Custom Home Builders in Sydney – Has anyone used one?

Groovy_chix · Apr 24, 2007 1:10 pm

Hi Casa, we finally go with our custom design. The approx. cost is $1100/m2. That's already include the basix, stencilled driveway, turf for the garden, flooring (timber for bedrooms and living, tiled for the rest and alfresco), silestone kitchen benchtop, electrolux appliances. We even get the cupboard (top and bottom) for the laundry, ducted kitchen exhaust and many other small inclusions which other builder charge extra - we already got them in the inclusion. Their inclusions in not bad at all and we are happy with it. The building is brick veneer.

Casa2 · Apr 24, 2007 1:36 pm

Groovy_chix,

You've done very well. $1100/m2 for a custom designed house is excellent value. And you have everything included. Congratulations, sounds like you'll be moving into a great home and not have to be destitute in the process.

With regard to the custom design, did you have lots of say in the design or where you coerced into what they wanted to build? Also, how much were you charged for the design?

I'm envious.

Cheers,
Casa

Groovy_chix · Apr 25, 2007 1:42 pm

Thx Casa, yes we are very happy up to this stage and hope it will be the same when the house is done:)
When we first approach the builder, we already have a detail sketch (hand sketch only) - done by my architec relative. The builder propose few adjustments which is beneficial for us. But we can go ahead with anything we want and we have the final word for everything. They don't charge extra for the plan drawing and design, that's already included within the cost that I mention in my previous post. So fingers cross that our house will finally build the way we wanted!

Casa2 · Apr 25, 2007 2:28 pm

Groovy_chix,

I think you'll be happy with Urbanstyle Homes. I went to the opening of their display homes a few weeks ago and met two of the three owners. Very nice people. While I was there one of their customers was there to discuss some things. I can't remeber how long it took to build their house, but I was impressed with the figure and it was ahead of schedule. And the customers had smiles on their faces.

All the best.

Cheers,
Casa

archangel · May 31, 2007 4:02 pm

Hey,

My apologies for having taken so long with this info... Only excuse is that we've sold up and moved, as we prepare for the final assult (building our dream!).

Now onto the subject matter:

A Binet home was recently completed at 46 Cabarita Rd, Concord 2137.
A Binet home is currently under construction at 70 Cabarita Rd, Concord.
A Gremmo was recently completed at 12 Sydney St Concord (down the bottom end of the street, in the little loop section- you'll know what I mean when you go there, as it's not shown on the latest UBD).

Hope it helps... :wink:

Casa2 · May 31, 2007 6:52 pm

archangle,

Many thanks. I've been tied up in getting my own design finalised and thinking about various finishes so have not got stuck into researching builders yet. The wheels of progress turn very slowly.

It will be good to talk to these people and see what they thought.

The only custom builder I've spoken to so far is Chateau Homes and they will be showing me some their recently completed, but not yet handed over, houses (why try to look over the fence at what people are building when you can gave an escorted tour).

Still looking forany informatino on custom builders in Sydney, so if anyone has any info it will be greatly aprreciated.

Cheers,
Casa

stonecutter1309 · Jun 04, 2007 12:00 pm

Hi Casa - we dropped in to Nu-Era homes on the weekend:

http://www.nuerahomes.com.au/

Build price is around $790/sqm without site costs, floor coverings etc.

I think it cost $1000 for the custom design - then that is credited against the cost of the house.

The display home was small and pokey - but the finish of the house was good.

ahuang · Jun 04, 2007 2:19 pm

Got some info about Binet:

Binet home's head office is located near the Epping Station, right next to Coles. They have quite a number of houses built in West Pennent Hills and Castle Hills area.

We love their quality of finish, and did approach them for a tender last year, but their price was over $480K, which is way over our budget.

There's a house just finished by Binet home either in 2006 or 2005 on Chelmsford Road Epping. Can't remember the number, but if you come from First Ave and turn into Chelmsford Rd, it's the first house on the right hand side, just next to TAFE. It's a 2 storey house on a small block. The couple are quite friendly, you might want to have a chat with them. One of our friends is their neighbour and had visited them, heard that they are quite happy with the quality and service.

