http://www.realestate.com.au - has a new houses tab

It might be worth checking with your local council. We are building a zero lot garage wall and we only got planning permission on the condition that we finish the wall to the neighbours specification. After all it has more impact on his block than yours. Have you spoken to him about it - I think it ...

I think it could be a very frustrating job - you can spend a lot of time with people without it actually resulting in a sale. I assume that is why they are always trying to get people to commit early on in the process if possible.

Sounds like you should consider if you are overcapitalising for the street? Or do you think that in a few years more houses may be upgraded. Everyone has different opinions of streetscape - personally I hate it when people build a modern house in a street of more traditional homes. But in the end it...

Wow - I feel sick just looking at the photo. No way could I use that loo!

Dulux whisper white has a nice grey tone to it. I don't know what Essastone basmati looks like but you need to decide if it is a cool (I.e grey/blue) white or warm (I.e Yellow/beige) white that you need.

Silkwort is a lovely colour, definitely a blue grey. I have just googled new basmati - I would say you need a cool white as it looks grey. Maybe vivid white?

I am no expert but tranquil retreat will be very light in the sun. If you want something a bit darker look at silkwort.

I think grey pebble is a good choice. Maybe also look at bleaches?

Just saw an advert in the West Australian for Smartstrand - looks like it is available in the O'Connor & Cannington stores. I'll be going to have a look as it sounds a great carpet. Not too sure about the issues mentioned a few posts back by tumble who is a carpet cleaner though :(

We are getting to the end of our new home build. Anyone advise what goes in first - carpets or engineered timber? Carpet people are saying they install after timber flooring and timber flooring people are saying carpets go in first!

I would say it is fairly standard practice to ask for proof of ability to pay. After all it is large amounts of money involved. No business gives credit without credit checks.

Yep - I wouldn't go ahead without it either.

It's personal choice really, not just financial. If you buy an existing house then you don't have the time and stress of building. But building new you get to choose your fixtures, layout etc. I am building but personally if I could find an existing house I liked I wouldn't be.

Dulux Silkwort? Did you like Josh & Jenna's exterior on the block - it was Wattyl Texas Stone - it may be too light though. http://homes.ninemsn.com.au/theblock/rooms-exterior/8284522/josh-and-jenna-exterior

I know a few people who have smeg ovens and swear they would never buy them again.

It looks good but the fridge looks a bit odd just out there on the end. Would you consider swapping places with the oven?

We have had jarrah bench tops for 13 years - they still look great apart from right in front of the sink where the varnish is a little water damaged. But they can be sanded and refinished so they will be good for years yet. I think you would need to be careful what type of wood - jarrah is rock solid.

I was in the Caeserstone showroom the other day and the lady there told me it's just over $1000 per sheet (2.5mx0.6m) then she said the stonemasons charge another 60% for installation.