Dual Occupancy & Duplex Home Builders Melbourne With Over 1200 Happy Residents Around Victoria

The State Government Laws defines a dual occupancy as, “two dwellings on one title, either attached or detached”. A dual occupancy is different to having a secondary dwelling or granny flat situated at the back of a property. ... An example of dual occupancy is a duplex.

An example of dual occupancy is a duplex. At MJS Construction Group we have the right guys for the job if building a duplex is something you’re considering. We have a team of expert dual occupancy builders who will be able to guide you throughout the process from council approvals right through to the final product.

A duplex is a single residential building with two dwellings under the one roof and a dividing wall between. Also known as a dual occupancy, each side is a completely separate home, with its own entrance, amenities and yard. Duplexes are sometimes on one title, meaning both halves must be sold together.

The biggest appeal for investors is the value added to the property when a duplex development is complete.

In 2019 the cost to build a duplex is around $1m to $1.1m and timeframes can take anywhere from between 12 weeks to 16 months, says RealEstate.com.au. Not all blocks are suitable to build a duplex on, however. Ideally, you want a block that is level, without too many trees and that has a slight fall to the street.

Why build one house when you can build two and pocket some cash? Building a duplex offers you the opportunity to live in the location you desire for a fraction of the cost.

SUBDIVIDING YOUR DUAL OCCUPANCY

Depending on the LEP, subdivision of a dual occupancy is usually permitted with consent by way of a Torrens title or a Strata subdivision.  This means that for each individual dwelling within a dual occupancy will be created either as a strata title unit in a strata plan or as a Torrens title lot. Subdivision of a dual occupancy can only be done with the lodgement of a Development Application

One of the advantages of a dual occupancy over a secondary dwelling is that a dual occupancy can be sold separately. The challenge is how to sell them separately.

As quoted by councilapproval.com.au, "you can only sell them separately, of course, if they’re on two separate titles. You can do that in two different ways. The first is what we call strata subdivision. The second is Torrens title subdivision."

Can you show recent examples of your work?

Check out completed homes in your area and talk to previous customers. Reputable builders confident about their own work will be happy to put you in touch with previous customers.

Are you licensed?

Unlicensed builders might be cheaper, but you won’t have any protection. So work with licensed builders only. And don’t just take their word for it—you can check yourself online.

Are you fully insured?

It’s important you’re fully protected. Generally, home indemnity insurance covers you for financial loss, while workers’ compensation and general or public liability insurance protect you against workplace accidents. Make sure your builder has
the necessary financial protection in case something goes wrong. Each state and territory has different rules about the amount and type of insurance that builders must hold.

How long have you been in business?

Ideally, you want a well-established builder who enjoys solid long-term relationships with their tradespeople.

How do we pay?

You don’t want to be paying substantial amounts up-front. So set expectations in advance. Progress payments should be made after the work is done to your satisfaction.

Who will supervise the work?

The onsite supervisor’s role is crucial to the smooth running of the project. Meet up to make sure you’ll be comfortable working with them.

Do you have other jobs on?

If the builder has other commitments, your work could get bumped and delayed. On the other hand, if the builder is free to start tomorrow, it may be worth asking why they are so quiet.

What happens if there is a problem?

With any complex building project issues are bound to crop up. Ask how long they guarantee their work. There is usually a building maintenance period during which the builder will come in and fix any problems. Make sure you know what is relevant in your state or territory.

Will costs change?

Make sure the quote includes total costs and there are no hidden surprises. But even so, when it comes to building it’s a good idea to expect the unexpected. If the builder encounters a site problem which requires more work or if you want to vary your plans, it’s important to discuss up-front how this will be managed.

How long will it take?

Complex building projects rarely run exactly to schedule. You’re subject to the vagaries of the weather and the reliability of suppliers. But it’s a good idea to set a timeframe for completion, along with progress milestones along the way. Remember, it’s your house and you need to get it right. So you need to be comfortable with your choice of builder. If it doesn’t feel right, shop around and get a second opinion.