subject: The Challenges Of Building On A Sloping Block [print this page] So you've come to that point when you're finally ready to build your dream home. All you need to do now is find the right piece of land. You've checked out listings, done your research, visited the properties themselves, and you're leaning towards a sloping block. Before you actually buy the property, you should be aware of some of the challenges inherent in sloping blocks.
Admittedly, a home that is built on a slope does have attractive qualities. You could have really spectacular views of the surrounding land, great ventilation, higher value, etc. However, you should be aware of the disadvantages before you make that final decision. For one thing, houses built on a slope are generally more expensive than those built on level ground. So if you're on a budget, this fact is something that might ultimately affect your decision.
Just as not all builders in Adelaide are equally good at designing and executing certain building styles, not all builders are capable of building on a slope. So if you already have a builder or contractor in mind, you might want to make sure they have experience with the type of land your thinking of purchasing as well as the style of house you want. You might want to take a look at some of the house plans for sloping blocks that they've done in the past. It isn't advisable that you choose a builder that has never built on this type of land. The challenges aren't exactly something that a beginner should be tackling. Amateur mistakes could lead to costly rebuilds or repairs later on.
Generally speaking, it's easier to build on land that slopes down away from the street than one that slopes up from the street. Make sure that you choose a design that fits the contour of the land itself. This means that, most likely, a multi-storey structure may be the best option for you, depending on the steepness of the slope.
You might also want to consider any physical challenges that you or your family may have when considering land that has a steep slope. A steeper slope means more levels, which means that the house will have more steps. If you're determined to go for a sloped piece of land, then you might want to consider including handicap-accessibility to your home design. Keep in mind, though, that this will also affect overall cost.
At the end of the day, the decision is up to you. But if you keep these things in mind, your dream home could be everything you've ever wanted and more.
