Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Mar 31, 2022 8:23 am Hey Everyone, Thought I would start a bit of a thread to go through our first building experience as I enjoy reading through others builds and this would keep a nice record of the whole process for myself. This will be a bit of a long winded one with lots of photos I think so just fair warning now. It is also a little delayed as I didn't find this site at the very beginning and hadn't had much time to write something like this up so we are already at close up stage in our build. So our first home we bought was an off the plan townhouse that was already finished when we started looking and was one of the better ones with it having very generous sized bedrooms compared to all the other 3 bedroom townhouses that had very small shoebox ones. But with our second being born in 2020 we decided to start looking for a new home as this townhouse was never the forever home and it started to get a bit full with all the stuff a family of four has. We first started by looking at already built houses as we didn't think we could afford to build a house and have both mortgages going at the same time. But just could not find anything that had all of what we wanted, and one we found that suited most of what we wanted had some issues with the roof that had caused internal water damage which they did a fix on but really weren't happy with the patch job they did inside. The hunt for land began after having a chat to our Broker and finding out we had the means to build and still live in our current place. Which we found a nice large block (for Canberra) which they would be able to dig out to be flat etc etc. Had designs drawn up but after a few delays with the bank and not willing to put the deposit down we had to let that land go. First drawn up plans below. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ The Wife was very happy with the layout of this one, but alas we needed to quickly find new land that would suit what we wanted. Ended up driving around a whole weekend going to blocks that hadn't sold yet hoping to find one that suited, the one we ended up with is a corner block with a 4m slope to the front of the block which wasn't the best but at the time was one of the better ones unless we wanted to go smaller flat land. We decided for a split level home with 2 smaller sets of stairs of 6 than one big set and ended up with the below plan. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ We ourselves don't really like the Mbed being at the front and with the street it faces being a bit of a main road in and out we decided for it to be more at the back, and also saw no need for the second front door so made some changes which got us to our plan we ended up going with. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ In hind-site I think we should have removed the powder room and extended the butlers pantry and the garage storage, on paper it didn't seem so bad but it seems very odd to have a toilet right next to the kitchen. Very interested to hear other peoples views on this and even anything else you would have moved etc, even though it is too late now as the house is mostly built but still would be good to see some other opinions. I will leave it here for now and continue later on after work and the kids are in bed. Re: Building in the ACT with ABM Homes 2Apr 02, 2022 7:42 pm Here's another photo dump with dates etc of work progression for the rest in 2021 before Xmas shutdown. 04/08/2021 - Site works started, was exciting to see work start on our block. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ 04/10/2021 - Drainage done - Can't seem to add this photo for some reason. 12/10/2021 - Slab poured Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ 17/10/2021 - Was a little worried as was told there would be a delay on the wood frame, turns out it wasn't that bad and wood was delivered onsite Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ 18/10/2021 - The frame layout started Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ 22/10/2021 - More Framing. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ 23/10/2021 - Most of the framing completed, only the garage was left. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ 05/11/2021 - Framing completed, windows delivered. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ 01/12/2021 - Trusses arrived and semi installed, Bricks arrived and windows installed. Our first site visit to check over the progress. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ 06/12/2021 - Last of the roof framing finished off and brick work started. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ 20/12/2021 - First half of brick work done and roof starting to be installed. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Re: Building in the ACT with ABM Homes 3Apr 02, 2022 8:46 pm A great Writeup. Will be following your post as building in Canberra too. But for us the process is seeming to take forever. The place looks very familiar so thinking if you are also building in the same suburb too Re: Building in the ACT with ABM Homes 4Apr 03, 2022 7:22 am suku18 A great Writeup. Will be following your post as building in Canberra too. But for us the process is seeming to take forever. The place looks very familiar so thinking if you are also building in the same suburb too Thanks, What stage of the build are you at? They are currently doing the internal fit out for ours, just a little behind as i didn't find this site at the beginning. Building in Taylor, is that where you are building? Re: Building in the ACT with ABM Homes 5Apr 03, 2022 9:09 pm MrSober suku18 