Step-by-step guide: How to build a duplex in Sydney
If you're considering building a duplex in Sydney, whether you have a block of land or are contemplating a knock-down rebuild, you’re making a smart move to maximise your property's value.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process from initial planning to construction, plus an explanation of duplex construction costs.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process from initial planning to construction, plus an explanation of duplex construction costs.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
STEP ONE: ASSESSING FEASIBILITY
Before embarking on a project to build a duplex in Sydney, it’s crucial to develop a feasibility plan. This plan evaluates the potential of your property for a duplex development and ensures the project is financially viable.
These are the steps of a feasibility report:
A comprehensive feasibility plan ensures your project is well-planned and financially sound, setting the stage for the next steps. To get started for free, reach out to Dixon Homes today. We apply years of expertise to make sure you get more for less.
These are the steps of a feasibility report:
- Site analysis: Start by assessing your land's size, shape, and orientation. Check its zoning to confirm that duplex construction is permitted (Dixon Homes Sydney can help you achieve this). Understanding the land’s characteristics will help determine the type and scale of the duplex you can build.
- Cost estimation: Next, estimate the duplex construction costs and other associated expenses. A detailed cost estimate helps in budgeting and financial planning, and Dixon Homes Sydney will help you by providing a breakdown of the costs involved.
- Market research: If you are building a duplex in Sydney as an investor, it will help to analyse the local property market to gauge potential returns. Research rental yields, property values and market demand in your area. This information helps assess whether the investment will provide a satisfactory return.
A comprehensive feasibility plan ensures your project is well-planned and financially sound, setting the stage for the next steps. To get started for free, reach out to Dixon Homes today. We apply years of expertise to make sure you get more for less.
STEP TWO: CHOOSE A SYDNEY DUPLEX BUILDER
When you know for certain your property can accommodate a duplex, choose a building company that specialises in Sydney duplexes.
You will need to do your due diligence to make sure your Sydney duplex builder is experienced, licensed and fully insured. Never sign a contract without reading the fine print.
You will need to do your due diligence to make sure your Sydney duplex builder is experienced, licensed and fully insured. Never sign a contract without reading the fine print.
STEP THREE: DESIGN CHOICE
With a feasibility plan in place, the next step is to design your duplex and secure the necessary approvals.
You can also contact Dixon Homes to review our existing Sydney duplex plans. This will help to fast-track your project and potentially reduce the costs because you don’t have to start from scratch. As a leading Sydney duplex builder, we have a range of plans to choose from, giving you a spacious, family-friendly duplex created to fit your block.
See more: Explore our Sydney duplex plans
- Designs: Work with an architect or building designer to develop detailed duplex plans. The designs should reflect your vision, including the layout, dimensions, and features. Ensure the plans comply with local building codes and regulations.
You can also contact Dixon Homes to review our existing Sydney duplex plans. This will help to fast-track your project and potentially reduce the costs because you don’t have to start from scratch. As a leading Sydney duplex builder, we have a range of plans to choose from, giving you a spacious, family-friendly duplex created to fit your block.
- Interiors: Once you have locked down the floorplan and structure, you can have some fun selecting colours, fixtures and fittings before you start the process to build a duplex in Sydney.
See more: Explore our Sydney duplex plans
STEP FOUR: THE APPROVAL PROCESS
Traditionally, obtaining approval for a duplex has involved a lengthy Development Application (DA) process. However, with the NSW Government’s Low-Rise Housing Diversity Code, the process has become more streamlined. The Code allows for dual occupancy properties to be approved by a Private Certifier.
A Private Certifier can review your duplex plans against the Low-Rise Housing Diversity Code and other relevant standards. This bypasses the traditional DA process, significantly reducing the time and stress involved in securing approvals. Once your plans are approved, you’ll receive a Construction Certificate, allowing you to begin construction.
As a Sydney duplex builder, we can help you breeze through the approval process by providing quality plans that do not require the full DA process. This will help reduce overall project costs.
A Private Certifier can review your duplex plans against the Low-Rise Housing Diversity Code and other relevant standards. This bypasses the traditional DA process, significantly reducing the time and stress involved in securing approvals. Once your plans are approved, you’ll receive a Construction Certificate, allowing you to begin construction.
As a Sydney duplex builder, we can help you breeze through the approval process by providing quality plans that do not require the full DA process. This will help reduce overall project costs.
STEP FIVE: BUILDING YOUR SYDNEY DUPLEX
With duplex plans and approvals in hand, you can start the construction process. Building a duplex involves several key stages:
- Preparation and demolition: If you’re opting for a knock-down rebuild, the initial stage involves demolishing any existing structures on the land. This is followed by site preparation, including clearing and levelling the land to create a suitable foundation. There may also be steps to connect utilities if the land hasn’t been built on before.
- Foundation and structure: The foundation is crucial for the duplex’s stability. Once laid, the construction of the duplex’s structure begins. This includes erecting walls, floors and roofing. Your Sydney duplex builder will ensure that all construction adheres to the approved plans and meets building standards.
- Fit-out: After the structural work is completed, the fit-out phase begins. This involves installing essential services such as plumbing, electrical wiring, and insulation. Internal finishes like flooring, cabinetry, and painting are also completed during this stage.
- External works: External works are carried out at the same time. This includes landscaping, constructing driveways, and adding other outdoor features that complement the duplex. External aesthetics enhance the overall appeal and functionality of the property.
STEP SIX: FINAL INSPECTIONS
Upon completing construction, final inspections are necessary to ensure the duplex meets all safety and quality standards. A series of inspections are conducted by relevant authorities, and once the duplex passes these checks, a final occupancy certificate is issued. This certificate allows you to move into or rent out the property.
STEP SEVEN: YOUR CHOICE!
Will you live in one side of your duplex and lease the other, sell it to release capital gains or lease it to tenants and wait for long-term value growth?
The choice is up to you but the benefit of a duplex development is that you have fantastic flexibility.
The choice is up to you but the benefit of a duplex development is that you have fantastic flexibility.
DUPLEX CONSTRUCTION COSTS SYDNEY
The cost of building a duplex in Sydney depends on the size and complexity of your project. However, it’s possible to reduce the cost by working with an experienced provider that provides a free feasibility study and offers ready-made duplex plans that you can tweak to suit your block.
To give you an idea of costs, our projects range from [HOW MUCH] to [HOW MUCH], although the final price will depend on your needs.
Want to build a duplex in Sydney? Not sure about the construction costs? For an obligation free site assessment & quote reach out to Dixon Homes Sydney today. We’ll guide you through the process and make sure you get more for less.
To give you an idea of costs, our projects range from [HOW MUCH] to [HOW MUCH], although the final price will depend on your needs.
Want to build a duplex in Sydney? Not sure about the construction costs? For an obligation free site assessment & quote reach out to Dixon Homes Sydney today. We’ll guide you through the process and make sure you get more for less.
About Ed Campbell
With a decade of industry experience, Ed is a leading authority in duplex development.
Renowned for his expertise in Complying Development Certificate (CDC) compliance, Ed's track record and deep understanding of regulations make him a trusted advisor in the field. Clients rely on Ed’s guidance and dedication to ensure successful outcomes in every project.
Find out more.
With a decade of industry experience, Ed is a leading authority in duplex development.
Renowned for his expertise in Complying Development Certificate (CDC) compliance, Ed's track record and deep understanding of regulations make him a trusted advisor in the field. Clients rely on Ed’s guidance and dedication to ensure successful outcomes in every project.
Find out more.
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