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Metricon Liberty 45 in Ryde NSW
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Author:  Quirmeball1280 [ Jan 10, 2017 9:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Metricon Liberty 45 in Ryde NSW
So the latest update is that we went ahead with that retaining wall builder and they were all set up ready to go this week. Then we get a call from Council (probably because of our neighbour) and we're told that although Council has approved the retaining wall as per the DA approval, the construction certificate issued by the private certifier only covers the dwelling and not the retaining walls. We were told that we needed a separate construction certificate for the retaining wall Why M wouldn't apply for a construction certificate that covers something as essential as the retaining walls (that they had drawn in in the Council stamped plans) is beyond me. Probably M thought that because they are only responsible for building the house, the other bits didn't matter. So our lesson learnt is that we have to check closely what is covered and not covered by the construction certificate as the construction certificate may have a narrower scope than the DA approval


Metricon Liberty 45, Ryde NSW
viewtopic.php?t=82846
Author:  Orpheus [ Jan 10, 2017 10:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Metricon Liberty 45 in Ryde NSW
Quirmeball1280 Quirmeball1280
So the latest update is that we went ahead with that retaining wall builder and they were all set up ready to go this week. Then we get a call from Council (probably because of our neighbour) and we're told that although Council has approved the retaining wall as per the DA approval, the construction certificate issued by the private certifier only covers the dwelling and not the retaining walls. We were told that we needed a separate construction certificate for the retaining wall Why M wouldn't apply for a construction certificate that covers something as essential as the retaining walls (that they had drawn in in the Council stamped plans) is beyond me. Probably M thought that because they are only responsible for building the house, the other bits didn't matter. So our lesson learnt is that we have to check closely what is covered and not covered by the construction certificate as the construction certificate may have a narrower scope than the DA approval


Metricon Liberty 45, Ryde NSW
viewtopic.php?t=82846

Yeah M has it in the council drawings which mentions owner is responsible for the retaining wall.

@Orph

Build thread: viewtopic.php?t=78328
Home Furniture: viewtopic.php?t=80551
Technology Hub: viewtopic.php?t=83663
Landscape Design: viewtopic.php?t=80645
Author:  Quirmeball1280 [ Jan 10, 2017 10:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Metricon Liberty 45 in Ryde NSW
Orpheus Orpheus
Quirmeball1280 Quirmeball1280
So the latest update is that we went ahead with that retaining wall builder and they were all set up ready to go this week. Then we get a call from Council (probably because of our neighbour) and we're told that although Council has approved the retaining wall as per the DA approval, the construction certificate issued by the private certifier only covers the dwelling and not the retaining walls. We were told that we needed a separate construction certificate for the retaining wall Why M wouldn't apply for a construction certificate that covers something as essential as the retaining walls (that they had drawn in in the Council stamped plans) is beyond me. Probably M thought that because they are only responsible for building the house, the other bits didn't matter. So our lesson learnt is that we have to check closely what is covered and not covered by the construction certificate as the construction certificate may have a narrower scope than the DA approval


Metricon Liberty 45, Ryde NSW
viewtopic.php?t=82846

Yeah M has it in the council drawings which mentions owner is responsible for the retaining wall.

@Orph

Build thread: viewtopic.php?t=78328
Home Furniture: viewtopic.php?t=80551
Technology Hub: viewtopic.php?t=83663
Landscape Design: viewtopic.php?t=80645


Yeah, we needed to find a separate contractor to build the wall but it would have been nice if M got the construction certificate to cover the wall as well given its structural plans also set out the design of a typical retaining wall
Author:  project.forty4 [ Jan 11, 2017 9:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Metricon Liberty 45 in Ryde NSW
Quirmeball1280 Quirmeball1280
Orpheus Orpheus
Quirmeball1280 Quirmeball1280
So the latest update is that we went ahead with that retaining wall builder and they were all set up ready to go this week. Then we get a call from Council (probably because of our neighbour) and we're told that although Council has approved the retaining wall as per the DA approval, the construction certificate issued by the private certifier only covers the dwelling and not the retaining walls. We were told that we needed a separate construction certificate for the retaining wall Why M wouldn't apply for a construction certificate that covers something as essential as the retaining walls (that they had drawn in in the Council stamped plans) is beyond me. Probably M thought that because they are only responsible for building the house, the other bits didn't matter. So our lesson learnt is that we have to check closely what is covered and not covered by the construction certificate as the construction certificate may have a narrower scope than the DA approval


Metricon Liberty 45, Ryde NSW
viewtopic.php?t=82846

Yeah M has it in the council drawings which mentions owner is responsible for the retaining wall.

