[quote="Camrw"]Sunday morning's meeting with our CSC proved to be a success. Although it certainly left us with so much to think about and decide.
Some key points from our first meeting...
We have decided on our design - the Nelson 43sq, this was perhaps the easiest decision
Facade is probably going to be the Nuvo - of course the most expensive one, although without having seen the Nelson in this facade in the flesh, it is hard to really get a feel for what it would look like. Sensing our trouble, our CSC has directed us to look at the Riva Nuvo at one of the display villages as it is the exact same layout and facade. He also gave us the costed upgrade options that are on display so we can work out what on that actual house facade is standard and what is an upgrade. There is certainly lots and lots of render, probably over $20,000 worth.... Seems a bit much so whacking some concrete over some bricks and painting it... but what do I know?
Some changes that we are wanting to make include the a smaller entry to the ensuite and the inclusion of a walk in shower, but the current design doesnt quite allow for that as the shower would require more space. Mark is going to talk to the draftsman and get back to us about whether this is possible, and of course how much extra it is going to cost.
Also we are looking at extending the garage by a small amount so that we can fit a single rollerdoor that leads into the backyard. After seeing the Nelson situated on our actual block it became evident that is is something that we will be able to do easily and it wont cost too much more which is excellent.
After the change to the garage, the biford doors out of the dining room has also been shelved. I wasnt always convinced that bifolds in that location were wise and now after seeing the changes on the site, it looks as though a larger outdoor room might be a better option. Budget permitting of course...
It is exciting to see on the potential site map that there will be more room out the back of the house for the kids to play in. Maybe a cubby, sandpit, vegie patch... Who knows.
There is much to consider, do we start proceedings (including the large amounts of site tests and assessments that need to be done in a knockdown-rebuild) now and that means building will start in about 4.5 months, or do we wait, rent out the house and start in 6 months? Decisions, decisions, decisions[/quote]
Building out Dream Home - Metricon Nelson 43sq... follow us!
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Kirsten/Cam, hopefully this will help you. I had to abolish twenty meters at an old shopping centre in my portfolio and about half of them were sitting vacant (As the centre was being redeveloped). All i did was go to the local police station, sign a statutory declaration stating that we were the managing agents of the centre and despite our best efforst we could not locate/contact the previous owners (in accordance with State of Victoria Evidence Act 1958).
You could use the below template? Hope it helps
State of Victoria Evidence Act 1958
STATUTORY DECLARATION
I, (insert name here), of (insert your address here), (insert your relationship to the property and the property address),
Do solemnly and sincerely declare that:-
I am the new owner of (insert property address).
The property was sold to me by (insert previous owner name and their situation now. I believe they are deceased etc). We wish to arrange for electrical power/gas disconnection from this premises as we are demolishing and building a new house on the property (or something along those lines).
Despite our best efforts we have been unable to make contact with the previous owner and/or their representatives
I acknowledge that this declaration is true and correct, and I make it with the understanding and belief that a person who makes a false declaration is liable to the penalties of perjury.
Declared at (insert police station) In the Sate of Victoria,
This 20th Day of January 2010 (insert date)
The police stations would have pre done stat dec's too which you can just transfer the information on to but i reckon it will save you a whole lot of time and stress just doing it this way.
Hope it helps and good luck with the demo! That's the fun part
Cheers,
Mel
You could use the below template? Hope it helps
State of Victoria Evidence Act 1958
STATUTORY DECLARATION
I, (insert name here), of (insert your address here), (insert your relationship to the property and the property address),
Do solemnly and sincerely declare that:-
I am the new owner of (insert property address).
The property was sold to me by (insert previous owner name and their situation now. I believe they are deceased etc). We wish to arrange for electrical power/gas disconnection from this premises as we are demolishing and building a new house on the property (or something along those lines).
Despite our best efforts we have been unable to make contact with the previous owner and/or their representatives
I acknowledge that this declaration is true and correct, and I make it with the understanding and belief that a person who makes a false declaration is liable to the penalties of perjury.
