I removed the fitout that the builder quoted (Just a hanging rail and a bank of shelves) and I was refunded about 30% of what it cost me to go to a designer and get it added to my building quote (which included builders 20% mark up) Go onto the Ikea website and use their design tool for a robe, its ...

It's personal choices, but if my builder was happy to show people my house, then I'd be happy. I'd rather that than the opposite where they don't want anyone to see their bad finishes

If it isn't included in your contract to be rebated, then I guess it can be however they like. IMO $310 isn't bad for that. I am not an engineer or in the construction business though. If that were me, I would just suck it up and pay the $310, and get what I want with minimal fuss.

290m2 is a massive house. 210-240m2 is more than adequate for someone without a big family. You will struggle to outgrow that.

Personally, I think you're better off going to a reputable builder and talking to them. It costs nothing and until you sign a contract, it's free. You're allowed to get prices and information off them, and the reputable ones all know setback and best house orientation for your setup.

Did you receive a site plan before signing off on all your plans? It should be attached to your engineers report? It'll show where your house should have been set out compared to the boundary. As for whether he uses it, if you build the fence along there then he wont use it, if not, hopefully he kee...

In my area amongst all builders, gyprock in the garage is standard

If you want to close it off, why not extend the wall from 930mm to 1330mm, and then that'll allow you to put double sliders in there?

Realistically? First time builder, it will probably take you 6-8 months of research before you start building, then 6-8 months build time depending on what you want built. Don't rush, look through every display home you can drive to. Remember you are in a position of power right until the minute you...

You have warranty for a reason. I would be asking the builder, even if you just send him some pictures via email and see what he replies.

Typically, if it's not in your contract or you have signed a variation, then you won't get it.

No one except you can put a price on the entertainment value. Adding value to your house? Not the same amount as you spend on the pool.

Hi Michelle. We were originally going with tile flooring in the main living areas in our new build. When we went to a flooring company they showed us this product. Looks great in the showroom, waterproof, scratch proof. Sounds great. The only concern we have is how does it feel to walk on? We really...

Hi Michelle. We were originally going with tile flooring in the main living areas in our new build. When we went to a flooring company they showed us this product. Looks great in the showroom, waterproof, scratch proof. Sounds great. The only concern we have is how does it feel to walk on? We reall...

Just following up on the Pryzm hybrid flooring by Armstrong Flooring. Went and seen a couple that had been laid. We will not be going that way. If you lock your house up for a couple of weeks and go on holidays, the flooring will warp and the joins will bow and move. That's what I seen anyway, the o...

Hi MIchelle, have you had any experience with the Plantino Engineered Timber flooring? I have a smaller house and to upgrade from Laminate/Hybrid to Plantino is about $3-6k, which I think might be worth it. Just after any experiences you may have had? Edit: Thinking about the "Royale" seri...

I got my finance in June this year. It took a considerable amount of time to get final approval. 4 weeks or so.

Thank you for your feedback, not what I was hoping to hear, but very useful. :) Google "Borrowing Capacity Calculator" put your details in there and see what it comes up with as how much you can borrow. Your deposit wont matter if you can't service the loan.

Hi, We're currently in the building process and we fell in love with some Navy Blue kitchens we seen. When we went to the kitchen company, we loved the new range of Laminex "AbsoluteMatte" in french navy LINK . This is fingerprint-less product. Once we fell in love with it, we were told la...