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How to Choose the Right Lighting for Your Home

As your new house is going through the design process, you may be wondering how to choose the right lighting for your home. While lighting may not be the first or most urgent thing that comes to mind when you’re planning to move into a newly built home, it’s certainly one of the most important. To make sure you get the ambience, function, and mood that you want from your home, you need a well-designed lighting plan. In this article, we’ll explain how to choose lighting for your home and the main priorities to consider in the process. When Do You Choose the Lighting in Your Home? If you’re ordering custom lighting and need fittings to be shipped and installed, it’s best to arrange for delivery at least a month before your lights are scheduled for installation. Getting in early allows for delays due to availability and shipping and helps ensure you get what you want, when you want. So, what does that mean for the home-building timeline? Pretty much as soon as construction gets underway, we recommend getting in touch with your builder and inquiring about lighting installation. Once they give you a date, aim to choose and order your light fixtures and fittings as soon as possible so they arrive in time for installation. How to Choose Lighting for Your Home Choosing lighting for your home isn’t just about looks. When done well, a good lighting layout can add value to your home. To conceive your lighting plan, we recommend considering: The Type of Lighting You Need Each type of lighting serves a different purpose. It’s worth getting to know these three types: Ambient lighting is intended to illuminate the space so you can move around safely. Task lighting lights up a specific part of the room, like a desk or chair. Accent lighting provides mood lighting for specific areas or purposes, such as led strip lighting. When planning your lighting layout, we recommend having at least one of each type of light source in every room, especially the living room. The Warmth and Colour of the Light Bulb Luckily, this part is easy to swap out later. Measured in Kelvin (K), light bulb warmth and colour play a significant role in the mood of your home. Warm bulbs (2700K–3000K) create a cosy, inviting atmosphere, best used in living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms. Cool bulbs (3100K–4500K) feel clean and modern and are best used in kitchens, bathrooms, and work areas. Daylight bulbs (5000K–6500K) offer bright natural light, perfect for study areas and home office The Type of Fittings The type of fitting you choose for each room depends on the type of lighting you need, the atmosphere you want, and the functionality and convenience you require. Sconces are small, mostly decorative light fixtures mounted directly to the wall. Flush and semi-flush mounts are ambient lights embedded in the ceiling or joinery. Pendants are task lights that hang from the ceiling by a cord or chain. Chandeliers are large lighting systems that hang from the ceiling and use more than one light source. Lamps — whether for the floor or table — are good task lights, as they are easy to move around to different locations. The Ceiling Height When you think about floor plans, it’s usually the width and length you look at. But don’t forget about height! Ceiling height will affect the dimensions of the space that needs to be illuminated, so it’s an important consideration for lighting plans. We recommend recessed lighting, table lamps, track lighting, and wall sconces if you have low ceilings. Meanwhile, high ceilings may be best off with lights that provide good illumination and visual interest. We recommend floor lamps, pendant lights, and chandeliers. Don’t Forget About Natural Light When you’re choosing the type and warmth of bulbs and thinking about electricity costs, it can be easy to forget that natural lighting plays a huge role in your home’s ambience. Ask yourself: where are your windows located? How big are they, and what direction are they facing? Some tips to utilise natural light (and save energy) are: Use well-placed mirrors to reflect the light coming through the window Install a skylight Use light-filtering curtains and window treatments Utilising natural light contributes to sustainability and energy savings, so making the most of it is well worth your efforts. General Lighting Tips Don’t neglect lighting outdoor areas like pathways and driveways when choosing lighting for your home. Use LED bulbs. They last longer than other bulb types and use up to 80% less energy. Stick to one style throughout the house but alternate between fittings, i.e., combine flush mounts with floor lamps. Don’t get Kelvin and Lumens mixed up — Kelvin measures the colour temperature and Lumens the brightness of a light bulb. Final Thoughts Choosing the right lighting for your home is a task that takes careful calculation, patience, and advice from trusted friends and unbiased professionals. At John Munro Builder, we can provide the latter. As we build your house from a catalogue of stylish, modern home designs, we’ll be happy to have a conversation about how to choose the lighting for your home. Once that’s all sorted, we’ll install your lighting plan, and you’ll enjoy your newly-built, well-lit home!

