Blogs | Adlington Homes

Blogs

Practical guidance on custom homes, home additions, knock-down rebuilds, duplexes and townhouses from the Adlington Homes team — built on 50+ years of experience in the Illawarra.

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October 1, 2026 · 15 min read

Multi-Generational Home Additions: Designing for Two Families Under One Roof

Design a multi-generational home addition for two families under one roof. Privacy, accessibility and council approval guidance for Illawarra homeowners.

September 29, 2026 · 31 min read

The True Cost of a Custom Home in Wollongong: What Your Quote Doesn't Tell You

Why a $650,000 custom home quote in Wollongong can grow by $100,000 or more once site-specific costs are added, and how to budget realistically for the true project cost.

September 22, 2026 · 10 min read

Fixed-Price vs Cost-Plus Building Contracts in the Illawarra

Fixed-price or cost-plus for your renovation? A builder's honest breakdown of risk, cost certainty, and which contract type protects you in NSW.

September 15, 2026 · 11 min read

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Duplex in Wollongong?

A duplex in Wollongong costs $700,000-$1.3M to build in 2026. Full breakdown of per-sqm rates, DA fees, dual-occ compliance, and what drives the price.

September 9, 2026 · 11 min read

How Much Does a Home Addition Cost in Wollongong? (2026 Guide)

What a home addition actually costs in Wollongong in 2026, comparing ground-floor extensions with second-storey additions and explaining why quotes vary so widely by site.

September 8, 2026 · 6 min read

How Much Does a Commercial Strip Out Cost in Wollongong?

What drives the cost of a commercial strip-out in Wollongong in 2026, with per-square-metre pricing for office and retail tenancies and the factors that push costs higher.

August 25, 2026 · 20 min read

Building on Sloping Blocks in the Illawarra: What It Means for Your Addition

How sloping blocks across the Illawarra escarpment and coastal suburbs affect the cost and engineering of a home addition, and what homeowners should budget for retaining walls, earthworks and drainage.

August 19, 2026 · 21 min read

How Do Illawarra Homeowners Finance a Home Addition?

How Illawarra homeowners can finance a home addition, including the loan products, drawdown process and risk factors that differ from financing a full custom build.

August 12, 2026 · 18 min read

Granny Flat and ADU Additions in Wollongong (2026 Rules & Costs)

What Wollongong homeowners need to know about building a granny flat or secondary dwelling in 2026, including the Complying Development pathway, rules and realistic costs.

August 5, 2026 · 19 min read

Renovate vs. Rebuild vs. Extend: How to Decide in the Illawarra

How to decide between renovating, knocking down and rebuilding, or extending an older Illawarra home, based on structural condition, site constraints and budget.

August 5, 2026 · 13 min read

How Long Does a Home Addition Take? A Complete Timeline for Illawarra Homeowners

A complete timeline for home additions and extensions in the Illawarra, covering how long each stage takes and the common delays homeowners should plan around.

August 4, 2026 · 18 min read

Sustainable Home Additions Illawarra: How to Build an Eco-Friendly Extension

How to build a sustainable, energy-efficient home addition in the Illawarra, covering BASIX requirements, suitable materials and where the real cost savings show up over time.

July 20, 2026 · 15 min read

Home Addition Design Ideas for Illawarra Homes

Home addition design ideas for Illawarra homes that improve flow, light and everyday living, starting with a proper diagnosis of the site before choosing a style.

July 15, 2026 · 17 min read

What Size Land Block Do You Need to Build a Duplex in Wollongong?

The minimum land block size needed to build a duplex in Wollongong under the LEP and NSW Housing SEPP pathways, and how zoning affects what's possible on your block.

July 6, 2026 · 16 min read

Why Is a Free Building Quote a Mistake for Custom Home Construction?

Why a free building quote is a red flag rather than a bargain in custom home construction, and what a properly costed quote actually requires from a builder.

June 22, 2026 · 10 min read

How Do I Choose the Right Builder for a Home Addition in the Illawarra?

Why choosing a builder for a home addition carries more risk than a new build, and the questions Illawarra homeowners should ask before trusting a free quote.

April 7, 2026 · 12 min read

How Do You Plan a Home Addition in Illawarra?

How to plan a home addition in the Illawarra, from clarifying what you need and assessing your site to aligning the design direction with your budget before committing.

January 15, 2026 · 15 min read

Renovate or Rebuild in the Illawarra? How Site Constraints and Coastal Durability Impact Your Exterior Design

How site constraints and coastal durability should shape exterior design decisions for a custom home in the Illawarra, rather than starting the design process with Pinterest inspiration alone.

December 9, 2025 · 16 min read

Should I Hire a Builder or Architect First? A Cost & Process Guide for Illawarra Homeowners

Why engaging a builder for a Feasibility Package before or alongside design can be a more financially secure path than hiring an architect first, especially on a fixed budget.

October 14, 2025 · 24 min read

Should I Sign Practical Completion or Wait? Custom Home Warranties and Insurance in Illawarra 2025

When Illawarra homeowners should sign off on practical completion, and how that decision affects statutory warranty protection and insurance on a new custom home.

September 12, 2025 · 16 min read

What Are the Must-Know Interior Design Trends for Custom Homes in Illawarra Right Now?

The must-know interior design trends for custom homes in the Illawarra right now, and how to choose finishes that balance current style with long-term liveability.

July 30, 2025 · 14 min read

Custom Home Construction Checklist: What You Need To Know Before You Start Building

A step-by-step custom home construction checklist for Illawarra homeowners, covering the decisions and preparation needed before, during and after the build to avoid common surprises.

