Hi all, We have large double-glazed windows on the west side of the house on which we also have a water view. Our plan was to apply a reflective film primarily so we could look at the view without people looking back in at us. It might be helpful in the coming months to also have heat reflection. I ...

We are in Victoria and our HIA contract stated $150/week as default amount. Our solicitor advised us to ask for more so we upped it to $250/wk. (Note they also raised their penalty rate from us to $250/wk) Only our first build so I was more concerned about them charging us for holding them up for so...

We had the same issue with our corner block - balcony on one side, porch on the other. Developer said we could build within the setbacks and got preapproval of plans. However our final contract got rejected at Council - something to do with the height vs distance from road and we had to re-site the ...

Thanks everyone for your replies Our site survey did detect rock but that doesnt show how many or how big they are. Our provisional sum was only made up between us and the Sales Consultant - no thought was actually put into it other than let's hope it's not much more than this. I dont think there is...

Hi all We have finally started construction after buying our block in Caroline Springs 18 months ago. :: Contract price was $40k over budget (and initial quote) but we were slowly getting over that. Unfortunately our excitement at site start has been flattened by the amount of rock that continues to...

Our plans have 470 by 470 brick piers for the porch and balcony (not inside the house) Ours does not specify the height of the piers but we can tell by the elevations. Do you have internal elevations for those rooms?

Site Classification: M Final Footing Design: 'M Class' Waffle Slab , House Size: Double Storey 40sq (custom design) Location: Caroline Springs Wall Construction: Brick Cut and Fill Requirements: 1.5 M fall Retaining Wall Requirements: No Drainage Requirements: ag drains & silt pits, deeper sewag...

Hi Fu Manchu, We had that problem in our bathroom shower (not ensuite). Of course, it only made a noise at the temperature/flowrate that was comfortable. I had assumed it was the tap cos it was a bit loose. However, since I swapped the showerhead over for one of the freebies from the water companies...

I forgot about the mirror!! I may have to move the window above the toilet instead! I may have an issue with the window over the spa in the ensuite too - it is on the front facade. We are having a "walkthrough" robe (ie two WIRs - on left and right of path from bed to ensuite.) Not sure if you have ...

I am interested in more detail regarding your developer's wishes. We are going to build on a corner block (with no street fence) and currently have the powder room on the secondary side. However, ours would not be large enough to move the vanities. What change did they require? Is it the location of...

Our builder has almost convinced us that all brick would not look as good as some render. I was looking for Boral Range 1 bricks when I came across Nuvo bricks, that they say can replace render. Anyone seen this? http://www.boral.com.au/nuvoaspire/_home_.asp?AUD=nuvoaspire

We are trying to come up with a facade for our custom design. Our builder has assured me that lightweight materials on the first floor would not have significant difference in quality over bricks. The price is the same for lightweight & render compared to brick. I like the look of render or othe...

I like to have plenty of natural light coming in but decided against the window splashback purely because of the cleaning issue. To compromise we are going to put two small windows on either side of a reduced sized glass splashback.

Yes I've noticed the 900mm freestanders range from 80LT to 120LT, will be sure to maximise. Havent looked at the range of in-builts yet - are they around the same? I guess oven volume is more important than its width (ie dont really need a widescreen dimension)

Thanks for so many replies - I new I could count on you! I am definitely going gas for cooktop. Still unsure about the oven, but it looks like there are more choices for electric, therefore more chance of a bargain?? 8) I had orignally planned to install the appliances after building, hence my choic...

Cant seem to find this topic anywhere on the forum but I'm guessing there will be a lot of opinions. :wink: In the house we are to build, we are looking at upgrading our oven/cooktop to 900mm. Would like some advice on whether to get a gas or an electric oven. It seems most ovens are electric these ...

Does this mean we should get a telephone connection point behind the TV ready to access ADSL broadband features, or would it have to be connected to a PC? :th: Whatever the case, at least the price of HD PVRs should come down! :D I've been waiting to get one. I can't justify spending so much as ther...

Having some points downstairs seems to me as though it would be much quicker and more efficient for cooling the living areas. :th: I'd better shop around and find out. Thanks

Would the builder let someone else install the benchtop before they installed the sinks, tiles, etc?