Declared at (insert police station) In the Sate of Victoria,
This 20th Day of January 2010 (insert date)
The police stations would have pre done stat dec's too which you can just transfer the information on to but i reckon it will save you a whole lot of time and stress just doing it this way.
Hope it helps and good luck with the demo! That's the fun part
Cheers,
Mel
Wow, what a journey!! We are 4 weeks away from moving into our new home, a demo/rebuild project like you, in Melbourne's inner north.
It sure does test your patience, doesn't it?
Looking forward to following your build!
AVxo
It sure does test your patience, doesn't it?
Looking forward to following your build!
AVxo
Also meant to add we used Austra Latrobe, so if you want to have a look pop into my thread and have a squiz!
Well, we had our 'final contract meeting' the other day. The meeting had been scheduled in for sometime and we were very much looking forward to it - seeing how all our ideas and plans had come together.
We requested a copy of the 'final' site plans and variation list prior to the meeting so we could review it in detail, in the comfort of our own home and at our own pace to ensure all was in order. The copy came through via email 2 days ahead of the meeting - not a great deal of time to review it all but we had catered for it so not such a big deal.
The problem was our CSC (who to date has been very helpful and a pleasure to deal with) didn't receive all the information from the respective departments of M in a timely fashion and was under pressure to collate it all within one document. So there were omissions, inaccuracies and straight forward errors. Its unfortunate for our CSC as she is the one holding the bag so to speak, sitting across from us trying to explain others logic or lack of and now she has to correct the errors.
I can understand why some problems had crept into the contract but there are others that are simply unacceptable. Like changing the location of light switches. If its required for legitimate regulatory reasons - tell us and we will revise our plan. Don't redesign our home for us... For example, if the light switch cant go at the entry of our ensuite, dont assume our alternate location is the furthest back wall! What, you want us to walk through the ensuite in the dark to then turn the light on.... Unusual design M, definitely not what we want.
We were also awaiting the results of probe testing - to assess the level of underpinning required to support our neighbours garage. Those results weren't available, resulting in significant provisional amounts within the contract. Not a fan of provisional amounts...
Needless to say, we didn't sign the 'final' contract. We will be waiting for the required changes have been made first. Now we wait...It has been over a week since this meeting and still nothing???!!!?
On a related note - we are keen to hear the build times inserted into others final contracts. We had been told (admittedly by their sales team - who kindly wrote it down for me, 'handy in hindsight') the build time was around 9 months. I had checked this with a builder mate and that period is about right for a double storey mid 40 sq house. So, I was a little surprised to see in the contract the build time was just over 400 days - over 13 months, not including breaks for Christmas etc.
We have had approval from the local council to demolish the old house, gas and electricity are disconnected and we have organised a new underground electricity pit to be installed by United Energy (for about $2500, a great deal less than the $6000 M wanted to charge us for the same??!!). I am meeting with the demolisher on site next wednesday to discuss the next steps and we also have a renovations warehouse/reseller coming out to have a look at what fittings and items from the old home can be salvaged and they will pay us for them and then sell them on.
Things are moving on our end but now so much on Metricon's end...
Cam
We requested a copy of the 'final' site plans and variation list prior to the meeting so we could review it in detail, in the comfort of our own home and at our own pace to ensure all was in order. The copy came through via email 2 days ahead of the meeting - not a great deal of time to review it all but we had catered for it so not such a big deal.
The problem was our CSC (who to date has been very helpful and a pleasure to deal with) didn't receive all the information from the respective departments of M in a timely fashion and was under pressure to collate it all within one document. So there were omissions, inaccuracies and straight forward errors. Its unfortunate for our CSC as she is the one holding the bag so to speak, sitting across from us trying to explain others logic or lack of and now she has to correct the errors.
I can understand why some problems had crept into the contract but there are others that are simply unacceptable. Like changing the location of light switches. If its required for legitimate regulatory reasons - tell us and we will revise our plan. Don't redesign our home for us... For example, if the light switch cant go at the entry of our ensuite, dont assume our alternate location is the furthest back wall! What, you want us to walk through the ensuite in the dark to then turn the light on.... Unusual design M, definitely not what we want.
