Blue Gum Builders in Hobart, Tasmania | Architectural designer

Blue Gum Builders

Locality: Hobart, Tasmania

Phone: +61 439 570 490

Address: 1 Westringa Road 7054 Hobart, TAS, Australia

Website: http://bluegumbuilders.com.au/

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25.01.2022 This morning two of our apprentices are playing farmers as they collect 200 straw bales that will go on a straw bale house we are building down south. Yeehaw

25.01.2022 Having a custom home designed and built is not only for those with deep pockets. This little beauty has oodles of custom home features and it did not cost a fortune. Whatever your budget, give us a call to discuss how good design can make you happy - whatever your budget!

25.01.2022 Every now and again, certain things will catch your eye on a building site. This stringer for example. The precision of the work is self evident and the finished item is simply stunning. You can also see Tomi Two Toys, the world's largest site dog, having a nose around in the background!

25.01.2022 Custom houses call for custom solutions. This client is having exposed floor joists above their living space. It's important to us that this feature isn't made unsightly by metal brackets or, God forbid, joist hangers. Here you can see our team notching out the ledger so that the metal cleats are hidden out of sight. The little details matter to us, and we know they matter to you too.

25.01.2022 Well we're always telling people about how we specialise in architecturally designed homes that give that 'wow' factor, but have a look at this one! One of our skilled crews are working away on this curved house down South. What you see here is the boxing for the strip footings that will form the foundations for this house. If you are interested in finding out more about how we can help get you into your own unique home, give us a call. https://bluegumbuilders.com.au/

24.01.2022 Exposed structural steel - now there's an exciting subject! Well, if you are building a house on a slope it is almost inevitable that you will have some - and it can be expensive. At Blue Gum, we try and keep the cost down by having all our steel pre-fabricated offsite, primed and ready to bolt together. This vastly reduces, or removes, the cost of onsite cutting, welding and painting costs. And here is a handy tip for you if you are already building - make sure your stee...l work is rust free, primed and twin packed. A bit of wire brushing and a coat of Weathershield just won't cut it. Properly twin packed steel will stay rust free for years and years. It is a little more costly in the short term but well worth the effort in the long term. It certainly looks a lot better than galvanised posts spot primed with cold galv on site. Or, even worse, rusty posts and bearers that weren't finished correctly. See more

23.01.2022 If you love natural timbers then this house is for you. The combination of Silver Top Ash cladding, Spotted Gum decks, Hoop Pine joinery and Tassie Oak flooring is stunning. We are so lucky to be designing and building custom homes in a State with such a rich source of readily available, sustainably harvested timbers. The clients are incredibly happy with their new home and we, the team at Blue Gum, were delighted to be able to deliver such a high quality product. If you’d like to discuss having us design and build a unique and beautiful home for you then call us today on 0439 570 490 or check out our website at www.bluegumbuilders.com.au.

22.01.2022 Ever thought about the benefits of living in a solar passive house? Imagine living in a house with no cold drafts, no temperature variations season to season, and, best of all, virtually no heating or cooling bills. It might sound too good to be true, but these cozy conditions are the norm for those who live in passive houses. If you are interested in living in a solar passive house then call us today on 0439 570 490. We'd love to help you achieve your dreams.

21.01.2022 Say "hello" to Paul everyone. And why is Paul Blue Gum's Book of Face pin up for today? Well, Paul is one of our Leading Hands. As you can see, he is getting on a bit. In fact, it's his birthday very soon and there are going to be a lot of candles on that cake! Why, I hear you ask, is that of any importance to you? Well, it is important because at Blue Gum Design and Build we only allow those with many years of building experience under their belts to take on role's of ...real responsibility. And managing the quality of your build is a role of real responsibility. Paul, for example, has over twenty years of custom home building experience both here and in Ireland. He's also a licenced builder in his own right. To top it all of, he's also one of the nicest men you will ever meet. To be honest, we are very lucky to have him on board the good ship Blue Gum. Every one of our builds has a leading hand on site from the day we break earth until the day we hand you the keys. Paul literally knows every inch of his builds. He has his own team and they work together all the time. We don't ship in a few spare guys to form up, then they disappear for weeks and some others arrive, who have no idea what has previously been done. That's a recipe for disaster. Our leading hands start the job and finish it. They look after our the interests of our clients day in, day out. They are all about continuity of care. So, if you'd like Paul, or one of our other extremely talented Leading Hands, to build you a house or addition skillfully and without any dramas then call us today on 0439 570 490. #reallyreallyold #goinggreygracefully #tasmanianbuilder

