Browse Forums Building A New House Re: Post Contract (Structural) variation before construction? 2May 24, 2009 11:06 am I meant a change that you initiated not the builder. Embarassingly to share with you, I have been kicking mysefl for not going for higher ceiling as I didnt think we would afford another $7000 for the 22sq house but when we finalised our loan amount (they valued our block which had gained equity in past 2 years etc), they managed to offer us a bit more. I hope I dont go down in the history of Homeone as asking the most obvious question - where the answer is a resounding "No way - Get real - way too late!!".. Our contract says start date 6th June BTW Building the 22sq Ashton Re: Post Contract (Structural) variation after DA approved??? 3May 24, 2009 11:29 am I went back after plans were submitted, (still awaiting council - still have to put in final plan but that is another saga all together), Builder doesn't like it and charges like a wounded bull $1600 to try to deter you from doing it - but for highter ceilings I would definitely do it, you'll kick yourself for the rest of days in the house all becuase you wanted to move in a month or two earlier. If your builder charges like mine make sure you don't want to change anything else or if you do - do it at the same time. 2011 Home Sweet Home Handover 03 September 2010 PCI 27August 2010 Plumber 20August 2010 Electrician 19August 2010 Painting 04 August 2010 Cabinets 13Jul2010 Lockup 23June Frame 20April slab 1Mar10 Re: Post Contract (Structural) variation after DA approved??? 4May 24, 2009 11:34 am Thanks Anna for the encouragement. Our builder though does not technically allow any structural variations only non-structural for which they cahrge $500. For a penalty of $1600, I will do it. But what about new council application fees and do they charge extra for re-drawing plans and for re-sending to insurer? Building the 22sq Ashton Re: Post Contract (Structural) variation after DA approved??? 5May 24, 2009 12:19 pm It would surely just be red tape and yes I would expect they will charge you for the new council fees, there was an amount already built into our contract for going back and forth to the council - which if they didn't use it we would have that amount credited - your builder may have done the same. I guess anything can be done at a price - Its your house - don't let them bully you! 2011 Home Sweet Home Handover 03 September 2010 PCI 27August 2010 Plumber 20August 2010 Electrician 19August 2010 Painting 04 August 2010 Cabinets 13Jul2010 Lockup 23June Frame 20April slab 1Mar10 Re Structural variation after DA approved-Anyone else done t 7May 24, 2009 6:17 pm Hi, looks like not many people have been there... I am begining to worry that its something that most builders do not come up against and very scared to approach ours tomorrow Building the 22sq Ashton Re: Struct. variation after DA approved-Anyone else done that?? 8May 24, 2009 10:33 pm We had to put in what's called an S96 to make a structural change. I moved an external doorway and changed a window size/position. It still incurred application fees, neighbourhood notification (even though the neighbour it affected wrote a letter saying he had no problem with it) and around 4 weeks to approve. It's a pain, but if it's something you'll regret not doing, get it in to council ASAP. Judie Re: Struct. variation after DA approved-Anyone else done that?? 9May 25, 2009 5:50 pm After taking a deep breath, I contacted the builder, and the first person said no as all materials have been ordered - so I asked to be escalated to another person who first said no and then when she heard how desperate I was, said that if it were to ever be possible it would cost extra and mean 6-10 weeks delay blah blah blah... and that it would mean going back to scratch. At that point I said, well doesn't a Post-Contract Variation mean just an additional review by Council? and she said very well, no guarantees whatsoever, email me today and I will speak to the Manager and email you back tomorrow.. So I have a window of hope, which I am hoping doesnt get dashed tomorrow. Couple of colleagues at work were going: "Insist! Its your house and your money!" Building the 22sq Ashton Re: Struct. variation after DA approved-Anyone else done that?? 10May 25, 2009 5:54 pm Good on you Jolie, good luck - can't wait to hear the outcome. My fingers are crossed for you. Anna 2011 Home Sweet Home Handover 03 September 2010 PCI 27August 2010 Plumber 20August 2010 Electrician 19August 2010 Painting 04 August 2010 Cabinets 13Jul2010 Lockup 23June Frame 20April slab 1Mar10 Re: Struct. variation after DA approved-Anyone else done that?? 11May 25, 2009 6:00 pm Thanks Anna - I really appreciated the feedback you gave me yesterday because dealing with builders can be intimidating sometimes like in this case...After all, if there is 6 weeks of delay and an extra $1600 or whatever