We were also awaiting the results of probe testing - to assess the level of underpinning required to support our neighbours garage. Those results weren't available, resulting in significant provisional amounts within the contract. Not a fan of provisional amounts...
Needless to say, we didn't sign the 'final' contract. We will be waiting for the required changes have been made first. Now we wait...It has been over a week since this meeting and still nothing???!!!?
On a related note - we are keen to hear the build times inserted into others final contracts. We had been told (admittedly by their sales team - who kindly wrote it down for me, 'handy in hindsight') the build time was around 9 months. I had checked this with a builder mate and that period is about right for a double storey mid 40 sq house. So, I was a little surprised to see in the contract the build time was just over 400 days - over 13 months, not including breaks for Christmas etc.
We have had approval from the local council to demolish the old house, gas and electricity are disconnected and we have organised a new underground electricity pit to be installed by United Energy (for about $2500, a great deal less than the $6000 M wanted to charge us for the same??!!). I am meeting with the demolisher on site next wednesday to discuss the next steps and we also have a renovations warehouse/reseller coming out to have a look at what fittings and items from the old home can be salvaged and they will pay us for them and then sell them on.
Things are moving on our end but now so much on Metricon's end...
Cam
Well things have just about come to a complete stand still - on M's end anyway. Its fast approaching 3 weeks since our original 'final contract meeting' and only a few queries have been answered / resolved.
The few they have answered to date appear reasonable, except one provisional amount. I wasn’t happy with the number of the provisional amounts and requested they do whatever… to define / quantify them. Anyway long story short, the one provisional amount for $6k that they have come back to us has now turned into a provisional amount of $12k…. That’s a 100% movement. Needless to say we will be reassessing the need for this item altogether.
On our side of things, I’ve met with the demolisher I’m most comfortable with and discussed all things re demolishing. He has been recommended to me by a friend and his initial quote was very competitive. We were also able to work the price as well. He is also happy for me to remove anything I can sell from the old house. This may sound odd, but some demolishers claim they have offset the salvage value of items into their quote.
My demolisher is old school – get in and get out. They come in with a truck and a big arse digger and push it all over. He’ll grab any vegetation at ground level and pluck them clean out of the ground. The ‘ultimate gardeners tool’ as he puts it. We have had all utilities abolished, so only two other items ahead of the demo.
Firstly, I’ve also arranged for a local ‘renovators paradise’, supplier of second-hand building materials specialising in antique/period items, to come in and quote for anything they have an interest in. The house was originally built in the late 20 / early 30’s and has many original fittings and fixtures which could make this process worthwhile. They are even interested in what hardwood flooring is under the carpets. Anything I can get will offset the cost of demolishing the old place.
Secondly, although I have the council’s approval to demolish the house, I also need its approval to remove one tree which is governed by the councils ‘tree protection laws’. It’s a non-native on the boundary, which the neighbour wants removed so it should not be a problem to be granted approval. Everything else is under its size requirements, so plucked they will be.
Hopefully next time we blog, M will have answered some of our queries.
Cam
The few they have answered to date appear reasonable, except one provisional amount. I wasn’t happy with the number of the provisional amounts and requested they do whatever… to define / quantify them. Anyway long story short, the one provisional amount for $6k that they have come back to us has now turned into a provisional amount of $12k…. That’s a 100% movement. Needless to say we will be reassessing the need for this item altogether.
On our side of things, I’ve met with the demolisher I’m most comfortable with and discussed all things re demolishing. He has been recommended to me by a friend and his initial quote was very competitive. We were also able to work the price as well. He is also happy for me to remove anything I can sell from the old house. This may sound odd, but some demolishers claim they have offset the salvage value of items into their quote.
My demolisher is old school – get in and get out. They come in with a truck and a big arse digger and push it all over. He’ll grab any vegetation at ground level and pluck them clean out of the ground. The ‘ultimate gardeners tool’ as he puts it. We have had all utilities abolished, so only two other items ahead of the demo.
