Divide and conquer with a Dual Occ by Sienna Homes.
Are you a savvy homeowner eager to unlock the equity within your property? Or perhaps you’re an astute investor in search of a dependable builder for your next lucrative project? At Sienna Homes, we specialise in this dynamic real estate niche, and our seasoned team is ready to collaborate with you to identify the ideal solution for your property and optimise your investment returns. Leverage our extensive expertise and track record – Dual Occ your block with Sienna Homes for maximum financial gain!
Home Designs
Facade Options
Barkley
Avery
Grange
Matilda
Everything you need to know to Dual Occ your block with Sienna Homes.
Equip yourself with the tools you need to embark on a Dual Occupancy project with confidence by downloading our Dual Occ guide.
Discover the 10 key steps of Dual Occupancy, including timeframes and costs for each, as well as other useful information to ensure you know exactly what to expect from start to finish.
Allow us to share our knowledge and expertise and you'll discover just how easy it could be for you to achieve the Dual Occ you've been dreaming of with Sienna Homes.
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The Dual Occupancy Process
Site Appraisal and Consultation
Before we embark on your Dual Occupancy journey, it’s important for us to conduct an all-important free site appraisal. This analysis will help us determine if your block is suitable for Dual Occupancy, what your proposed design outcomes might look like, and the project’s overall feasibility. Once your free site appraisal is complete, your appointed dual occupancy consultant will provide a proposed siting and floor plans, pricing estimate and information on our premium inclusions and the available upgrade items. You will have the opportunity to tailor the floor plans and make structural changes to ensure the homes are perfect for you and how you intend to use them.
Project Review and Preliminary Checks
Detailed information about your site is obtained to ensure we understand the requirements of your project. This involves obtaining reports such as a neighbourhood character survey, feature survey, soil report, arborists report (if applicable) and property information report. These reports help us estimate site cost allowances to reduce the risk of unexpected expenditures down the track. A formal quote, siting plan and front façade elevation drawings are issued so you can start to envision your new homes on your block. We will also appoint your Town Planner through a letter of engagement and obtain an initial Town Planning review at this stage.
External Colours and Town Planning Application
With help from your dual occupancy consultant, the external appearance of your new homes is finalised. A preliminary energy assessment is obtained so we can add or account for any necessary elements to achieve an adequate energy rating, such as double glazing or additional insulation. External colour drawings are issued; these include front, rear and side external elevations. You will now attend our colour studio and meet our interior designer who will help you select the external colours for your new homes. A stormwater report is obtained, and your Town Planning application is prepared and submitted to the council. The Town Planning review and approval process can take some time, but our experienced team are working hard to ensure your application is processed as quickly as possible.
Town Planning Received
After the council complete their review, we will receive a Town Planning RFI (request for further information) from your appointed Town Planner. This document outlines any changes and/or additional information that’s required for us to obtain your Town Planning permit. The RFI items are addressed, and your drainage and landscaping designs are finalised. Updated documentation is submitted back to the council and the Town Planning advertising period commences. If any objections are raised during the advertising period, you will be advised on the next steps. Before long, your Town Planning permit is received, and your final energy report is ordered.
Design Development and Internal Colours
Your quote is updated and a full set of drawings including internal elevations of your kitchens, bathrooms and laundries is issued. You’re invited to attend an electrical and design review appointment, in which you will discuss electrical upgrades such as additional downlights and power points, as well as any changes you want to make to the internal appearance of your homes, such as joinery configurations and built-in cabinetry. Once your changes have been finalised, your sales estimate and drawings are updated in preparation for your internal colour appointment. You will now return to our colour studio to select your internal colours, finishes, fixtures, and fittings. You will have the option to choose a colour board if you do not wish to attend an internal colour appointment.
Contract Signing and Building Permit Application
Final pricing is issued and your contract is prepared. You attend a contract signing appointment to sign your contracts. At this time, you will be introduced to your Project Coordinator, who will be your dedicated assistant from now right up until you receive the keys to your new homes. Your Project Coordinator prepares and submits your building permit application and will liaise with the building surveyor to source any additional information or documentation they require.
Demolition, Building Permit Received and Construction
If you have an existing home on your site, now’s the time to arrange the demolition. Once the site is clear, a re-establishment survey is ordered, enabling us to complete the final items required for your building permit. Your building permit is received, and construction begins. You’re introduced to your site supervisor who, alongside your project coordinator, will provide regular progress updates throughout construction. Before you know it, you’re holding the keys to your brand-new Dual Occupancy homes!
Typical Site Layouts
Free Site Appraisal
Take advantage of a no-obligation, free site appraisal and understand what you can achieve on your block.
confirm if your block is suitable for Dual Occupancy
determine which of our home designs are best suited to your block
make recommendations based on your blocks size and characteristics
provide information on your local councils TownPlanning requirements
obtain all the information we need to provide an initial sales estimate
advise on the overall feasibility of your project
Benefit from our experience
Crafted designs
Our designs have been carefully considered and crafted to comply with common local council planning requirements, without compromising on liveability, functionality, comfort and style.
Design tailoring
Your Dual Occupancy is uniquely yours, so why not tailor our designs to suit your unique needs? Our design tailoring service allows you to modify our designs to complement your aspirations, lifestyle and budget.
