Building with Taya

22/09/2026

🧱 You may have heard about the current brick shortage in WA, but does your new home actually need to be double brick?

It’s something worth thinking about, because there’s more than one way to build a home.

Depending on your block, location and the design you choose, timber frame construction, brick veneer and lightweight cladding can all be great alternatives to traditional double brick.

In some circumstances, particularly on more challenging blocks, changing the construction method can also reduce the weight of the home, simplify some of the engineering requirements and potentially save money on the overall build.

It can also give you a completely different look. Lightweight cladding works particularly well with farmhouse, coastal and rural home designs, which we see plenty of throughout the South West.

For me, it’s really about matching the right house design and construction method to the block, rather than assuming every home needs to be built the same way.

WA Country Builders and Rural Building Company can build using a range of construction methods, so if you’re looking at building in Bunbury, Busselton, Margaret River or elsewhere in the South West, get in touch and we can have a look at what might work best for your block.

17/09/2026

Come and take a look through The Tempo in Dalyellup!

This is such a great family design. Four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a separate media room and a big open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, so there’s plenty of room for everyone.

One of my favourite features is the kitchen servery opening straight out to the wraparound alfresco. Such a good setup for entertaining!

You’ll find The Tempo at 74 Atkins Road, Dalyellup.

Wednesday: 2pm to 5pm
Saturday & Sunday: 12pm to 5pm

Pop in and have a wander through, or send me a message if you’d prefer to organise a private viewing.

View the design and floorplan here:
https://www.wacountrybuilders.com.au/home-designs/the-tempo/?region=south-west

12/09/2026

🌿 There’s something about bush poles that just suits a country home.

They add warmth, character and that relaxed rustic feel that helps a home settle naturally into its surroundings, rather than feeling like it’s been dropped onto the landscape.

Paired with wide verandahs, timber details and earthy colours, they can completely change the look of a rural home.

If country living is on your wish list, have a browse through our farmhouse and rural designs below, or get in touch and we can chat about what might suit your block and lifestyle. 🏡

WA Country Builders Farmhouse Range:
https://www.wacountrybuilders.com.au/farmhouses/?region=south-west

Rural Building Company:
https://www.ruralbuilding.com.au/home-designs/

07/09/2026

🏡 First home buyers, have you heard about the changes?

Buying or building your first home in WA has become a little easier.

First home buyers can now pay no stamp duty on vacant land up to $450,000, with a reduced rate available up to $550,000.

The property cap for the $10,000 First Home Owner Grant has also increased to $800,000.

That could make a big difference when you're trying to get into your first home.

Not sure what you might qualify for? Have a chat with your broker first, then I'm always happy to help you work out what you could build within your budget.

02/09/2026

🌿 Thinking about buying in regional WA? You're not the only one.

Regional property prices have continued to grow, and the South West is very much part of that story.

Recent REIWA figures showed Bunbury's median house sale price was up 15.6% over the year.

For buyers, there's a simple lesson here: don't just look at the price of the house.

Look at the land, location and long-term potential too.

Sometimes a slightly different suburb or town can give you a better block, a better home and more value for your overall budget.

If you're looking at land around the South West and aren't sure what you can build on it, send it through. I'm happy to have a look.

17/08/2026

A little colour inspiration from our beautiful Yalyalup Retreat display 🎨🏡

Love seeing the thought behind the colour palette and finishes that bring this home together.
If you're looking for ideas for your own build, this one is definitely worth a visit!

11/08/2026

🏡 Got a big backyard? This one is worth watching.

The WA Government has proposed changes to the R-Codes that could make it easier for some property owners to subdivide.

One of the biggest proposed changes relates to R20 blocks. Under the proposal, some blocks around 700m² could potentially be subdivided, where the current average lot size requirement can mean around 900m² is needed.

The important word is proposed. It doesn't mean every 700m² block can suddenly be split!

Things like your block dimensions, sewer, access, local planning rules and existing house still matter.

If you've got a block and you're wondering what might be possible, I'm always happy to take a look.

05/08/2026

Looking for a smarter way to build?

This dual key house and land package in Capel offers incredible flexibility, whether you're looking to generate rental income, accommodate extended family, or give older kids their own space while staying close to home.

From $956,276

✔ Dual key design
✔ Potential rental income
✔ Ideal for multigenerational living
✔ Fantastic location in Capel

Interested in learning more? Check out the full package here:

https://www.wacountrybuilders.com.au/house-and-land-packages/lot-60-hawley-parkway-capel-wa-6271-qelajp/

Or send me a message if you'd like to explore your options. There may be other blocks or designs that suit your goals even better.

House & Land Package – Capel Discover flexible family living in the relaxed surrounds of Tuart Grove Estate, Capel. The Shark Bay by WA Country Builde...

31/07/2026

A little update from me.

I’ve recently joined the team at WA Country Builders as a New Home Consultant here in the South West.

It feels like a really good fit. I still get to do the part of this job I enjoy most, helping people work through their block, their ideas and what will actually suit the way they want to live. Now I get to do that with a huge range of designs and a team that has been building across regional WA for more than 30 years.

This page will stay as Building with Taya.

I’ll keep sharing practical building advice, local land opportunities, house and land packages, design ideas and the things I come across while I’m out visiting blocks and homes around the South West.

There will be plenty of WA Country Builders content too, but I still want this page to feel useful, honest and like you’re dealing with a real person.

If you have a block already, you’re looking at land or you simply don’t know where to begin, feel free to send me a message.

I’m looking forward to this next chapter.

30/06/2026

Got a block with a view?

One of my favourite parts of the job is helping clients design homes that make the most of their site.

Whether it's an estuary outlook in Australind, a rural vista, ocean glimpses or bushland surrounds, the right design can completely change how you experience your home.

The good news is that custom design is often more achievable than people think.

Many people assume a custom home automatically means a huge budget, but in reality, making smart changes to suit your block can often provide far better value than trying to force a standard design onto a unique site.

A well-designed home can capture natural light, maximise views, improve privacy and create spaces you'll enjoy every day.

If you've got a block and you're wondering what's possible, I'd love to take a look and help you explore some ideas.

Message me here or call 0461 359 534.