Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Jul 27, 2009 2:02 pm Well ive been a long time watcher on this forum and seen how others new builds have been coming along, i thought maybe its time i done mine too seeing as i seem to be the only one building a Beechwood! Happy to hear from anyone else out there also building with Beechwood too.
Photos of progress so far: 6/5/2009 Block before construction Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ 20/5/2009 Land cut, plumbing in and prepared for slab Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ 10/6/2009 Frame erected, windows in & slab done Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ 13/6/2009 Roof trusses in, feature gables and guttering installed Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ 27/6/2009 Tiling completed, ridge capping done and coloured http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q10/northernspirit/100_0297.jpg 18/7/2009 Brickwork completed, window sill bricks done & brick piers to garage completed Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ That is the most up to date photo i have and now just over a week later the following is done: * Air conditioning ducts in ceiling (awaiting to be gyprocked) * Downpipes (Awaiting water tank to be connected) * Eaves (About half finished) * Insulation (Virtually completed) * Electrical rough in (Should be completed by now) Fingers crossed by the end of next week it will be gyprocked (Gyprock and cornices have already been delivered!) Living with the in-laws is real tough, i hope it isnt much longer! Re: My Beechwood Mona Vale build 2Jul 27, 2009 2:15 pm Welcome to the fourm. We were Beechwood customers just as they went bust. We were in council trying to get the Ascot Sands through and thank our lucky stars that we were stopped then. As we no have our dream almost finished with Masterton . I wish you well on your journey and cant wait to follow your story Tarin and John John, Tarin and the Kids Built and moving in to the Regent Grande with Masterton homes http://thebrownsaremovingtothecountry.blogspot.com Re: My Beechwood Mona Vale build 3Jul 27, 2009 2:19 pm Welcome and good luck, looks like you are about half way through Re: My Beechwood Mona Vale build 4Jul 27, 2009 2:23 pm JohnAndTarin Welcome to the fourm. We were Beechwood customers just as they went bust. We were in council trying to get the Ascot Sands through and thank our lucky stars that we were stopped then. As we no have our dream almost finished with Masterton . I wish you well on your journey and cant wait to follow your story Tarin and John thankyou, i actually think its worked in our favour a little - because of what happened their demand is no doubt lower than in past years coupled with the GFC and i think our build is progressing quite fast, especially with all the rain we've had my understanding the root of beechwoods problems in the past were its sydney branch not the north coast branch which is where we fall under, but with the new owners it seems to have really worked - at least in our case good luck with your new masterton, no doubt its going to be the home of your dreams too Re: My Beechwood Mona Vale build 5Jul 28, 2009 3:55 pm Hi. Where abouts on the Central Coast are you? We're on the Central Coast as well, in Umina. Re: My Beechwood Mona Vale build 6Jul 28, 2009 11:23 pm Re: My Beechwood Mona Vale build 7Jul 29, 2009 10:37 am Looking really good NorthernSpirit. Our first home that we built was with Beechwood here in Newcastle (Balmoral Park which I don't think they build anymore). It was a gorgeous home and we had no problems whatsoever in the almost 7yrs we lived in it. We also spoke extensively with them when we were looking to build our current home but we would have had to amend one of their plans too much so found a private builder instead. Looking forward to seeing your home completed. Some things are worth waiting for. Re: My Beechwood Mona Vale build 8Jul 29, 2009 6:26 pm thanks kyton update today: plastering is underway, just the awkward bits left to gyprock http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q10/ ... 0_0388.jpg http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q10/ ... 0_0389.jpg http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q10/ ... 0_0393.jpg Re: My Beechwood Mona Vale build 9Jul 30, 2009 8:09 pm northern, have you had any problems with the mould around your windows? i can see from your photos that it seems like there is mould there. Re: My Beechwood Mona Vale build 10Jul 31, 2009 8:19 pm buzzard_38 northern, have you had any problems with the mould around your windows? i can see from your photos that it seems like there is mould there. we have noticed it too but we're not concerned with it as it will be painted over Re: My Beechwood Mona Vale build 11Aug 06, 2009 10:24 pm Hi Northern Spirit How is your house going? Do you mind answering a few questions for me about Beechwood? We are first home builders but not owners. We are thinking of building the Mona Vale with them too in Sydney as we love the floor plan. How long did it take to get the home approved by council? How long do you anticipate the process and build to take? Are you happy with the quality of the home? How much are you expecting the extras to be on top of the base price? Thanks McDonald Jones Homes - The Parklane