How to build a house

   With the house's frame erected, in many cases it’s time to put on the roof. Whether this goes on before walls go up will...

Once the house’s frame is in place, it’s time to put the roof cladding on. Whether this goes on before external walls are erected...

After the site’s been fully prepared and the foundations have been put in place, the next step is to begin to put wall and...

Once the building site’s been properly cleared, prepared and secured, it’s finally time to start building your house! This begins with what’s called the...

Floor plans, site plans, elevations and other architectural diagrams are generally pretty self explanatory - but the devil's often in the details. It's not...

If you're building or renovating, your architectural drawings will include more than just floor plans. Detailed diagrams like elevations, framing plans, wall sections and shadow diagrams are essential for showing how your home will be constructed—and how it will work with its surroundings. These drawings are also critical for council approvals and compliance with the National Construction Code.

If you’re getting a house built, a floor plan is probably the most detailed and important part of the drafting process - and it's...

If you're planning a renovation, extension or new build, chances are you'll be handed a site plan early in the process. And while it may look like a tangle of lines and symbols at first glance, learning how to read a site plan is essential for understanding what’s happening on your block—and ensuring your project runs smoothly.

House plans are drawn up by the architect or building designer to tell the builder exactly what needs to be built. Learn how to...

Knowing what to look for when you’re hunting for a plot of land can make a tremendous difference. Find out what you need to...