Australian weather can be a bit of a mixed bag and while the winter nights can get pretty cold (Warwick nights have been known to regularly get down to 0), the days are generally enjoyable.
When building a new home, your goal should be to make the most of the good weather and the bad weather and build a space that is true to you and can properly entertain any and all guests.
Swimming Pools!
One of the best things to do on a hot summer day is to go for a dip in the pool. And why drive to a local swimming pool or drive to the sea to go for a swim, when you can do so right in your back garden? There are so many different choices for swimming pools out there, no matter your budget. The simple, not-so-elegant, but very functional free-standing pool will keep the kids entertained, though it is perhaps a little small for a large family. In that case, consider an in-ground pool, made from concrete - though these will cost you anywhere from $25,000 to $100,000 AUD.
The Barbecue Space
Everyone in Australia loves to barbecue! It’s basically a rite of passage as an Australian. So, naturally, one should have a designated back-yard space to barbecue. This can be as simple or as complex as you like, from a stand-alone barbecue on a couple of concrete slabs on the lawn, or an entire area of your backyard, a deck dedicated to the barbie, complete with bar fridge.
Gardens for Green Thumbs
Those of you with green thumbs will be able to transform a relatively blank grassy area into a blooming garden in a few years, like Van Gogh with a blank canvas. Turn up that earth and get to work on planting all kinds of trees and plants. While you don’t want a garden to overwhelm you, or take all of your time, walking around and smelling the roses is a lovely way to spend a warm summer evening, and your guests will surely love it.
An Enclosed Space for Winter
For those who don’t want to stop partying outdoors in the winter, there’s the option of having an enclosed outdoor space, such as a pergola - though these are typically open to the elements, they can be enclosed easily enough. This space could provide an opportunity for you and friends to gather around an indoor fire pit, or hang a green screen and a projector for an outdoor cinema space. As the winter weather draws near, you may want somewhere to entertain your guests that isn’t your house, while keeping them warm and cosy. This is particularly useful for large family gatherings, including Easter.
For those who want to make the most of their outdoor experience year-round, Australia provides plenty of opportunity to do so. It’s very important that new home builders sort this stuff out in the beginning, rather having a brand-new home with nothing in particular in the garden to show to their eager friends.
