You can either build a retaining wall to hold the land in place or terrace the block by splitting it into different levels.
A sloping block is a block of land that has on an incline and often found in hilly and mountainous areas. Sloping blocks are more difficult to build on than levelled land as it can be prone to landslides. It should be cheaper than a flat block as there is less chance for issues with the construction, and it can also be changed into a great building sloping site by filling and levelling the area. Building on a sloping site will add additional construction costs of approximately $40,000 to $100,000 compared to a natural ground level.
You can either build a retaining wall to hold the land in place or terrace the block by splitting it into different levels. This is often done by building steps up the slope. Terraces are often used for housing as they can be used to maximise the use of a small block of land. Split terraced levels are good for building split level homes.
Generally, a downward sloping block poses structural and design challenges. These challenges account for the additional building costs associated with constructing a home on a sloping block.
If you are unsure whether your block is suitable for building on, it is best to speak to a professional builder or landscape architect who will advise you on the best way to proceed.
When you build on a sloping block, it gives you the opportunity to create a great unique looking house that has a unique design. A sloping block house may offer sweeping views, privacy, or a sense of being in nature that a flat block cannot offer.
A split level house can yield more room space without disadvantaging the building area. This advantage is best demonstrated in a stacked split level house where up to four rooms can be built back to back. Essentially, homes built on sloping blocks can have added outdoor space for additional amenities such as play spaces and swimming pools.Rooms of a well stacked split level home have enhanced natural ventilation, a superior solar orientation, and balcony designs that provide wonderful views. The multiple levels achieve this benefit in the house design. Where higher ceilings are incorporated, unique architectural designs are possible, which can be attractive to home buyers., enabling the developer to make a maximum return on the project.
There are also some environmental benefits. When you terrace a slope, you create mini-ecosystems which can support different types of plants and wildlife. This can help to improve the biodiversity of an area.
Although there are some benefits to building on a sloping block, there are also a few drawbacks. One of the main problems with building on a slope is that it can be difficult and expensive to construct on. The steep slopes inflate the site costs even though development is not made on the entire block. Extra costs may arise as well. Additional costs involved can occur due to accessibility difficulties. Delivering materials to the building site can be a costly activity. Besides, the type of soil on site can necessitate specialized equipment to accomplish the foundation work. Potential costs accrue to erecting retaining walls or excavating rocky grounds. The expertise needed to build on a sloping site is also different. Volume builders tend to know about site works on a level surface. A project on a sloping site may call on the specialised services of a custom builder. Landslides occur, which can cause damage to property and loss of life. Poorly designed and executed house plans have the added risk of excess stormwater flooding parts of the foundations. Sloping blocks can present drainage issues. Your local council may raise critical reservations, impose the structure's height restrictions or deny you a development license altogether. Additionally, when it is time to sell your house, there may be some issues with marketing and selling your property. Not everyone wants to live on a sloping block, so you will need to ensure that you market your property effectively when it comes time to put it on the market.
Building on a sloping block can be difficult for the foundations, floor plans, and structure of your house. You must have a good understanding of building on a slope before you start construction. Factors such as drainage and soil can greatly influence how your house will be constructed. As a general rule, experts strongly recommend you comprehensively discuss all possible scenarios with professional custom builders. They have the expertise to know if the project makes sense. They can foresee key areas that can pose implementation challenges and furnish you with a detailed home pricing structure derived from the house plans.
A foundation of a house is the base where it will live on top. Different foundations can be used depending on what type of ground you have and how level it is. Land levelling may be required to build a house, and this requires digging and filling the area until the surface is flat and level. More than one step may need to be added to your block once it has been levelled, as the highest point must always be at or near ground level for your new home's structure to remain stable. On a sloping block, the foundation is poured on the ground surface in a similar way as it would be on a flat block. The difference will be that, as the foundation is being poured, it will be levelled along with the ground surface.
There are many different types of houses that can be built on slopes of uneven levels. A builder or architect will be able to help you design a house that is suitable for your block. Some of the most popular types of houses that can be built on a sloping block include the below.
Single level
Double storey
Split level home
Multi-level
It is important to remember that, although you may have more options for house designs and floor plan outlines, building on a sloping block may be more expensive. You should also factor in the additional cost of land levelling if this is required.
Yes, you can build a deck or patio on your sloping block. This will allow you to make the most of your outdoor space, whether you want to relax or entertain guests. There are many different types of decks and patios that can be built depending on how much money is available, desired features, and the size of the area that it will sit in.
Remember to consider drainage when building a deck or patio on your sloping block. If possible, try to leave about half a meter between where your deck or patio begins and the edge of your property, so water has somewhere safe to go rather than collecting above deck level.
For more information on choosing a site to build your dream house, take a look at the YourHome website.