Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Jul 03, 2007 8:23 pm I though this might be relevant to most of you all.
So I’m going to give it my best shot from a designer’s point of view. Please feel free to add your comments. Number one rule – DO NOT assume that everything will go the way you envisaged when putting your thoughts together for your home. You need to be onsite as often as you can to see every little move the builder and his crew are making. You need to have a firm plan in your head for EVERY thing that is about to happen on your building site, externally and internally. Do not miss a thing. The minute you feel something is not right, take it up with your builder straight away! He is trying to do his job, if you are not around or easily available he will progress without you! This is where disappointment sets in from you the owner. The builder may have a schedule….but have you seen his schedule? Do you know he is about to do what you want? Too many people leave it in the hands of the builder, the builder may have been told one thing, but you have other ideas. You must liaise with your builder at ALL times, don’t blink, you might miss something. I can not stress this enough, to you all and my clients, it’s your home take charge, from day one. BUT be nice….do not get the builder off side, discuss issues openly and calmly, he will be more than happy to comply with you if he is spoken too nicely and has been given fair notice of what is to happen. If you feel things are not going the way you wanted….stop work at once…. Get it sorted. Now heres a tip from someone who’s been on more building sites than she likes to remember….residential and commercial, IF your said tradesperson is doing a good job….tell them, nothing will get you more brownie points than complements. They will be more accommodating with your wishes if you pat their back occasionally, and all is fair, if someone is doing a good job they should be told. Like wise if it is looking not so good they need to be told that as well. You will have greater respect from a tradesperson if you are there daily, pat them on the back for the great job they are doing….if that is the case, than if you breeze in when you can, nod your head in approval and fly back out the door….or off the block. Any questions? Internal and External Building and Colour Consultant Online - Worldwide http://www.denovoconcepts.com Re: WHEN BUILDING YOUR DREAM HOME 3Jul 03, 2007 9:39 pm It’s a painful thing, I could not think of anything worse at the moment in my life!
I would prefer to do renos on a nice cottage, than go down the track of building again. I think the old houses have so much more character, to me all the new homes these days look alike. No one does anything new; they all do the same thing. No offence to anyone! Internal and External Building and Colour Consultant Online - Worldwide http://www.denovoconcepts.com Re: WHEN BUILDING YOUR DREAM HOME 4Jul 04, 2007 7:32 pm I've done some renovations (nothing too serious) but living in dust, with crap everywhere is not for me.
At least with a new home, we can move in and the crap is outside! We would look at an established place, but can't really find anything we like so far. You comment on new homes is fair - to a certain extent they all look the same (especially after looking at display homes for a day). My thoughts are that when you see the right one, it will "grab you". Perry Re: WHEN BUILDING YOUR DREAM HOME 5Jul 04, 2007 7:46 pm Well said perryr, I agree, renovating is not for everyone.
The trick is when you find something new or old, to make it your own and add your own touches, not to follow the latest trend. You are guaranteed to have a similar look to your neighbour otherwise. My ex is a builder; he has an absolutely beautiful home, which started from him buying an old run down farm house. What he has done is such a credit to his skills as a builder. Internal and External Building and Colour Consultant Online - Worldwide http://www.denovoconcepts.com Re: WHEN BUILDING YOUR DREAM HOME 6Jul 05, 2007 10:38 am Michelle I Number one rule – DO NOT assume that everything will go the way you envisaged when putting your thoughts together for your home. You need to be onsite as often as you can to see every little move the builder and his crew are making. You need to have a firm plan in your head for EVERY thing that is about to happen on your building site, externally and internally. Do not miss a thing. This reminds me of a few of weeks ago when the tiler was at our place on a Sunday working on the Bathrooms. We were in there sealing our concrete floors and cleaning up a bit when I walked past the bathroom to see the tiler bricking up underneath the vanity. We had arranged to have vanities to just be wall mounted with about 25-30cm gap underneath, you know as the kids do these days. The builder hadn't told him this and he was just going to brick it up and tile it up, wasn't his fault but it was a good thing we were around! You have mandatory building inspections and privately engaged building inspections. The difference between the two comes down to inspecting the building so it's safe and… 3 18058 We already paid for somfy motors for the blinds. The quote above was purely for “pre-wiring” so the blinds company can install the motors and blinds. That’s why we… 5 16252 go upvc window frames ensure insulation under colorbond. not just sarking, lighter color roof also not sure if you have seen this viewtopic.php?t=5823 last couple of pages… 4 110524 |