Hello all, Not good news to impart. At this point, we seem unable to reach an agreement with our builder after 11 L-O-N-G months. I won't go into the details at this point, as this may determine the outcome of any future negotiations while 'picking at the carcass of what is left of our job' for want...

Hi Greg, Yes the costs just keep on going up don't they :roll: We too reduced the size of the house, but in between stormwater and everything is it just keeps on going up! ::sad:: Fingers crossed about the rocks - I was nervous when they were doing the cut, but had a look around and it doesn't look...

Hi Greg, What a journey you have had so far! We are building in the same council area at Berowra on a vacant downward sloping block (only a 3m fall) to get our home through council. we had to add some cladding for aesthetics and a privacy screen near the fence as we overlook established neighbours ...

Hi Bel, Sorry to hear about that knee. Was that your 'builder's behind kicking knee'? Looking forward to seeing some pictures. We are hoping for our peg out sometime this week or early next week and work to start not long after that. Off to Bali to forget about this whole process (not likely) for 18...

Hi Guys, Well, we have had a few little surprises in the past week, which have been a little disappointing. Due to Council regulations, we had to lose the concrete alfresco off the rear of the home. This will be replaced by a timber deck, and with all of the other concessions in the house (30m squar...

Hi Kiwi, What's this race caper???? Reminds me of the old Aussie proverb about the two bulls in the paddock..... If you feel more comfortable, you can insert sheep where applicable ::wornout:: Lucky 7? Let's hope so!

Hi mate, Don't proclaim to be an expert on matters conduit, but you may be pushing the limits if drilling out your timbers for a 50mm conduit. Check the building code but I don't think you can remove more than a certain percentage of the timber. If you are using 4 x 2 beams and you drill 50mm, you a...

Hi there Kiwi, Your plans are looking great. Love those doors coming off the master bedroom! 4000 metres is a little small for my liking :lol: We are happy with our 676m! Well, we have eliminated the terracotta cladding. I kept trying to find out how much it was, only to be told of the maintenance b...

Sandstone Cladding not an option :( :( :( :( :( Hi all, Well, we finally sorted things out with the builder and came to the realisation that to sandstone clad the house would add over 15,000 to the cost of the finished home. That would make a good dent into a pool for the back yard and we are priori...

G'Day Mick, Firstly, I have to say that I love your entry area. Huxley really do them well. Split level homes just have so much appeal on their entrances and Huxley have it right. The Monash is one of the most impressive entries I have seen on any home...love it. Anyway, sounds like you have put som...

Great news!! P.S. I'm so jealous of your home theatre. Hi Micks, Kind of a labour of love the home theatre. Have been an enthusiast of all things audio visual since I was about 15. Please let me know if you have any questions...happy to help you out with any tips if you can get permission from your...

What a beautiful spot Kiwi. You are lucky. Not a neighbour in sight! Greg

Thanks everyone. Appreciate the comments. Received a quote to use the sandstone cladding on the whole house. Came in at $52K, which is kind of where I was thinking it would. More than I really wanted to spend, however, and as most of us know, this all comes down to dollars and cents at the end of th...

Wooooohooooooo Greg!!!!! :z: :z: :z: :z: Fabulous news!!! Congratulations!! So, when do they start :lol: Hi Bel, Well, I was told that the excavation contractor was out on site today having a good look over the site. We have a few little things to sort out and then I hope kick off the build. I am h...

Great news!! P.S. I'm so jealous of your home theatre. Hi Micks, You jealous of the room or the scantily clad bikini wearing beer hostess? Be honest now! Sorry, just forgot to be politically correct for a moment. Forgive me! Greg

YIPPEEEEEEEEE, You are on your way Bel, Congratulations! Can't wait to see pictures of your mud! ::dizzy:: Greg PS. The race is on Bel. We received our CD approval officially today..... We should be starting within a few weeks. In fact, the excavator was inspecting the site today... Nice to see some...

:: :: :: :: :D Thanks Onc_artisan.... happy days all round!

Well, after 11 months, backwards and forwards, trials, tribulations and stress...... WE GOT OUR APPROVAL! :z: :z: :z: :z: :z: :z: :z: :z: :z: :z: :z: :z: :z: :z: :z: :z: :z: :z: :z: :z: :z: :z: :z: :z: :z: :z: :z: :z: :z: :z: Funny feeling really. I guess that I should be overjoyed but I think I am ...

I agree 100% with Greg's advice and I believe this is great advice for any builder. 1. Get a private building inspection done and raise any issues you are aware of. Best at PCI prior to handover/final payment. 2. Agree with builder what defects need to be fixed prior to handover/final payment and w...