How to Design a Kitchen: Tips for Home Building in 2023

Often considered as the heart of the house, the kitchen is a vital part that should be on every home builder’s mind. It's where the cooking “magic” happens and serves as a natural room for family gatherings and socialising. While previously seen solely as a functional area, the kitchen has gained attention in recent years in terms of interior design. In this guide, we’ll share some ideas to create a kitchen that's both functional and stylish by incorporating some of the latest ideas and trends in home design and construction. Planning Your Dream Kitchen Before you dive into designing your dream kitchen, it's crucial to lay a solid foundation by planning carefully. Here are some essential steps to consider: Assessing Your Space Begin by measuring your kitchen area. The size and shape of your kitchen will greatly influence its layout and functionality. Consider what kind of kitchen layout best meets your needs. For example, an open-concept kitchen can create a seamless flow between the kitchen, dining area, and living room, making it perfect for families who love to entertain. Establishing a Budget Set a budget that aligns with your ideal kitchen. Smart budgeting can help you achieve a luxurious kitchen without breaking the bank. A well-thought-out budget allows you to prioritise the features that matter most to you, whether it's premium countertops, top-of-the-line appliances, or bespoke cabinetry. Choosing the Perfect Layout The layout of your kitchen plays a pivotal role in its functionality and aesthetics. Let's delve into some layout considerations: Open Concept vs. Traditional Layouts Do you prefer an open-concept kitchen that seamlessly connects with other living spaces or a more traditional closed layout? Each has its merits — open-concept kitchens are fantastic for creating a sense of space and flow, ideal for busy families or those who love to entertain. In contrast, traditional layouts offer a more defined and classic look, perfect for those who prioritise a separate cooking space. Kitchen Work Triangle The kitchen work triangle is a fundamental concept in kitchen design. It involves optimising the positioning of the sink, stove, and refrigerator to enhance efficiency. Explore different work triangle layouts for maximum functionality. For instance, the classic triangular arrangement minimises unnecessary movement while cooking, making your kitchen tasks more efficient. However, be sure to adapt it to your specific needs and space constraints. Selecting High-Quality Materials Luxury kitchens are built to last, and the choice of materials is paramount. Here's what you need to know: Countertops and Cabinetry Invest in high-quality materials for countertops, such as quartz or granite, and opt for custom cabinetry. These choices not only elevate the aesthetics but also ensure durability. Premium materials not only add a touch of luxury but also increase the longevity of your kitchen, reducing the need for frequent upgrades. Flooring and Backsplash Choose flooring options like hardwood or tile that can withstand the rigours of daily kitchen activities. Additionally, consider a stylish backsplash to enhance the overall look of your kitchen. For a touch of opulence, select natural stone tiles or patterned ceramic tiles that complement your design theme. Lighting and Appliances Choosing suitable lighting will make cooking and cleaning easier and more enjoyable. Incorporate task lighting, such as under-cabinet lights, to illuminate specific work areas. Task Lighting and Ambient Lighting Incorporate task lighting, such as under-cabinet lights, to illuminate specific work areas. Ambient lighting, on the other hand, sets the mood and creates a cozy atmosphere. Pendant lights over an island or dining area can add an elegant focal point to your kitchen and provide the right ambience for various occasions. Energy-Efficient Appliances Energy-efficient appliances are an excellent addition to any modern kitchen. Having them not only reduces your carbon footprint but helps you save on utility costs. The kitchens of today often feature these appliances that not only save energy but also offer advanced functionality. Design your kitchen around these energy-efficient appliances to create a space that looks stunning and functions seamlessly. Personalising Your Kitchen To truly make your kitchen your own, add a flair of these personalisation options: Colour Schemes and Finishes Select a colour scheme that resonates with your style, and pay attention to finishes like matte or gloss to create the desired ambience. Soft, neutral colour palettes are timeless and versatile, while bolder choices can make a strong design statement. Be sure to coordinate colours and finishes for a cohesive look. Accessories and Decor Complete your kitchen design with carefully chosen accessories and decor items. Think pendant lights, decorative rugs, and unique storage solutions. These finishing touches reflect your personality and add the final layer of luxury to your kitchen. Consider statement pieces such as a chandelier or artwork that showcase your unique style. Final Thoughts In 2024, designing a kitchen is not just about functionality; it's about crafting a luxurious space that reflects your taste and lifestyle. As a trusted name in luxury home building, our team at John Munro understands the importance of a well-designed kitchen. Our expertise in materials, layouts, and aesthetics ensures that your kitchen becomes the heart and soul of your home. Work with us today to create the kitchen of your dreams!