A great Writeup. Will be following your post as building in Canberra too. But for us the process is seeming to take forever. The place looks very familiar so thinking if you are also building in the same suburb too Thanks, What stage of the build are you at? They are currently doing the internal fit out for ours, just a little behind as i didn't find this site at the beginning. Building in Taylor, is that where you are building? Bingo, Thats what I thought. Yes building in Taylor too. We are waiting for insulation to start. The build has been delayed for over a month now due to wait times on Insulations. Not sure when the insulation will be done and when the interiors will start. All the best for your build and will wait for your next post. Re: Building in the ACT with ABM Homes 6Apr 04, 2022 7:37 pm suku18 MrSober suku18 A great Writeup. Will be following your post as building in Canberra too. But for us the process is seeming to take forever. The place looks very familiar so thinking if you are also building in the same suburb too Thanks, What stage of the build are you at? They are currently doing the internal fit out for ours, just a little behind as i didn't find this site at the beginning. Building in Taylor, is that where you are building? Bingo, Thats what I thought. Yes building in Taylor too. We are waiting for insulation to start. The build has been delayed for over a month now due to wait times on Insulations. Not sure when the insulation will be done and when the interiors will start. All the best for your build and will wait for your next post. Small world haha, are you building in the same area or have just passed it being on the main road through Taylor? Yeah I think we got really lucky with out build as we haven't really had to many big delays with things, the main thing being the trades themselves as it's been impossible to get retaining wall stuff done. Re: Building in the ACT with ABM Homes 7Apr 04, 2022 10:13 pm And coming into the beginning of 2022, work started pretty quickly with bricking getting finished off. 10/01/2022 - Last bits of brick work finished off. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ 25/01/2022 - Site visit to go through power, this part cost a little over $4,000 in variations. Builder gives 4 ports standard and 4 camera points, I added over 15 extra network ports around the house with at least one in each room. Added an extra 2 for a total of 6 for cameras. This all runs back to the storage room in the garage and got them to move the NBN stuff to go in there also. This is also when the pantry door I guess should have been picked up, more on this later. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ 03/02/2022 - The colourbond flashing? (forget the actual word for the bit in between the brickwork and roof) mostly finished all around. There was an error with the front having colourbond that should be timber, this will be fixed up. Was awesome to see all this as it's great to see it all come together rather than just looking at what is on paper. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ 13/02/2022 - We met up with the kitchen team to design the kitchen, pantry and laundry layout and pick colours etc. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ 22/02/2022 - The front rendering completed, few other little bits done that I didn't really get any photos of. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ 10/03/2022 - Front door frame, garage door put in as well as all the internal doors, along with all the plaster done a few days before. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ 15/03/2022 - Painting started. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Open Lounge/Kitchen/Dining Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Master Bedroom/Walk in Robe/En-suite Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Powder Room Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Pantry Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Linen Closet Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Garage Storage - A few services going in here.... Added in 2x 15amp Captive outlets in the back for UPS and PDU power. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Re: Building in the ACT with ABM Homes 8Apr 05, 2022 9:14 pm MrSober Small world haha, are you building in the same area or have just passed it being on the main road through Taylor? Yeah I think we got really lucky with out build as we haven't really had to many big delays with things, the main thing being the trades themselves as it's been impossible to get retaining wall stuff done. Yes we are building in Taylor too. Ours is a very slopy land and also a smaller builder hence he takes a long time for each step. But I think bigger builders have everything aligned and planned for the next step hence it takes shorter time. Re: Building in the ACT with ABM Homes 10May 06, 2022 11:00 am suku18 Hi Mrsober, How's the progress on the build. Our build is getting delayed as it's not being properly managed by the builder. How are things at your end. Build is really progressing at the moment, haven't had much spare time to upload photos. We are getting very close to finishing our build. Was aiming for it to finish end of April but that didn't happen with some shortages with trades apparently. Who are you building with? Re: Building in the ACT with ABM Homes 11May 26, 2022 9:22 am 04/04/2022 - Internals starting to be finished off, tiling etc BIR same for the three bedrooms Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Walk in closet for the master Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ WIL Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Tiling