@Orph

Build thread: viewtopic.php?t=78328
Home Furniture: viewtopic.php?t=80551
Technology Hub: viewtopic.php?t=83663
Landscape Design: viewtopic.php?t=80645


Yeah, we needed to find a separate contractor to build the wall but it would have been nice if M got the construction certificate to cover the wall as well given its structural plans also set out the design of a typical retaining wall

That's crazy Q - you would think if it is on the council approved plans that it's a given, regardless of who is doing it.

We replaced an existing retaining wall, so I'm hoping we're good as it's done now! Metricon did specify we had to get it engineer specified but no mention of needing a separate construction certificate. Thankfully we have some very patient and understanding neighbours too.

We are building a Liberty 40 (scaled up to a 44) on the northern beaches. I've considered starting a thread but not sure I have the patience :-P. I enjoy following all of the Liberty posts in this forum. Has given me some great insights. I might get my butt in to gear and start one. We've had a heap of delays, for various reasons (not so much Metricon) so I've been a bit over it of late. However with our slab done and framing started, it's finally starting to feel real!
Author:  dulie [ Jan 11, 2017 10:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Metricon Liberty 45 in Ryde NSW
Sux to hear about the dramas with your retaining wall! It's so bad having annoying neighbors!
Author:  Renman [ Jan 11, 2017 8:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Metricon Liberty 45 in Ryde NSW
Orpheus Orpheus
Quirmeball1280 Quirmeball1280
So the latest update is that we went ahead with that retaining wall builder and they were all set up ready to go this week. Then we get a call from Council (probably because of our neighbour) and we're told that although Council has approved the retaining wall as per the DA approval, the construction certificate issued by the private certifier only covers the dwelling and not the retaining walls. We were told that we needed a separate construction certificate for the retaining wall Why M wouldn't apply for a construction certificate that covers something as essential as the retaining walls (that they had drawn in in the Council stamped plans) is beyond me. Probably M thought that because they are only responsible for building the house, the other bits didn't matter. So our lesson learnt is that we have to check closely what is covered and not covered by the construction certificate as the construction certificate may have a narrower scope than the DA approval


Metricon Liberty 45, Ryde NSW
viewtopic.php?t=82846

Yeah M has it in the council drawings which mentions owner is responsible for the retaining wall.

@Orph

Build thread: viewtopic.php?t=78328
Home Furniture: viewtopic.php?t=80551
Technology Hub: viewtopic.php?t=83663
Landscape Design: viewtopic.php?t=80645


This is a good point. As we have a long retaining wall on the side of the house that M will built. Will check with them on the certificate.


Author:  nomnomnom [ Jan 11, 2017 9:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Metricon Liberty 45 in Ryde NSW
Is there anyway you can say the retaining wall forms part of the landscaping works which are covered by the landscape drawings. And therefore covered by the construction certificate and the final occupation certificate?

Really sorry to hear this. It's awful that this has happened. Terribly frustrating I would imagine.


