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Renovating is an exciting time for anyone – whether it’s for yourself or to sell your property. Our builders in Pakenham have 35 years worth of renovation experience and know exactly what parts of your home should be considered for renovation first and foremost as well as what you should consider before beginning your renovation. Whilst at the end of the day you should renovate the areas you’re personally interested in, it’s always worthwhile considering an expert option and seeing the possibilities. That’s why we’ve highlighted five areas to consider during a renovation in today’s blog.

1.     The bathroom

Often considered a make or break room by people, the bathroom truly is a sacred room. There is a lot you can do with your bathroom and there are a plethora of styles and designs that you can opt for. Roomy, open-style showers with large rainfall heads are quite popular and make you feel like you’re on a holiday.

Other options include building a second bathroom or, of course, the luxurious and practical option of an ensuite. Ensuites are highly stylish and useful additions to any bedroom. Consider large frosted skylights so you can let a heap of natural light in whilst still maintaining privacy.

2.     The kitchen

There’s always room for improvement in the kitchen. Whether it’s something as simple as replacing an old appliance with a new one or redesigning the entire layout, the kitchen is a room our Pakenham-based builders love to work on. Island benches and white marble are popular styles that will look spectacular in any modern home.

You could also look into handle-less drawers and cupboards for a more seamless and integrated look. If your kitchen is in its own room then you can consider knocking down the wall between it and your living room for a more open concept – that way you can also be a part of the conversations in the living room whilst preparing meals – as well as watch the TV.

3.     Backyard living space

Your backyard holds a hidden potential that our builders in Pakenham can easily unlock. An outdoor living room is the ultimate way to relax outdoors regardless of the weather conditions. All you need is a solid roof and, if you choose, a deck to act as the foundations. Now you can decorate the area with furnishings and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen so you can do everything without having to go back and forth from your primary kitchen.

Whilst you’ll be all set for the summertime, you’ll want some electric/gas heaters or an outdoor fireplace to help you stay warm during the cooler months. We also highly recommend adding some skylights to your roof for the sun to shine through (or the rain to create a calming atmosphere). You can really do a lot with such a space once it’s been established.

4.     A fresh coat of paint

Depending on the breadth of your renovations, a fresh coat of paint is always a great idea to keep the house looking sparkling and new. The best part is that it doesn’t even have to be a new colour, you can just redo the same colour to refresh it. But of course, the option to introduce a new colour and paint some contrasting feature walls is always open if you’re after a new look.

5.     Innovative storage space

You can never have enough storage space in your home nowadays and the best way to introduce more storage space is with seamless, hidden units that just look like ordinary walls. These are great because they can be pretty large but appear to not even be there.

Of course, your other option is the classic approach of building an entirely new room and making it a walk-in cupboard. You can add mirrors to this and make it large enough to try on clothes. Or, your third option is to do both and get the best of both worlds.

Are you looking for builders in Pakenham?

Here at S & B Lamble Builders, we take luxury residential renovations and construction seriously and can offer you high-calibre solutions and advice as well as efficiently executed projects – all whilst sticking to the agreed-upon schedule. We take pride in our work and everything we do is to make you, our client, happy. Our extensive portfolio spans over the last 35 years and is a testament to the quality we’re able to deliver.

If you’d like to get in touch with one of our Pakenham-based builders today, then please contact us via the form on our website or call (03) 5941 8135.

As custom home builders
in Melbourne, we know in great detail the process of constructing a home from scratch. It’s no easy feat as there’s a lot that goes into the process – from planning to permits and the physical labour. There are a lot of components moving at once and keeping it all together requires a rigid and organised schedule. For today’s blog, we thought we’d talk you through the typical process that’s involved when constructing a custom home.

Pick your builder

First thing’s first – you should always pick a builder you can trust. This is someone who is going to construct the home you’ll be living in, so you want to make sure you connect with them to a degree and are on the same page. Picking a builder that is also familiar with the area and knows the local council regulations is a huge bonus as they can really take advantage of this knowledge in your favour. Also, be sure to take a look at their portfolio to ensure you’re happy with the type of work that they’ve produced.