penalty, well we'll take the flack... Building the 22sq Ashton Re: Struct. variation after DA approved-Anyone else done that?? 12May 26, 2009 6:44 pm Hi Anna.. after a long nerve-racking day in bitter battle with builder - I have lost the battle Long story short, manager said " Please understand that this is an extremely unusual request at this late stage and I find it very unusual that the request has been made 1 week prior to the construction commencement. The construction commencement may be unknown to you up to this point and I am aware of that. Your home is due to start in the week of the 1st June 2009 depending on the delays that have been incurred in the past 2 weeks due to the bad weather. Nothing is impossible but this would have to be done under a new contract and not by variation as the cost difference would mean you would have to provide updated finance approval for the new amount. The new plans would have to be resubmitted to the certifier for approval and the extra cost that this new approval may incur would remain unknown until the approval process is completed. I am unable to estimate the total cost of your request. The main reason we ensure that you are aware ,prior to signing the contract, that no variations will be permitted after a certain date and have that acknowledgement signed by you is to avoid this situation as it causes undue frustration and stress to all parties concerned." He then told me by phone that this increase could cost at least $20,000 as it would also include the salaries of all parties involved and for us to hold them up till council came back to us" - well I am so upset and tired and got nowhere with him urghhhhhh Building the 22sq Ashton Re: Struct. variation after DA approved-Lost my fight today 14May 26, 2009 7:04 pm Oh no! *passes stiff drink* It sucks.. and I know how you feel, so many changes I have wanted to make and can't anymore! There's really just never enough time to truely think about exactly what you want. It's just not fair!!! Building with PD - Regent 23 Cascades on Clyde Estate HomeOne Building Thread - PCI Completed - 28th August. Handover - 11th September. Re: Struct. variation after DA approved-Lost my fight today 15May 26, 2009 7:34 pm Thanks Erin, thanks for the Jim Beam Yes, it is so stressful making all those decisions so pressed for time and realising things further down the line. Well, I have no choice but to look forward now and will try and decorate and paint in such a way that it doesnt look claustrophobic.. BTW, I checked out your blog and can see your gripes too with the builders... the upside is that your selections look great and in the end your house will look stunning!! Building the 22sq Ashton Re: Struct. variation after DA approved-Lost my fight today 16May 26, 2009 11:06 pm Hey Jolie I'm sorry it didn't work out - but atleast you can hold your head up high and know you tried. Your house will be beautiful. I have to take a bit of my own medicine now - my builder has come back and told me they can flip my two front rooms (due to council requirement) but any changes other than that we will be charged $1600 for the privillage, even though my facade will look like cr#p if we don't change things around. I have just spent the last 2 hours drafting up a letter of response detailing why we shouldn't have to pay. There's a million things I would rather be spending $1600 on! Its so frustrating - I might have a Jim Beam too! 2011 Home Sweet Home Handover 03 September 2010 PCI 27August 2010 Plumber 20August 2010 Electrician 19August 2010 Painting 04 August 2010 Cabinets 13Jul2010 Lockup 23June Frame 20April slab 1Mar10 Re: Struct. variation after DA approved-Lost my fight today 17May 26, 2009 11:59 pm Thanks Anna - Here's a Jim Beam for you too !! Now, it is so unfair for you to pay that hefty fee.. so many things you can do with it, but for now, be positive and hope they come to their senses. Worse casse scenario Anna, if you do end up having to pay the fee or some kind of fee, just bear in mind that in the longer run, the sooner you get the plans finalised and out of this difficult situation with positive results (ie a goof design and facade), the better for you. Keep me posted Building the 22sq Ashton Re: Struct. variation after DA approved-Lost my fight today 18May 26, 2009 11:59 pm Yes, it is a bummer what I went through today but I guess I tried and wasnt meant to be.. now I need to go to sleep and recover my shaky nerves!! Building the 22sq Ashton That sucks! Hope it all works out. Good to move away from steel anyway for all your reasons, but it's also thermally poor. 16 17774 If your patio is going to be 35 sqm then that's going to need Council Approval. The fact that they previously approved your 25sqm patio will be irelevant 1 5500 I work with owner, he/she is my man on the ground and I instruct them when to visit the site and take photos and I have other tools in the bag. 4 15244 |