in the powder room Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Main Bathroom tiling Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Ensuite tiling Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Laundry Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Kitchen Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Re: Building in the ACT with ABM Homes 12May 26, 2022 9:41 am May 2022 Most of the finishing touches have been done now and just waiting on certain bits to be done. Hoping to be moved in by the end of this month as it was meant to be end of April but have had some setbacks. Apologies for the photos as we have been going later in the afternoon so has been a bit dark to bother taking photos. Start with the kitchen - All done waiting on the appliances to be installed, looks like there might be an issue with the cutout for the cooktop. Not sure how it wasn't picked up as the first time seeing it could tell its off center, will look even worse when the oven is in so hopefully will be fixed. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Not 100% sold on the way the island has been done, think it would look way better if done in a thicker bit of real wood maybe. The kitchen company never got back to us on what it would have cost for real wood so just went with what they proposed. Let me know what you think... Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Butlers pantry Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Laundry - Most of the big items done. Not much left to do here. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Bathrooms mostly finished off and just waiting on the bath Ensuite Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Main Bath Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Powder Room Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Main flooring complete over a couple of days Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ This is how the front looks, think they mixed up the colours for the front render as it was meant to be a more cream colour, will need to check. Also need to fix up the two holes on the front from the roof scaffolding. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Mostly just little things here and there that need to be done, really hoping no longer than end of this month move in. But seeing as we are already at the 26th it might be pushing it. Re: Building in the ACT with ABM Homes 14Oct 26, 2022 7:44 am suku18 That's looking good mate. Happy seeing your progress. Hello suku18. May I ask who you are building with? I feel like we have the same builder but we are building in Tralee and there has been a lot of delays. Our builder is called WNA Constructions. Re: Building in the ACT with ABM Homes 15Nov 18, 2022 2:20 pm moldeau suku18 That's looking good mate. Happy seeing your progress. Hello suku18. May I ask who you are building with? I feel like we have the same builder but we are building in Tralee and there has been a lot of delays. Our builder is called WNA Constructions. Hey Moldeau, Sorry didnt log in for a long time. No we are building with a very small builder and we still not going much ahead. I was hoping to be able to move in October, now December also seems difficult. Re: Building in the ACT with ABM Homes 16Nov 18, 2022 3:24 pm suku18 moldeau suku18 That's looking good mate. Happy seeing your progress. Hello suku18. May I ask who you are building with? I feel like we have the same builder but we are building in Tralee and there has been a lot of delays. Our builder is called WNA Constructions. Hey Moldeau, Sorry didnt log in for a long time. No we are building with a very small builder and we still not going much ahead. I was hoping to be able to move in October, now December also seems difficult. How is the build coming along? Re: Building in the ACT with ABM Homes 17Nov 22, 2022 1:11 pm [quote defaultattr=""] How is the build coming along?[/quote] Hi Mate, Hopefully we should move in by Mid December. Still fingers crossed. The thing is due to the smaller builder I need to push them for everything and plan the next steps as it goes into oblivion otherwise. The weather in Canberra is not helping also with constant rains and bad weather mostly throughout the week. Hopefully you might have moved in by now. How has it been so far, I am particularly keen to hear about how the NBN is over there. Re: Building in the ACT with ABM Homes 18Jan 18, 2023 6:29 am Yeah we have been trying to get our fence done and the weather has had it delayed was meant to be in before Christmas but still hasn't been done. We moved in around June/July, have been pretty happy but a few things have gone wrong since moving in. Our oven failed just before Christmas and is still awaiting to be repaired, the tech that came out didn't fix as they wanted the builder to do a few things for the cavity before he would. But the builder did one part but apparently can't do the other as its against code........ So I have a nice new shiny oven that is a paper weight for the last few months. NBN is great being a new suburb as we have FTTP, can't complain about Gigabit internet! I would never build with Fowler homes. I built with them in 2021 and till date maintenance issues are pending. All their existing trades and businesses don't work with… 14 109903 Hi there! Putting the feelers out there for those who have (or almost) built with Arli homes! Interested in your experiences who've built from their stock home designs… 0 26731 Wish you all the best. Once you signed the contract, they will find millions excuses to charge you. And have seen their sites unfinished for a long time. 4 25909 |