Experts in planning
Due to our background in medium density, our expert team have an intimate knowledge of the intricacies of TownPlanning processes and requirements. This affords us a unique skillset to deliver urban projects efficiently and effectively.
End to end service
Your dedicated dual occupancy consultant, project coordinator and site supervisor are there to guide you through the process from start to finish. From concept to completion, you always have a single point of contact to answer any questions you have.
FAQs
What is Dual Occupancy?
Commonly referred to as Dual Occ or Duplex, Dual Occupancy involves either purchasing a vacant block of land or knocking down an existing dwelling, dividing the block in two and building two new residences on it.
What is the difference between Dual Occupancy and Duplex?
The words Dual Occupancy and Duplex are often used interchangeably, however there is a distinct difference between the two. Dual Occupancy is the overarching umbrella term used to describe any development that involves two or more houses on one block of land. Duplex refers specifically to Dual Occupancy developments that share a hebel party wall; what we refer to as “side by side”. We refer to Dual Occupancy developments that involve one house at the front of the block and one house at the rear of the block as “front and back”.
How do I know if my block is suitable for a Dual Occupancy development?
We offer a no obligation, free site appraisal. This analysis helps us determine if your block is suitable for Dual Occupancy, what your proposed design outcomes might look like, and the project’s overall feasibility.
How do I know what I can build on my block?
The layout of your Dual Occupancy development will largely depend on the size and characteristics of your block, your neighbouring dwellings and your local council requirements. By taking advantage of our free site appraisal, our dual occupancy consultant can provide you with a good indication of what is possible on your block.
What's involved in the Town Planning process?
The Town Planning process involves working with the council to obtain a legal document that allows us to build a development on your block of land. It usually a contains a list of conditions that must be met. The exact requirements of your Town Planning application will depend on your individual project. Thanks to our background in medium density, our expert team are well versed in the Town Planning process, and well equipped to ensure your application is submitted with the best chance of approval as quickly as possible.
How long will my Town Planning application take?
The timeframe for your Town Planning application will largely depend on your council and the requirements of your application. Your dual occupancy consultant will be able to provide an indicative timeframe following a free site appraisal, which will help us determine which council your block is in and the key requirements of your Town Planning application. On average, Town Planning applications can take anywhere from 6-9 months.
Will Sienna Homes demolish the existing home on my site?
Whilst Sienna Homes can guide you through this process, we are not a demolition company and therefore cannot demolish your existing home ourselves. We can provide you with a list of reputable demolition companies that have been used and recommended by other clients and achieved optimal results. You will then be required to contact one of these companies and arrange demolition with them directly.Â
Will I need a permit to demolish the existing home on my site?
Yes, you will require a demolition permit. This is generally arranged by your chosen demolition company.
How long will construction take?
Construction timeframes vary depending on house type. On average, you can expect construction to take anywhere from 9-12 months.
How much does demolition cost?
Demolition costs vary between contractors and not all contractors are created equal. It’s important to choose an experienced demolition contractor that can get the job done efficiently and effectively. Factors such as accessibility, house size, house type and hazardous materials can have a big impact on demolition costs. In our experience, demolition costs can range from $12,000 to $40,000.
How much does a Dual Occupancy cost?
In order to provide accurate initial pricing, we must first conduct a no obligation, free site appraisal. This analysis helps us determine if your block is suitable for Dual Occupancy, what your proposed design outcomes might look like, and the project’s overall feasibility. Every block is different and factors like lot size, orientation, soil conditions and Town Planning requirements can have a big impact on overall costs. Allowing us to assess your individual block means we can factor in these costs from the beginning, and ultimately provide you with a better indication of overall costs early on.
What is a feature survey?
A feature survey is obtained via a site inspection and used to gather information on where your new homes are best positioned on your block and if there are any obstructions such as trees or vegetation that need to be addressed prior to construction.
What is a soil test?
A soil test is conducted by a Geotechnical Engineer who drills into the soil to determine its reactivity at various depths. It is important for us to understand how stable the soil on your block is as this will determine the kind of footings your new homes will need. It is vitally important that the homes are built on an appropriate foundation. If your soil is subject to a high level of movement, or ‘reactive’, the homes will require stabilising footings. Moisture is the main cause of movement, so sandy rocky soil is usually more stable than clay.
What is an arborists report?
An arborists report is a comprehensive evaluation of any trees on your block. It’s used to identify the condition, health and safety of the tree/s, and ultimately provides a risk rating which helps to determine if upgraded footings are required or if any precautions need to be taken during removal of the tree or construction around it.
Do you build in my area?
You can find a comprehensive map of where we build below. Sienna Homes construct Dual Occupancy homes within Zone 1 (yellow) and Zone 2 (blue).
Will my new homes be covered by a warranty?
We provide a three month maintenance service and a 25 year structural guarantee. Your home is also covered by domestic building insurance during construction, and for extra peace of mind, we also provide a complimentary 12 month RACV Home Assist membership.
Where We Build
We are pleased to be building beautiful homes all over Melbourne. We also deliver Knock Down Rebuild and Dual Occupancy projects in select municipalities in Melbourne's south-east. You can view our build zones on the map below, or contact us for more information.