homes as a business name - with both companies in the same business market.  

US - Ezy Homes Australia, since 2000, Brisbane National HQ, our own in-house developed steel pole home construction system, have supplied 100's of homes all over Australia & to PNG. 

THEM - Eazy Homes Australia (formerly Sharp Carpentry), since 2007, Perth based, another kit home company doing the same thing everyone else is doing.

Fortunately Eazy Homes only have a similar name to us - not a similar service standard.  Here is a recent comment from a WA client, "Thank you for being so helpful and patient. Our dealing with 'Eazyhomes' here in WA have not been half as helpful as you."

Rant over.


   

Cradle Mountain (Tasmania) Project Update

We have received the following pics from our client at Cradle Mountain, Tasmania.

  

This home was built by our local builder partner, ET Constructions - and they did a fantastic job.

Ezy Homes designed & supplied the structural steel frame.  Our frame kits are available as kit homes, or as is the case with this project, the frame can be supplied to a builder as part of a completion contract.

  

Mountain Retreat Project

We have just received pics from our client at Springbrook, who built a lovely mountain retreat in the Gold Coast hinterland.

This home was able to be located & built within the trees, because of Ezy Homes low site impact.

This home is truly amongst the gum trees

You can view more pics of this home on their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/TreeFernRetreat
   

First Ezy Home in W.A. about to start

Our first home to be built in W.A. has been council approved - so construction will be starting shortly.  This project is a custom "Coolum 1" design being built at Mullaloo Beach (north Perth).

This particular site has sandy soil, which made a steel pole home the obvious choice.  Ezy Homes are suitable for all soil types from sand to solid rock.

The builder for this Mullaloo Beach project, Adroit Constructions, is available to build Ezy Homes all over W.A.  Ezy Homes takes care of the design, drafting, engineering, fabrication & supply of the structural steel frame.

We are using this first project to establish production & supply from Perth, to minimise delivery costs for this home - as well as for our other W.A. clients.

We are currently talking to/are drafting plans for clients in Perth, Bunbury, Esperance & Kalbarri.  Talk to Ezy Homes about your Western Australia new home project.

Mt Crosby Project - Week 8 Update

Our owner/builder client at Mt Crosby has been keeping us up to date with progress of his new home construction.  We previously posted lock-up pics - reached after 4 weeks.

Now after 8 weeks, the external cladding is complete, plumbing & electrical rough-ins have been completed,  and internal walls have been plastered.

High raking ceilings are a feature of Ezy Homes

This custom "Outlook" looks great in its bush setting

Construction Update Mt Crosby Project

Here are a few pics we recently received from one of our Owner/Builder clients, building a custom "Outlook" at Mt Crosby.

With the help of a couple of local carpenters, this house has reached lock-up stage in 4 weeks.

Frame kit erected in 1 day

This owner/builder kit home ready for floor & roofing

Timber wall frames being constructed

Hardwood decking to be oiled & laid

Ezy Homes are ideal for sloping sites

Double entry door is a lovely feature

Cladding being fitted

Nice mix of Colorbond & weatherboard cladding

Melbourne project nearing lock-up stage

The Ezy Home being built in Melbourne, by local building partner True Blue Homes, is nearing lock-up stage.  Below are a few pics of the progress so far.

Frame kit erection

Outlook design with garage below

Wall frames & ply bracing

Wall frames completed

External cladding nearing completion

The "Outlook" is one of our most popular designs - with it's high ceilings, clerestory windows, and large decks.  Talk to Ezy Homes today about customising this design to suit your needs.
Our local builder partner, True Blue Homes, are available to build your new home in the greater Melbourne area. 

Too busy to blog!

We've had another huge year at Ezy Homes - breaking all previous sales records.  We've been so busy designing and supplying custom steel pole homes that we haven't had time to update our blog.

In case anyone think's we've forgotten to update the blog, here are a couple of pics of a current project at Mitchelton, Brisbane (Laguna design).  Plus the promise to put more regular updates & info onto this blog.

Split Level Home: A case study

PROJECT: Cornubia, Brisbane

LAND :  602m2 "battle-axe" shape, with a 4:1 slope up from the road, in bushfire zone overlay, and in steep slope overlay

BRIEF:  To design a large family home, with 2 car lock-up garage, 4 bedrooms - master to have ensuite, rumpus room, office, open plan living, and outdoor decking.

Other client requirements included internal access to the garage, and a request to keep stairs to a minimum.

In designing a home of this size, with the limitations of the land shape and size, plus local council's maximum height restriction of 8.5m, a split level design was deemed the most practical solution.

This client wanted a modern looking home with skillion roof/s.  Ezy Homes standard "Outlook" was used as the starting point for the custom designed home.

This project provides an excellent example of how Ezy Homes standard plans are used as the starting point for clients to develop a design that suits their own building site, personal requirements, and personal preferences.

