Choosing your style

August 17, 2025

Why Choosing the Right Home Style Matters


When it comes to building or renovating your home, one of the most important early decisions is choosing the right style of home. This choice impacts more than just street appeal—it influences how your home functions, how it fits into its surroundings, what it will cost to maintain over time, and even how feasible future renovations or extensions will be.




Consider the Setting: Location Drives Design


Where your home is located plays a significant role in what styles will suit best. For example, homes in coastal regions benefit from weather-resistant materials like fibre cement or aluminium cladding that can withstand salt and moisture, paired with open, breezy floor plans that embrace indoor-outdoor living.


In regional or rural settings, homes tend to favour natural materials, larger footprints, and verandahs that offer shade and take in the views. Acreage homes often suit more expansive layouts, such as country or farmhouse-style homes with multiple living zones and wide eaves to handle the elements.


For compact suburban blocks or housing estates, design considerations change. Maximising space becomes essential, and double-storey designs or cleverly designed single-level homes that make full use of the block width are popular. Many newer estates come with design guidelines—including facade styles, colour palettes, fencing regulations, and landscaping requirements—so it’s essential to select a home style that complies with those conditions while still reflecting your personal taste.




Renovating or Extending? Style Still Matters


If you're renovating or planning an extension, choosing a style that complements your existing home and fits within your block’s constraints is critical. A poorly matched extension can not only look disjointed but also affect resale value.

Heritage overlays in inner-city areas or older neighbourhoods can significantly impact what you can and can't do. These overlays are in place to protect the character of a precinct, so you may be limited in what changes you can make to the facade or front setback. Meanwhile, the residential building code may dictate setbacks, building heights, shadowing, and privacy screens—especially in more densely populated areas. All these factors can affect the type and size of any extension or addition you may want to make, so working with a builder who understands these constraints is key.




Form Should Follow Function


Your chosen home style should not only look good but also work well for your lifestyle. If you’re building for a young family, you may want flexible living spaces, a large kitchen hub, and durable materials that can withstand wear and tear. For empty nesters or retirees, you might prioritise single-level living, energy efficiency, and low-maintenance finishes.

Think about how the home will be used: Will you be entertaining regularly? Do you need a home office or guest wing? Will elderly parents be living with you at some stage? All of these questions help inform the best layout and style to suit your needs.





Think Long-Term Maintenance and Liveability


Certain styles come with higher long-term maintenance costs. For instance, timber cladding may offer warmth and character but can require regular upkeep. In contrast, more modern materials like metal or composite cladding provide clean lines with minimal maintenance. It’s also worth thinking about roof styles—flat or low-pitched roofs may suit a modern aesthetic but could pose drainage or insulation challenges depending on your area’s climate.





Designing for the Future


Finally, think ahead. Choose a style that not only suits your current lifestyle but can also evolve with you. Whether that means space for a growing family, accessibility for aging in place, or flexibility for future additions—a thoughtfully selected home style will offer longevity and adaptability.





Need help selecting the right style for your home or project? Whether you're building new, renovating, or extending, we can help guide you through the process with expertise that suits your location, lifestyle, and future plans. Get in touch today to start the conversation.

Determine your Budget

July 16, 2025
Why It’s So Important to Know Your Build Budget — and Share It with Your Builder When planning a new home or renovation, one of the most important things you can do is establish a clear budget —and be upfront about it with your builder. While it might feel uncomfortable to talk numbers early on, being transparent about your budget is key to avoiding costly surprises and ensuring your project stays on track. Why Your Budget Matters Too often, homeowners spend time and money on plans that end up far exceeding what they’re willing—or able—to spend. This leads to frustration, delays, and having to go back to the drawing board. Sharing your budget from the start allows your builder to guide the process in a way that’s realistic, efficient, and aligned with your goals. Designing to Suit Your Budget If you're working with a builder who is also helping organise your design, being clear about your budget means the design can be tailored to suit what you can afford. This doesn’t mean compromising on quality. Instead, it allows your builder to help you make smart decisions around layout, materials, finishes, and construction methods to deliver the best value for your money. Without budget transparency, designers may unknowingly draw plans that are unbuildable within your price range—leading to disappointment and unnecessary redesign costs. The Benefits of a Design and Construct Approach One of the most effective ways to stay on budget while still achieving your dream home is through a design and construct method . This approach involves working with a builder from the beginning, rather than separating the design and building stages. When your builder is involved early, they can provide real-time cost guidance throughout the design process. They’ll help you make informed decisions and ensure the design aligns with your priorities and lifestyle, without blowing the budget. Getting the Most Value from Your Build An experienced builder working within a design and construct framework can also help you get more bang for your buck . They’ll identify where to invest and where to save—adding value in the right places, like the kitchen, outdoor living, or energy efficiency—rather than overspending on things that don’t enhance your daily life. Start Your Project the Right Way Your budget is the foundation of your build. Treat it as a practical tool—not something to keep hidden. When your builder knows what you’re working with, they can help you achieve the best possible result, both financially and functionally. If you’re considering a new build or renovation, talk to us about how a design and construct approach can streamline your project and maximise value. We're here to help you create a home that suits your vision and your budget.
A large modern house with a white roof and a brick wall — Jetsonian Constructions In Wendouree, VIC

Project Planning

June 4, 2025
Choosing the Right Building Designer for Your Project When starting a new home or renovation project, one of the most important early decisions is selecting the right building designer. Not all designers are created equal—each brings their own strengths, style, and approach to a project. Choosing the right one can make all the difference in the outcome, both visually and financially. Matching Style with Vision Building designers often have particular styles or design philosophies. Some specialise in contemporary or minimalist homes, while others focus on traditional or heritage-style dwellings. It’s important to look through their portfolio to see if their previous work aligns with the look and feel you’re hoping to achieve. If you're dreaming of a sleek, modern townhouse, a designer known for classic country homes might not be the right fit. Budget Compatibility Designers also differ in the type of projects they typically take on when it comes to cost. Some are highly experienced in working with modest budgets and can offer clever solutions to get the most out of limited funds. Others may specialise in high-end custom homes where budget is less of a constraint. Aligning your budget with a designer’s experience can prevent unrealistic expectations and ensure a smoother project journey. When to Choose an Architect Instead In some cases, particularly for highly complex builds or projects in areas with strict planning requirements, it may be more appropriate to engage a registered architect. Architects undergo more extensive training than building designers and are often suited to projects that demand advanced technical or structural solutions. If your project involves a unique site, challenging topography, or you’re after a highly bespoke design, an architect may be the better choice. Final Thoughts The key to a successful building project lies in choosing the right design professional for your needs. Be clear about your goals, budget, and desired style. Then, take the time to find a designer—or architect—who understands your vision and has the experience to bring it to life. At Jetsonian we can help with connecting you with the right Building designer or architect for your needs. Click the “Get started now” button and get in touch today!