Working on the plan

Working with an architect to get your dream home accurately down on paper is crucial as this is where you’ll be able to see the first stages of your vision come to life. Similarly, as to the builder, you need to have a good rapport with the architect and complete faith in them. Selecting an architect that has completed homes in similar styles to what you’re looking for is a good start.

You’ll describe every aspect of the house you’ve envisioned to them and they’ll draft up plans. There will most likely be several revisions involved as you may not like some things or others might not be so viable, but every revision brings you one step closer to the finished product. If you’re able to receive 3D rendered plans as well, then that will help you see what the finished product could look like even more-so – so that’s something worth enquiring about when selecting an architect.

Deciding how to pay

There are two ways to fund a building project – lump sum and cost-plus.

• The lump sum – or fixed cost – method, is where
  the cost of the project is decided upon from the start. This is the entire cost
  – including the profit that the builder will make, labour hours and all required
  materials/equipment. This is the more straightforward method and means that the
  builder will have to work within the pre-agreed financial parameters. If the
  cost is exceeded, then the builder’s personal funds will have to be used thereon
  after.

• A cost-plus contract is a little different. There
  is no pre-determined fixed price and all the materials and labour is paid for
  as the bills come up. This has its benefits as it means the owner can closely
  monitor what the funds are being spent on as they’ll have to receive documents (drawdown
  reports) clearly outlining what was purchased. This also ensures that no matter
  the cost – the builder makes a profit at the end – hence the “plus”.

Gaining permits

Depending on the scope of the construction and your local council – certain permits and permissions may need to be acquired. This is an essential step as failure to gain the appropriate legal consent could result in the entire project being shut down. We also recommend letting neighbours know about the construction as a courtesy.

Building and completing

Our Melbourne-based custom home builders will start working on your home and keep you informed every step of the way. You’ll be looped-in to every important detail and are welcome to visit the site to ensure that everything is being completed to your satisfaction. If there are no major unforeseen delays, then the schedule will be tightly adhered to and your custom home will be complete on time – ready for you to move into.

Are you looking for custom home builders in Melbourne?

Here at S & B
Lamble Builders, we live and breathe luxury custom homes – which is why when you submit a tender to us, we take pride in meticulously assessing the document and giving it our full attention. Our Melbourne-based custom home builders have experience with such projects and have an extensive portfolio spanning more than 35 years.

If you’d like to enquire about our custom home building services or submit a tender, then please contact us through our website or call (03) 5941 8135.

It’s the start of the new decade! 2020 has begun and we thought we’d kick off the year with a good old-fashioned list of upcoming trends for the new year centred around luxury custom homes. We live and breathe luxury custom homes here at S & B Lamble Builders so it’ll be our pleasure to present to you some hot-button concepts and aesthetics that we think will make big waves this year!

Sustainable items and decorations

As the world tries to move closer to an eco-friendlier and more sustainable planet, we’re all trying to make small changes in our own way. One of those ways is by greening your home. This is a trend that is already pretty popular and gaining more momentum. The easiest way to do this is by placing green plants around your home.

Another way is by using more sustainable products or decorations – this way you’re actively supporting a sustainable industry. Think about materials you commonly use around your home and how you dispose of your trash? There’s always a more sustainable way to do things.

Arches

Arches have been a classic design for centuries but have faded into the background of a home’s architectural design in past years. We predict that arches will be making a prominent comeback this year. Elaborate, aesthetically gorgeous decorations will also follow the arches – transforming them into even more of a feature piece.

This will allow them to stand out where they may have blended into the ceiling in the past. Arches are fantastic because they can give your home a very classic and Victorian-aged look – whilst still leaving room to modernise.

Subtle colours

The last few years have seen some pretty interesting homes in terms of colour schemes. People were trying some different things, some a bit more vibrant and elaborate than others. Neutral tones such as beige were pretty big in 2019. But, for luxury custom homes in 2020, we think colour is going to return to homes.

