Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Aug 15, 2009 2:30 pm Hi all, Trying to work out the best approach for our extension: Option 1: Find a designer/draftsman to do our plan and spec it out first and then take that to builders to quote on Pros: You own the plans and you know you are getting quotes that are 'apples' with 'apples' Cons: Not having the builders input during the design stage Option 2: Get budget quotes from highly recommended builders, choose and then work with them to spec out the extension? Pros & Cons: Opposite of those above Our extension is quite a standard one with no real 'new design' things wanted. What have you found in your experience is the best way to go? Cheers Jane Re: Design & Plans then find builder or other way around 2Aug 15, 2009 4:13 pm whattodo, I had the same dilema, I decided to go with a small builder, I spoke to the builder first about my idea, and then he recommended a Draftsman. I gave the draftsman an idea as to the plan I wanted, there were no restrictions, as to what I wanted, he gave me great feedback as to what will work and different avenues that I had not thought of, I must say the draftsman is a added cost, as its not a standard plan that the larger house builders, who already have plans drawn up. One thing I noticed was - If the builder could do it, it was just one person to consult. usually a instant reply, this has been my experience thus far, yet to see what happens when the build starts. Cheers Believe Re: Design & Plans then find builder or other way around 3Aug 15, 2009 4:40 pm we looked at plans from every builder in sa, and i even looked at some in canberra and victoria! the only one that i liked was the PD Brookvale; so i gave up and designed my own house. found a local builder and he recommended some designers - interviewed them all and showed them my designs. we didn't pick the designer on price, location or relation to the builder. it came down to how nice they were, previous houses they had designed and most importantly how keen they were to listen to our ideas and get them on paper; i gave him an existing house and our wishlist and he combined the two. i'd say get the designs done, all ready to go then start shopping and play the builders off each other find the right price, best quality and aussie materials used! also, our designs are just under 7k not including engineering, ive allowed 3k for that. good luck 2nd-Fix | Blog Building with Desyn Homes previously with the insolvent [url=https://www.facebook.com/7NewsAdelaide/videos/1162546323776021/]Endeavour Homes[/url] Re: Design & Plans then find builder or other way around 4Aug 15, 2009 7:59 pm Jane, No extensions are "off-the-shelf". So, essentially, you'll have to bear the design cost whichever way you go. Thus, IMO option 1 is the way to go. A draftie familiar with the building industry will be able to give you a price range that you can consider (ie determine extension size that will fit into your budget). The plan does not need full construction detail, just enough for builders to put a quote in. Building a completely new house is a different matter, because if you choose an off-the-shelf plan, it will be cheaper (all else being the same). Chris Can someone please offer some advice? Im DESPERATE. Because I'm completely and utterly exhausted. How long are variations taking with other companies at the moment? We… 0 18435 I recently went through a similar renovation and move scenario when updating our family home. We also swapped some rooms around and tackled a major… 2 9755 Yeah mine about 9 metres long and 8 wide with slope of 25% at one point but the end point of the outlet is past the side of garage and if he concretes allowing for… 4 4516 |