During the house construction process, you will encounter many issues. Numerous details requiring attention are often overlooked or neglected by first-time builders. The consequence is that once the house is complete, these small problems leave lingering regrets.

Based on over twenty years of experience, I’ve summarized some common minor issues encountered during construction in Australia. Some relate to Feng Shui, some to lifestyle habits, and others to construction quality. They are provided for reference below:

1. Roofing

  • Choose roof tiles that are resistant to moss and easy to clean, with a smooth surface.

  • Cover gutters with mesh guards to prevent leaves and debris from clogging downpipes, which can cause water pooling, leaks, etc.

  • If choosing gutter styles: Open gutters (visible) are easier to clean; if clogged, water simply overflows outside without affecting internal fixtures. Box gutters (hidden within the eaves) look neater but, if clogged, can cause internal leaks or ceiling seepage and rot.

  • In some areas, rainwater tanks are legally required. From a Feng Shui perspective:

    • Avoid placing rainwater tanks in the northeast sector of the property.

    • Placement in other sectors can be arranged based on your specific house orientation.

    • Position tanks discreetly, avoiding obstruction of interior light or blocking main safety paths.

2. External Walls

  • Brick walls are common. Some are rendered (plastered) and painted externally. If rendering/painting, ensure the internal bricks are new, not recycled.

  • For two-story houses where the upper floor is smaller, the recessed external walls might be built with timber framing instead of brick (due to weight). If brick is used, steel beams must support the corresponding area on the ground floor ceiling. Crucially, ensure thorough waterproofing at this junction, a detail often overlooked by builders, leading to problems years later.

  • Due to intense Australian sun, especially western exposure:

    • Install fire-rated insulation in the western wall and roof.

    • Avoid large west-facing windows; narrow, tall windows are preferable.

    • Consider applying heat-reflective film or using reflective glass.

    • For high street noise, consider double-glazed windows.

3. Foundations & Site

  • The internal floor level should always be slightly higher than the ground level immediately outside the front door to prevent rainwater backflow.

  • For sloped sites requiring retaining walls:

    • Consider installing drainage pipes and gravel between the wall and soil, plus plastic sheeting to prevent mud/water seepage against the external wall.

    • For taller retaining walls built with hollow bricks, consider filling the cores with concrete and reinforcing with steel bars.

  • Ensure reliable drainage systems around basements or underground garages. Pooling water and backflow are strongly discouraged in Feng Shui.

  • Feng Shui practice dictates that existing grass/vegetation must be thoroughly cleared before laying the foundation.

4. Internal Flooring

  • Unless specific Feng Shui requirements dictate otherwise, ensure all floor finishes (tiles, floorboards, carpet) within a single level are laid on the same plane. Confirm material thicknesses with suppliers and your builder/tiler before installation to avoid uneven surfaces.

  • Waterproofing is critical in wet areas upstairs (bathrooms, ensuites, laundries). Ensure this is done; some renovators skip this step. Remember this!

5. Wet Areas (Laundry, Bathrooms, Toilets)

  • Install floor drains in laundries, toilets, and bathrooms/shower areas for immediate drainage of spills/overflows.

  • Avoid basins without overflow holes (common in Australia). If the tap leaks or is left on while the drain is blocked, water will overflow.

  • Choose taps where water flows vertically downwards into the basin to minimize splashing under high pressure.

  • If shower space allows, avoid positioning hot/cold mixer taps directly under the showerhead to prevent scalding/cold shocks when adjusting temperature. (Note: Trendy designs in kitchens/bathrooms appeal to younger buyers but often lack practicality – be mindful!)

6. Tapware Selection

  • Avoid twist-type (spindle) taps. Quarter-turn taps or single-lever mixer taps are ideal. (Twist taps have washers prone to wear, needing replacement every 2-3 years, and often leak).

  • For kitchen taps, choose a high-arch spout: easier for washing large pots/pans and less likely to chip crockery.

7. Tiling in Wet Areas

  • Tile walls from floor to ceiling in bathrooms, ensuites, and laundries for easy cleaning. Choose smooth, easy-clean tiles.

