Cairns Quality Homes wins at Master Builders’ Housing and Construction Awards

We are pleased to announce that Cairns Quality Homes have won an award for our Whipbird Close Display Home in Smithfield.

We are pleased to announce that Cairns Quality Homes have won an award for our Whipbird Close Display Home in Smithfield. The Master Builders’ annual Housing and Construction Awards was held on Saturday 13th August to recognise those at the forefront of construction innovation and quality craftsmanship.

The Dyson Display Home at Whipbird Close, Smithfield won the Far North Queensland Housing Award for Display Homes and will now be considered for the State Awards to be held in October.

The industry recognition further cements our reputation as Cairns’ premier house builder, whilst also highlighting our commitment to delivering architectural unique designs that are both affordable and practical.

Visit the Master Builders website for more information on the Awards.

Cairns builders giving you the home you want

Cairns Quality Homes is an established Cairns builder, with over 30 years’ experience in building personalised, affordable quality homes in and around Cairns.

Whether you’re looking for a new home, property investment or holiday home in Far North Queensland, we have a suite of solutions to suit your needs.

We offer house and land packages, home design and currently have two display homes for you to visit around Cairns. In addition we welcome anyone to visit our showroom at 191 Newell Street, off Mulgrave Road. There visitors will find a Hettich endorsed showroom to give you plenty of ideas and inspiration.

Looking for a Cairns builder to design and build something unique? That’s no problem. We work with reputable architects to create your dream home.

We have a tried and tested approach to building your new home, however our depth of experience in our team means we can be completely flexible.

Come and visit us

Come and visit us at 191 Newell Street or take a look through our online portfolio.

Design considerations for the perfect kitchen in your new home

By following some key fundamentals we can help you create a kitchen that is functional but adds that “wow” factor to your new home. Here’s our top design considerations for creating that perfect kitchen in your new home in Cairns.

So you’ve made the exciting step to design and build a brand new home right here in Cairns. Now the fun but somewhat daunting task of designing your ideal home begins. A key element will be designing your perfect kitchen. Your kitchen will act as an important focal point for your home, where food will be prepared but also where people will gather to socialise. So the pressures on to get it right.

By following some key fundamentals we can help you create a kitchen that is functional but adds that “wow” factor to your new home. Here are our top design considerations for creating that perfect kitchen in your new home in Cairns.

So you’ve made the exciting step to design and build a brand new home right here in Cairns. Now the fun but somewhat daunting task of designing your ideal home begins. A key element will be designing your perfect kitchen. Your kitchen will act as an important focal point for your home, where food will be prepared but also where people will gather to socialise. So the pressures on to get it right.

By following some key fundamentals we can help you create a kitchen that is functional but adds that “wow” factor to your new home. Here are our top design considerations for creating that perfect kitchen in your new home in Cairns.

Design styles and tastes

The most important element is to think about the type of kitchen you want. Are you looking for an ultra-modern kitchen or a classic country style? What colours do you want to include? Whilst some people choose to play it safe and opt for white; it may be more rewarding to push the design boundaries by selecting more vibrant colours. This is your opportunity to stamp your personality on your home and get creative.

A simple way to make a statement is through adding elements of colour on your splashbacks. As they are easier to replace, sometimes clients opt to choose to do this.

Worktops and benches are another more permanent option for you to consider. Colour, texture and material choices all play an important role in making your dream kitchen come to life. Traditional laminate is available in hundreds of colours, so you really can make it bespoke to suit your needs. Those wishing to spend a little more can treat themselves to CaesarStone, also available in a range of colours. If your style is more industrial, a popular modern choice is to use polished concrete or even stainless steel.

However if it’s an investment property you may wish to go for a more standard design.

Design for practicality

You don’t want your kitchen to just look amazing; you want it to be functional too.

To make sure your layout works; think about how you will move between the sink, the stove and the refrigerator. This “golden triangle” should be compact enough to allow the chef to move effectively around the three areas. Add to this the ability for a second person to move around the kitchen space, and your layout will be on to a winner.

Kitchens are often social spaces. So think about how your kitchen will allow you to entertain outside of the “golden triangle” so guests can chat and nibble on snacks without getting in the chef’s way.

Appliances and storage space

Depending on the size of your family, your appliances and storage requirements could be big or small. It will influence the size of your refrigerator, oven, cooktop and dishwasher. A larger family will need more storage space too, for pots, pans, utensils, appliances and groceries.

Another consideration to think about is the cupboards and draws. They can both be functional but also
add to the style of your dream kitchen. If you need plenty of storage space, corner cupboards that fan out when open can maximise those lost areas of your kitchen, releasing much needed space.

Fixtures and fittings

Lighting is often overlooked and it’s not until you’re in your home, that you will discover any issues. An important rule to remember is to try and keep the light in front of you, rather than behind. This reduces shadows and ensures the chef can see what they’re doing within the “golden triangle”. Sometimes overhead lighting is not sufficient, so use LED lights in your wall cabinets to brighten up bench space.

Door handles, taps and switches can all complement your kitchen. If you’re going for sleek crisp lines, you may not want any door handles or switches in your kitchen space. Touch and release upboards, draws and light switches can all help maintain crisp unbroken lines.

Cleaning up after a meal

The sink, rubbish bin and dishwasher have an important role in your kitchen. The design of a functional kitchen should take the meal clean-up sequence into consideration. Most households clear, rinse and place dishes into the dishwasher in that order. Subsequently, the kitchen design should locate the bin, sink and dishwasher in a linear order with the bin closest to the eating area.

At Cairns Quality Homes, we are experts in designing and building your ideal new home. With over 30 years’ experience and through collaborating with some of Cairns best interior designers, you can be sure we can help you create the perfect kitchen. When you choose to work with Cairns Quality Homes,
we offer a complimentary session with a professional interior designer to ensure you get the most out of your new home.

Sloping Sites

Don’t let Builders tell you that it’s far too expensive to build on sloping sites. There is no doubt that it will be somewhat dearer however the developers realise this and generally it will be reflected in the price of the land.

Don’t let Builders tell you that it’s far too expensive to build on sloping sites. There is no doubt that it will be somewhat dearer however the developers realise this and generally it will be reflected in the price of the land. This is why all the flat parcels are generally sold first. Well don’t despair this may be the beginning of your win.

Sloping sites lend themselves to split level construction whereby creating a part two and part single storey home.

No matter which way the site falls the grouping of rooms will always function and possibly better by creating different zones.

A sloping site can assist in giving your front elevation more definition or in most cases better articulation. Nonetheless greater street presence as remember it is always this that creates the first and lasting impression. The icing on the cake is how well it functions beyond that facade. This is what will excite your visitors and guests.

Sure there are earthworks associated with sites to create working platforms so a little more in this scenario won’t break the bank. What does break the bank is the creation of wasted floor space in conventional design. This is generally associated with pedestrian traffic as one moves
through the house. Space costs series money so don’t waste it.

We here at Cairns Quality Homes specialise in designing and constructing new homes to brief and budget on any site.

What may in your opinion be considered difficult or steep may in fact be the ultimate site given your brief and they way you live.

The real secret is clever planning and space saving whilst addressing all the other key elements of design with views, shading of windows and walls, orientation, cross ventilation, living and alfresco areas.

So if you are considering a sloping site please by all means give me a call and I’d be more than happy to assess those on offer for you and recommend accordingly.

This is a no obligation free advice and design service performed by an In House Designer and see whether we at Cairns Quality Homes can complete your dream.
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