Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Jan 24, 2023 8:02 pm Hello, Looking for advice as a first home buyer. My husband and I bought a block of land in a new estate. Everything seemed fine until we started to talk to builders. Recently, we sat down with a builder to get a quote on our dream home only to find out that they wouldn’t offer fixed site costs because there used to be a dam on our block. My husband and I were completely shocked as we were unaware and the builder showed us an image. The dam was around in 2010 so it only got filled in the last 13 years. That’s all I’ve been able to find out about this dam by doing research and googling. We have put down a $21,000 deposit and it’s set to title in June- August. My questions are: A) Should the developer have disclosed that a dam was previously built on our land at time of sale? This was not disclosed at the time. B) What would you do in our shoes? C) Has anyone experienced this and gotten their deposit back and forfeited the block of land? I’ve got a lot of questions and concerns regarding $ and the excitement of building on this block has now disappeared which is really disappointing. Any help is greatly appreciated. Re: Old dam on block of land 2Jan 24, 2023 8:21 pm What sort of earthworks has been done on the estate to date and what's proposed? You should have been given the civil engineering and geotech report Guessing is it prone to flooding, what are your storm water requirements, retaining, etc? OT, there's no such thing as cheap land, the site works and costs just gets past down the line. Lot's to consider, get local professional help before you sign up with one builder. Goodluck Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Re: Old dam on block of land 3Jan 24, 2023 8:49 pm I received the engineering report but not the geotech report. The civil engineering report has been looked over by many people and it took us one out of the 4 builders we’ve seen to spot it out by doing adore research on our block. I’m just starting to think this block was a bad choice and unfortunately think I’m stuck with it now. Thank you for your help! Re: Old dam on block of land 4Jan 25, 2023 8:29 am so you've had the engineering data from the developer in hand (from the sales contract documentation) but didn't know what it meant until one of the builders pointed it out to you? if that's the case, the argument is that it was disclosed to you. I don't think the developer is under any obligation to make sure you then understand the disclosed information. Similar concept to when you get presented a contract to sign. Its up to you to read and understand and obtain advice if you don't understand the contract. Unfortunately most people aren't well versed enough in the detail to catch technical information. I guess having data and proofs in hand isn't all its cracked up to be for the average battler. Re: Old dam on block of land 5Jan 25, 2023 9:19 am Meldaniella I’m just starting to think this block was a bad choice and unfortunately think I’m stuck with it now. Thank you for your help! I wouldn't be rushing in to sign up with one builder until all the reports and information is released Dont get suckered into last builder standing because he pointed out other information That may or may not be relevant, How are the developers dealing with storm water, runoff, retaining, etc get professional advice Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Thanks Chippy,I do have one that I levered out. I'll try to find a brand name on the windows then do some searching. Here is a photo where you can see how worn they are. 2 8139 Hi I bought an old cupboard that is in desperate need of some TLC. I was seeking some advice as to the best product to use to give it an oil but also bring it to life a… 0 3528 |