  • Floor tiles (including kitchen) must be slip-resistant and quick-drying.

  • Install exhaust fans in bathrooms and toilets.

  • Tile Edge Styles: Traditional tiles have rounded/bevelled edges; modern tiles often have sharp 90-degree edges. Sharp edges require perfectly level installation – any unevenness is highly visible under side lighting. (Commercial projects often grind edges post-installation; this is rarely feasible in homes. If unsure, choose bevelled-edge tiles for easier installation).

  • In cooler southern cities, consider under-tile heating or choosing warm-toned tiles (if Feng Shui allows) to combat the cold feel of tiles in winter.

8. Toilet Selection (Feng Shui & Practicality)

  • Feng Shui: Flush immediately after use and close the lid to prevent stagnant energy. Modern dual-flush toilets (half/full flush) are acceptable.

  • Practical Recommendations:

    • A. In timber-framed homes or for late-night use upstairs, choose toilets designed for quieter flushing and filling to avoid disturbing others.

    • B. Choose an ergonomic shape: elongated oval seat with a larger curve at the back for comfort. Crucially, check the water depth and splash design inside the bowl – poor designs cause frequent splashing.

    • C. For popular bidet toilet seats: Note that some models with dryers can spread odours after use, which is discouraged in Feng Shui. Choose carefully.

9. Ceiling Heights & Skirting Boards

  • Ideal ceiling heights: Ground floor ≥ 2.7m, First floor ≥ 2.4m. (First floor can match or be slightly lower than ground floor, but not higher).

  • Achieving a 100% level floor surface is impossible. Imperfections are most visible at the junction with walls.

  • Visually minimize this by contrasting the colour of the skirting board with the floor (within Feng Shui colour guidelines): dark skirting/light floor, or both dark. Avoid both being light, as this makes unevenness starkly obvious and unpleasant.

10. Staircase Design

  • Avoid stairs running straight up/down directly facing the main entrance. Stairs with a turn (landing) are preferred.

  • If possible, use a flat landing at turns instead of angled winders (except for large-radius curved stairs) – safer for children/elderly.

  • Avoid spiral staircases for safety and Feng Shui reasons (considered a “drilling heart sha” or negative energy spiral).

  • Ensure each step has an anti-slip edge/nosing, especially if painted smooth.

11. HVAC Installation (Aircon, Heating, Furnace)

  • Install units discreetly, safely, and practically, considering Feng Shui.

  • Roof-mounted units: Place above laundries/bathrooms where possible (if Feng Shui allows) to minimize noise/EMF impact on living areas.

  • Units on side walls/basements: Ensure proper ventilation/drainage; avoid installation adjacent to bedrooms (especially near bedheads).

  • Feng Shui Prohibitions:

    • Never install aircon units or vents directly above a bedhead.

    • Avoid direct airflow onto the bed while sleeping.

  • Floor heating vents are best near windows. Ceiling vents for heating are acceptable if structurally necessary and Feng Shui compliant, though slightly less efficient.

12. Kitchen Construction – Key Aspects
1. Benchtops:
* Timber: Surface finish/paint must be heat-resistant and non-reflective.
* Granite/Marble: Prone to staining (wine, liquids, soy sauce). Light colours show stains; pure black granite shows uneven oil marks under light. Choose dark, patterned stone (if Feng Shui allows).
* Engineered Stone: Avoids staining issues but is softer – don’t use as a cutting board. Check heat resistance carefully.
2. Rangehood (Extractor Fan): Essential for Chinese cooking. Minimum extraction rate: ~1000 m³/h. Ideally ≥ 1600 m³/h for simultaneous wok/frying pan use. Must vent outside.
3. Cooktops (Hobs): Feng Shui may dictate burner numbers, but simultaneous use of all is rare. Prioritize:
* Easy ignition.
* Suits cooking style (e.g., avoid designs where a wok blocks adjacent burners; right-handed cooks find left-side wok burners awkward if right-side burners are also in use).
* Convenient placement for utensils and seasonings.