Firstly, I’ve also arranged for a local ‘renovators paradise’, supplier of second-hand building materials specialising in antique/period items, to come in and quote for anything they have an interest in. The house was originally built in the late 20 / early 30’s and has many original fittings and fixtures which could make this process worthwhile. They are even interested in what hardwood flooring is under the carpets. Anything I can get will offset the cost of demolishing the old place.
Secondly, although I have the council’s approval to demolish the house, I also need its approval to remove one tree which is governed by the councils ‘tree protection laws’. It’s a non-native on the boundary, which the neighbour wants removed so it should not be a problem to be granted approval. Everything else is under its size requirements, so plucked they will be.
Hopefully next time we blog, M will have answered some of our queries.
Cam
Last Tuesday we finally signed our final contracts at M HQ. Everything was in order and our final figure was a great deal below what was in the first draft of the final contract. Which was fantastic!!! We spent a huge amount of time combing through the contract, crosschecking drawings, discussing things and in the end we ended up picking up quite a few mistakes. They charged us for 2 ceasarstone waterfall edges on kitchen island bench, added a $950 shelf above some cabinets in the kitchen I didn’t ask for, charged us an extra $1040 for Cat 3 Austral bricks when the Selkirk Cat 3 were cheaper, miscounted the number of doors to upgrade (there were 18 not 20), charged us for stain on the balustrade when we are leaving it clear lacquer.
We have decided to remove the garage extension instead going with a standard width but adding 2 x 620mm wide doors to the rear. This freed up about $18,000 (can you believe it?) and meant that we could add a few more little luxuries like painting of feature walls, a broom cupboard, upgrade the finish on the laundry cabinets, and my favourite little inclusion… a pull out pantry cupboard like this… (sorry, go to our blog for a photo)
As Cam mentioned in the previous post we let M know we were unhappy that the build period was over 400 days! After objecting to this on the basis that their own literature supplied to us during the sales consultations clearly stated 8-9 months build time on a double storey, we negotiated to have the build period reduced to 370 days including 71 for holidays and weekends and 25 days for weather related stoppages. Although 370 days is still 12 months, we were happy to have a little win on that issue.
The other little win that we had is the installation of our own power pit (about $2500 rather than the $6000 M wanted us to allow, which included $1000 for them for filling in a form??!!). We are also providing our own crushed rock which meant we are not paying the highly inflated $1200 for them to provide this!!! It is a nice feeling to have avoided paying that exorbitant cost J
What a relief it was to finally have the contract signed off. Studio M is nearly signed off and tile appointment is in a bout 10 days time.
Happy Building!
Kirsten
PS Ive decided to make the front door red afterall... Dulux RED BOX in gloss!
We have decided to remove the garage extension instead going with a standard width but adding 2 x 620mm wide doors to the rear. This freed up about $18,000 (can you believe it?) and meant that we could add a few more little luxuries like painting of feature walls, a broom cupboard, upgrade the finish on the laundry cabinets, and my favourite little inclusion… a pull out pantry cupboard like this… (sorry, go to our blog for a photo)
As Cam mentioned in the previous post we let M know we were unhappy that the build period was over 400 days! After objecting to this on the basis that their own literature supplied to us during the sales consultations clearly stated 8-9 months build time on a double storey, we negotiated to have the build period reduced to 370 days including 71 for holidays and weekends and 25 days for weather related stoppages. Although 370 days is still 12 months, we were happy to have a little win on that issue.
The other little win that we had is the installation of our own power pit (about $2500 rather than the $6000 M wanted us to allow, which included $1000 for them for filling in a form??!!). We are also providing our own crushed rock which meant we are not paying the highly inflated $1200 for them to provide this!!! It is a nice feeling to have avoided paying that exorbitant cost J
What a relief it was to finally have the contract signed off. Studio M is nearly signed off and tile appointment is in a bout 10 days time.
Happy Building!
Kirsten
PS Ive decided to make the front door red afterall... Dulux RED BOX in gloss!
Check out our blog for posts and photos of our demolition!
While it doesnt take long to demolish an old weatherboard place....
What it was...........
