Brick By Brick: A Guide To Custom Home Construction
Many of us dream of building a custom home. Unlike buying a pre-built property, building a home from scratch allows you to have complete control over every detail, creating a space that perfectly reflects your style, needs and lifestyle. Join Melbourne Home Design + Living’s Jessica Muller as she chats with Ben Grollo, the principal architect at Grollo Homes, about the intricacies of the process behind building a custom home, from design decision to luxury finishes.
Grollo Homes is a family-owned business that has been in operation for over sixty years, earning a reputation as one of the most trusted custom builders in the industry. “We specialise in creating unique, architecturally designed and expertly crafted homes,” Grollo says. “Each project is a true collaboration, where the architect and builder work closely with you at every stage to bring your vision to life.”
With an impressive array of accolades under its belt, Grollo Homes knows all too well the vast benefits of creating a custom home tailored to the individual. “Good ideas resonate with many people, but personalisation adds character and distinctiveness,” Grollo says. “Since we’re all unique, personal touches can bring an ‘X-factor’ to a design. When well done, it creates a home that works for everyone, while still reflecting individual style.”
FIRST STEPS TO YOUR DREAM HOME
Building a custom home can seem overwhelming, given the huge amount of decision making that is required. But choosing an experienced builder makes all the difference in making it a smooth and easy process. “In the early stages, we prioritise face-to-face meetings,” Grollo says. “Designing a client’s home is a deeply personal and intimate process, and it’s through in-person interactions that we can truly understand their needs.” This approach allows a more natural exchange of ideas, leading to better results early on.
“We typically start with a design brief, focusing on the client’s living needs, preferred style and budget,” Grollo explains. “Researching the property is also an essential part of the process. Understanding the estimated budget early on is crucial, as it ensures that the concept designs we create are both achievable and aligned with the client’s vision.” Additionally, space requirements are crucial, and it’s important to have a clear understanding of the living areas the occupants feel most comfortable in. “This can be achieved by physically measuring the spaces they use
daily – those that truly work for them. By doing so, we ensure that the proposed designs adequately meet their needs,” he notes.
It’s important that all the home’s occupants feel involved in the process and that the project reflects their input. “The size, age, and sensory needs of the proposed occupants play a significant role in personalising interior spaces,” Grollo emphasises. “These factors influence decisions such as bench heights, appliance locations, fixture placement, material selection and lighting designs to suit their needs.” The advantage of designing a home from the ground up is that it allows these unique challenges to be tackled with precision.
POPULAR PERSONALISATIONS
“The kitchen is often the heart of any home we design, and we dedicate significant time to making sure it’s both visually appealing and highly functional,” Grollo says. “Similarly, ensuite and wardrobe layouts are deeply personal, as each individual has unique needs and preferences.”
Other aspects of designing a custom home can be purely aesthetic. “The street façade is also an important consideration, as it serves as a reflection of the occupant’s personalities and is the first impression anyone will have,” Grollo explains. While interior timber finishes, often paired with neutral colour tones, are very popular right now, Grollo emphasises that he has never designed the same home twice. “We rarely use the same material palette from one client to the next, ensuring each home is truly one-of-a-kind,” he asserts.
STAYING ON TRACK
“As both architects and builders, we are in a unique position to help clients stay on track with their budgets. We provide options and alternatives whenever a design starts to move beyond the planned cost,” Grollo says. The team takes on a limited number of projects at a time
to ensure that it can provide personalised attention to each client. “This is a unique aspect of our approach – our customers work directly with the people who run the business, all of whom are professionals in design, construction, engineering and project management,” he details. “Having direct access to us ensures that accurate information is always provided.” While the team focuses on delivering projects of the highest quality, they also work diligently to ensure projects progress efficiently, with realistic timelines in mind.
THE GOOD BITS
Grollo says the most rewarding part of the job is hearing how much the clients love their new home once it’s completed. “Their elation and pride in their home often lead to word-of-mouth referrals from friends and family who visit, helping us gain future clients,” he says. “This continued trust and satisfaction help ensure that Grollo Homes maintains its strong reputation in the fields of design and construction.”
If you’re thinking of building your own custom home, Grollo Homes is always happy to discuss options and offer guidance, even if it doesn’t result in a built project. “We offer obligation-free concept design services, providing prospective clients with a proposed layout and estimated build cost before any commitments are made. This ensures clients are confident that the project is achievable before making a financial commitment,” Grollo says. Designing and building with someone you trust is essential when it comes to your dream home.
