Imagine you’ve finally moved into your new home in Perth — only to find that the living room cops the full brunt of the afternoon sun in summer, turning it into a furnace. What’s more, your solar panels barely dent your electricity bill. And the stunning view you were excited about is completely blocked by your neighbour’s tree.

These aren’t just annoying quirks. They’re the frustrating, costly result of design decisions that weren’t made with your block in mind.

Truth is, building a custom energy-efficient home in Perth isn’t about just slapping down four walls and a roof and hoping for the best. You’ve got to know where the breezes flow from, how to work with the sun no matter the season, how to navigate shading from trees or buildings, and whether certain views are even worth chasing.

Josh and Anita Learned This the Hard Way

This young couple thought they’d found the perfect spot to build their dream home: a quiet corner block in a new Perth development. 

Keen to get the ball rolling, they found an affordable project builder who suggested a ready-made floor plan. It seemed to tick all the boxes — a traditional layout Josh and Anita assumed would work perfectly — so they didn’t think twice about signing.

But shortly after moving in, reality struck. Hard.

Harsh reality #1: To begin with, their alfresco felt boxed in by the neighbours’ tall fences. This turned what they’d hoped would be a sunny, lively space for barbecues and family gatherings into a cold, gloomy area that no one wanted to use.

Harsh reality #2: Their living room and kitchen felt just as lifeless. Poorly positioned windows left these spaces starved of natural light and airflow, making the home feel dark and stuffy, even when the Freo Doctor was blowing by outside.

Harsh reality #3: To make matters worse, the solar panels they installed weren’t performing as expected, barely making a dent in their electricity bills. Positioned in the shade of a neighbour’s tree, they missed out on crucial morning sunlight in winter and late afternoon light in summer.

In the end, Josh and Anita couldn’t stop wondering why no one had taken the time to adjust the design to suit their block. Now their only options were to save up for expensive renovations or stay stuck with a home that could’ve been — should’ve been — so much more.

So what can you do to avoid ending up in the same situation?

Build a Custom Home Optimised For Your Block

A good builder takes the time to look at your block so you can work with it, not against it. For them, every design decision you make together should add comfort, livability, and value to your home.

Here’s what quality builders do differently:

Approach #1: Use land surveys to plan smarter. A land survey gives you the nitty-gritty on your block — heights, slopes, boundaries, trees, and anything else that might affect the design. For example, a slope in the land could mean rethinking where to place key areas of the home. Living spaces might be better suited to higher ground for airflow and stability, while low spots could be ideal for a garden or driveway to avoid costly drainage issues. Without a survey, you’re flying blind.

Approach #2: Unlock hidden potential with drones. Drones are a game-changer for seeing what your block’s really capable of. They can show you views you didn’t even realise were there or confirm whether an elevation adjustment is actually worth it. For instance, raising the house half a metre might uncover distant treetop views or even glimpses of a skyline, completely transforming how the home feels. Drones also help avoid nasty surprises, like a neighbour’s structure blocking light or airflow that you didn’t notice from ground level.

Approach #3: Tackle environmental challenges head-on. Every Perth block has its quirks — tall fences, neighbouring trees, or buildings casting shade — and ignoring them can turn great spaces into wasted potential. For example, an alfresco area positioned on the wrong side of the house might feel cold and lifeless, cut off from natural light and warmth. But placing it on the sunny, north-facing side can create a lively space perfect for barbecues and relaxing. Clever fencing or landscaping can also provide privacy without shutting out sunlight or airflow.

Approach #4: Design for energy efficiency. If you want to keep power bills down, smart design is the way to go. Solar panels need to be placed where they’ll catch the most sun, avoiding shaded sections of the roof. Windows should be positioned to maximise natural light and cross-ventilation, cutting down your reliance on artificial lighting, heating, or cooling. For example, north-facing windows bring in sunlight during winter, while overhangs can block the harsh summer sun. Get these details right, and you’ll have a home that stays comfy year-round, without needing to blast the air con.

Approach #5: Customise layouts for how you live. Your home should work for you, not force you to adapt. Think about how you use spaces day-to-day. Maybe you need your living areas to flow seamlessly into an outdoor entertaining space, or perhaps you’d love a dedicated home office tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the main house. For young families, an open-plan kitchen might be a must for keeping an eye on the kids, while others might prefer more defined spaces for privacy. Tailoring these details to your lifestyle makes every space purposeful, so you’re not left kicking yourself after the build is done.

The Takeaway? Good Design Starts With Your Block

When your home’s built to match your block, everything just works better. The sunlight hits just right, the Doctor sweeps in with a refreshing breeze exactly when you need it, and every space works to minimise energy costs while maximising comfort.

But there’s more to designing your dream home in Perth than tailoring it to your block — which is why we’ve put together this free guide for you to download:

Build with Confidence – 7 Things You Must Know Before Designing a New Home

It’s packed with practical advice to help you steer clear of homebuilding pitfalls and build a home you’ll love.
*Disclaimer: Names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals. These stories are based on real events, and any resemblance to actual persons is coincidental.