Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Aug 13, 2014 9:50 am Hi Guys, I read in many thread about the variation after the DA and that troubles many of the buyer. would you please make me understand why this variation are coming ? I believe when you choose your builder it would give you final quote ( after your necessary change like tiles / light / color / any dimension change of floor plan according to your area of plot ) before you submit your DA to council. any one can help me in this. thanks in adv. Re: Variation part 2Aug 13, 2014 5:00 pm A variation order is a change being made to the Building Contract and/or plans and specifications of a domestic building project. It is required so that both parties (Owner and Builder) agree to changes and so that the Client knows the costs associated with a variation and if there is going to be an extension of the building days. You must remember that the written and signed Building Contract and associated documents are the key to what is going to happen in the Building Works (legally) and that verbal discussions with eg site managers over changes to the Works are not legally binding unless represented in a variation order. Sometimes things happen that no-one can control or foresee so new aspects to the Contract and/or Plans and specifications need to be adjusted. For example, you might change your mind about a door height and a variation tells you what the Builder will do to change the door to your desired height now and the costs etc involved. Your Building Contract should have information on variations and the process of how they work ie it is my understanding that variations cannot proceed without the signature of the Owner and they must be signed by both parties within seven days of issue. If you look up your Department of Fair Trading or Consumer Affairs there should be a link to information on variations. Re: Variation part 3Aug 13, 2014 5:17 pm thanks for your reply that's what my understanding as well but i read in many threads saying they are afraid of the variation come after the DA thing. I thought whatever changes you proposed to do in your plan (external /internal ) builder will give you the final figure before it submit the DA to council and once you agreed apon those figure you also signed the contract with them and they will take care of the further process to council. and you will start working with your bank for funding is that right ? Re: Variation part 4Aug 13, 2014 8:01 pm Council normally gives an approval with conditions. Depending on these conditions it may require your builder to make changes to your build that may change the work required and therefore the cost. If your build can go through a CDC, you will normally avoid this. If you need to go through council don't expect that every builder will be up to speed on what council requires. Drop edge beams within 2 metres of the boundary is something my council requires and was not included in one of the tenders I received. http://camdenbuild.blogspot.com.au/ by invite only please pm me Re: Variation part 5Aug 13, 2014 9:24 pm In the same wavelength, I do have a question - are changes internally such as cabinetry required to have council approval or no? I assume no since it's only cupboards? Or am I wrong? I'm rethinking our WIR structure.. Considering asking to raise the hanging rail and add another to the bottom.. Not sure if worth the VO fee though! --- Re: Variation part 6Aug 14, 2014 10:09 am @MyH1Login-- for the anything you changed in your basic design i believe you need council approval normally but for the cup board it might be ok but still i believe council will check your house to confirm you built as per the design you submit so if any thing major change in structure it could be not right here. Re: Variation part 7Aug 14, 2014 11:35 am Something as basic as that no but that also depends on where you are and what council you are in ( put your location in your signatures ! ). When you submit a DA if it comes to a kitchen for instance all they want to know is that you can cook on a stove, store food in a fridge and wash dishes in a sink. They know that the owner will probably change the layout of the kitchen compared to the original approved DA plans - same as bathrooms. They're not too worried about cabinetry ( at least not in our neck of the woods anyway ), but when you start to change walls around or windows/external doors that's when you need to do a Section 96 ( variation to an approved DA ). Stewie Re: Variation part 8Aug 14, 2014 5:09 pm This particular builder is very experienced and IMHO there is no excuse to mess up what you need to comply with either CDC or council as there are details readily available for both. If you are building in an area local to them ( ie most of their work) there is absolutely no excuse for variations based on development consent and more likely just an attempt to make their tender attractive. No way I would pay a progress payment up front - not a chance after what our builder did! I am surprised reading who it was that they have done this. Are you getting building inspections by an independent at each critical stage? I work with owner, he/she is my man on the ground and I instruct them when to visit the site and take photos and I have other tools in the bag. 4 15284 Looking for advice on whether this variation in tile colour is acceptable. The large tile on the left was used in my main bathroom renovation 1 year ago. My ensuite… 0 8493 yes it does, you've just not understood it. theres a difference. 4 5332 |