Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Oct 26, 2017 9:47 pm Hi all, I believe all will be on same boat to save some bucks on construction cost. Pls comment your views. In my view and experience below are the points where we can bring it down. 1. Driveways - usually builder charge 3000-4000 $ for driveway and if we do it later by ourself the overall cost would be 1500$ ( experts can share view on it) 2. Ducted heating - can't we install air con with heater option than it ( not sure if I am correct) 3. Outdoor living 4. Bench top Re: Options to save on house construction cost 2Oct 27, 2017 6:38 am abhishu Hi all, I believe all will be on same boat to save some bucks on construction cost. Pls comment your views. In my view and experience below are the points where we can bring it down. 1. Driveways - usually builder charge 3000-4000 $ for driveway and if we do it later by ourself the overall cost would be 1500$ ( experts can share view on it) 2. Ducted heating - can't we install air con with heater option than it ( not sure if I am correct) 3. Outdoor living 4. Bench top I watch all the build shows and most people have no idea WTF they're doing and believe their wacky dreams are worth the economic hardship it turns out to be. Why people would design difficulties into a build which end up costing way more than they expected because their lack of knowledge of building, is beyond belief. I seen so many build shows over the years there's not even ten I would consider a success. If you pay too much for what you ended up with even if it's beautiful, that's a failure in my books. Re: Options to save on house construction cost 3Oct 27, 2017 1:21 pm Carpentacular abhishu Hi all, I believe all will be on same boat to save some bucks on construction cost. Pls comment your views. In my view and experience below are the points where we can bring it down. 1. Driveways - usually builder charge 3000-4000 $ for driveway and if we do it later by ourself the overall cost would be 1500$ ( experts can share view on it) 2. Ducted heating - can't we install air con with heater option than it ( not sure if I am correct) 3. Outdoor living 4. Bench top I watch all the build shows and most people have no idea WTF they're doing and believe their wacky dreams are worth the economic hardship it turns out to be. Why people would design difficulties into a build which end up costing way more than they expected because their lack of knowledge of building, is beyond belief. I seen so many build shows over the years there's not even ten I would consider a success. If you pay too much for what you ended up with even if it's beautiful, that's a failure in my books. Agree. However, there are also few components which can be avoided while doing the builder contract (as those same items are available at cheaper rate at later outside) For example, security device installation, If builder is asking 2500$ (just a imagination) and in the market same is available in 1200$. one can easily save 1300 bucks by unticking this with builder. There can be many ... Re: Options to save on house construction cost 4Oct 27, 2017 1:24 pm ilmessaggio "In my view and experience" and to think most of us had to learn the hard way....without Google all jokes aside but what on earth makes you think that professionals are going to undermine themselves and give away free advice on how to cut their throats? There is no expectation from professionals, they are doing their job well. Even they can show you design which can cost you an arm and a leg, However, it does not mean you will go with that design. The objective is point out those items which can be removed from builder contract and get it done from outside based on requirement. Re: Options to save on house construction cost 5Oct 28, 2017 6:58 pm Build smaller. You'll save money, & help save the environment. Nobody needs a 300sqm home. To save money in the long run (on heating & cooling costs), follow passive solar design principles. That is, orientate the house correctly, living areas to the north. Re: Options to save on house construction cost 6Oct 31, 2017 11:49 am Things I would not get the builder to include are driveways (and relevant paths), carpets, curtains, antenna or anything else outside of the build itself. The builder will contract these jobs out and add their margin on as well. We considered organising our own tiling in the last house but decided that it was easier to get the builder to include it in the quote. I would not remove anything from wet areas, as if the waterproofing fails I imagine they would wipe their hands of it as they wouldn't guarantee what has happened afterwards. I also can't see the benefit of taking out any electricals (put in the basics and adjust it later if needed), but in some of these areas you may as well put in the extras (downlights, etc) during the build, as electricians aren't cheap (unless you have a willing mate that will give "mates rates", but make sure they are qualified). Light fittings (pendant lights, etc) are something I would rather source and get installed myself. As was already mentioned, you will need to budget for all these items you take out, as you may not be able to use finance to cover it (if they are lending based on the value of land and contract). For us we got the same mm thick exposed aggregate concrete driveway and path for almost half the price the builder had quoted. We also got good quality Redbook carpet and the best Dunlop underlay, including installation for the same price the builder quoted for their 'builders range' carpet and standard underlay. Get quotes and compare prices. Sometimes for a few hundred difference it is easier to get the builder to include it. Weigh it up. Second Time 'Round The price you're seeing for a high-spec 2-storey home in Perth sounds steep, but unfortunately, it's kind of the norm these… 8 7924 I've just had a look at the website. The company are just building broker's. There are plenty of similar companies that basically draw your plans (they own them so you… 8 10927 How are you doing Ben? Extremely interested in hearing what you are doing or plan to do! 12 15156 |