Browse Forums General Discussion Re: What do we need to know about building a Kit home? 4Oct 29, 2011 6:51 pm RF Build: viewtopic.php?f=38&t=34534 Flooring: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=39733 Chat: viewtopic.php?f=36&t=53303 Re: What do we need to know about building a Kit home? 5Oct 29, 2011 8:11 pm Thankyou, for your comments so far, ideally we would like a builder to errect and complete the build for us. We have been advised that the cost of the project will be about twice the cost of the kit, hopefully that is around the mark, as we will be funding the project from the sale of our existing home. Raleighfarm I have been following your build, you have a beautiful home, if ours turns out anywhere as lovely we will be very happy. Good point Uncle Arfur about the stairs we had talked about that but we are trying to avoid additional retaining, our neighbours have built and errected a retaining wall but we have been advised that we would need to increase the height. We will organise for the engineering to be done asap, so we know where we stand in regards to footings. Where we propose to build the house the fall is visually about 0.5mtr but to ward the back of the block the fall could be as much as 2mtrs. Gandj Re: What do we need to know about building a Kit home? 6Oct 30, 2011 6:47 am Thank you Gandj...glad you like our home (and glad you haven't been scared away by some of the goings on on my thread ). Did you notice that our house is a similar style to the Harkaway Pavilion Roofline? I can't find your particular house on their website, can you put in a direct link? We were in a good position cost wise as we bought our block and kit (only to lock up though) outright. We did have massive issues with owner building loans although obviously we got there in the end. We went over budget by about $50 000 in the end due to a few unforseen costs but also because our build took so long and prices went up but we also increased the level of inclusions to what we were originally having. I am a big supporter of steel framing and support off the ground. Having said that we are now getting hairline cracks in the paintwork where skirtings and architraves etc meet. My theory on this is the movement in the house. We get some pretty full on wind here through winter (and that's not including the cyclones in summer) and the house shakes/vibrates where as if we had a timber frame, the movement would be better absorbed. Essentially I am "happy" to accept this just to have the steel frame. I like being off the ground, it helps with cooling in Summer but it also gives a great look to the house. We cut away and put in a retaining wall because DH wanted it all to look level at the front and we wanted it high enough at the back to have a view and a good set of stairs (again it was about the look of the house). As for the owner building, it was very hard work for me (as you may have read) and I didn't even do the physical work. Would I do it again? Yes, as now I know so much more, but only if this house burned down and I had to rebuild it I don't want any other home. I look forward to following your decisions and eventually your build. RF Build: viewtopic.php?f=38&t=34534 Flooring: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=39733 Chat: viewtopic.php?f=36&t=53303 What do we need to know about building a Kit home? 7Oct 30, 2011 7:14 am Our kit supplier told us the cost of erection would be about 1.1 times the cost of the kit - and that was pretty much spot on when we got the quotes from the builders, but that didn't include flooring. Living on acreage though we did have to pay for some additional items such as a waste water system. (about $15k), water tank (about $12k) & pump, power connection (it costs a few thousand to get the power run 120m). Paul Re: What do we need to know about building a Kit home? 8Oct 30, 2011 2:44 pm I think in all honesty comparing a build in nth Qld with their Queenslander type design is fairly different to basic designs in SA. Gandj if you level out an area where there is a 0.5m fall for the slab and push the excess soil from that and the footings excavation toward the back of the block it would possible bury some of that 2m fall Arfur Re: What do we need to know about building a Kit home? 9Oct 30, 2011 7:49 pm I dont have the floor plan as yet, I requested an information pack and we were only give a sample of the homes on offer, they supplied a few plans but there are alot more on the price list, it is only early days hopefully in the next week we will get more information. From my research on various forums Harkaway seem to have an excellent reputation for both quality & service, I have asked a number of questions which so far has gone unanswered. I will ring them tomorrow and see how we go. I have received an information pack from Kitome, we like the Glenbrook 24, without rumpus room which we would have as a veranda and delete the side veranda & dinning room as it is a little too wide for our block. Cant wait for the house to sell so we can move forward. Gandj Re: What do we need to know about building a Kit home? 10Oct 30, 2011 8:06 pm I can vouch for how gorgeous Raleighfarm's home is after a recent visit! I'd happily move in there with her! Deemaree Kyndylan Capers: viewtopic.php?f=36&t=46852 My blog: http://www.sufficientlysufficient.blogspot.com/ Re: What do we need to know about building a Kit home? 11Oct 30, 2011 9:15 pm I can't vouch for Kitome's after sales service. I was very disappointed with that and the instructions that weren't very prescriptive. I will point out though that we didn't get a full kit and we erected the kit almost 2 years after purchase due to issues with owner building loans ie difficult to get. I wouldn't say DON'T buy from them but there are some specific questions you will need to ask to ensure that it won't be as difficult for your builder as it was for ours. I can help with that if the time comes. RF Build: viewtopic.php?f=38&t=34534 Flooring: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=39733 Chat: viewtopic.php?f=36&t=53303 Re: What do we need to know about building a Kit home? 12Oct 30, 2011 9:16 pm Deemaree I can vouch for how gorgeous Raleighfarm's home is after a recent visit! I'd happily move in there with her! When should I pick you up from the airport? RF Build: viewtopic.php?f=38&t=34534 Flooring: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=39733 Chat: viewtopic.php?f=36&t=53303 Re: What do we need to know about building a Kit home? 13Oct 31, 2011 8:02 am Just remember I have to bring 2 more boys next time I come! Deemaree Kyndylan Capers: viewtopic.php?f=36&t=46852 My blog: http://www.sufficientlysufficient.blogspot.com/ Re: What do we need to know about building a Kit home? 14Oct 31, 2011 4:54 pm Gandj I have asked a number of questions which so far has gone unanswered. This would start alarm bells ringing for me, and perhaps they dont want to be bothered with your business. Remember, its more difficult dealing with someone interstate Arfur Re: What do we need to know about building a Kit home? 15Oct 31, 2011 7:21 pm Uncle Arfur Gandj I have asked a number of questions which so far has gone unanswered. This would start alarm bells ringing for me, and perhaps they dont want to be bothered with your business. Remember, its more difficult dealing with someone interstate I would agree there although for me Kitome was in the same state but any significant distance could prove an issue. However doesn't have to be the case. I think barkersontheblock are building a kit from PAAL and so far the support he has had has been good. RF Build: viewtopic.php?f=38&t=34534 Flooring: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=39733 Chat: viewtopic.php?f=36&t=53303 I had an old shower unit that broke on me and when I took it off, there were only 2 water pipes, instead of the normal 2 water pipes and a shower head pipe. S o I… 0 37243 The most definitive answer to your question James is this taken from the James Hardie Axon Cladding Installation Guide - i just happen to have it… 5 4010 Hi, Looking to add an ensuite to one of the bedrooms and make it a Master BR. Please see the attached current floorplan. Need suggestions on what's the best way to do… 0 7485 |