Cheers Nom

Newhaven 36 by M
Blog - North Shore Newhaven (http://nsnewhaven.blogspot.com.au)
Build Thread - viewtopic.php?f=31&t=85092
Author:  Quirmeball1280 [ Jan 12, 2017 8:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Metricon Liberty 45 in Ryde NSW
Renman Renman
Orpheus Orpheus
Quirmeball1280 Quirmeball1280
So the latest update is that we went ahead with that retaining wall builder and they were all set up ready to go this week. Then we get a call from Council (probably because of our neighbour) and we're told that although Council has approved the retaining wall as per the DA approval, the construction certificate issued by the private certifier only covers the dwelling and not the retaining walls. We were told that we needed a separate construction certificate for the retaining wall Why M wouldn't apply for a construction certificate that covers something as essential as the retaining walls (that they had drawn in in the Council stamped plans) is beyond me. Probably M thought that because they are only responsible for building the house, the other bits didn't matter. So our lesson learnt is that we have to check closely what is covered and not covered by the construction certificate as the construction certificate may have a narrower scope than the DA approval


Metricon Liberty 45, Ryde NSW
viewtopic.php?t=82846

Yeah M has it in the council drawings which mentions owner is responsible for the retaining wall.

@Orph

Build thread: viewtopic.php?t=78328
Home Furniture: viewtopic.php?t=80551
Technology Hub: viewtopic.php?t=83663
Landscape Design: viewtopic.php?t=80645


This is a good point. As we have a long retaining wall on the side of the house that M will built. Will check with them on the certificate.




Hi Renman, it will also depend on how the wall is drawn into the plans as part of the house plans submitted for approval. If the wall meets the requirements that exempt approval, you won't need to get a construction certificate for the wall. For example, had our wall been less than 600mm high and more than 1m away from the boundary, we probably wouldn't need a construction certificate. But our landscape plan (which was submitted and approved by Council as part of the DA approval) indicated that we wanted to build as close to the boundary as possible, eg 500mm from the boundary, to maximise the space to the side of the house. That's why we were then told we needed a separate construction certificate


Metricon Liberty 45, Ryde NSW
viewtopic.php?t=82846
Author:  dulie [ Jan 12, 2017 10:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Metricon Liberty 45 in Ryde NSW
Rules in NSW are so strict! Here in QLD any retaining wall under 1m in height requires no certification.
Author:  Renman [ Jan 13, 2017 6:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Metricon Liberty 45 in Ryde NSW
Quirmeball1280 Quirmeball1280
Renman Renman
Orpheus Orpheus
[quote="Quirmeball1280"]So the latest update is that we went ahead with that retaining wall builder and they were all set up ready to go this week. Then we get a call from Council (probably because of our neighbour) and we're told that although Council has approved the retaining wall as per the DA approval, the construction certificate issued by the private certifier only covers the dwelling and not the retaining walls. We were told that we needed a separate construction certificate for the retaining wall Why M wouldn't apply for a construction certificate that covers something as essential as the retaining walls (that they had drawn in in the Council stamped plans) is beyond me. Probably M thought that because they are only responsible for building the house, the other bits didn't matter. So our lesson learnt is that we have to check closely what is covered and not covered by the construction certificate as the construction certificate may have a narrower scope than the DA approval


Metricon Liberty 45, Ryde NSW
viewtopic.php?t=82846

Yeah M has it in the council drawings which mentions owner is responsible for the retaining wall.

@Orph

Build thread: viewtopic.php?t=78328
Home Furniture: viewtopic.php?t=80551
Technology Hub: viewtopic.php?t=83663
Landscape Design: viewtopic.php?t=80645


This is a good point. As we have a long retaining wall on the side of the house that M will built. Will check with them on the certificate.




Hi Renman, it will also depend on how the wall is drawn into the plans as part of the house plans submitted for approval. If the wall meets the requirements that exempt approval, you won't need to get a construction certificate for the wall. For example, had our wall been less than 600mm high and more than 1m away from the boundary, we probably wouldn't need a construction certificate. But our landscape plan (which was submitted and approved by Council as part of the DA approval) indicated that we wanted to build as close to the boundary as possible, eg 500mm from the boundary, to maximise the space to the side of the house. That's why we were then told we needed a separate construction certificate


Metricon Liberty 45, Ryde NSW
viewtopic.php?t=82846[/quote]

This is our boundary fence that is in question.
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Author:  Quirmeball1280 [ Jan 13, 2017 7:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Metricon Liberty 45 in Ryde NSW
It's similar to ours in that it's close to the boundary. It looks like your one might be over a metre. Hopefully your neighbours don't have as much free time as ours


