Browse Forums General Discussion Re: The Most Valuable Lesson You Have Learnt? 43Apr 10, 2016 11:32 pm Prioritise the budget toward structural design/changes. Shiny, pretty things can be done later. Raised ceiling heights, eaves, etc, cannot. Along with a tape measure, keep a bag or board with samples of the selections in the car. You never know when you'll come across a bargain and need to see how it sits with other selections. It's been said previously but is worth repeating - get everything in writing. Finish every phone call with "Can you forward that to me in an email?" It doesn't matter what is agreed or discussed if you can't prove it. Don't try to keep up with Joneses (or other forumites) at the expense of your budget. I see this over and over again, just because person x,y, z is doing something, doesn't mean you have to. Build the house that fits your family's lifestyle and budget. Don't be afraid to walk away and engage another builder if you feel uncomfortable and uncertain during the admin phase. Don't get hung up on the little things - it's not the end if the world if there's mud on the tiles or mess around the site. It's a building site, be realistic about what that means. Re: The Most Valuable Lesson You Have Learnt? 45Apr 25, 2016 6:53 pm Research research research ......it will take longer than you expect but at the end of the day enjoy <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?t=62083">viewtopic.php?t=62083</a><!-- l --> Re: The Most Valuable Lesson You Have Learnt? 46Apr 25, 2016 7:33 pm AKB Research research research ......it will take longer than you expect but at the end of the day enjoy and probably cost a little more too Re: The Most Valuable Lesson You Have Learnt? 49Apr 30, 2016 8:20 pm After being in nearly 4 years, our biggest lesson/regret whatever, is not making some (now) obvious changes to our build which would I suspect, have been much cheaper during the design & build process than they are going to be now. Changes such as adding balconies to a couple of the upstairs bedrooms installing windows in some walls (all fairly major type of works) etc. Fear of overspending was part of our reason and not thinking of some of the ideas at the time was another part of our inaction. I guess there are always "if only" 's ? Re: The Most Valuable Lesson You Have Learnt? 50May 01, 2016 1:12 pm jj1 After being in nearly 4 years, our biggest lesson/regret whatever, is not making some (now) obvious changes to our build which would I suspect, have been much cheaper during the design & build process than they are going to be now. Changes such as adding balconies to a couple of the upstairs bedrooms installing windows in some walls (all fairly major type of works) etc. Fear of overspending was part of our reason and not thinking of some of the ideas at the time was another part of our inaction. I guess there are always "if only" 's ? I would say windows, balconies, walls etc. are all structural and hence has to be done during build phase. If you think you end up spending more than forego some other inclusions. But adding balcony after the build or even a door...no no.. Looking to build a home in VIC. Land titled in November 2017. Construction started in February 2018. Double storey 37sq. Re: The Most Valuable Lesson You Have Learnt? 51May 17, 2016 9:07 pm Our project started from lots of planning...lots of research and above all cash flow. We purchased our land to KDR a year ago and are now in a position to build with our selected builder. Lots of research and planning...did I mention that? Take it like a project. As a project manager you need too ensure milestones are met and costs don't exceed funding. The amount of planning is done well in advance before the project starts. Be patient! Re: The Most Valuable Lesson You Have Learnt? 52Jan 29, 2017 7:54 pm Dont get caught out trying to keep up with the Jonses.... we bought the biggest block and built the biggest house in Gregory Hills we could afford, now 4 yeas later after spending nearly every spare minute cleaning and maintaining it we have sold up for a decent downsize.Found 317sq block with a nice double story 27sq home in Denham Court and will be all i ever need lesson learnt. Dont bite off more then you can chew because what should be a home to live and relax in can quickly turn into a chore Re: The Most Valuable Lesson You Have Learnt? 53Mar 20, 2017 9:13 am VolksBIMA Dont get caught out trying to keep up with the Jonses.... we bought the biggest block and built the biggest house in Gregory Hills we could afford, now 4 yeas later after spending nearly every spare minute cleaning and maintaining it we have sold up for a decent downsize.Found 317sq block with a nice double story 27sq home in Denham Court and will be all i ever need lesson learnt. Dont bite off more then you can chew because what should be a home to live and relax in can quickly turn into a chore How many squares was the house you build? Re: The Most Valuable Lesson You Have Learnt? 54Mar 20, 2017 10:23 am VolksBIMA Dont get caught out trying to keep up with the Jonses.... we bought the biggest block and built the biggest house in Gregory Hills we could afford, now 4 yeas later after spending nearly every spare minute cleaning and maintaining it we have sold up for a decent downsize.Found 317sq block with a nice double story 27sq home in Denham Court and will be all i ever need lesson learnt. Dont bite off more then you can chew because what should be a home to live and relax in can quickly turn into a chore How many squares was the house you build? Hi Everyone I learned something this week that I thought would be worth sharing. In NSW a lot of developers of subdivisions put covenants on the land which normally… 0 6769 Thank you. That is really helpful. Once we get the place done and passed for OC we can upgrade in the future once we get back on our feet and not paying mortgage and rent. 4 5985 The worst thing you can do is sign a building contract without a pre contract review. Over the years many people have come to me with disputes where they just signed… 0 8604 |