Designing a house
You can start considering house designs by:
- browsing the newspaper for house designs and contacting the relevant builder;
- consulting with a building designer; or
- consulting with an architect (who can also check that the technical aspects of the contract are being followed by the builder).
Existing house designs
House designs in newspapers are generally protected by copyright. Project builders who employ designers generally produce copyrighted house designs. A builder cannot build houses using these designs without the permission of the copyright owner.
If you have seen a design in the newspaper that you like, you can approach the builder who placed the advertisement in the newspaper. The builder’s designer can modify the design to accommodate any specific requirements that you may have. These modified designs are also likely to be protected by copyright.
You should keep in mind that there is very little detail provided in the advertisements, so if you like a particular design, you should ask lots of questions and note what is included in the package. Check that these items are in the purchase contract.
Similarly, if you come across a house design you like by visiting a display home, contact the builder who built the display home. Make sure you check that all the features of the display home are included in the building contract.
You should also make sure that you choose a block of land that is compatible with the house design you have selected. Many project builders offer house and land packages (within specified locations), where the house designs available will fit on the blocks you can buy.
A house design that is subject to copyright cannot be built without the permission of the copyright owner.
Creating house designs
If you have an idea for a house design, you can employ a building designer, architect or builder (who offers a design service) to draw the design for you. Before employing an expert, you should discuss both the cost of the design service and who keeps the design copyright. If you want to build again using the created design, you may want to retain copyright. Make sure this is specified in writing.
Again, it is important that you choose a block of land that is compatible with your house design.
Energy efficient housing
When considering house designs, you may be interested in considering the benefits of energy efficient housing and energy efficient appliances.
For more information - contact the Sustainable Energy Development Office.