The Home Building Process Explained: Your Guide

The process of building a house can be quite a daunting and complex experience - especially if you don’t have the necessary skills or knowledge. But it doesn’t have to be. Building your new home should be an exciting experience. There are many different steps before and during the home-building process. In this guide, we’ll look at the various steps that come into play and how we can expertly manage and advise you through the home building process, so that the only thing you’ll be concerned with is considering which furniture or entertainment piece you should have for your next dream home. Inspiration and Design Before laying your first brick or preparing your block of land, the first step of building a house involves articulating your design inspirations for your new home. Working with a professional draftsman/building designer is often your best bet as they can translate this vision that suits both your lifestyle and budget - ensuring better quality outcomes and a smoother construction process. After finalising the design elements and calculating rough cost estimates, your builder or draftsman will contact the local authorities regarding any necessary approvals or regulations. Material Sourcing Choosing the right supplier that can guarantee high-quality materials at the right price point can sometimes be discouraging, especially if you don’t have adequate knowledge of the materials available or have an expert in hand. Each material comes with its pros and cons regarding durability, aesthetics, and cost. Be mindful of the life cycle cost of materials and any other potential benefits such as sustainable and eco-friendly options. Material sourcing is not just a procurement activity; it's a strategic decision that influences the overall success of your homebuilding project. Project Timeframes and Milestones To successfully assist build a house, preparation is key. With that in mind, creating a project timeframe is crucial as it allows everyone in the home-building process to know what needs to be achieved and by when. It provides a framework for other professionals like architects and contractors by setting a timeline with specific milestones to help coordinate their activities, minimising overlaps and downtime. They are foundational to the successful completion of homebuilding projects by facilitating the planning process, ensuring the efficient use of resources and serving as a basis for monitoring and communication. Construction and Project Management Good project management can be the difference between creating a dream home and a disaster. It sets the stage for any successful construction project and ensures the optimum use of resources including labour, materials, time, and budget. Effective communication facilitated by project managers keeps all stakeholders, from the client to the subcontractors, aligned on expectations and progress — and can be ultimately considered as the determinant that can meet or exceed client expectations on all fronts. Quality Control and Assurance To ensure your new home is everlasting, strict quality control measures must be in place. Ranging from safety and legal compliance to customer satisfaction and the long-term viability of the structure, these measures can prevent costly delays and roadblocks. At the end of the day, you want to ensure your new home is well-constructed and longlasting — and minimise any future costs that come from neglecting appropriate quality control measures. Fittings and Finish The final stage in the process of building a house involves installing fittings like lighting, cabinets, and plumbing fixtures — and then completing finishing touches like painting, flooring, and landscaping, transforming your foundation and structure into something more aesthetically appealing. Keep in mind, that functionality should also be kept on top of mind. The materials and designs chosen should serve a practical purpose, be durable, and ideally, be sustainable and energy-efficient enough to add long-term value to your dream home. Final Thoughts The home building process can be both thrilling and overwhelming. However, with proper planning, diligent research, and a keen eye for detail, you can navigate through each step—from design inspiration to the final finishing touches—with relative ease. For a more efficient home building process, consider having a trusted partner to guide you through this complex journey. John Munro Builders offers expert project management services that cover each of the steps and processes outlined, ensuring your home-building experience is not just successful but also enjoyable. With a professional team that understands the nuances of each critical phase, you can be confident that your dream home will be realised to the highest standards.