Whilst white is a classic tone that you can’t go wrong with, opting for a very subtle colour like blue or yellow instead can be fantastic as it adds an extra layer of depth and individuality to your home. You don’t want the colour to be too washed out, though, it should be solid but just not overly vibrant.

Be sure to think ahead when picking your colour, as some colours may not work with the furniture or hardware you’re looking at.

Seamless storage

Storage is a common problem among households. People always seem to have too much stuff and nowhere to put it. Incorporating seamless and hidden storage into luxury custom homes is something that we’ll definitely be seeing a lot of this year.

The element that makes this aesthetic so desirable is the way it seamlessly integrates into the rest of the environment. Hidden panels that end up being large cupboards or drawers. Not only does it look great, but it’s also highly functional. Storage space is something that will always be in demand.

Smart homes

With more and more smart products being perfected and put onto the market, it’s no wonder people are wanting to make their homes “smart homes”. It’s not just about controlling your lights with your voice or smart device, but all of your hi-fi equipment and your blinds as well.

You can see who’s at your front door and speak to them from anywhere in the world with a smart doorbell and set automations to occur at certain times of the day. Most of today’s modern-day home appliances are getting smart capabilities – moving towards total integration.

Are you looking for custom luxury home builders?

Getting a custom luxury home built from scratch requires a lot of commitment and vision. There are an endless amount of aspects and trends you can opt for and it’s important to have someone to advise and help you reach the right decision. S & B Lamble Builders have years of experience in the luxury custom homes sector and know the ins and outs of the industry.

For over 35 years we’ve been building quality custom homes – showcasing our superior workmanship across a number of luxury residential projects. Whatever your vision is, we’ll help you bring it to life and make sure you’re happy every step of the way.

If you’d like to know more about residential services, then please give us a call on (03) 5941 8135. You may also get in contact with us by filling out the enquiry form on our website.

Whenever you get something new it causes a wave of happiness and excitement to flow through you. Our custom
builders in Pakenham know that renovations are no different. Whether you’re refreshing your current rooms, extending your home to be larger or adding an outdoor
accessory – there are several things you must give sufficient thought too before commencing any actual work.

Our custom builders are familiar with the underlying complexities of home renovations and can help keep you informed on what you should and shouldn’t do. In today’s blog, we’re going to explore four key things to consider before you start renovating your home.

1.    Sit down and plan exactly what you want

Depending on the scope of your renovation, there can generally be a fair bit involved. You should start by giving yourself a rough budget to work with. From there you can work out what you want to do. For example, if you’re looking at adding an extension to your home, then you’ll need to know exactly what you want it to be and how it will be laid out.

This includes visual aesthetics, what materials you’d want to use and the positioning of everything. It’s a lot easier and quicker if you have everything in mind before the renovation starts as it will be a lot harder and expensive to change things (depending on how major the change is) during the process.

2.    Consult an expert

Knowing what you want is essential but realising your dream is another thing. Consult a Pakenham custom builder to ensure that everything you want to do is viable. Not only that, but they’ll be able to offer their expert opinion and help you maximise your renovation so you can get the most out of it.

Due to their vast experience, custom builders in Pakenham can also establish a timeline of the project detailing which steps should be taken first to ensure that the project is completed in the best and swiftest way possible.

Depending on what you’re renovating you may have to talk to multiple people – for example, if you’re designing a bathroom then you should chat to a plumber about fixtures and the positioning of the hardware.

3.    Establish your budget

After you’ve decided what you want and determined that it’s all plausible, you can start to have a look at costs in more detail. Your initial rough estimate can now be moulded around the new information you’ve been given by experts and through your own research.

Renovations can become quite costly – which some people don’t realise. That’s why it’s best to gather quotes and ideas from professionals first and then form your specific budget around that. You should also explore various finance options if you’re not paying for it all in cash as some of them can be quite helpful and are designed specifically for renovation projects.

4.    Will you be able to stay in the house during the renovation?

If your renovations are quite extensive, you may not be able to stay in your house when construction commences. So, you’ll have to secure living arrangements elsewhere. If you have friends or family that you’re able to stay with then that will simplify things immensely for you.