What it was internally...... as purchased
What happenned step 1 - after salvaging anything of value including leadlight windows, lightfittings, gas log heater, floorboards etc.... (same room as above)
What happened - step 2....smash it all up and drag it away....
What it is now..... view from rear to street
What it is now.... view from front to rear
Very happy with the job the guys did. The block looks huge empty but hopefully not empty for long.
Now back over to M to arrange re-surveys to finalise slab etc.
And I need to sell the rest of the salvaged materials to offset the demo costs - ebay here I come.
Until next time Cam
What it was...........
What it was internally...... as purchased
What happenned step 1 - after salvaging anything of value including leadlight windows, lightfittings, gas log heater, floorboards etc.... (same room as above)
What happened - step 2....smash it all up and drag it away....
What it is now..... view from rear to street
What it is now.... view from front to rear
Very happy with the job the guys did. The block looks huge empty but hopefully not empty for long.
Now back over to M to arrange re-surveys to finalise slab etc.
And I need to sell the rest of the salvaged materials to offset the demo costs - ebay here I come.
Until next time Cam
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We are still in pre-construction and it is taking its sweet time to get everything signed off. We have had another 3 versions of the ‘final plans’ and ‘final contract variation’ and if there is one piece of advice I can give to those of you building and at this stage is that you need to check, double check and then check again. We have picked up a myriad of mistakes and changes this week and they have not always been logical, nor highlighted to us by the builder.
The biggest error was the removal of the provisions for future evaporative cooling (a powerpoint, capped cold water point and upgraded roof trusses). This for some reason was on the electrical variations and the plans but didn’t end up in the final contract, in fact in the last version of the plans ‘QA’ had it removed altogether from everything without informing us. Lucky we went over everything with a fine tooth comb!
The other issue that we have been dealing with this week was post-demolition asbestos residue. All homes built about the time our original old house was, have asbestos in one form or another. We had asbestos removal done prior to demolition but some more residue was spotted along the fence boundaries by out site supervisor last week and we needed that cleaned up before the builder will send anyone to site start, and that’s fair enough. Jim the demolisher was onto it quickly and to cut a long story short, we have had another site clean and M is now in possession of another independent asbestos clearance certificate.
The good news in all of this is that by Monday once the office receives our signed final plans (they are about 99% correct with only 1 small correction remaining, which doesn’t require a plan redraw), the ordering will commence. Once the ordering has finished (by the end of next week at the latest), we will be at site start… FINALLY!!!!
As I said above, slow progress is better than no progress. We are happy to take the time to get things done right. You can never look through your contracts enough and our toing and froing has all been by email which has put everything in writing (a great tip!). I have no doubt our pedantic behaviour will be worth it all in the end!
Hope that the next post will be more exciting!
Kirsten
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We are still in pre-construction and it is taking its sweet time to get everything signed off. We have had another 3 versions of the ‘final plans’ and ‘final contract variation’ and if there is one piece of advice I can give to those of you building and at this stage is that you need to check, double check and then check again. We have picked up a myriad of mistakes and changes this week and they have not always been logical, nor highlighted to us by the builder.
The biggest error was the removal of the provisions for future evaporative cooling (a powerpoint, capped cold water point and upgraded roof trusses). This for some reason was on the electrical variations and the plans but didn’t end up in the final contract, in fact in the last version of the plans ‘QA’ had it removed altogether from everything without informing us. Lucky we went over everything with a fine tooth comb!
The other issue that we have been dealing with this week was post-demolition asbestos residue. All homes built about the time our original old house was, have asbestos in one form or another. We had asbestos removal done prior to demolition but some more residue was spotted along the fence boundaries by out site supervisor last week and we needed that cleaned up before the builder will send anyone to site start, and that’s fair enough. Jim the demolisher was onto it quickly and to cut a long story short, we have had another site clean and M is now in possession of another independent asbestos clearance certificate.
The good news in all of this is that by Monday once the office receives our signed final plans (they are about 99% correct with only 1 small correction remaining, which doesn’t require a plan redraw), the ordering will commence. Once the ordering has finished (by the end of next week at the latest), we will be at site start… FINALLY!!!!
