Could a smaller builder to a project home for less?

Bcr83 · Sep 05, 2020 11:06 pm

We have seen a nice home and design we like and wondering whether a lesser known/popular builder could replicate such design for less?

Anyone done this before with success?

Thanks

Speakers · Sep 05, 2020 11:13 pm

Is the design from a volume builder?

Speakers · Sep 05, 2020 11:19 pm

Sorry mind went blank for a moment.

If you're looking at a standard build with minimal upgrades, I found that the project builder to be much cheaper as they can bulk buy the materials.

However, I have also found that if you plan to upgrade quite a bit, then you can it works out to be similar.

With that said, when I asked around to do the same thing, most builders basically said no due to legal reasons I. E. Copy right of floor plans.

Harweeeee · Sep 05, 2020 11:31 pm

You cant take plans from other builders and replicate them exactly with different builders. Some people will accept the plan if you change a number of things. My parents needed to change 8 major things, like room dimensions, walls, door positioning etc, but that was years ago and laws have probably changed.

Bcr83 · Sep 06, 2020 6:43 am

Thanks for the replies, design is from a volume builder. There are some changes to dimensions of rooms etc we would need to make to the plan. Add a 3 car garage etc.

Basically I have costed up the build with a medium level of finishes at about 650 exc landscaping. My budget is 550 hence the question to understand if a similar design is possible. Thanks

StructuralBIMGuy · Sep 06, 2020 11:08 am

Bcr83

Thanks for the replies, design is from a volume builder. There are some changes to dimensions of rooms etc we would need to make to the plan. Add a 3 car garage etc.

Basically I have costed up the build with a medium level of finishes at about 650 exc landscaping. My budget is 550 hence the question to understand if a similar design is possible. Thanks

Unfortunately that's what happens, make the rooms a bit bigger, add another garage and whola (Like magic) the prices go up a further $100K (disproportionately) ..and you haven't even upgraded the average finishes as yet. ( for that add another $80-$100K, lol, to think they were recent giveaways)
Best bet is to get your own design and get 3 builders to quote ( same sketch, site works and engineering)

The problem arises when you take their design with a few modifications and ask them to quote against other Builders . LOL you'll get done for copyright theft (add another $20K )
The builder and those in the industry know you are on a hiding to nothing (price beating or you'll end up with nothing

OT, How can large companies with huge overheads, executive salaries, commissions, employment and expenses compete with smaller tech savy builders and suppliers who operate from the back of their ute and internet respectively ..realistically they can't
3D Bim 1st Stage Quantities and internet pricing

Cheers
Chris