One key benefit of Ezy Home's pole home construction system is the need for minimal earthworks.  In the case of this project, a retaining wall was required to create the 6m x 8m garage.  A small retaining wall was built at the rear of the property in order the keep the building under maximum allowable height.

Because all of the house frame components are pre-cut & pre-drill specifically for each project, the process of frame erection is very simple and fast - even on steep & difficult building sites.  This frame was erected in just one day.

In total, it took a total 5 weeks to reach lock-up stage - that is to, erect the frame kit (floors down & roof on), frame and brace the walls, fit the cladding and soffits.  This project uses a mixture of Hardie's Panel Clad sheeting & Primeline weatherboards.

Click here to learn more about the design options for your building site.

   

Holland Park Project Update

It's always pleasing to receive progress photos from our owner/builder clients - especially when the clients have done a great job, as is the case with a recent project at Holland Park.

This house is a good example of how a well managed owner/builder project can result in a high quality home.

Construction started in early November and was built to lock-up stage by Elan Projects.  Now, 3 months later, the house is 99% complete - and looking great!

This "Moreton" has been extended and modified to suit the clients requirements, and features an impressive entrance & staircase, large open plan living, and decks that lead out to their beautiful new swimming pool.

Photos of this project under construction can be found below - in an earlier blog post.

A BBQ at Ted & Antonia's

Having recently completed their "Coolum" Ezy Home on Coochiemudlo Island (as Owner/Builders), Ted & Antonia Knezevic invited the Ezy Homes office staff to lunch and a chance to see their lovely home.

Last Friday (the 20th) some of the Ezy Homes team enjoyed a lovely BBQ lunch, drinks, and even a dip in the new pool.

It is always Ezy Homes goal to reach the end of a project and have happy clients living in a beautiful home.  It's even more pleasing when our clients invite us to share in their "pride & joy".

We'd like to thank our hosts Ted & Antonia for an enjoyable afternoon in such a lovely location.

Here are some photos of the Knezevic's new home:

 

Choosing a Hot Water System

Types of hot water systems

Water heating is the biggest energy user in your home. When choosing your hot water system, many factors need to be considered, eg: the initial cost, on-going running cost, life expectancy and environmental impact.

Traditional electric hot water systems typically account for more than a third of household energy use. Because most electricity in Australia is generated from coal-fired power stations, electric hot water systems emit the most greenhouse gas emissions.

You must also choose between storage water heaters and continuous flow (instantaneous) water heaters.

Storage systems heat water and store it in the tank for use throughout the day. These are suitable for households with higher hot water usage. Storage water heaters heat and store water in an insulated tank ready for use. They operate most economically on solar energy, natural gas or off-peak electricity.

Continuous flow (instantaneous) water heaters heat water as it is required, therefore cannot run out of hot water. They operate most economically on natural gas. These systems are more suitable for smaller households with lower hot water usage, as they heat only what is needed, and don't waste energy heating up and storing water that isn't used.

Off-peak Electric
Running costs similar to natural gas.  Can only be used in storage systems of 160 litres capacity or greater.  Water is heated overnight to provide adequate hot water during the day.  Twin element units can operate with a 24-hour off-peak boost (if hot water runs out, water is reheated automatically on the off-peak tariff).  Note: not all states of Australia allow electric hws to be installed into new homes.

Natural gas
Both storage and continuous flow systems are available.  Look for the energy rating label with the highest number of stars - choose one with a 5 or 6 star energy rating.

LPG
Running costs average around one and a half to three times the price of natural gas or off-peak electricity.  Look for the energy rating label with the highest number of stars.  Storage and continuous flow units are available.

Solar
A solar hot water system, which requires an additional investment of $1,500-$2,000 above the price of a conventional hot water, can pay back the additional cost in energy savings in approximately 5-10 years.  Approximately 65-80% of your hot water will be free of charge.  All systems come with a gas, off-peak electric or solid fuel booster to supply hot water during periods of low sunshine.  Collector panels are located on the roof, with a storage tank either on the roof or at ground level.  Solar hot water systems have the lowest impact on the environment.

Heat pumps
Highly efficient form of water heating which uses around 70% less electricity than other electric water heaters.  When used in conjunction with a timer and the off-peak tariff, running costs are even lower.  Heat is extracted from the atmosphere using a refrigerant gas and a compressor (much the same way as heat is extracted from your refrigerator) and used to heat water stored in a tank at ground level.

How much hot water storage do I need?
   
High water usage households (eg those with spas or dishwashers) should select the next largest system size in the range. A dishwasher with a hotwater connection should be counted as an extra person.