http://ashobuild.blogspot.com/ https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=34426 Re: My Beechwood Mona Vale build 12Aug 12, 2009 6:09 pm Bizzie Mummy Hi Northern Spirit How is your house going? Do you mind answering a few questions for me about Beechwood? We are first home builders but not owners. We are thinking of building the Mona Vale with them too in Sydney as we love the floor plan. How long did it take to get the home approved by council? How long do you anticipate the process and build to take? Are you happy with the quality of the home? How much are you expecting the extras to be on top of the base price? Thanks happy to answer your questions 1. re: council approval - it took 4 weeks to get approved, we are in Wyong Council (central coast), i imagine much of this depends on the council concerned - for the record we got this version: http://beechwoodhomes.com.au/images/designs/fp_102.pdf except we had our corner in the family squared off and added a 4.5m x 4.5m approx alfresco off the family room 2: they started on site 15/5 and we're about 3.5 weeks off now (will post pics following on) 3: quality, everything has been spot on to date touch wood, the kitchen/bathrooms etc and finishes are coming up now 4: extras, well we had all sorts of extras ie: alfresco, ducted air con, downlights throughout, vogue 2000 facade, upgraded benchtops/bricks, tiling, carpets and site fees/basix/bushfire requirements - expect to increase it by 100k give or take... dont forget to allow for any retaining walls, driveways, fencing, landscaping, clothes line etc... Re: My Beechwood Mona Vale build 13Aug 12, 2009 6:22 pm Update: Since last post following has been done: * Plastering complete * Cornices complete * Holes pre-cut for downlights, power points, light points * Waterproofing to bathrooms and laundry complete * Pantry doors / shelving complete * Linen doors / shelving complete * Most doors hung and frames around doors * Electrical trench dug * Electrical Meterbox done and connected Still to be done: * Skirtings * Window architraves * Fitting electrical / air con * Kitchen * Bathrooms * Laundry * Painting * Door handles * Hot water tank * Tiling external shot, front door on Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ waterproofing Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ kitchen pantry Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ built in robes done Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ front door Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Re: My Beechwood Mona Vale build 14Aug 13, 2009 9:40 pm Re: My Beechwood Mona Vale build - Kitchen cabinets are in! 15Aug 16, 2009 4:48 pm Hi Northern Spirit, We've been following your thread with interest. Its great to see and hear some positive things about Beechwood after the collapse. Its also good to see the step by step building progress. Im surprised about how fast your home has been going up. Are you expecting to move in next month? We have asked Beechwood to do a quote on our land in Kellyville Ridge. So atm we are waiting to see what costs they come back with. We have budgeted for an extra 100k too. But wasn't completely sure if it would be more or less. We have chosen this mona vale design http://beechwoodhomes.com.au/images/designs/fp_98.pdf with extended garage, upgraded kitchen and we are thinking of turning the dining area into a small study. Looking forward to seeing more posts and photos. McDonald Jones Homes - The Parklane http://ashobuild.blogspot.com/ https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=34426 Re: My Beechwood Mona Vale build - Kitchen cabinets are in! 16Aug 16, 2009 8:44 pm Bizzie Mummy Hi Northern Spirit, We've been following your thread with interest. Its great to see and hear some positive things about Beechwood after the collapse. Its also good to see the step by step building progress. Im surprised about how fast your home has been going up. Are you expecting to move in next month? We have asked Beechwood to do a quote on our land in Kellyville Ridge. So atm we are waiting to see what costs they come back with. We have budgeted for an extra 100k too. But wasn't completely sure if it would be more or less. We have chosen this mona vale design http://beechwoodhomes.com.au/images/designs/fp_98.pdf with extended garage, upgraded kitchen and we are thinking of turning the dining area into a small study. Looking forward to seeing more posts and photos. Hi Bizzie Mummy, We are expecting to move in in the next month yes, since my last post theyve done the skirtings around the floor, window architraves and prepared the doors for handles to go in. re: your design, love the kitchen with the island bench, unfortunately we were limited in what we could do because our block is narrow so we had an alfresco added to the back of the family room. The only flaw i can see with the layout is the showers are on the small side, no big deal for us but if you love big showers you dont get them with this home. That being said the rooms are all good sizes, especially the formal living/dining area. I expect this week it should be painted, handles put on doors and electricals fitted, then its just completing the kitchen/bathrooms - not long to go now! Which facade are you looking at for yours? Ours is the vogue 2000 - i understand they have a new range of facades