Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Feb 05, 2021 10:56 am Hi All, Just had a shocker in the form of site works. In November told $20,000 but $25000 absolute max which we thought was huge but what do we know. Come back with $32,000 on final contract and it has honestly left me feeling sick and ripped off. Our land survey came back almost perfect. Class A, flat, no sand pad required, no wind etc. The land is in an already established area (old house knocked down by developer) and the surrounding properties are at a higher level so we’re being told most of the extra cost is for retaining wall around the perimeter. I’m hoping for advice. Is this reasonable? Are we being ripped off? What can I do to ensure we’re not going to get ripped off before signing my life away? Thanks Re: Site Works expense 2Feb 05, 2021 12:23 pm Hey betty0242 welcome to the forum Builders aren't engineers and unfortunately the building contract allows for extra unforeseen costs, mistakes,errors in siteworks and engineering, on the other hand, Engineering is a soft target that some builders and new home Salesman can exploit. I would imagine the building commission and consumer protection would be chocker block with similar complaints. If you are lucky they may receive a slap on the wrist at worse, while sadly, you'll be left 20 years behind the Eighth Ball...on catchup Again unfortunately if the building agreement or documents Smells and Looks like a rippoff or Cr@p then it probably is. Battlers and Punters are seeing a lot of cost shortfall mistakes/errors/tardiness when Estimates costs are recalculated and firmed up OT, Make sure all your documentation including siteworks and engineering is thoroughly checked before you sign anything with a builder Forewarned is forearmed Cheers Chris Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Re: Site Works expense 3Feb 05, 2021 12:36 pm Hiya Thanks for the reply. I just read through the link and it makes sense. I've seen a breakdown and they have laid it out quite clearly, but looks like we're paying premium for the works as I'm sure is standard for builders to make a profit. I'm looking to cross references everything and have it checked over, as well as asking many many questions but I suspect we're just going to have to pay it. Thanks for the info. Re: Site Works expense 4Feb 05, 2021 12:51 pm The poorly implemented Government builders grant which is paid to the owners is to blame. What's happening is the owners are paying 3-5 times that amount to the builders and material suppliers in price rises Squeezed Greedy builders in turn go after the battlers. OT, The government was warned to put safe guards in... but hey its an election year? Goodluck Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Re: Site Works expense 5Feb 05, 2021 12:53 pm StructuralBIMGuy The poorly implemented Government builders grant which is paid to the owners is to blame. What's happening is the owners are paying 3-5 times that amount to the builders and material suppliers in prise rises Squeezed Greedy builders in turn go after the battlers. OT, The government was warned to put safe guards in... but hey its an election year? Goodluck That’s exactly what I’ve heard on the grapevine. I’ve had a reply from building company offering to discuss it all in person, so that’ll be great to get some clarification. Thanks heaps! Re: Site Works expense 6Feb 05, 2021 1:09 pm You've got the heads up... be prepared. Worse may come in that you're paying top dollar and getting sh!t, non compliant, defective builds Theres a shortage on trades... All the Best Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs If it's your primary residence then there is no tax deductions to be made. 4 125387 MBA and HIA both have sub contract agreements, check them out 2 7409 I want to build a bigger driveway (without a nature strip) than has been approved under my CDC. I’ve also had a DA approved to build a deck. It looks like I can do this… 0 4855 |