We decided to go with Clarendon because Rawson couldn't give us a detailed breakdown cost and Balmoral has a long stairs which is not so easy to carry kids up and down. Overall, the customer services experience is very pleasant with all the staffs that we have dealt with Clarendon. It did take us 8 months!!!! before the construction commenced, due to Covid and our stormwater pipe connection issues with Council and neighbor.
Our plan is a modified Boston 34 + Rumpus + Alfresco, facade is Oxford, butler pantry added, closed the door to the laundry, added a toilet to the laundry and opened the door to the hallway and garage door opened to hallway as well. Upstairs - Master bedroom to the front.
We tried to keep the changes minimum as my cousin told me, you never know what it'll turn out to be unless you can see it first. If you like the design at the display home, keep it that way.
We'll be doing the flooring after handover, thinking about porcelain tiles downstairs and solid timber upstairs, but haven't decided yet.
In terms of cost, $508k+color appointment $74k.
The main upgrades are:
- Rumpus/Alfresco - $28k
- Ground floor ceiling raise to 2.75m, first floor to 2.6m - $6.6k+$2.8k
- Brick upgrade to Austral Metallix Blackstone - $11.5k
- All brick in lieu of cladding - $4.8k
- Stairs - $12.7k
- Kitchen - $17.1k
- Electrical - $7.7k
- Security - $4.1k
If your council requires section 94 contribution, keep the price down for the contract price and add whatever you like at the color appointment, it'll save you some $$.
Timeline
28/12/2019 - Deposit
19/02/2020 - Tender
27/02/2020 - Contract
19/03/2020 - Color
26/05/2020 - Demolition by Democorp, I would recommend James and his team.
22/05/2020 - CDC lodged
24/06/2020 - CDC approved
17/08/2020 - Excavation
27/08/2020 - Slab pour
09/09/2020 - Frame
Sunny 14
Sweet-Pea