available now too... some new pictures of progress on the build: Windows lined and skirtings done: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Better photo of kitchen cabinets Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Bathroom and ensuite underway Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Our first look at the garage doors Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Our outdoor alfresco room Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Re: My Beechwood Mona Vale build - Kitchen cabinets are in! 17Aug 17, 2009 9:24 pm Hi Northern Spirit, You must be very excited to move in soon. Counting down the days! So basically they have put your house up in around 4months? Wow that was quick. Everything is looking good from the photos. I love the Alfresco on the back. Great idea. We are still waiting for Beechwood to get back with us on a quote. We are unable to do much this year as our land doesn't register until November. Although I'm hoping we will be able to put the plans in to council before the land is registered for approval so we can start building straight away. We chose that design for a few reasons 1. The kitchen island bench (I love it) 2. Decent sized bedrooms and my 2 kids (there still only babies atm) will not be arguing over who has the bigger room as they are the same size. 3. I love the two big open plan living areas. 4. We can have a drive through garage and a massive entertaining area on the side of the house (our current bbq area is big but the new one will be bigger, I have the kids playgym under it for wet weather play). 5. I like the idea of the kitchen and back living area looking over the yard so I can see my kids playing if I'm cooking dinner etc (I can't do that in my current home) also as our backyard faces north the living and kitchen area will be filled with sunlight during the winter (free heating) . As for the facade we are thinking Santa Fe. I do like some of the more modern designs like the vogue keystone, but we might be restricted by budget. I would prefer to upgrade the kitchen than to spend money on the facade. We will wait and see what quote Beechwood come back with first. We have asked Beechwood to quote us for like everything driveway, flooring, ducted airconditioning etc. Did you do it this way or are you getting it done by others? What type of downlights are you using in your home? I've noticed they have energy saving ones available now. You mentioned they will be painting soon. What colours have you chosen? How many choices are you given? (Sorry I don't know and can't find anyone else that is building with Beechwood to ask all these questions!) McDonald Jones Homes - The Parklane http://ashobuild.blogspot.com/ https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=34426 Re: My Beechwood Mona Vale build - Kitchen cabinets are in! 18Aug 17, 2009 11:18 pm Bizzie Mummy Hi Northern Spirit, You must be very excited to move in soon. Counting down the days! So basically they have put your house up in around 4months? Wow that was quick. Everything is looking good from the photos. I love the Alfresco on the back. Great idea. We are still waiting for Beechwood to get back with us on a quote. We are unable to do much this year as our land doesn't register until November. Although I'm hoping we will be able to put the plans in to council before the land is registered for approval so we can start building straight away. We chose that design for a few reasons 1. The kitchen island bench (I love it) 2. Decent sized bedrooms and my 2 kids (there still only babies atm) will not be arguing over who has the bigger room as they are the same size. 3. I love the two big open plan living areas. 4. We can have a drive through garage and a massive entertaining area on the side of the house (our current bbq area is big but the new one will be bigger, I have the kids playgym under it for wet weather play). 5. I like the idea of the kitchen and back living area looking over the yard so I can see my kids playing if I'm cooking dinner etc (I can't do that in my current home) also as our backyard faces north the living and kitchen area will be filled with sunlight during the winter (free heating) . As for the facade we are thinking Santa Fe. I do like some of the more modern designs like the vogue keystone, but we might be restricted by budget. I would prefer to upgrade the kitchen than to spend money on the facade. We will wait and see what quote Beechwood come back with first. We have asked Beechwood to quote us for like everything driveway, flooring, ducted airconditioning etc. Did you do it this way or are you getting it done by others? What type of downlights are you using in your home? I've noticed they have energy saving ones available now. You mentioned they will be painting soon. What colours have you chosen? How many choices are you given? (Sorry I don't know and can't find anyone else that is building with Beechwood to ask all these questions!) all sounds good to me, we're in a very similar situation with a 2 year old and another on the way! we also love the idea of the family and kitchen overlooking the garden we also included the driveway, flooring, air con etc in our quote yes and also an allowance for landscaping although most of those items are "provisional allowances" so we use those funds to get someone to do