Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Feb 08, 2009 10:57 am We have had to do back to the drawing board and either have to build a hillside house on a down slope or a multi split home with two 1 meter splits.
The hillside type would be a full size top level with a bottom level about half the depth (hope this makes sense). The problem with a multi split is it is more limiting (but then cheaper). Should I approach builders and get them to design or go to a house designer? If the latter does anyone know of realistic charged for a 4 bedroom home (about 300m sq inc garage)? I live in Adelaide. If any one has built either of these types a blog address of your build would be good. Thanks all.... Re: Builder design or house designer? 2Feb 08, 2009 2:30 pm Hi metter,
We're building what you describe as a hillside house. Haven't actually started yet, but the plans are on my blog (sorry it's not up to date, but nothing much has happened as far as the house is concerned). We're taking advantage of a pre-existing cut and fill site on our block, so that has reduced the cost for us somewhat. The block has a slope of over 25% in the building envelope, so its pretty steep. We went with a building designer, mostly because we found one whose houses we loved and with whom we could communicate really well...but it definitely wasn't a cheap option. He charged us 7.5% of the estimated building costs, plus an hourly rate for any further work he does from now on (although he hasn't charged us for everything he has done..he's good like that). One advantage of going down this track is it still allowed us to get prices from a range of builders, but if you can find a builder you really like it may be cheaper just getting them to design something for you. Btw, I have heard from other people on the forum that you can get building designers much cheaper than this, but maybe not where we are...all the designers we looked at charged a similar fee. Good luck 'chelle We have a hand-over date...15/10...but I won't hold my breath! http://people-in-glass-houses.blogspot.com/ Re: Builder design or house designer? 3Feb 08, 2009 2:34 pm hi there.
thats a tough one to be honest! there are three options - go to a builder and get a standard plan modified - go to a builder and have a new design built (you best going with the larger builders) - go to a building designer and pay a fee for concept and then plans - then you can take it to a few builders and ask them to quote - thus having the option to 'tender' a few builders to see who can come up with the best price and best specifciation. the first 2 options are straight forward, but the third you will need to find a decent designer - i know of a new company who offers project management and design services - i can PM them to you if your interested.... ps i have just signed up with this company for project managing my build up in the hills. thanks and good luck Re: Builder design or house designer? 4Feb 08, 2009 2:38 pm I'm from NSW - but we have 1 or 2 companies here that specialise in steep slopes but still build project homes - could there be something similar in your area? After 4 years - we're in! Re: Builder design or house designer? 5Feb 08, 2009 6:12 pm metter,
Sounds like you've got a three metre (or close to it) fall from the front of the house to the back. This is the ideal fall as the house can take up the fall and you get a flat front and back yard. Cheers, Casa Demolition August 2009, Construction Started September 2009, Completed December 2010 Your build is relatively simple, I believe your job can be easily done by a good building designer, you really do not need to pay for the architect. Remember, architect's… 3 10985 Hi Mofflepop, I would recommend finding a building designer to prepare plans, they should design to your specified budget. The benefit is you can tender the project out… 9 20413 |