As I said above, slow progress is better than no progress. We are happy to take the time to get things done right. You can never look through your contracts enough and our toing and froing has all been by email which has put everything in writing (a great tip!). I have no doubt our pedantic behaviour will be worth it all in the end!
Hope that the next post will be more exciting!
Kirsten
It’s taken awhile but we have been advised that our job has been handed from pre-construction to construction….
So after weeks of reviewing largely the same plans (small variations made by M – mostly by their hand without any discussion) we have signed off on final plans as pre our requirements and requests….
QA, Drafties and to a lesser extent Studio M have a lot to answer for. Illogical and unrequested changes without any discussion as to why or communication as to what had changed is unacceptable – there... I'm feeling better already. DOUBLE CHECK EVERYTHING!!!!
Well, we also took advantage of their multiple versions and requested a number of small changes ourselves. I look at it this way – it’s not final til it’s final. M can change items around without any fuss, so why can’t we…. So while reviewing the plans, for the god knows how many times, we decided to move this, change that, etc etc. “Just make this change to the next version if you wouldn’t mind”
On a more positive note, our CSC has been great and followed up all our queries and ensured any illogical / unrequested changes were reinstated. Felt a little sorry for her a few times, as she was the ‘middle man’ the majority of the time – but that’s what her role is I guess.
So, the next step is to wait for our construction service consultation (made that title up) and / or our site manager to contact us. We have been told its usually 2 weeks b/w pre-construction and construction til you see anything actually happen. The construction team has already made a start on our job so work on the slab could be as early as this time next week.
Now that's progress….
So after weeks of reviewing largely the same plans (small variations made by M – mostly by their hand without any discussion) we have signed off on final plans as pre our requirements and requests….
QA, Drafties and to a lesser extent Studio M have a lot to answer for. Illogical and unrequested changes without any discussion as to why or communication as to what had changed is unacceptable – there... I'm feeling better already. DOUBLE CHECK EVERYTHING!!!!
Well, we also took advantage of their multiple versions and requested a number of small changes ourselves. I look at it this way – it’s not final til it’s final. M can change items around without any fuss, so why can’t we…. So while reviewing the plans, for the god knows how many times, we decided to move this, change that, etc etc. “Just make this change to the next version if you wouldn’t mind”
On a more positive note, our CSC has been great and followed up all our queries and ensured any illogical / unrequested changes were reinstated. Felt a little sorry for her a few times, as she was the ‘middle man’ the majority of the time – but that’s what her role is I guess.
So, the next step is to wait for our construction service consultation (made that title up) and / or our site manager to contact us. We have been told its usually 2 weeks b/w pre-construction and construction til you see anything actually happen. The construction team has already made a start on our job so work on the slab could be as early as this time next week.
Now that's progress….
Now we have signed off on our FINAL plans, we thought we would list our top 10(ish) tips for new home builders to consider when building with a volume builder like M.
Double check everything prior to signing off on your final plans. Its YOUR new home, so if you're not happy with everything, dig your heals in and take the plans away with you for detailed review and consideration. Its not a insignificant amount of money you're signing off on, it your hard earned! Best make sure it's all correct. This includes preliminary contracts.
Salesman are just that. Take everything they say with a grain of salt especially contract and build times. They are looking at the commission. If its to good to be true... well.....
Provisional amounts. I just don't like them! In what other purchase do you effectively sign an open cheque. These amounts can change significantly so be very careful and do some research yourself. The problem is they are unavoidable but take care.
Your builder is happy to undertake work on your behalf, but you will pay for it. So, if you can arrange for some items yourself your likely to save 000's. Remember most builders have a margin of at least 20% on everything - they are in business after all.
Try to ensure your CSC will go in and bat for you. It will make the process a little easier. This means developing a rapport with them from the get go so that they will go the extra mile for you. Never be rude or abrupt as this will only get them offside. It seems like we're stating the obvious, but so many blogs we have read about people going off half cocked at their CSCs. In our opinion (and remember that these are just that), you get everywhere with good manners. Proof is in the relationship we had with our own CSC!
