Protecting your privacy on busy streets

Homebuyers lucky enough to snag land in a popular, built-up area may be faced with traffic – pedestrians or vehicles – which could influence the construction of a home.

Typically far from the quiet leafy confines of a suburban street or cul-de-sac, buyers in high-traffic areas often have additional burdens of security, privacy and noise to contend with, and should they be in a scenic area – the desire to maximise views.

Brian Burke Homes Group Managing Director Michael Burke has built homes in popular riverside, lakeside and coastal sites and said foot traffic was usually a factor to consider.

However, according to the builder, there are a lot of clever design, landscaping and fencing tips for people wanting to block out the traffic that comes with beloved locations.

“Often blocks will have a slope to some extent, especially riverside locations, so the block can be built up so ground level sits higher than the footpath level,” Mr Burke said.

“Adding a low wall on top of that new ground level can then prevent pedestrian traffic from being able to see straight into your property.

“Where there is little to no slope, creating living areas on the second floor will keep the outlook above the pedestrian level.

“We are currently building a home which overlooks playing fields right on the river foreshore. The home is slightly elevated from the street, with landscaping to provide an additional layer to stop prying eyes.”

Aside from elevation, Mr Burke touched on a past client who wanted a house along a reserve and opted for a tennis court, a pool and an outdoor entertaining area to sit along the back fence and keep the main home further away from foot traffic.

He said fences could be used for privacy but needed to be integrated well into the overall home design, cautioning that councils didn’t usually allow high, solid fences to street-fronts, so landscaping was essential for privacy.

Moreover, Mr Burke said solid rear fences and gates meant clients could keep their home secure while having access to areas that ran along their backyards.

He said clients often chose to enhance this security with keypads and other keyless entry points, so owners didn’t need to carry around keys, particularly if going for a run or swim.

For home hunters eyeing a property along a major transport corridor, Mr Burke said there was a variety of design and material choices which could be used to reduce the impact of cars and trucks passing by.

Along the street-front of many homes on busy roads, such as West Coast Highway, Brian Burke Homes Group used double-glazed windows to limit noise.

Wherever possible, the builder tries to set back homes from the road and raise them above street level by building garages and utility rooms on the bottom level, effectively raising well-used areas like the pool, alfresco and entertaining spaces above the street.

“You also need to think about the maintenance on the home relative to the area you are living in,” Mr Burke said. “If you are across the road from the beach, then how will salt impact your selections?

“If you live on a busy highway, or even backing onto an unsealed laneway, perhaps consider the effect noise and dirt will have on your home.

“If noise is an issue then speak with your window supplier and see what options could help manage sound.

“You could also consider installing R5.0 insulation batts in your ceiling, as well as increasing insulation in your walls.”

CONTACT Brian Burke Homes, 9387 7333, www.brianburkehomes.com.au