Pros and Cons of Building a Custom Home

Building a new house is an exciting and promising venture. However, it can often be challenging for homeowners to find a design that meets their needs and expectations. The solution to this problem is building a custom home that you can personalise to your needs and wants. This article will discuss the pros and cons of building a custom home, and the factors affecting the cost of custom homes. Pros of Building a Custom House Personalisation of Custom Home Designs When you build a custom home, you can create a home design that reflects your personal style and preferences. Unlike when you buy an existing home, you won’t need to make changes when you move in. Right from the beginning, you can prioritise the aspects that are most important to you and tailor every part of your home to your desired specifications. Energy Efficiency and Modern Materials You’ll be able to incorporate the latest technology and energy-efficient features, saving you money on utility bills in the long run. Throughout the building and design process, you can ensure that the best materials and finishes are used. You’ll get a high-quality home that matches your vision. Maximising Space and Functionality Custom homes can be designed to make the most of the land available to you and ensure that every room and space meets your requirements. Minimal Maintenance Costs Building a new home means you’ll have minimal maintenance costs for at least a few years, whereas when you move into an older house, you may have to pay for renovations and repairs. Less Housing Competition When you build a custom home, you won’t have to worry about housing competition driving up the cost of building the house. Cons of Building a Custom Home Cost: How Much Does It Cost to Build a Custom House? Depending on the expenses of your customisation, building a custom home may cost more than buying a house. The costs of building a custom home depend on location, materials, and design choices. Price can also be affected by the demand for properties. For example, building a house near Sydney would probably be much more expensive than building a house in Townsville. Time: How Long Does It Take to Build a Custom House? Depending on the demand, it usually also takes longer than it would to buy a property. You’ll also spend additional time reviewing designs, permits, and construction programs. Potential Challenges: Land, Permits, and Unforeseen Issues Building a custom home comes with additional challenges, such as securing a block of land, obtaining building permits, dealing with construction delays, and procuring custom materials. Finding a Location Finding undeveloped land that’s still located near useful amenities and shops can be challenging. Thankfully if you are looking to build in Townsville, there are several ideal master-planned estates that offer a great mix of local amenities, community living and beautiful parklands. Understanding the Costs of Building a Custom Home There are many factors that affect the cost of building a custom home. You’ll have to put a lot into the venture, but you’ll get a high-quality, personalised house out of it. Land: The cost of land will affect your expenses. Look for custom house and land packages that include pre-landscaped plots of land ready for construction. Materials: Your choice of materials, finishes, and appliances can significantly impact the total cost of building a custom home. Labour: Labour and construction costs depend on the complexity of your custom home design and the availability of qualified workers in your area. Before you get too far in the process, make sure you understand all the costs of building a custom home. Engage closely and frequently with your builder, draftsman and other professional consultants. Create a detailed budget and timeline with your collaborators. Before construction, take the time to research different materials and finishes and compare the costs and effectiveness of each. Prioritise what you need rather than what you want, and be prepared to make adjustments and sacrifices if needed. Time to Build Your Own Custom Home Building a house is costly and time-consuming but incredibly rewarding. You’ll get a unique, personalised home explicitly tailored to your needs and wants. If you’re considering building a custom home in Townsville, Queensland, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team at John Munro Builder. With our years of expertise and experience, our team of professional Townsville home builders is dedicated to making the house-building process as smooth as possible. With the help of our vast range of home designs and our ability to construct high-quality, personalised houses, you’ll be able to create the custom home of your dreams in no time at all.

Building a Sustainable House: What You Need to Know

Sustainable houses are quickly becoming the norm in residential construction, and for good reason: they are designed to help the homeowners save on electricity and energy, and will also be better for the environment. If we can all start thinking about building sustainable homes, we'll be making a lot of headway in offsetting individual carbon footprint. So, if you're thinking about building a sustainable house, you're probably wondering how to get started, what considerations you need to make, and how to make sure it's actually a sustainable effort, and not just another fad. What is a Sustainable House? A sustainable home is designed and constructed with environmental impact in mind - from cozy bedrooms to a functional kitchen. The build will take into consideration resources, energy-efficient insulation, multilayered windows, and potentially solar panels. For many, these are more expensive than traditional building materials, but will be worth it (long term!). Key Considerations for a Sustainable Home The key considerations to make for a sustainable home are energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, and sustainable materials. Energy Efficiency If you want to make your home more eco-friendly and sustainable, you need to think about all the ways that you can avoid relying on generated energy to keep it running. One of the best ways that you can do so is by creating an energy efficient home through insulating materials and designs. The right insulation and multilayered windows will keep hot air in during winter, and cool air circulating during summer - reducing reliance on air con/heating. Renewable Energy Renewable energy sources like solar panels, geothermal systems, or wind turbines can generate your own electricity and energy, and reduce your reliance on fossil energy that comes from the main grid. Methods for Conserving Water Water conservation is crucial, especially in Australia. A rainwater harvesting system allows you to collect rainwater and use it in your home and garden. Sustainable Materials Use sustainable materials like bamboo or recycled glass, steel, plastic, or timber to build your home and in turn, reduce emissions. Recycled materials will be more expensive and harder to source, but will be worth it. Just ask your local builder about these materials and how they can be integrated into building your new home. The Benefits of Building a Sustainable Home Building a sustainable home not only benefits the environment but also has numerous advantages for homeowners. Let's examine the benefits of sustainable housing in greater detail: Reduced Environmental Impact Building a sustainable home means reducing your overall impact and carbon footprint. Whether it be from the materials used, the reduced reliance on fossil fuel energy, or the renewable energy sources installed on the property, you're doing your bit! Lower Energy Bills Energy bills are significantly reduced with sustainable housing due to features such as insulation, quality material windows, renewable energy sources, and water conservation methods. Investing in sustainable features provides a guaranteed return on investment, as monthly energy costs decrease. Increased Property Value Building sustainably can improve the value of your property. As we mentioned earlier, sustainability is not just a trend, but an important consideration for many future homeowners. Features like solar panels, rain water tanks, and insulation can also help to increase the value of the home. Sustainable builds will become even more critical in the coming years, making it a wise investment into their property for those planning to sell their homes in the future. In 2023, it is clear that sustainability is an important factor for many homeowners to consider when building or buying their next home. If you’re not sure how to tackle the project of making your home more sustainable, you can always talk to your local builder about the methods, materials, and resources available to make your build as environmentally-conscious as possible.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Building Your Own Home