Try to ensure your other consultants ie.colour and option selections, electrics, tiles etc are FULL TIME employees and knowledgeable about their area or expertise's. PART TIME consultants (like our Studio M) are difficult to find when you need them to resolve something.
If you doing a re-development, ensure your demolisher provides an pre and post demolition asbestos clearance certificate. If you're doing a redevelopment, its most likely an old place and most likely contains asbestos in some form. Your builder wont go to site if they think there is any risk of any residue asbestos on site. Nor should you expect them to.
No question is a stupid one. OK, some are, but ask anyway. The more you know the better the process will flow.
Prepare for the selection meetings. Without a reasonable amount of preparation you may well struggle to make the right decisions (but you could also be lucky)
Start with the biggest wishlist, build without a budget. Once you see what each item is worth you can make an educated ($) decision if its truly worth it or if for that price you can live without it.
Building a new home will test you. Test you in patience and if you're like me they test you ability to visualise design and colours. (lol says Kirst)
We are sure that there are more things and will add them when we think of them. Please feel free to add any of your own tips to the comments section below
Double check everything prior to signing off on your final plans. Its YOUR new home, so if you're not happy with everything, dig your heals in and take the plans away with you for detailed review and consideration. Its not a insignificant amount of money you're signing off on, it your hard earned! Best make sure it's all correct. This includes preliminary contracts.
Salesman are just that. Take everything they say with a grain of salt especially contract and build times. They are looking at the commission. If its to good to be true... well.....
Provisional amounts. I just don't like them! In what other purchase do you effectively sign an open cheque. These amounts can change significantly so be very careful and do some research yourself. The problem is they are unavoidable but take care.
Your builder is happy to undertake work on your behalf, but you will pay for it. So, if you can arrange for some items yourself your likely to save 000's. Remember most builders have a margin of at least 20% on everything - they are in business after all.
Try to ensure your CSC will go in and bat for you. It will make the process a little easier. This means developing a rapport with them from the get go so that they will go the extra mile for you. Never be rude or abrupt as this will only get them offside. It seems like we're stating the obvious, but so many blogs we have read about people going off half cocked at their CSCs. In our opinion (and remember that these are just that), you get everywhere with good manners. Proof is in the relationship we had with our own CSC!
Try to ensure your other consultants ie.colour and option selections, electrics, tiles etc are FULL TIME employees and knowledgeable about their area or expertise's. PART TIME consultants (like our Studio M) are difficult to find when you need them to resolve something.
If you doing a re-development, ensure your demolisher provides an pre and post demolition asbestos clearance certificate. If you're doing a redevelopment, its most likely an old place and most likely contains asbestos in some form. Your builder wont go to site if they think there is any risk of any residue asbestos on site. Nor should you expect them to.
No question is a stupid one. OK, some are, but ask anyway. The more you know the better the process will flow.
Prepare for the selection meetings. Without a reasonable amount of preparation you may well struggle to make the right decisions (but you could also be lucky)
Start with the biggest wishlist, build without a budget. Once you see what each item is worth you can make an educated ($) decision if its truly worth it or if for that price you can live without it.
Building a new home will test you. Test you in patience and if you're like me they test you ability to visualise design and colours. (lol says Kirst)
We are sure that there are more things and will add them when we think of them. Please feel free to add any of your own tips to the comments section below
Site Works
Well since we last posted about our build, there has been a reasonable amount of progress - considering the weather over the last week or so.
As you know the site was cut and pegged a few weeks ago, but unfortunately as the weather turned for the worst 10 days ago and most of the soil wasted away. So we ended up with a nice sized lap pool similar to the one we originally thought about and then quickly dismissed.....
Anyway, after it dried out, on Monday and Tuesday last week the piers were drilled and filled and then the plumbers and electrician's got in there and set out the storm water, wet area points etc and run the electrics from the front of the block to a freestanding meter box. So we have water and nearly power - subject to united energy getting back to finalise the power connection from the street lamp post. The best thing about this is we wont need a temporary power pole. Nice unexpected credit...
