We’ve got a great project wrapping up in Abbw Vale, out in Ipswich, and I wanted to share a quick update on where things are at. It’s one of those builds that required a bit more problem-solving than most — but that’s exactly the kind of work we enjoy.
Designing Around a Character Overlay
This home is a modified version of our Cotter design. The reason for the modifications comes down to council — specifically, a character overlay that applies to the area. That overlay means the home needs to reflect the pre-1940s character of the street: lightweight weatherboard-look cladding, elevated on stilts, and a visual style that fits the established neighbourhood.
That kind of overlay isn’t unusual in parts of South East Queensland, but it does mean you can’t just drop a standard design on a block and call it done. You need a builder who understands how to work with those constraints upfront — not discover them halfway through a DA.
Client-Requested Changes
On top of the council requirements, the clients had their own list of modifications to the standard Cotter design. They wanted changes to the bathroom layout, the laundry, and a few other internal spaces. They also asked to convert what would normally be a double garage into a single garage with a carport — again, partly driven by the council requirements for the site.
Getting all of that sorted in the design phase before construction starts is exactly how it should be done. When changes are locked in early, the build runs smoother for everyone.
Where We’re At
We signed the contract late last year, had the usual pause over the Christmas period, and then got back into full swing in late January and February. From February to now — about four months of active construction — we’ve brought the home up to near-completion.
At this point, we’re looking at two to three weeks until handover. The stairs are still to go in, and there’s the usual touch-up painting and finishing work to get through. But the hard yards are done. All up, the build will come in at around five months — a solid result for a custom design home with this level of modification.
Thinking About Building in a Character Overlay Area?
If you’re looking at a site in Ipswich, Logan, or elsewhere in Brisbane South that sits under a character or heritage overlay, it’s worth having a conversation with your builder early. These overlays shape everything from your roofline to your cladding choice to what you can put in the garage. A lifestyle-focused custom new home is absolutely achievable — you just need the right Brisbane South builder in your corner from the start.
Come and have a chat with us. You’ll find us at inh.com.au/BrisbaneSouth.