June 25, 2025 · 14 min read

How to Choose the Right Building Materials for Your Custom Home

A guide to choosing exterior and structural materials that hold up in the Illawarra's coastal climate, balancing upfront cost against long-term maintenance and resale value.

May 21, 2025 · 12 min read

The Illawarra Homeowner's Complete Guide To Financing Custom Home Construction

A complete guide to financing custom home construction in the Illawarra, covering loan types, deposit requirements and what lenders expect before releasing funds.

April 30, 2025 · 11 min read

Custom Home Building Timeline: Understanding Phases and Timeframes

What actually drives a custom home build timeline in the Illawarra, from council approvals to weather and site conditions, with realistic phase-by-phase timeframes.

March 26, 2025 · 13 min read

Custom Home Floor Plan Costs: The Truth

An honest breakdown of what drives custom home floor plan costs in the Illawarra, comparing custom design against pre-designed plans and outlining ways to save.

February 25, 2025 · 12 min read

Planning Your Custom Home: 7 Essential Tips

Seven essential tips for planning a custom home in the Illawarra, and why good early planning is the biggest factor in finishing on time and within budget.

January 20, 2025 · 9 min read

7 Expert Tips For Managing Your Custom Home Budget

Seven expert tips for managing a custom home budget in the Illawarra, from building in contingency funds to comparing builder quotes and prioritising must-have features.

December 13, 2024 · 9 min read

How To Choose A Reliable Custom Home Builder: A Homeowner's Guide

What to look for when choosing a reliable custom home builder in the Illawarra, from communication style to fixed-price contracts and proven local experience.

November 26, 2024 · 15 min read

The Ultimate Guide To Building A Townhouse Step By Step

A step-by-step guide to building a townhouse, covering the planning, design and construction decisions that shape a successful multi-unit build.

October 16, 2024 · 19 min read

The Illawarra Homeowner's Ultimate Guide to Building a Duplex for Beginners

A beginner's guide to building a duplex in the Illawarra, covering what a duplex is, the benefits for owners and investors, and the basics of getting a build underway.

July 10, 2024 · 29 min read

Complete Guide to Knock-Down Rebuilds in Australia: Process, FAQ, & More

A comprehensive walkthrough of the knock-down rebuild process in Australia, covering costs, timelines and frequently asked questions for homeowners considering demolishing and rebuilding on their existing block.

June 21, 2024 · 17 min read

The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Dream Custom Home in Illawarra

An end-to-end guide to building a custom home in the Illawarra, covering budgeting, design and finding the right builder from initial planning through to move-in.

May 5, 2024 · 9 min read

Understanding the Home Extension Process: A Comprehensive Guide from Adlington Homes

A comprehensive guide to the home extension process, explaining how to add living space and value to an existing home without the cost and stress of moving.

March 31, 2024 · 8 min read

How Much Does a Custom Home Cost in the Illawarra?

A 2026 planning guide to custom home construction costs in the Illawarra, showing how design complexity, site conditions and specification level shift the price per square metre.

December 27, 2023 · 20 min read

From Idea to Home: Navigating the First Phase of Building Your Dream

A guide to the first phase of building a dream home, from clarifying your vision and budget through to the early decisions that set a custom build up for success.

December 12, 2023 · 10 min read

15 Creative Small House Extension Ideas for a Stylish Home

Fifteen practical small house extension ideas for Illawarra homes, from coastal and escarpment sites to suburban blocks, with a look at how setbacks, heritage and bushfire rules shape what's actually feasible.

November 19, 2023 · 8 min read

Maximising Space with Illawarra Duplex Builds

How duplex builds help Illawarra homeowners make the most of their land, blending independent living with efficient, contemporary design.

October 19, 2023 · 20 min read

Commercial Fit Outs in Illawarra: How to Choose the Best Builder

How to choose the right commercial fit-out contractor in the Illawarra, covering what to look for, questions to ask, and the benefits of hiring an experienced local team.

October 19, 2023 · 13 min read

Your Guide to Building a Home: Working with a Custom Home Builder in Illawarra

A homeowner's guide to working with a custom home builder in the Illawarra, covering how to shortlist builders, understand financing options and keep a build on track.

October 19, 2023 · 17 min read

Home Extensions in Illawarra: Builders and Costs Revealed

An overview of home extensions in the Illawarra, covering how to choose a builder, the different extension types available, and realistic cost expectations.

September 12, 2023 · 5 min read

5 Reasons a Knockdown Rebuild is for you!

Five signs a knockdown rebuild suits a growing Illawarra family better than renovating in place, from outgrown floor plans to ageing structures that no longer fit modern living.

September 12, 2023 · 6 min read

Why you don't go for the cheapest Builder

Why choosing the cheapest builder for a custom home or renovation can cost more in the long run, and what to weigh up instead of price alone.

September 12, 2023 · 6 min read

Be in control of your build budget with Inflation

Practical guidance on protecting a custom home budget from rising material and labour costs, and why open communication with your builder is the best defence against inflation surprises.

September 12, 2023 · 5 min read

What do I need to start my build now?

What Illawarra families actually need in place before starting a custom home build, for homeowners ready to stop planning and get their project moving.

September 12, 2023 · 4 min read

Why you need an Interior Designer!

Why bringing in an interior designer helps a custom home feel truly personalised, and how their input shapes a design that's genuinely your own.

September 12, 2023 · 4 min read

How to find a Builder you can Trust

Practical advice for finding a builder you can trust with one of the biggest investments of your life, and the warning signs worth watching for.