Metricon Liberty 45, Ryde NSW
viewtopic.php?t=82846
Author:  Renman [ Jan 13, 2017 11:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Metricon Liberty 45 in Ryde NSW
Quirmeball1280 Quirmeball1280
It's similar to ours in that it's close to the boundary. It looks like your one might be over a metre. Hopefully your neighbours don't have as much free time as ours


Metricon Liberty 45, Ryde NSW
viewtopic.php?t=82846


They also build close to the boundary and because we have to cut the land we now have to under pinned the ground. Costing us an extra $11K.


Author:  Quirmeball1280 [ Jan 14, 2017 8:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Metricon Liberty 45 in Ryde NSW
Hi all, for those who are at the demolition stage, we thought we would share some reflections on picking the right demolition company. Our demo people were ok and we picked them cause they were cheaper than the other quotes we got. However, when M did the cut, they said that there was a lot of debris left in the soil so would charge us more to take the soil away. We ended up having to get someone else to take it away.

In hindsight, it's best to make sure that the demo people take everything away. If there is still any debris, eg small pipes and bits and pieces (no matter how small) from the old house in the soil, it will give M an opportunity to charge more cause they will say the soil is 'contaminated' so the tip will charge more unless they get it filtered before taking it away
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And for some reason M decided to pour all the soil from the cut on our green bin instead of moving our bin to the side first



Metricon Liberty 45, Ryde NSW
viewtopic.php?t=82846
Author:  Renman [ Jan 14, 2017 9:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Metricon Liberty 45 in Ryde NSW
Quirmeball1280 Quirmeball1280
Hi all, for those who are at the demolition stage, we thought we would share some reflections on picking the right demolition company. Our demo people were ok and we picked them cause they were cheaper than the other quotes we got. However, when M did the cut, they said that there was a lot of debris left in the soil so would charge us more to take the soil away. We ended up having to get someone else to take it away.

In hindsight, it's best to make sure that the demo people take everything away. If there is still any debris, eg small pipes and bits and pieces (no matter how small) from the old house in the soil, it will give M an opportunity to charge more cause they will say the soil is 'contaminated' so the tip will charge more unless they get it filtered before taking it away
   ⋅  Add a comment  ⋅  Pin to Ideaboard  ⋅  

And for some reason M decided to pour all the soil from the cut on our green bin instead of moving our bin to the side first



Metricon Liberty 45, Ryde NSW
viewtopic.php?t=82846


That's is terrible to have gone through that by both demolisher and then with M.

We have been told that our demolisher is really good and also happens to be the cheapest so far.

Speaking our landscaper, the demolisher takes the useful rubble (i.e. Bricks) and sell them for extra $$$ on top of the fee.


Author:  NRyde Glendale37+ [ Feb 02, 2017 10:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Metricon Liberty 45 in Ryde NSW
nomnomnom nomnomnom
Is there anyway you can say the retaining wall forms part of the landscaping works which are covered by the landscape drawings. And therefore covered by the construction certificate and the final occupation certificate?

Really sorry to hear this. It's awful that this has happened. Terribly frustrating I would imagine.


Cheers Nom

Newhaven 36 by M
Blog - North Shore Newhaven (http://nsnewhaven.blogspot.com.au)
Build Thread - viewtopic.php?f=31&t=85092

Quirmeball1280 Quirmeball1280
So the latest update is that we went ahead with that retaining wall builder and they were all set up ready to go this week. Then we get a call from Council (probably because of our neighbour) and we're told that although Council has approved the retaining wall as per the DA approval, the construction certificate issued by the private certifier only covers the dwelling and not the retaining walls. We were told that we needed a separate construction certificate for the retaining wall Why M wouldn't apply for a construction certificate that covers something as essential as the retaining walls (that they had drawn in in the Council stamped plans) is beyond me. Probably M thought that because they are only responsible for building the house, the other bits didn't matter. So our lesson learnt is that we have to check closely what is covered and not covered by the construction certificate as the construction certificate may have a narrower scope than the DA approval


Metricon Liberty 45, Ryde NSW
viewtopic.php?t=82846


Q1280 how did you get on with the retaining walls certificate?