If this isn’t the case, though, then you might have to look at renting a property for a short period. This is something that you’ll definitely want to organise in advance as you’ll ideally want something close to where you’re currently situated as well as within budget.  

Then you’ll have to look at other things such as how long you’ll be able to rent the property or what the minimum period of time is. It’s a process, but an important one. Of course, if your renovations are minor then you may still be able to stay in your home – which will work out to be cheaper for you overall.

Are you looking for custom builders in Pakenham?

Choosing to renovate your home is a big undertaking with several outside factors that need considering. Hopefully, after reading our tips you’ll feel better prepared to tackle this exciting step in your life though

When looking for custom builders in Pakenham, why not consider S & B Lamble Builders? Our specialty is custom luxury homes, which means we’ll not only be able to handle all the renovation aspects for you but also help advise and plan the project with you to ensure you’re getting the most out of this opportunity.

If you would like to know more about our services and what our custom builders in Pakenham can do for you, then please give us a call on (03) 5941 8135. You may also fill out the contact form found on our website.

One of the best parts about custom luxury homes is the creativity that goes into the planning and what can be seen in the end result. A feature that is becoming increasingly popular – and also adds value to your home – is an accessory building in your backyard. An accessory building is any sort of structure that is detached from the main house. It could be a self-sufficient unit with four walls and a roof or it could be something closer to a gazebo or pergola. Either way, they can be incredibly practical and stylish if done correctly. Let’s take a look at five different styles you can go for when looking at an accessory building.

1.   A guesthouse

Depending on the size you’re looking at, a guesthouse can be a simple room with a bed, or you can aim for something grander and add a bathroom and living room as well. This can also act as a fun little area for your children if they have friends over for the night. There are no limitations with a guesthouse and you can even go as far as adding a kitchen in. By adding a kitchen, living room and bathroom you can even look at renting out the room on Airbnb – as its own self-sufficient little unit. 

2.   A pool house

These are highly sought after and practical additions to your backyard if you have a pool. A pool house essentially acts as a building that holds items like towels and pool cleaning supplies but at a closer distance than your house – making it easy and convenient to manage your pool activities. Pool houses can also have bathrooms and showers in them, so you don’t have to walk through your home smelling like chlorine. If you add a veranda and some banana lounges, then you will have a great place to relax on a sunny day in between dips.

3.   A pergola

Pergolas are unique additions to any yard. They embody a very specific vision that can be moulded to your backyard’s style. Pergolas are open structures consisting of columns holding up a roof. They are the perfect structures to place an outdoor dining table set under. On a sunny day, the roof will provide shade from direct sunlight, but you will still be outside and have exposure from the sides. 

If you’re someone who doesn’t mind eating directly under the sun, then the solid roof can be substituted for something a bit different. You can opt for a combination of glass and wooden beams. That way, the sunlight is only partially blocked and rays will still make their way through. You can also opt for a more classic approach and build a pergola out of stone with a roof made from crisscrossed beams, and vines growing through them. Outdoor couches also work great in these situations.

4.   A recreational room

The rec room is the ultimate addition to custom luxury homes. This is where you can go all out. A pool table is a must-have for the rec room – so you’ll need quite a large room for that. In the living room, as well as comfortable couches and a television, you’ll probably want to consider having a bar area installed. This will definitely add value to your house overall if you ever consider selling in the future. The design of the building should be something quite solid with sound-proofing qualities to keep any noise contained.

5.   A relaxation room

This is similar to a rec room. However, this type of accessory building is typically a lot simpler in its design and features minimal furnishings. This is the sort of room you’d go to read a book in. White paint on the inside, and maybe a veranda with a chair on the outside. You can have some fun with the design aesthetics of this one and have large windowpanes as the walls. This will also maximise the amount of sun you get – but also on the rainier days, you’ll be able to watch the rain run down the windows. It truly is a cosy and comfortable type of building that you’ll get a lot of use out of.

