There's an awful lot to be said for uniquely designed houses. These days it's dead easy to pick and build a home directly off the plan, but committing a bit more effort and expense towards getting something that's specifically tailored to suit the plot, the area you're building in, the climate and of course your own (no doubt exquisite) tastes will give you all manner of benefits in the long run. It's also a hell of a lot more satisfying...

Whether it's a unique design or adapted from existing plans, a carefully thought out home is likely to be far more energy efficient, comfortable and better looking, and can justify the extra expense many times over when you're selling up. Architects, designers and consultants aren't cheap - but if you choose sensibly, they'll be an investment rather than a cost.

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Darcy Wilson
Editor - Build
www.build.com.au