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New build ‘wing-woman’ offers unique real estate offering

By Amy Collins-Walker •

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Building a dream home can be an exciting but daunting endeavour, especially if you’re new to the world of real estate and construction. But that’s where Newcastle-based Kerri-Ann Hooper can step in to hold your hand through the entire process. “I like to call myself the new-build wing-woman,” says Kerri-Ann who, through her business Carnelian Projects, has become a trusted advisor to people building homes in areas like Newcastle, the Hunter Valley, Central Coast and even Queensland over the last 12 years.

Kerri-Ann Hooper

Kerri-Ann’s journey into the world of real estate and construction began when she was a child – her parents ran real estate agencies, and her father also ran a building company for a while which gave her hands-on experience in the world of construction. All of this laid the perfect foundation for her current role as a new-build specialist. 

“I work with five builders as a building broker/new home specialist. Like a mortgage broker that goes to the banks to get you the best deal, I go to the builders to get the best deal for new home buyers and investors. I’m paid by the builder like a mortgage broker is paid by the bank,” says Kerri-Ann. Of the five builders, one is a ‘turnkey’ specialist and the rest offer custom builds.

One of Kerri-Ann’s projects

Kerri-Ann is a constant presence throughout the entire process. From selecting the perfect colour scheme to fine-tuning architectural plans, she is there for the buyer every step of the way. “You get me all the way through. From the beginning, whether you have a block or need a house and land package, I help with design and make sure it’s on budget. I also help with materials and update my clients on plans and approvals. When the homes are being built I give updates every two weeks and send photos. I love seeing the houses rise from the dirt!”

Another one of Kerri-Ann’s completed projects

Kerri-Ann’s top tips for new home buyers

Kerri-Ann’s years of experience have given her valuable insights into what homebuyers should consider when building. She says that people need to be wary of deals that look too good to be true as while there can be alluring discounts and upgrades on offer with house and land packages, additional costs are often hidden.

  • Estate requirements: Be aware of any specific requirements set by developers for how your house should look, including features like patios or verandahs at the front of the property.
  • Bushfire requirements: Even if you don’t live near a forest, your build may still need to adhere to bushfire requirements. It pays to check, as these requirements can be costly.
  • Slope of the block: A seemingly flat piece of land can have hidden slopes that affect construction costs. Ensure your builder accounts for this.
  • Rock removal: If your land has rocks, be prepared for potential removal costs, including disposal fees, which can add up significantly. “I’ve seen rock removal bills of up to $70,000,” says Kerri-Ann.
  • Soil type: Understanding the soil type is crucial, as it affects the thickness of the slab, and consequently, your overall construction costs. “There’s often very little consideration to the soil type before contracts are signed,” says Kerri-Ann.
  • Fixed price site costs: Look for builders who offer fixed-price site costs to avoid unpleasant surprises during construction.

For more on Kerri-Ann and Carnelian Projects

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Luxury hotel: Historic Newcastle council building now a five-star offering
A brutalist building constructed in 1977, and known previously as the Roundhouse, Newcastle’s iconic council administration centre has been transformed into Crystalbrook Kingsley, a luxury hotel that is the city’s first
10 dream homes created using simple SketchUp software
With people spending more and more time at home, it’s nothing new that the renovation industry is booming! Money that was saved up for overseas holidays is instead being used on home improvements as people are noticing the

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October 11, 2023

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Brand new furniture in an 1877 house and IT WORKS! Brand new furniture in an 1877 house and IT WORKS!

@castleryau have named the talented stylist @stevecordony as their first Australian brand ambassador and he's curated a capsule of their furniture which he styled to perfection at his stunning country house @rosedale_farm 

I was lucky enough to see the pieces in situ last week and I honestly couldn't believe how well it all worked! They were going for accessible luxury and well, he delivered, and then some!

Head to the blog via link in bio to read more about the partnership.

#castlery #castleryau #stevecordony #rosedalefarm #affordablefurniture #australianstylist
If you pick your restaurants for the interior as m If you pick your restaurants for the interior as much as the food, you might want to add @pinosalmare  by @nicgrahamandassociates to your date night list! 😍

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Inspired by Puglia, Pino's (named after the owner's father) in Cronulla has a real seaside vibe. The Smartstone was also chosen for the outdoor tables due to its UV stability.

#calacattaviola #smartstone #restaurantinteriors #restaurantinteriordesign #italianrestaurantsydney #engineeredstone #sinteredstone
SPA VIBES was the brief for this bathroom and @jas SPA VIBES was the brief for this bathroom and @jasminemcclellanddesign delivered. And then some!

"With a keen eye for design, they wanted their main bathroom to feel calm, spa-like and elevated with more storage, better layout, and soft, layered textures in a neutral palette. Lighting was another big focus, with the goal of creating a space that felt luxurious enough to unwind in, preferably with a glass of champagne in the bath.”

Is it a yay or a nay for you?

Head to the blog via link in bio/stories for all the suppliers as well as a look at the powder room with its bold wallpaper 😍

#spabathroom #zenbathroom #spavibes #bathroomremodels 

📸 @jonathantabensky
Vacuums, mops, empties itself. Slim enough to get Vacuums, mops, empties itself. Slim enough to get under the lowest furniture and beds.

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Good luck!

#robotvacuumcleaner #robotvaccum #robotvacuummop #robotmop #smarthome #houseworkhacks
>>>Swipe for the transformation! 😮 From cold t >>>Swipe for the transformation! 😮

From cold to cosy!

This primary ensuite for a successful career woman working in luxury cosmetics and homewares is sexy, strong, girly, but sophisticated. We love its warmth and personality.

If you'd like to take the tour and find out where everything is from, comment 'luxe' below and I'll send the link to your DMs!

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Comment the season you THINK you are below (spring, summer, autumn or winter) and I'll send you the link to the quiz so you can double check!

Fun!

This quiz from @templeandwebster jumps on the colour analysis trend for fashion and applies it to interiors!

#seasonaldecorating #seasonaldecor #colouranalysis
The @thermomix_au TM7 launch in Sydney yesterday w The @thermomix_au TM7 launch in Sydney yesterday was a real treat. Such an exciting and sleek looking upgrade to my favourite kitchen machine!

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2. It has a much bigger 10 inch screen
3. A new insulated, cool to touch bowl (the inner metal bowl detaches to wash)
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Enjoyed a beautiful lunch all prepared, naturally, in the Thermomix! Was great to meet @mise_en_place_aus in real life as well as special guest dessert queen @kirstentibballs and catch up with the lovely Thermomix team.

Tag a friend who'll be coveting the TM7! It's available from next week!

#thermomixtm7 #thermomix #thermomixaus #thermomixlover
Awards are always a great place to get inspo. Chec Awards are always a great place to get inspo. Check out the kitchen and bathroom of the year winners in this month's @hia_au @csrdwelling Housing Awards. There's more winning homes and rooms to check out in our blog post on the homepage, via link in bio or stories now. 

Kitchen by @build.theory Bathroom by @birdblackdesign and @aspire_constructions 

#hiaawards #hiaawards2025 #awardwinninghomes #australianinteriordesign
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Amy Collins-Walker

About Amy Collins-Walker

Amy is our regular feature writer, an experienced journalist and interior stylist living in Perth, Western Australia. Find out more about her styling work at http://www.amycollinswalker.com/

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