Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Jan 17, 2009 3:01 pm Hi,
We have exchanged on a block in Forde, ACT and are waiting for settlement (Feb/March this year). I just have a few Q's re the process from here. I know the general overview, but need for information when you get down in the weeds. So, we have an architect and a plan, but no builder as yet. We are not wanting to build until this time next year so don't need to worry too much about the builder yet, but we DO need to submit our plans within 6 months of settlement, both to Forde, and then ACTPLA as those building already know. Our biggest question is regarding external issues such as colour, bricks, render etc. For example... We have pretty much decided that we want a brick house with feature render in one part to save money, and we have a fair idea on external colours. So when we submit to Forde and say that the house will be as above with these colours how specific do we have to be? Do we have to name brick companies and the colours they provide? Because if we do need to do this, and then our builder doesn't supply that brick colour, will we need to go back for re-approval IYKWIM? And in the same vain, if we get the above approved, and then our builder can do us a deal on render and we use common bricks, it may work out as a similar price as all feature brick, so again, we will have to submit changes. Is this all correct or do they not need to know so much informaton? And what is the process (and cost) for changes once you already have approval? Would it be beneficial to have a builder on board before we submit anything to overcome these problems? We are thinking that we don't want to lock any contracts in too early as prices may go down... TIA, Kate Re: Questions for those building in Forde ACT 2Jan 17, 2009 4:13 pm Kate, we are building in Forde ATM but as we selected our builder before choosing our land (in fact, our builder chose our block as well as they had the block on 'put and call') we did not have to face the dilemmas you have.
Have you spoken to Simon or Patricia at the Sales Centre; they are very good and if they can't answer a question for you they will follow it up. Anyway, having said that, I am 'almost' certain that if you change an external colour and/or material after Forde approval then you will have to resubmit your plans to them again but this won't cost you anything. ACTPLA, on the other hand, are a government agency so probably will charge hence I would suggest holding off on giving them your plans (with your Forde approval stamp) until they are pretty much final. BTW, in case you didn't know, the stamp duty on your land becomes due when your contracts are exchanged (not settlement). We didn't know this and, as there was more than 90 days between our exchange and settlement, we were changed more than $100 interest 'We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.' - Winston Churchill Re: Questions for those building in Forde ACT 3Jan 17, 2009 4:24 pm Hi,
Thanks for your info...we do harrass Simon at Forde a LOT! But we have only just started to think about the next stage so may need to go back out there and ask some questions... We did know about the stamp duty thing, we only exchanged in November so settlement and stamp duty will actually be at the same time for us...but I'm doubting settlement will take place as planned so we will end up paying that earlier. I think I may need to do some more research on what the ACTPLA standards are...Forde is asking for submission for aproval within 6 months, but maybe ACTPLA can wait longer which will help us? Kate Re: Questions for those building in Forde ACT 4Jan 17, 2009 7:59 pm My first thought was Simon and /or Patricia too - also Jonathan is the design guy there who does the Forde approvals, you can organise a meeting with him (no cost) - I'm sure he would be able to tell you.
Good luck! Oh, and maybe your architect knows the answers - surely they would know the level of details expected in development approvals? Will he be submitting them for you? forde 5Jan 18, 2009 11:55 am Hi Kate
I agree with Havingfun go see Johnathan Drury he is the man you want to see. Contact 0405 361 204 Make a appointment with him and take your plans with you (even if they are basic) and he will tell you if your on the right track or not. He can explain the process for you. Not all Architects read over all the L&D conditions and Forde is a little unusual with their's. Each block in our area has different conditions go figure?. So take the time now and get it right from the start, makes life much easier. Cheers Michael He wants a dream home theatre - she wants a dream kitchen! Re: Questions for those building in Forde ACT 6Jan 18, 2009 12:58 pm Thanks everyone, will give Jonathan a call during the week, and Paddy you are right re the architect thing...he knows the basics but hasn't submitted to Forde before so I would prefer someone who is more a subject matter expert!
Kate Re: Questions for those building in Forde ACT 7Jan 18, 2009 3:17 pm Hi again Kate
I was looking over your blog and could not make out the floor dimensions any chance you could enlarge it so I can have a sticky beak. Looks great so far and the wife loves the nursery/study room. Cheers Michael He wants a dream home theatre - she wants a dream kitchen! Re: Questions for those building in Forde ACT 8Jan 19, 2009 4:52 pm Hi Michael,
Our plan is in PDF and picture sites don't like that so had to convert. PM me your e-mail address and I will send you a copy. We love the nursery/study too!! Kate https://form.jotform.com/240284569218058 Please spare a moment to fill out this survey form for a project. You stand a chance to win a digital gift voucher. Legitimate… 0 2814 You should check your detail drawings, it may show downpipe within brick pier. 14 14078 Hi Suku18 In NSW the statutory required insurances are: 1. HBCF ( Home Building Compensation Fund) - This is if the builder dies or goes broke. But this only covers 20%… 1 2692 |