13. Lighting (Feng Shui Focus on Crystal Lights)

  • Crystal lights are considered excellent for gathering positive energy fields.

  • Generally, use warm-toned lighting.

  • Avoid chandeliers if ceiling height is limited.

  • If using multi-arm chandeliers, avoid groups of 2, 3, or 5 arms.

  • Wall sconces: Choose designs directing light upwards.

  • Downlights (spotlights): Popular, but avoid groupings/switches controlling exactly 2, 3, or 5 lights (besides any specific Feng Shui numerical requirements).

14. Curtain Selection

  • Venetian Blinds: Block some light even when “open,” often darkening rooms. Avoid unless the room is very bright or Feng Shui specifically requires them.

  • Roman Blinds/Roller Blinds: Tend to block more light at the top when open, creating uneven light distribution. Use sparingly.

  • Traditional Curtains (Drapes): The most ideal Feng Shui choice. Allow full window opening or use sheers to diffuse light as needed, aligning with the specific Feng Shui positioning of the window itself.

15. Door, Window & Cabinet Handles

  • Prioritize ergonomic fit, ease of use, and smooth operation.

  • Feng Shui discourages oddly shaped handles or those with sharp points/triangles.

  • Rounded or circular handles are best.

  • Avoid handles prone to snagging clothing, especially on main doors, cabinet doors, and in kitchens.

16. Power Point (Socket) Placement

  • Plan carefully based on future furniture layout and appliance locations.

  • Avoid reliance on power boards/extension cords where possible.

  • Calculate total appliance needs per area, plus spares (e.g., Living Room: TV, DVD, Sound System, Satellite Box, Lamp; Study: Computer, Monitor, Printer, Fax, Modem/Router, Lamp).

  • Kitchens: Long cords on benchtops are impractical and unsafe. Most appliances have short cords (~1m). Plan sockets for: Kettle, Toaster, Coffee Machine, Rice Cooker, Mixer, etc.

  • Also consider sockets for Garage workshops and Garden/Outdoor use.

17. Garden Design & Precautions

  • Crucial: Ensure all construction debris is completely removed from the building site before adding topsoil and planting. Building rubbish buried under soil hinders plant growth, impedes drainage, and is strongly discouraged in Feng Shui.

  • For renovations/extensions: If preserving existing plants, strictly instruct builders not to dump rubbish on them.

  • Ponds/Water Features: Popular, but note:

    • During the current “Xia Yuan Period 8 Luck Cycle” (2004-2023), avoid placing ponds/water features in the Northeast sector.

    • For North-South oriented houses: South sector is generally favourable for wealth.

    • For East-West oriented houses: West sector is generally favourable.

    • Caution: On sloped blocks, placing a pond on the higher side requires expert Feng Shui advice to avoid negative effects.

  • Plant Selection:

    • Generally avoid: Thorny succulents (cacti), weeping/overhanging plants (willows), and trees prone to heavy leaf drop in winter (if not specifically required by Feng Shui).

    • Avoid planting fruit trees too close to the house unless Feng Shui dictates.

    • Flower/vegetable gardens and climbing plants should ideally be positioned according to Feng Shui principles.

  • Rocks, Sculptures, Features: Consult a Feng Shui expert before placing large rocks, sculptures, or significant garden features.

18. Solar Panel Installation (Modern Consideration)

  • Solar panels (PV) are increasingly common. Note:

    • 1. Structural Load: Panels are heavy. The roof structure under planned panel areas must be reinforced during construction. Many older homes experience roof sagging and subsequent leaks after retrofitting panels due to inadequate support.

    • Avoid installing panels directly above bedrooms (if possible). Also avoid placing the inverter on a bedroom exterior wall.

    • 2. Debris Accumulation: Panels installed flush to the roof create a small gap easily clogged with leaves, causing water to pool and potentially seep under tiles/flashing.

    • If surrounded by large deciduous trees, ensure panels are installed at an angle that discourages debris build-up, or commit to regular cleaning (e.g., using a leaf blower).

The above are key considerations compiled from experience, aiming to help you avoid common pitfalls and regrets in your Australian home building journey.