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How to Design Outdoor Living Spaces You’ll Actually Use
One of the biggest lifestyle benefits of living on the Sunshine Coast is the climate. Warm summers, mild winters, and those perfect in-between months mean outdoor living is a way of life.
Kaih Orenshaw
Nov 253 min read


Knockdown Rebuild vs. Renovation: Which Truly Adds More Value?
Renovate or knockdown rebuild on the Sunshine Coast. Compare cost, risk, comfort, and resale so you can choose the path that adds real value to your block.
Kaih Orenshaw
Nov 122 min read


Smart Zoning, Smart Home Design: Making the Most of Your Block
Designing a beautiful home is about more than just the floor plan. How each area of your home relates to the others, how your indoor and outdoor spaces connect, and how your home interacts with the block all come down to smart zoning.
Kaih Orenshaw
Oct 283 min read


Avoiding Common Mistakes When Designing Your Floor Plan
Your floor plan is the foundation of how your home will feel every single day. It dictates how you move, how your rooms connect, and how natural light and airflow are experienced.
Kaih Orenshaw
Oct 143 min read


Navigating Local Council Approvals: A Builder’s Guide
Building a custom home is exciting, but before a single brick is laid, your plans need to satisfy the Sunshine Coast Council and sometimes state regulations. These approvals aren’t just red tape, they ensure your dream home is compliant, safe, and built to last.
Kaih Orenshaw
Sep 303 min read


The Hidden Power of Pre-Construction Planning
Every beautiful home starts long before the slab is poured. In this article, we explore why strong pre-construction planning is the key to a smoother build, smarter decisions, and a custom home that truly fits your lifestyle and block.
Kaih Orenshaw
Sep 162 min read


Design Considerations When Planning Your Dream Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of any home, and when you're designing a custom home, here are some tips on getting it right.
Kaih Orenshaw
Aug 192 min read


6 Design Decisions That Will Make (or Break) Your Forever Home
Big impact doesn’t always come from big features. In this post, we walk you through six small but powerful design decisions that can shape how your home works, feels, and grows with you for years to come.
Kaih Orenshaw
Aug 51 min read


High-End vs. Volume Builds: What You’re Really Paying For
When it comes to building your dream home, not all builders—or homes—are created equal. This article breaks down the key differences between high-end custom builds and mass-produced volume homes, so you can make an informed decision based on value, quality, and lifestyle.
Kaih Orenshaw
Jul 221 min read


Your Home, Your Style: Finding the Right Design Inspiration (Without Getting Overwhelmed)
With endless inspiration on Instagram, Pinterest, and display homes, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. In this article, we share how to cut through the noise and find a design style that feels true to you—while staying focused, intentional, and supported by your builder.
Kaih Orenshaw
Jul 81 min read


Should Your Builder Also Build Your Pool? Here’s Why the Answer is Yes
A pool is a major investment, and if you’re building a custom home, it makes sense to think about integrating it into your overall design.
Kaih Orenshaw
Jun 172 min read


Choosing the Right Block - Here are 5 Must-Knows
Here are 5 important things to consider when selecting the right block for your dream home.
Kaih Orenshaw
May 222 min read


Smart Budgeting for a Stress-Free Build
Although budgeting isn’t the most glamorous part of building a home, it’s one of the most important. Here's some tips on how to approach it.
Kaih Orenshaw
Apr 151 min read


Barndominiums: The Stylish, Durable, and Cost-Effective Home Alternative
If you're thinking about building a new home, you've likely come across the term "barndominium." Here, we explore whether it's right for you
Kaih Orenshaw
Mar 262 min read


Understanding the Lifecycle of a Custom Build
Building a custom home is an exciting journey, but it’s also a complex process with multiple stages. We break it down here.
Kaih Orenshaw
Feb 262 min read


Effective Communication Tips for a Stress-Free Build with Your Builder
Effective communication with your builder is essential for a stress-free home building experience. Here are some tips!
Kaih Orenshaw
Jan 212 min read


Is It Smarter to Build New or Renovate Extensively? The Pros and Cons You Need to Know
How to choose between building from scratch or renovating extensively - here are some tips.
Kaih Orenshaw
Dec 4, 20242 min read


Are You Asking Your Builder These Five Essential Questions Before Starting Your New Build?
Choosing the right builder is critical to the success of your new home project. Here are five essential questions to ask.
Kaih Orenshaw
Nov 7, 20242 min read


Maximizing Energy Efficiency: Key Considerations for Building a New Home
Why it's so important to consider energy efficiency in your new home
Kaih Orenshaw
Oct 9, 20242 min read


Top Trends Impacting Home Building in Australia: What You Need to Know
The Australian building industry is continually evolving, and staying informed about the latest developments is crucial.
Kaih Orenshaw
Sep 10, 20242 min read

Build with Confidence
We aim to take the stress out of building at every stage - providing clients and homeowners with valuable information to help them understand what is involved in building a new home is a crucial part of our process.
Call us today for a complimentary on-site consultation.
Please call us on 0431 458 307 or email kaih@orenshawdesignerhomes.com.au to discuss your new custom build.

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