Browse Forums Owner Builder Forum 1 Apr 30, 2012 12:15 pm Hi everyone, Firstly, Thank you for taking the time to read my post. In the next 12 months I plan to begin my first project. The project will be a duplex, which myself and my family will live in one side, and I will rent the other side to help pay the mortgage. Now I have never had anything to do with building a house before, but I feel that with enough research and ongoing learning I can achieve my goal. My plan... which will no doubt change many times in the next 12 months is in short: -to have a builder build me a duplex kit home to the lock up stage -then i will complete the house from there, with people I know, contractors, etc.. The biggest question in my mind is, is it really going to be cheaper to have a builder to build my kit home, or just to get a builder to build a custom duplex design to lock up? My budget for this project will be around $500,000. The land will cost from 150k - 200k. I have seen ideal duplex kit homes from $120k, with these approx figures, Is this a realistic project?? In your opinion? I know that there are alot of variables. i would just like your opinions on the how realistic this project sounds? Thank You For Reading My Post Re: owner builder, building a duplex, First project 2May 02, 2012 1:39 pm Hi Matt86, I am in the exact same boat as you! My partner and I with my brother recently purchased a property in our dream location and in the next 2-3 years plan to knock down and build. Like yourself i have never done anything like this so doing plenty of reading and research. Initially i was keen on the idea of owner builder but the one thing i dont have is the time on-site. I have read a lot of posts, spoken to a friend who recently finished his own owner builder project and im also 3/4 through a book on owner building and one thing they all agree is that if you dont have the time to spend on-site then it is not a good option. Actions and answers need quick response and unless you are there that will not happen. So my first bit of advice would be to ensure you have the time. What i am personally going to do is a custom build and have a builder do everything i cannot (80% of the project). However the other 20% i will do myself to try and save as much as possible. For example my brother is an electrician so the only cost on that is parts. I will be painting the house myself (with the help of a few friends and a couple of slabs of beer and meat ). My brother in law use to build deckings so he will do that for materials. What i will also try and do is as much as possible order furniture and fittings from online. For example i want 3 toilets so i will shop online and have them delivered and ready for the plumber to install. I dont want the plumber to buy them because chances are there will be a mark-up. I want to do as much as i can with the skills and help i have and leave the rest to the professional. Now saying that the builder is a friend of mine so there is a level of flexibility. I am sure however if you shop around your plans, you will find someone flexible on what they will allow you to do. Now in regards to your projects feasibility it all depends on the size of each duplex. If you are thinking double storey then i would say you will find it near impossible on that budget. Best case scenario you get the land for 150 then you are left with 350k to build 2 places. By the time you get land surveyed, permits, plans (i have a feeling you wold still require some kind of plans for the engineering on your block but again im not expert) and then pay for the sub-division you are probably down around 20k and thats assuming the block you purchase has nothing on it to knock down. So now you are left with 330k or 165k per duplex. Single story you MIGHT be able to do it but it really all depends on how big you plan to build?? I do however look forward to hearing your progress. I am still a year or so away so will continue to research that time to see what additional savings i can make Re: owner builder, building a duplex, First project 3May 02, 2012 2:13 pm Thanks for your thoughts! The more I learn the more my thoughts change on the specifics of what I will be building, But I think this is a healthy process ( I hope!) I will keep posting as I make progressions Cheers Re: owner builder, building a duplex, First project 4Jun 01, 2012 7:34 pm Have you thought of town planning requirements? If so what were the "special circumstances" under which it was granted? "Note: If the development consent is for 'dual occupancy' an owner-builder permit can only be… 0 10949 Agree! Simon is one of the good honest ones. His opinions are valid and I can see that he treats his client well and updated. Iām pretty sure his last build broke… 7 20193 |