Agree to above, see a lawyer and building consultant so you know that you understand your contract and you won't pay significant about of money during construction due to cost creeps. I recommend Before You Build (http://www.beforeyoubuild.net.au) as they are thorough and doesn't cost you the earth.

Canberra Inspector: We used Surety Property. I found them really good. Fence: I live in a corner block and paid extra $800 (from memory) to upgrade to colourbond fence. I know that colourbond fence is not as pretty as the timber paling but the privacy factor is amazing!

Im so sorry to hear that you are having problem with your builder. The first thing I would do is, ring MBA or HIA and ask for advise regarding structural warranty - as to whether the issue that you are experiencing is in fact under the warranty. If so, ask for the document to refer. Then send that t...

Yeah, thats a good idea to get the plan and maybe ask them for the estimated cost of doing it now vs doing it after the house is built. That might give you some reassurance.

Hi, Our block is at the bottom of the hill so we had to get a lot of retaining walls. Our contract included cutting the land and retaining walls at the back. Same as you, we won't be able to get the bobcat out the back once the house is built. We had some problem from rain water coming down from the...

I purchased a house and land package. During the contract process, our lawyer included a clause in the land contract that we will be receiving our deposit back if things occurred such as bank didn't approve the loan due to the house value is less than the valuation value, the land doesn't settle wit...

Check out http://www.beforeyoubuild.net.au They might be able you with your building especially choosing a builder and going through your contract before you sign it. They are based in Canberra too. Goodluck!

We have WIR to ensuite and we love it because it makes it discreet (i.e. they are both in the corner and when the door is shut, you won't even know its there). And as per above, it is convenient to go to the bathroom and then get ready right beside it! Changes that we did are: - ensuite had swinging...

I would keep them just in case some of the bricks at your place gets damage. You can also use it to make a nice mailbox (if you don't have one yet) or garden bed, garden brick edge, retaining wall etc.

Agree! Send them an email to explain why you are not sending them the payments. You can also include a photo of your house to show them the things that are missing e.g. kitchen.

Hi there, Hi there, Check out http://www.beforeyoubuild.net.au . They might be able to help you conduct due diligence on your builder before you sign the contract with them. Good luck! Bonnie

Roughly 3 months. The interior takes a long time to finish! Sometimes, it seems that there is nothing going on.. very frustrating because you just want to move in quick!

PS. he sounded that he is threatening you as well! If he is a good honest builder, he will not do that.

Sorry to hear about that! I agree with everyone here, do not pay him the remaining funds until he finishes your house! I know that our bank sent someone to value our house prior releasing the final payments. Tell him that the bank will not release payments until it is finished. Good luck and let us ...

Hi Canberra peeps, I just want to let you know that I built with Gold Ruby Homes and I cannot recommend them enough! Our house is amazing and I love every bit of it. Matt Smith is very accommodating, knowledge and great people person. When he took us around to the houses that he is building, everyon...

hard truth #1 - if you're overwhelmed now, just wait till the ball is rolling :P That's so true! This forum has rich information on what to do and what not to do. The building process is very overwhelming process but it is worth it in the end (I promise!) :) Check http://www.beforeyoubuild.net.au a...

I am still in the process of selecting a builder to build a new house in Canberra. Thank you for your warning, BlackPearl_CBR. Check out http://www.beforeyoubuild.net.au. They might be able to help you with your build. Its a building information service that helps their customers risk manage their ...

PS: I didn't build with big companies. I built with the builder called Gold Ruby Homes and they were fantastic! I cannot recommend them enough. Though, I think they only build in ACT area and nearby NSW

Hi Tttttsh, Check out http://www.beforeyoubuild.net.au and they might be able to help you. They provide personalised service to homeowners to help them manage the risks of building and help them understand the building process. One of their services is conducting builder checks. Anyways, just though...