I do not think that many of these guys make big money and it is a lot of work. Patience is a virtue. cheers

My advice is to find a good designer builder, preferably a 3D designer builder. If not you need to find out everything you need to know about the block before you are fully committed. I can help you if you want. Don't build in Qld, though. PM me if you need help. cheers

Given that one can use treated pine as stumps, one can use them for bearers too. Most people don't like bearers on the dirt so to speak but it can be done. Actually in past times, people used timber slabs as flooring laid directly on the ground. If there is no moisture and no termites, it might last...

A few more legal point of discharge for stormwater. the distance can be hundreds of metres termites water tapping not pre-drilled watermain. boring under the road etc sewer long runs are expensive bad ground of any kind, especially deep fill flood country. so have to build up excavation removal of s...

You need the right contractor to drill down, install a casing, and a submersible pump. I have chosen solar powered pumps and been very happy. One of the was a 2 panel tracking station. Meaning it moved to follow the sun.

If you are on the map, you are going to be BAL 12.5. Not too expensive though.

I reckon a day's wages for the right guy. Think $350, but not on a quote, just the right guy charging hourly and fairly. Good luck.

Nothing like a bit of clever custom design, I believe. And the green side. I bet some are green with envy at the plan and concept. cheers

To me , split level design is about the design. I mean that the right design will be the solution for an attractive low cost split level home. Designing in 3 D is amost perfect. I just finished designing a split level, actually tri level for a previous customer who ten years ago built with us. This ...

It seems to me that most often the real cost of these special blocks is so high that labour savings are negated. Naturally, one should start with an open mind on any product but that has been my experience. cheers

I think you should have 2700 mm high ceilings although when I was a boy in Darwin we often put our hands into the fan. Hurts a bit but not that deadly. cheers

Depending on the BAL rating we open doors inwards so screens can go on the outside. This is an ember attack level thing. cheers

From information received over the years, it appears to be quite a lot more expensive than most people think. The solution is to find a builder and get a price for a finished house. Then , with the builder's help go through the exercise to see what it will really cost you with the kit. Every time I ...

There isn't a hard and fast rule here. At times, one can run into difficulties getting a carpenter to quickly finish a frame to the required standard. Most often that does not happen and that part of the process is fast and efficient. cheers

These changes are predominantly to increase consumer protection. In regard to costs, the situation is as follows: Section 109(1) of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998 (the VCAT Act) provides that each party bears their own costs of a proceeding. This is in contrast to the gener...

Suggest you find a custom design builder rather than one of your majors. With narrow lots good design with a flexible approach is essential. cheers.

you can line under the rafters with plaster if you want. We used to build a lot of homes with raked ceilings and exposed beams. now we line under the rafters with plaster giving a neat clean finish. cheers

The cost will vary but it is typically about $1200. Never give a ballpark price!

In Victoria, we have the Building Regualtions Siting Rules and this is what typically controls the setbacks. Because this thing is complex, it is best left to qualified designers who do understand the rules and how to apply them. It is quite varied in application. Ask me for more. cheers