Interested in luxury custom homes?

Whether you’re thinking of adding an accessory building to your already existing home – or looking at building a custom home from scratch – S & B Lamble Builders is the company for you. With 35 years of experience, our premium construction company specialises in building luxury custom homes and turning your dream into a reality.

If you would like to know more about our custom luxury homes and what we can do for you, then please give us a call on (03) 5941 8135. You can also enquire with us through our website.

From infinity pools to rustic outdoor ovens, there are plenty of ways to transform your outdoor entertainment area. But if you’re looking to add a touch of class and luxury to your home, there are a few specific construction projects you can undertake. In today’s blog, our team of luxury custom home builders are revealing our favourite grand ideas – and how you can recreate them.

#1: Revamp your outdoor kitchen

An outdoor kitchen is perfect for entertaining guests in warmer weather, especially by the pool. Outdoor kitchens typically do not have a stovetop and oven. Instead, outdoor kitchens usually sport a barbeque grill, plenty of bench space, and a sink to wash up in. Choosing the right finishes and materials – such as marble and stainless steel – can help make your outdoor kitchen look sleek and classy.

Other amenities that can be added to your outdoor kitchen include:

• A minifridge
  
• Storage
  space
• A pizza oven

#2: Add an outdoor fireplace

If you think an outdoor entertainment area is reserved for warm weather – think again! Entertaining guests in wintertime can be cosy, intimate and relaxed. All you need to do is create an environment that fosters these impressions. There’s no better way to do that than to build a fireplace that brings your loved ones together.

There are many different ways to style your fireplace, and many materials you can use to achieve either a modern or rustic look. You can opt for stone, brick or even cast iron! Before you install your fireplace, however, be sure to check your specific Council regulations.

#3: Build a brand-new pool

A pool is a must-have for any luxurious outdoor space. Swimming pools and spas are great for most entertaining areas, and there’s plenty of options when it comes to style.

However, before you build your new pool or spa, you will need to obtain the appropriate building permit before proceeding. You may also need a planning permit. To discover what you’ll need, conduct a test online that takes official requirements into account.

As of 1 December 2019, recent legislation under the Victorian government also dictates that swimming pools and spas must be registered with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). These measures are put in place to ensure your pool complies with the state safety regulations.

#4: Create a stunning outdoor room

Outdoor rooms are essentially smaller, sectioned areas within your large entertaining space that serve as an extra place to entertain guests. They typically contain flooring, lighting and a ‘ceiling’, which is usually a large pergola that provides shade but does not cut off guests from the rest of the backyard.

When it comes to creating an outdoor room, you need to ensure you choose weather-friendly materials for all furnishings and structures. This applies to fabrics, lighting and construction materials. Your outdoor room can simply be a sitting area, or it can connect to your fireplace and kitchen, too!

#5: Set up an outdoor bar

No outdoor entertainment area is complete without a bar! If you’re already considering building an outdoor kitchen, an outdoor bar is the icing on the cake. While you can always build a bar from the ground up with little fuss, it pays to get creative with your backyard bar ideas.

There are many different ways you can create a high-end outdoor bar, including:

• Transforming
  your old shed into a standalone drink and snack bar
• Combining
  your bar with your kitchen space
• Building a
  bar island within your pool
• Revamping
  your home’s kitchen so that it opens from the inside, allowing you to serve
  drinks from inside the kitchen.

Speak to a luxury custom home builder today

Based in Melbourne’s south-east, S & B Lamble Builders assists with the construction of high-end residential projects. Whether you’re looking to undergo a luxury renovation or a lavish home extension, we will be able to make your ideas happen.

With over 35 years of experience in the construction industry, our team of luxury custom home builders know how to capture and execute your visions. We service many areas in Melbourne and regional Victoria, and have previously completed high-end residential projects in suburbs like Kew, Hawthorn, Clyde North and more. We also offer commercial construction services all over Victoria.

Got an idea for a luxury residential extension or renovation? Speak to an S & B Lamble luxury custom home builder today on (03) 5941 8135 or request a quote online.