Like the idea from Nom. I'm just starting to get landscapers engaged as our build is progressing and it's worth (from what I read) to get them lined up early. Ive asked M the same question about retaining wall permission as they did call this out back in July as we moved into construction. Landscapers have both said that it should have been covered by DA.





Author:  Quirmeball1280 [ Feb 02, 2017 10:41 am ]
Post subject:  Metricon Liberty 45 in Ryde NSW
NRyde Glendale37+ NRyde Glendale37+

Q1280 how did you get on with the retaining walls certificate?

Like the idea from Nom. I'm just starting to get landscapers engaged as our build is progressing and it's worth (from what I read) to get them lined up early. Ive asked M the same question about retaining wall permission as they did call this out back in July as we moved into construction. Landscapers have both said that it should have been covered by DA.



Hi NRG, we were told by Council that it is covered by the DA approval. As Nom pointed out, it was clearly stated in our landscape plans. The bizarre issue is that the private certifier claims that the initial construction certificate issued only covers the dwelling build and not the retaining wall. So we had to get a new construction certificate which took 2 weeks. I still don't understand how a construction certificate can partially cover a DA approval but I wasn't going to argue since they are the PCA for my house build and I need them on my side What made it more difficult to get the extra construction certificate was that the certifier needed a licensed builder to take primary responsibility for the works and the guys I'm using are subcontractors (cementers, brickies) but they don't have a builders licence. So I then had to do the course and apply for an owner builder licence for the retaining wall works..


Metricon Liberty 45, Ryde NSW
viewtopic.php?t=82846
Author:  NRyde Glendale37+ [ Feb 02, 2017 11:59 am ]
Post subject:  Metricon Liberty 45 in Ryde NSW
Quirmeball1280 Quirmeball1280
NRyde Glendale37+ NRyde Glendale37+

Q1280 how did you get on with the retaining walls certificate?

Like the idea from Nom. I'm just starting to get landscapers engaged as our build is progressing and it's worth (from what I read) to get them lined up early. Ive asked M the same question about retaining wall permission as they did call this out back in July as we moved into construction. Landscapers have both said that it should have been covered by DA.



Hi NRG, we were told by Council that it is covered by the DA approval. As Nom pointed out, it was clearly stated in our landscape plans. The bizarre issue is that the private certifier claims that the initial construction certificate issued only covers the dwelling build and not the retaining wall. So we had to get a new construction certificate which took 2 weeks. I still don't understand how a construction certificate can partially cover a DA approval but I wasn't going to argue since they are the PCA for my house build and I need them on my side What made it more difficult to get the extra construction certificate was that the certifier needed a licensed builder to take primary responsibility for the works and the guys I'm using are subcontractors (cementers, brickies) but they don't have a builders licence. So I then had to do the course and apply for an owner builder licence for the retaining wall works..


Metricon Liberty 45, Ryde NSW
viewtopic.php?t=82846


Wow that sounds like fun. Could you share details of the course? Will be checking with landscapers if they have the required licence as they'll be doing the driveway as well. I'm assuming you got details from M of the certifier?


Author:  Quirmeball1280 [ Feb 02, 2017 12:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Metricon Liberty 45 in Ryde NSW
NRyde Glendale37+ NRyde Glendale37+
Quirmeball1280 Quirmeball1280
NRyde Glendale37+ NRyde Glendale37+

Q1280 how did you get on with the retaining walls certificate?

Like the idea from Nom. I'm just starting to get landscapers engaged as our build is progressing and it's worth (from what I read) to get them lined up early. Ive asked M the same question about retaining wall permission as they did call this out back in July as we moved into construction. Landscapers have both said that it should have been covered by DA.