Site Super - meet and greet
So last Thursday we met up with our site supervisor, on site, to do the meet and greet etc. Nice enough guy and from our first impressions, a guy we feel we can work with. He was interested in our 'office' experience to date and keen to hear the good bad and the ugly. He was happy we weren't there to pay out on him at the first meeting. Lets keep that for another time - hopefully not required at all...
He told us to expect a call every Friday for an update and contact him via email, text or mobile if we have any queries. That was luck cos I'd used two of the three options already. He has 9 jobs on at the moment all within a few neighboring suburbs at various stages. One being a large double that's nearly 6 weeks into build around the corner and at lock up - so we checked it out.
We popped back again Saturday morning and found this guy below working away, laser levelling the block. Footing around the 'grand' outdoor room and the portico have also been dug ready for concrete. Another bonus was that they apparently didn't find any of the rock mentioned in our contract (our last provisional amount!) and so we will be getting another $4k credit. Hooray! (for some more new furniture - Kirst!)
What's Next?
After a brief call with SS today, we were told that there were 13 guys out on site today (including other SS from the area and the CM) getting the form work for the slab prepared. When Kirst drove by at 4pm it was all finished and ready for the concrete to be poured tomorrow!
SS has also booked in his framers to start on Thursday. Followed by brickies (allow tentatively booked in) etc. He thinks that lockup by Christmas is not out of the question. There are 50 working days for them until Xmas.
We cannot wait!
Well since we last posted about our build, there has been a reasonable amount of progress - considering the weather over the last week or so.
As you know the site was cut and pegged a few weeks ago, but unfortunately as the weather turned for the worst 10 days ago and most of the soil wasted away. So we ended up with a nice sized lap pool similar to the one we originally thought about and then quickly dismissed.....
Anyway, after it dried out, on Monday and Tuesday last week the piers were drilled and filled and then the plumbers and electrician's got in there and set out the storm water, wet area points etc and run the electrics from the front of the block to a freestanding meter box. So we have water and nearly power - subject to united energy getting back to finalise the power connection from the street lamp post. The best thing about this is we wont need a temporary power pole. Nice unexpected credit...
Site Super - meet and greet
So last Thursday we met up with our site supervisor, on site, to do the meet and greet etc. Nice enough guy and from our first impressions, a guy we feel we can work with. He was interested in our 'office' experience to date and keen to hear the good bad and the ugly. He was happy we weren't there to pay out on him at the first meeting. Lets keep that for another time - hopefully not required at all...
He told us to expect a call every Friday for an update and contact him via email, text or mobile if we have any queries. That was luck cos I'd used two of the three options already. He has 9 jobs on at the moment all within a few neighboring suburbs at various stages. One being a large double that's nearly 6 weeks into build around the corner and at lock up - so we checked it out.
We popped back again Saturday morning and found this guy below working away, laser levelling the block. Footing around the 'grand' outdoor room and the portico have also been dug ready for concrete. Another bonus was that they apparently didn't find any of the rock mentioned in our contract (our last provisional amount!) and so we will be getting another $4k credit. Hooray! (for some more new furniture - Kirst!)
What's Next?
After a brief call with SS today, we were told that there were 13 guys out on site today (including other SS from the area and the CM) getting the form work for the slab prepared. When Kirst drove by at 4pm it was all finished and ready for the concrete to be poured tomorrow!
SS has also booked in his framers to start on Thursday. Followed by brickies (allow tentatively booked in) etc. He thinks that lockup by Christmas is not out of the question. There are 50 working days for them until Xmas.
We cannot wait!
What's your blog address?
Hi Mel
camandkirsten.blogspot.com
camandkirsten.blogspot.com
I'm following
Slabs looking good
Slabs looking good
SLAB AND GROUND FLOOR FRAME nearly done...new blog posts
camandkirsten.blogspot.com
camandkirsten.blogspot.com
Our latest post...http://camandkirsten.blogspot.com/2012/ ... oving.html
Great blog! You have great taste, I'm looking forward to seeing it all unfold!
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