Electric & heat pump storage water heaters
1-3 people  160 litres
2-4 people  250 litres
3-6 people  315 litres
5-8 people  400 litres

Gas storage water heaters
1-3 people    90 litres
2-4 people  130 litres
3-5 people  170 litres
4-6 people  200 litres
5-9 people  260 litres

Solar storage water heaters
1-2 people  160-200 litres
3-4 people  300-370 litres
5-6 people  440 litres

Continuous flow systems are sized according to the required flow rate. A guide is often the number of bathrooms in the home. Consult suppliers of manufacturers for specific sizing guidelines for their products.

What are the cost differences?

Below are indicative pricing for supply & installation of hot water systems.  The federal government is currently offering rebates for solar & heat pump installations.  Visit http://www.environment.gov.au/energyefficiency/solarhotwater/ to see if you are eligible.
Electric      $   800 - $1,500
Heat Pump  $2,500 - $3,500
Gas/LPG     $   800 - $1,200 (storage)
Gas/LPG     $   800 - $2,100 (continuous)
Solar         $2,500 - $4,500

Builder Network Expands.......Again

Ezy Homes now has licensed builders available in Northern Tasmania, Sunshine Coast, & Mackay - ready to erect your steel pole kit home, or build it for you to lock-up or full completion stage.

E.T. Construction are available to construct your dream Ezy Home throughout Northern Tasmania - and are about to commence their first Ezy Homes project, in Devonport.  ET Construction is based half way between Devonport and Launceston, and is ideally located to service a large part of Northern Tasmania.

Price Construction have multiple offices and a large network of trade contractors.  They service the entire Sunshine Coast (from Pine Rivers, north to Glenwood, and west to Kingaroy - and also Central North Queensland (from Sarina, north to Bowen, and west to Collinsville - including Mackay).

Price Constructions purchasing power and well developed "back office" procedures allows them to offer Ezy Homes built in these regional centres for the same price as in a major city, like Brisbane.  In most cases, their construction estimates are slightly under the national average (see Ezy Homes Pricing & Inclusions page).

 

Now, potential Ezy Homes clients in these areas are able to easily obtain accurate construction quotes - and deal with a trusted licensed builder.

 

Ezy Homes take care of the design, drafting and initial quoting for all projects.  We then obtain fixed price quotations to construct the home to the stage that suits the individual client, by a local licensed builder.  At contract stage, the client is "handed-over" to the builder, so that they can communicate directly.  Ezy Homes do not charge the client or the builder any fee for this service. 

 

Learn more about Ezy Homes designs click here

 

Request a quote for your land location click here

 

Builders interested in the Ezy Homes Builder Network click here

Projects Under Construction - Update

The following is a construction update for three of the Ezy Homes steel pole home projects under construction, in Brisbane.  Ezy Homes are built by licensed builders, who are part of the Ezy Homes Builders Network - or, built in a kit home form by owner/builders.

Ezy Homes work with each client to individually design their home, using our pole home construction system.  Ezy Homes take care of the design, drafting and engineering for the project - then clients choose their preferred builder for their project, and from then on, deals directly with the builder.

Alternatively, many Ezy Homes clients are owner/builders - using a combination of trade contractors from our database, their own trade contacts, and doing work themselves.

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PROJECT: Holland Park
DESIGN: Modified Moreton
PROJECT STAGE: Interior fix-out and finishing, currently being painted.

This Moreton takes advatage of the sloping site to provide a family home upstairs - and 2 self contained untis below.

Mini-orb cladding and louvre windows give this home a unique look.

Large decks and glass take advantage of the lovely vista.

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PROJECT: Holland Park

DESIGN: Modified Moreton

PROJECT STAGE: Frame kit erected - Wall framing under construction - 2nd Week of construction

This Ezy Homes "Moreton" has been extended to 5 bays of living area, plus a full 4.2m deep deck at the rear.  This steel pole home has 4 bedrooms and a large media room upstairs, and huge open plan living below.

This client has designed their home so that the lower deck walks out onto their entertaining area - complete with swimming pool (under construction now).

The Ezy Homes unique steel pole home construction system has minimal site impact and generates the smallest possible footprint.

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PROJECT: Camp Hill
DESIGN: Modified Moreton

PROJECT STAGE: Frame kit being erected, ready to sheet roofing - 1st week of construction

This "Moreton" has extended decks front & rear.  The client has added a foyer entry to the side also.  Open plan living is upstairs, along with the master bedroom, walk-in robe, and ensuite.

The lower level has 3 bedrooms, rumpus, bathroom, and laundry.  Also, the wall stud size has been increased to 2.7m.

This photo shows the "nuts & bolts" of the Ezy Homes construction system.  Concrete pier footing - which the column is bolted to (leveling nuts under the plate).  Bearers bolt to the columns, joists bolt to the bearers.  Everything is pre-cut & pre-drilled so that the frame kit goes together like a giant meccano set.

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To learn more, you can visit the Ezy Homes website

http://www.ezyhomes.com.au/