those jobs for us instead of them doing it because they would charge much more! downlights were getting are standard ones dont know much else lol re: colours, we chose oriental white for the walls/skirtings and snowdrop white for the ceilings, should be a nice blend and wont date like some colours can - when you sign up youll have a colour selection appointment, my advice is to go prepared, go to the brick yard, the tile yards and spend plenty of time picking your colours - after all once youve decided its final pretty much! I will keep posting more photos for you to look at (yes were about 4 months in now and very close) Re: My Beechwood Mona Vale build - Kitchen cabinets are in! 19Aug 18, 2009 11:53 am I agree you need more room as the family expands. The mona vale should make a great family home. Good luck with the new bub. The kitchen looks great very modern. I was thinking along similar lines for wall colours too. Our current place I changed the colour from cream (so overused) to a lava smoke white colour with very pale brown/greyish skirtings. The good thing about it is any furniture matches! Plus just before we sold the house I touched up some marks with leftover paint. Looks like it has just been repainted and only took half an hour. I think we will go for a whitish colour again with feature walls in the kids bedrooms that can easily be changed. My inlaws are about to start building with Clarendon and we've tagged along to a few of the meetings and viewing of tiles etc so we kinda know what we are in for. And guess what there were lots of stuff ups along the way and building is yet to start! I get a bit fed up of everyone critising Beechwood when I've heard plenty of horror stories about other builders like Clarendon, Eden Brae, Mirvac, Wisdom etc. Oh plus like every 4th house around here is a Beechwood design anyway so they can't be that bad. Ok rant over. Hmm still waiting for Beechwood to get back to us with the quote. They said 1-2 weeks well its more than that now. Hubby and I were talking about getting our solicitor to check the contract etc before we sign. Plus we are also thinking of getting an independent building inspector in to check before we sign off on the stages. This is really cos we are slightly nervous given their history. But they still have the best floor plans. McDonald Jones Homes - The Parklane http://ashobuild.blogspot.com/ https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=34426 Re: My Beechwood Mona Vale build - Kitchen cabinets are in! 20Aug 18, 2009 9:13 pm Bizzie Mummy I agree you need more room as the family expands. The mona vale should make a great family home. Good luck with the new bub. The kitchen looks great very modern. I was thinking along similar lines for wall colours too. Our current place I changed the colour from cream (so overused) to a lava smoke white colour with very pale brown/greyish skirtings. The good thing about it is any furniture matches! Plus just before we sold the house I touched up some marks with leftover paint. Looks like it has just been repainted and only took half an hour. I think we will go for a whitish colour again with feature walls in the kids bedrooms that can easily be changed. My inlaws are about to start building with Clarendon and we've tagged along to a few of the meetings and viewing of tiles etc so we kinda know what we are in for. And guess what there were lots of stuff ups along the way and building is yet to start! I get a bit fed up of everyone critising Beechwood when I've heard plenty of horror stories about other builders like Clarendon, Eden Brae, Mirvac, Wisdom etc. Oh plus like every 4th house around here is a Beechwood design anyway so they can't be that bad. Ok rant over. Hmm still waiting for Beechwood to get back to us with the quote. They said 1-2 weeks well its more than that now. Hubby and I were talking about getting our solicitor to check the contract etc before we sign. Plus we are also thinking of getting an independent building inspector in to check before we sign off on the stages. This is really cos we are slightly nervous given their history. But they still have the best floor plans. you should be getting your quote very soon i imagine, how exciting! i hope they have some sort of promotion running with freebies, we scored a few nice items from it good idea to go over the contract and inspections, particuarly the structural parts - alot of the cosmetic stuff will be obvious to the eye but you want to know the tradies are doing their job properly... we have been very happy with the quality of everything thus far. Let us know when you get it As for us, no progress sadly - the last 2 days noone has been on site so fingers crossed on my daily drive by tommorrow i see someones van there and workers getting a move on, and hopefully some more photos i would suggest nothing is unreasonable for PCI. we did all sorts, including checking the hot water, checking all the GPO's had power, testing that the showers were… 9 98680 you need to understand the breakdown of warranties. 90 warranty is considered as minor defects rectification period where as the longer ones are more major/structural… 1 5339 Hi, I have this sewer inspection point sitting in an odd spot in the rear of my yard: https://imgur.com/ghLI98q What I'd like to do is put a firepit in that corner of… 0 6524 |