When building a new house, it’s easy to get caught up in picturing the end product rather than focusing on what’s happening in the here and now. But remember, you won’t be able to have your dream home without planning and budgeting appropriately and making the right choices. There are many potential mistakes to avoid when building a house, and in this article, the expert builders at John Munro — Townsville’s leading home builder — will take you through the most likely pitfalls so you can avoid them. How to Avoid Mistakes When Building a New House Building a home is far from straightforward — it involves so much more than just choosing a block of land and looking at floor plans. You’ll have to deal with local councils, understand building regulations, manage construction timelines, apply for home loans, and consider your environmental impact. The good news is that recognising the complexity of home building is the first step to doing it correctly. Here are the most common mistakes you should avoid when building a new house: Choosing Location Too Hastily Once construction has begun, it’s too late to change your mind. So, before you settle on a location and a design, ask yourself these questions: Do you like the neighbourhood? How far are you from everyday facilities like the supermarket? Are there environmental factors that could affect your quality of life? Overlooking Finer Details It’s easy to focus on the big picture and forget about smaller things. Before the design is finalised, consider the following finer details and check that you’re happy with them: Where appliances will go Placement of power outlets The direction of windows The appropriate storage for different rooms Misreading the Builder’s Quote Remember that not all builders or contractors use the same pricing methods, so be sure to read your quote carefully. It’s also essential to remind yourself that your builder’s quote may not accurately represent the final expenses and that, quite often, building a house will cost more than anticipated. Making Changes During Construction Making changes during the construction phase can significantly impact the ability of your builders to meet the estimated completion date and can result in lengthy delays. Either finish your planning and make changes before construction commences or request changes and renovations after building completion. Not Planning and Budgeting Properly When you make a budget for your house, don’t just cover the obvious costs (land and construction), but remember there are other expenses, such as land tax, council fees, landscaping, and cost overruns. And while it’s tempting to try to save money where you can, it’s also essential that you don’t choose cheaper materials at the expense of quality and longevity. Neglecting Resale Value Building a new house — even if it’s only for you and your family — is a significant investment. You never know; you may want to resell in the future, and you want to make sure your home appeals to buyers. Makes sure your house has universal appeal in the following factors: Quality construction Practical layout Abundant natural light Energy efficiency Desirable location Choosing the Wrong Builder Before you get started with a building company, make sure you do your research. Check out their previous work and read reviews to get an idea of their track record. You’ll be working with them over the course of the build (which lasts months), so you want to know you can trust and rely on them to build your new house. What Can I Do to Fix My House Building Mistakes? There’s nothing more disheartening than paying to build a house and being dissatisfied with the result. But don’t worry — even if mistakes were made during the construction of your home (whether they’re your mistakes or the builder’s), it’s not the end of the world. Seeking first-rate renovation services can help you to update your space to reflect your needs and priorities that you may have neglected (or that may not have existed) during the design, planning, and construction stages. Top Tips for Building a New Home Building a new home can never go completely as you expect, but with the proper preparation, planning, and guidance, you can make the most of your journey. Here are our top general tips for when you’re building a new home: Always understand your financial options and budget for more expenses than you expect so you’re not caught out by unexpected costs. Invest in good design that matches your lifestyle, has a practical layout, and promotes energy efficiency. Quality over quantity — a small home built with high-quality materials will serve you better than a large home with cheap construction. Think about resale potential in the future, even if you plan to build your forever home. Be patient and anticipate that delays may occur. Get professional help and advice from trustworthy builders. Turn to John Munro to Avoid These Mistakes When Building By making yourself aware of the most common mistakes when building a new house, you can set yourself up for success and reap the rewards of good planning, design, budgeting. Though building a new home is a massive endeavour, it can be done — to your satisfaction and joy — by avoiding missteps and pitfalls, following the best practices, and working with an experienced building team. If you’re contemplating building your home in Townsville, Queensland, let the renowned home builders at John Munro Builder give you a hand (or many!) Our expert team prides itself on quality craftsmanship, transparent communication, and unrivalled care, manifesting in our home design range. We’ll help you build your ideal home — without falling into the common pitfalls.