Hope this helps.

Cheers
Allan
http://building-our-first-house.blogspot.com/

Humph01 · Jul 29, 2007 10:02 pm

Hi - has anyone heard about Castlepeak Homes? Any good? I'm trying to find someone for the Eastern Suburbs.

dreamer13 · May 05, 2008 11:34 pm

Hey Casa2, u must be very popular and well known in this forum. ... I had posted a question on this forum regarding custom home builder in Sydney and someone has recommended you to us.

We are trying to look for a good custom home builder in Sydney and just wondering whether you are able to share with us your experiences and advises. Interesting to know which builder you have ended up with.
Our plan has already been approved by the council and just need to look for a buider who is happy to work with our approved plan.
We love to hear whatever info u have, whether it is good or bad.....

Many Thanks.

Casa2 · May 05, 2008 11:50 pm

dreamer,

I haven't selected a builder yet, but I've spoken to a few. Felton did not seam interested. I think they are moving upmarket. As someone else said $2500/m2 !!!

There are plently of high-end custom builders that will build for $1600/m2.

The hardest bit is to get some independent references. That is, drive around, find someone building with the builder and ask them what they think.

I don't like asking a builder for refernces as they will pick the good ones only. I really want a random selection.

So, if anyone knows anyone who has built with a custome builder in Sydney, why not help dreamer and I and get some feedback from them.

Cheers,
Casa

dreamer13 · May 07, 2008 12:38 am

Thanks for the advice, Casa. ..... I agree with you that the references from builders are defintely biased, they will only refer you to their happy customers.

Cheers,
dreamer

jamiet · May 08, 2008 2:27 pm

One of my co-workers built with Kauley Homes a few years ago. Every time he hears their name now, he feels physically ill.

dreamer13 · May 09, 2008 12:48 am

Hi Jamiet,

Thanks for the info.... I haven'r heard of them, but I certainly will not go near them either.

Cheers,
dreamer

michaelharvey1982 · May 11, 2008 9:40 am

For those of interest, it looks like a small display village will be opening soon in Bella Vista Waters.

This should be a good place for anyone to view quite a few custom builders in the one location.

stonecutter1309 · May 11, 2008 9:45 am

thanks! will be interesting to see the pricing - most houses I've seen for sale at BVW are $1m+

michaelharvey1982 · May 11, 2008 10:38 am

I'll be interested in the pricing too, although the prices are most likely beyond what I'm willing to spend!

Interestingly enough though, apart from the differing facade treatments, one of the homes doesn't look all that different from the outside to an Eden Brae home I've seen.

Casa2 · May 11, 2008 7:20 pm

michaelharvey1982

For those of interest, it looks like a small display village will be opening soon in Bella Vista Waters.

This should be a good place for anyone to view quite a few custom builders in the one location.

Sounds interesting. Do you have any details?

Raz · May 11, 2008 8:17 pm

The Display village at Bella Vista will not be ready for another 8 weeks or maybe a bit longer. I think Meadowbank, and all the other builders from Glenwood are building, as their homes in Glenwood have been sold.

Raz

Shady · May 12, 2008 12:22 pm

Gremmo Homes - Mate of mine built with them a few years back. Very good comments from him but I have heard lately they they may be 'dropping the ball a bit'

Try Alkira Homes. They do have a display in homeworld but most of their homes are custom deigns.

Another one I could Highly recommend is J P Hickey Building Services in Castle Hill, John has won many awards. They have built a great reputation and do a very good quality job. They are a true custom home builder andgenerally specialise in the top end of the market.

You've stated a varity of builders there
from mid range to top end builders.

Kauley - pretty much a project builder, not a custom builder as such.

Binet homes you'll be paying for the name

Young home - I would go near with a 10 foot pole but thats more to do with personal reasons rather than build quality.

More your top end/price builders. From what I've seen Chateau tend to do the $2mil jobbies on acres in Dural and Kenturst and Felton are definately trying to get the top end of the market too.

Felton
Chateau