TDL, I can see how the black plastic sheet will cause more harm than help. I am definitely going with the mulch below the top soil. Also, had a look at FuManchu's links and found some really inspiring stuff on the posts he recommended. Will keep looking through the links and posts to finalise the ty...

That is quite something, TDL. Very inspirational work there with your backyard. I think you are right about weeds popping up regardless of the black plastic sheets. And yes, I guess mulch would be a good idea too. Did you go for top soil or the garden mix variety for your backyard?

Hi all. I am keen to take up the project to do the landscaping for my new home in Tarneit, Victoria. I am looking at creating a basic rock garden, nothing too fancy. So far, i have gathered the following information about how to go about this: 1. Hire a Dingo machine (maybe with a machine operator) ...

That looks so good! I am glad they got this sorted so quickly. Very impressed!

Anyone looking to move in MP anytime soon? We are finishing building by mid-October, so maybe shifting in by late October/early November.

Did anyone notice that the road at the entrance had some work done on it? Or maybe I am dreaming ha ha!

PM Sent. Thanks.

Yeah, the entrance is quite shabby isn't it? Hopefully they can get it sorted sooner rather than later.

Does any one know the current price for new/existing blocks in MP?

Yes, thanks rocket. Just replied to you. Cheers.

Hi all. Ran a search for Manhattan Place and came across this great thread and thought I'll put in a post as well ::lol:: . We are on Amsterdam Avenue, settled on 1st Feb, building starts tomorrow 05/03/10!! :z: Really excited about being in MP, can't wait to move. What lot number ... im on Amst av...

Hi all. Ran a search for Manhattan Place and came across this great thread and thought I'll put in a post as well ::lol:: . We are on Amsterdam Avenue, settled on 1st Feb, building starts tomorrow 05/03/10!! :z: Really excited about being in MP, can't wait to move.

Thanks everybody. My wife and I got this sorted last night. Drove down to our land after work yesterday armed with garbage bags and a large bin. Cleaned up the site as far as we could. Removed some empty drink bottles and cans, and general rubbish. Also removed most of the weeds off the site. One th...

Thanks for replying Nic! Its not too much rubbish at all, just some rocks and weeds. Maybe a couple of hours of work tops, if that. I would gladly do it myself and have been planning to do so ever since we bought the land. Thing is the guy we bought the land from was planning to build his own house ...

Thanks Lunchtime. Just went through the initial contract, it mentions 'Anticipated Building Start' date as 19/03/10. I am not too sure now after I saw the word anticipated in there. That could spell trouble.

Hi guys. Just in a bit of a fix and wondering if anyone can give us some pointers. We signed off our land contract and building contract last year, qualified for the FHOG and FHOB, etc. Land settlement went through on 1st Feb 2010. My wife and I both took a day off recently work and selected the col...

Just got the cheque from the builders! Woo hoo! Finally got there without too much hassle and trouble to VCAT or the ombudsman and the rest. Very pleased with the outcome.

The manager at X Homes gave me a call late afternoon on Friday and told me that they will be processing a refund minus 10% administration fees. Hopefully we will receive it before Christmas! Fingers crossed.

Hi Helyn. I agree that it is too broad a question that cuts across all demographics. However if we take into consideration that majority of first home buyers are married couples (some with a baby on the way), you could put a rough estimate on what kind of house most people would go for. I do agree t...