Building on difficult blocks
Steep, irregular, sandy or hard to reach? Many volume builders won’t touch sites with over roughly 600mm of fall. We design homes for difficult blocks and build on them regularly.
Every difficult block starts with the site
We order a soil test and site contours and complete a site inspection before concept plans. That way your design answers the block’s real conditions, and so does your price.
- Soil test and contours ordered upfront
- Split-level and custom layouts available
- Engineering itemised before you sign
- Our own carpenters on your site
No surprises when the engineering comes back
Difficult sites often need extra engineering, retaining or site works. We itemise any extras once engineering is back, before you sign your fixed-price Master Builders contract.
Walk through a home,
or find your design
Walk through the Arlo in Palmview or the Casa Luna in Lilywood. Prefer to start online? Filter our home designs by storeys, bedrooms, bathrooms and lot width.
Key trades in‑house, trusted partners alongside
What counts as a difficult block?
Steep slopes, irregular shapes, sandy or unstable soil, tight access and natural obstructions. Many volume builders won’t take on sites over roughly 600mm of fall.
Does a difficult block cost more to build on?
Often, yes, through extra engineering, retaining or site works. We show these in your pricing early and itemise any engineering extras before you sign a contract.
Is the upfront deposit different for difficult blocks?
It can be. Sloping, bushfire zone and knockdown rebuild sites may need extra reports, so we can engage the right professionals before we give you a price.
Can I use a standard design on a difficult block?
Sometimes. We check whether a standard design suits your site or needs changes, and our in-house draftsperson can adapt it or draft a custom home instead.
Do you build on steep sloping blocks?
Yes, regularly. Split-level designs that follow the fall often suit steep sites. See how we approach building on sloping blocks for the full detail.
Where do you build on difficult blocks?
Across the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay, from coastal knockdown rebuilds to hinterland and acreage sites. Share your address at consultation and we’ll assess it.
From the Arcadia journal
Building on narrow blocks: how to get the light, space and layout right
How to plan a home on a 10 or 12.5 metre block, keep it full of natural light, and work within the Queensland rules that apply.
How to choose a floor plan for a new house: a practical guide
Start with your block, then how you live, then the budget. How to read a floor plan and choose between standard, semi-custom and custom.
How best to design and build on a sloping block
Upslope or downslope, slab or suspended floor: how to design a home that follows the fall, plus Queensland retaining wall rules and costs.
Custom Home Builder vs Project Builder
Custom home builder or big project builder? How a local custom builder compares on real costs, design flexibility and craftsmanship.