17.01.2022 Every so often one of our custom builds comes back on the market. This is one of two similar houses we built a few years ago. It is a truly beautiful, bespoke home which can be split into two dwellings - and it is so close to SoHo and the Hobart CBD with great views up the mountain. Nice to see that it has held its value very well too. So, if you want to jump the queue and get into a custom home within weeks, why not give Petrusma Property a call? On the other hand, if y...ou have a little more patience, and you'd like us to build you something equally awesome that is designed to totally meet your needs and aesthetic, then why not call us today on 0439 570 490. The border is open again and blocks are getting snapped up. Don't leave it too late to live your dreams! Photos courtesy of Petrusma Property. #custombuilder #tasmanianbuilder #architecturaldesign #realestateaustralia

16.01.2022 We love this reclaimed convict stone wall. Beautifully laid. A real feature.

15.01.2022 Here's the thing - I hate being the dream killer. At Blue Gum Design and Build, every now and again, we have a client who will bring plans to us from another architect or building designer and I become the dream killer. Unfortunately, today was one of those days. A potential client asked us to estimate her beautifully drawn architectural plans (my guess is that she would have spent upwards of $25,000 on those plans as they were fully permitted). She told me her budget fo...r the build was $300,000 - and not a cent more. I estimated the build at no less than $474,000 - possibly more depending on the specifications. $174,000 over budget! Six months of time and tens of thousands of dollars wasted on a project that very likely will never be built. How does this happen? Well, I don't hold with the view that architects and designers just don't care whether their designs get built. Of course they care. It'd be a soul destroying job if that was the case. However, I do believe that only builders of custom homes have any real idea as to what architectural projects are likely to cost. After all, if you can't quote accurately as a custom home builder you are simply going to go bankrupt. So, we have to become good at costing. Having said that, builders aren't good designers of buildings. So, if architects can't design to budget and builders can't design buildings how do you solve the problem? The answer is simple. If you are considering designing a custom home or addition then a "design and build" business like ours can help you stay on budget whilst still designing a gorgeous dwelling. You get the best of both worlds - great custom design and excellent fiscal management. At Blue Gum, the minute we have the conceptual designs, and way before we even consider applying for a development application, we estimate the cost of the build. If the design is on budget then, great, we move forward. If it isn't, we have an honest discussion with our clients as to the size of the dwelling, the specification level, the scope of works, cost savings, budget and expectations. This happens at numerous times throughout the design process and it works. The vast majority of our designs are on budget and get built. Unfortunately, a lot of "design first - budget later" designs do not. So, help me out here. I'd rather Blue Gum helped create dreams rather than kill them. Give me a call today on 0439 570 490 if you'd like to have a chat about the benefits of design and build. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

14.01.2022 A bit of good news for everyone who was struggling to receive accurate quotes and contracts by the end of the year to qualify for the Commonwealth HomeBuilder grant of $25,000. A very sensible extension of the various deadlines which will take a great deal of pressure off clients, builders, engineers, designers and building surveyors. At Blue Gum, our promise is that we will do everything we can to help our clients secure both the State's $20,000 and the Commonwealth's $25...,000 grants. Call us today on 0439 570 490 if you'd like to discuss whether your build will benefit from these grants.

14.01.2022 As we've never built a straw bale house before (don't tell the clients), we thought we'd build a sample wall just to make sure we get it right. You can certainly see why this house will be so well insulated. The walls are really thick and the bales are very dense. And Tomi, the world's largest site dog, really enjoyed looking for mice (he didn't find anyway)! #strawbalehouse... #strawbales #welikeachallenge See more

13.01.2022 If you're building on a block with no mains sewerage connection, don't forget to budget for one of these! When we design your house, we give great consideration to the septic system options available to you - and so should you. AWTS's (Envirocycles and the like), traditional trenched systems, Eljens, AES's, sand mounds - they all have different installation and ongoing maintenance costs. If you'd like to discuss designing and building on a rural or non serviced block then call us today on 0439 570 490.

12.01.2022 Today the crew had Aaron from Channel Earthmoving onsite to fill the underslab space. Aaron has done the excavation for this job from the beginning and has done a great job. Even at these early stages Blue Gum Builders, and it's subcontractors, pay attention to the little details, because we know these are what matter to you. If you are interested in finding out how we can help you get into your dream home, get in touch.