Hi NRG, we were told by Council that it is covered by the DA approval. As Nom pointed out, it was clearly stated in our landscape plans. The bizarre issue is that the private certifier claims that the initial construction certificate issued only covers the dwelling build and not the retaining wall. So we had to get a new construction certificate which took 2 weeks. I still don't understand how a construction certificate can partially cover a DA approval but I wasn't going to argue since they are the PCA for my house build and I need them on my side What made it more difficult to get the extra construction certificate was that the certifier needed a licensed builder to take primary responsibility for the works and the guys I'm using are subcontractors (cementers, brickies) but they don't have a builders licence. So I then had to do the course and apply for an owner builder licence for the retaining wall works..


Metricon Liberty 45, Ryde NSW
viewtopic.php?t=82846


Wow that sounds like fun. Could you share details of the course? Will be checking with landscapers if they have the required licence as they'll be doing the driveway as well. I'm assuming you got details from M of the certifier?




No probs NRG, will PM you the details. Generally, most landscaping or retaining wall works won't require a building licence. As long as what you are doing is Council exempt, you won't need a building licence (although the contractors should be licensed and insured to do what they do). If what you do requires DA approval and a construction certificate, the certifier would then require you or the contractor to have a building licence.

In our case, we needed a building licence because our retaining wall didn't meet the Council exempt requirements so we had to rely on the DA approval, and hence the construction certificate.


Metricon Liberty 45, Ryde NSW
viewtopic.php?t=82846
Author:  NRyde Glendale37+ [ Feb 02, 2017 12:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Metricon Liberty 45 in Ryde NSW
Quirmeball1280 Quirmeball1280
NRyde Glendale37+ NRyde Glendale37+
Quirmeball1280 Quirmeball1280
[quote="NRyde Glendale37+"]

Q1280 how did you get on with the retaining walls certificate?

Like the idea from Nom. I'm just starting to get landscapers engaged as our build is progressing and it's worth (from what I read) to get them lined up early. Ive asked M the same question about retaining wall permission as they did call this out back in July as we moved into construction. Landscapers have both said that it should have been covered by DA.



Hi NRG, we were told by Council that it is covered by the DA approval. As Nom pointed out, it was clearly stated in our landscape plans. The bizarre issue is that the private certifier claims that the initial construction certificate issued only covers the dwelling build and not the retaining wall. So we had to get a new construction certificate which took 2 weeks. I still don't understand how a construction certificate can partially cover a DA approval but I wasn't going to argue since they are the PCA for my house build and I need them on my side What made it more difficult to get the extra construction certificate was that the certifier needed a licensed builder to take primary responsibility for the works and the guys I'm using are subcontractors (cementers, brickies) but they don't have a builders licence. So I then had to do the course and apply for an owner builder licence for the retaining wall works..


Metricon Liberty 45, Ryde NSW
viewtopic.php?t=82846


Wow that sounds like fun. Could you share details of the course? Will be checking with landscapers if they have the required licence as they'll be doing the driveway as well. I'm assuming you got details from M of the certifier?




No probs NRG, will PM you the details. Generally, most landscaping or retaining wall works won't require a building licence. As long as what you are doing is Council exempt, you won't need a building licence (although the contractors should be licensed and insured to do what they do). If what you do requires DA approval and a construction certificate, the certifier would then require you or the contractor to have a building licence.

In our case, we needed a building licence because our retaining wall didn't meet the Council exempt requirements so we had to rely on the DA approval, and hence the construction certificate.


Metricon Liberty 45, Ryde NSW
viewtopic.php?t=82846[/quote]

Who/how did you confirm if the wall was except from needing approval and a certifier? Was this from M, certifier or council?


Author:  Quirmeball1280 [ Feb 02, 2017 12:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Metricon Liberty 45 in Ryde NSW
There are some fact sheets on the Ryde Council website that summarise what activities don't require DA approval. There is a specific fact sheet for retaining walls. You can also call Council and ask - they are usually quite helpful. Our retaining wall didn't meet the Council exempt requirements because it was higher than 60cm and we want to build it closer that 1m from the boundary as we wanted to maximise the space we have on the side of our house.


Metricon Liberty 45, Ryde NSW
viewtopic.php?t=82846
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