12.01.2022 Here's Luke setting out the cast in plates to which the steel posts for this addition at Acton will be welded to. We're a bit fussy at Blue Gum. The norm is to simply plonk the cast in plates into unformed concrete. Our plates are beautifully boxed up and the concrete finished to allow the water to drain away from the base of the post. This ensures the longevity of the post, as well as looking that little bit more appealing. It takes a bit longer but we think it's worth the extra effort. You can also see our Construction Manager, Rod (the bloke with the silly grin), checking over the plans and making sure all the piers and footings are correctly placed and formed up before we pour concrete tomorrow. Exciting days!

12.01.2022 No two homes we design and build are the same. As custom home builders, you can be assured that the house we craft for you is as unique as you are. For more information, check out our website: https://bluegumbuilders.com.au/

12.01.2022 The "banana house" has transformed into the "Game of Thrones" house. Just look at those truss tails curving around the front. They'll ultimately be sheaved in Corten steel and be left on view. It's going to be so cool. What a fantastic piece of work by Cody and his crew. Well done boys. #architectural... #cortensteel #tasmanianbuilder See more

11.01.2022 This fine tradesman is our good friend, and professional waterproofer, Joe Nadler. Joe has waterproofed his arm with duct tape so he could retrieve his car keys from the darkest depths of the portaloo. Possibly the best laugh we've had all year. Have a great weekend everyone!

11.01.2022 There's certainly something comforting about a long, gable ended house. Maybe it's the barn look or just the simplicity of the design. This one's walls are clad in the very on trend (but rather expensive) Nail Strip Matt and the gables are Spotted Gum. Spotted Gum is probably the "go to" timber for external cladding and decks. It has a very high fire rating as it is so dense. It is also a nice clear timber which requires zero maintenance if you like the silvered off loo...k. If it's oiled, you do have to keep on top of that with bi-annual recoats but it does look gorgeous. If you'd like us to design a similar house for you then call us today on 0439 570 490. We'd love to help.

11.01.2022 A big shout out to two of our awesome apprentices seen here working on Show Day no less! Dan, the one leaning on the trailer (as usual!), is the goalie for North West Grad Hockey. They have just won the Premier League Championship - destroying OHA in the process. You can tell he is the goalie as he is the one dressed up as a Transformer. Adam, the one doing all the work while Dan leans on the trailer, is the SES Southern Region General Response Unit Training Officer as well... as a member of the Derwent Valley Road Crash Rescue Unit. He is also the SES’s face for Road Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility video campaign. You can check out the whole video here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZ3HzN2VkR0&feature=youtu.be Good on you boys! #northwestgrad #roadsafetyiseveryonesresponsibility

10.01.2022 Here's the quandary. You love where you live but you need more space or some extra revenue. Maybe your kids need somewhere to live but they can't afford a mortgage; or you just need your Mum and Dad to be a bit closer; or perhaps, with retirement looming, you need an extra revenue stream. The answer to that quandary is: why not have us design and build an ancillary dwelling on the same block as your main house? ... Many blocks in Southern Tasmania are suitable for an ancillary dwelling. They also make a lot of financial sense as you've already bought the land. Plus, due to their size, they do not cost a fortune to build. Also, unlike with an extension, you'll be able to live undisturbed whilst we build in your back yard. And, ours certainly don't look like ugly prefabs or granny flats. They have real "wow" factor. We are just about at "lock up" with this little beauty. It is quite the head turner clad in Spandek Matt and Silver top Ash. The peak is 6 metres high to accommodate a large loft area. When it's finished it will be just gorgeous inside too. And, to top it all, the views of Mount Wellington are just stunning. Please like and share our post with your FB friends. They might like one too! #tinyhouse #tinyliving #tinyhousemovement

10.01.2022 If you've got a bit of space in the back yard, then you've got room for an extension. And why not? Adding on makes a lot of sense. Basically, if you love your house and neighbourhood - and like your local coffee spot a bit more than you should - then why move? This little beauty is an office, laundry, ensuite and rumpus addition on the back of a classic SoHo federation bungalow. What you see is the new bit. We think the weatherboards (which are actually a cement sheet product called Linea - think timber look without the rot) blend in well with the Silver Top Ash cladding. A bit of old and a bit of new, if you like. Double glazed uPVC windows and a burnished concrete floor all add to thermal efficiency of the build. Call us if you'd like us to design and build an extension for you - 0439 570 490.

09.01.2022 Thinking about building on a rural block? If so, call us on 0439 570 490 before you make an offer as we provide free site evaluations that will help you better understand the pros and cons of the block, its limitations, the likely cost of the driveway, septic system, rain water tanks, utility connections and the likely BAL rating. All very handy things to know before making the plunge! And here's one of the scenic blocks we're building on right now - not a bad view at all!

08.01.2022 Did you know that one of the largest contributors to landfill waste is construction activity? How to minimise that waste, and recycle as much as possible, is a huge task. Blue Gum are therefore very pleased to have been asked to take part in a feasibility study sponsored by Tasmania's local authorities and the Master Builders Association to examine the practicalities of how construction companies can embrace recycling and waste reduction. Here we have Justin from Just Waste..., who are managing the research project (he has the better job) and Juan, one of carpenters, who will be sorting our waste out on site (he has the not so good job!) At Blue Gum, when it comes to sustainability we like to "walk the talk". So, if you are looking for a builder with a real interest in sustainable building who is actually trying to do something positive about it give us a call today on 0439 570 490.

08.01.2022 This Georgian gem was in a sorry state of repair. The design brief was to restore the house to its former glory - and add a sympathetic sun room, bedroom, laundry and bathroom extension. With ivy penetrating the lime mortar, a completely rotten verandah, a leaking roof and 160 years of paint to strip, this was quite a task. We repaired, re-pointed and refurbished not once did we replace. The sun room was previously a corridor to what was once a doctor’s consulting rooms. By... cleverly using off the shelf items, we managed to add a light and airy sun room, guest bedroom with ensuite, and a new laundry on a relatively small budget. Call us today if you have a heritage project or if you are thinking of extending your home - 0439 570 490. We'd love to help.

07.01.2022 Bit of a dying art - the pitched roof. Most houses have trusses now. This one, however, will have vaulted ceilings - hence the pitched roof. A fair bit of skill in it - so well done Paul, Stu and Muna. And, for those of you who are interested in solar passive homes, you'll note that the floor is not joisted here. Instead, the floor is a suspended concrete slab which adds thermal mass. The slab is also insulated underneath with XPS foam. Add that to the super thick straw bale walls, double glazing, high levels of insulation in the roof etc... and this is one home that will require almost no heating. If you're interested in having us design and build a unique solar passive home for you, then don't hesitate to call us on 0439 570 490.

06.01.2022 What a view to wake up to every day! When it's finished this deck will have a little step down from the sliding doors. The idea is that the step will double up as a place to sit while you drink your coffee and thank your lucky stars that you live in God's own state. Call us on 0439 570 490 if you'd like us to help you build your Tasmanian dream home. #tasmanianbuilder... #tasmania #tasmanianmade See more

04.01.2022 This house is constructed mainly from timber that was milled from trees found on this expansive block looking over the beautiful Safety Cove. The local field stone was also used to construct the skillfully laid walls. If you look closely you can see the old axe heads, cobblers last and other items that Roger, the client, had us insert into the walls. This was truly a house with a hefty dose of personality built into it. If you are interested in building a house of real character, then call us today on 0439 570 490. We love this kind of work.

03.01.2022 The whole team have spent the last 3 days learning to operate excavators under the watchful eyes of the guys from OnRoad OffRoad Training RTO 60071. It has been a great skill to learn, but most of all it has given us all a chance to blow off some steam and have some good fun together.

02.01.2022 Further good news on the HomeBuilder front. The State government has announced that they will be following the Commonwealth's lead and extending the deadlines for the State's $20,000 grant. So, if you are building a new house you could be eligible for up to $45,000. For an addition, it could be $25,000. However, those figures will drop to $35,000 and $15,000 after the year end. If you have plans that are close to being permitted call us today on 0439 570 490 and we'll try our best to help.

02.01.2022 At Blue Gum Design + Build we like to do things a little differently. The owner of this lovely shower asked for something natural with no shower tray or glass to clean. They also wanted a very big shower. 1400 x 1400 with sandstone tiles and a river pebble floor. I think we nailed it.

01.01.2022 Another busy day at our Cradoc site pouring what will ultimately be a burnished concrete floor. Burnished floors are different from "polished" concrete floors in that they aren't ground back. The burnishing is done on the day the concrete is poured. The last picture shows the beauty of a finished burnished floor. Burnished slabs have many positive attributes: - in a well designed house, a burnished slab will provide thermal mass which will regulate the internal temperature ...of the house. - they are cool in the summer and warm in the winter. - surprisingly they cost far less than a polished concrete floor, tiles or timber flooring. - as we finish our floors in Whittle Wax they have none of the toxicity issues associated with some other floor coverings. - they are hard wearing, need next to no maintenance and are easy to refinish. Most of all they look superb! If you have any questions about the pros and cons of different floors, then don't hesitate to call Andy on 0439 570 490; Or for more information about our build and design services check out our website: https://bluegumbuilders.com.au/