Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Jan 27, 2010 11:31 pm Hi all, I am looking to build this year. I don’t want to get involved in the completion of the frame and internal linings etc. But I would like to investigate the viability of sourcing some PC items myself: (kitchen/bathroom cabinets fittings, fans, flooring etc etc). In anyone’s experience, was it cheaper to arrange your own tradies (not mates rates) to supply and install your PC items. I have heard that some people have saved 30-40% on the cost of flooring etc when they arranged it themselves from local suppliers. That said, would it also be cheaper to source the PC items, mentioned above, from local suppliers? I am unsure of the answer, as some builder’s glossy brochures offer 30k$ of inclusion upgrades for only 5k$. Even for the standard inclusions, could I really get these items cheaper than a mass builder like Coral or AVJennings??? And given that I would have to spend time to visit a range of local suppliers, is it worth it? Has anyone ever been able to compare the builders price vs retail? Also, is sourcing these types of PC items (complete kitchen etc) classed as owner building??? If so, how might a finance company approach this idea? Can anyone share their stories that could help me answer these questions? Cheers Alf… Built Hallmark Home in SE Queensland - modified Flair 181 - no A/C: n/e orientation - 9 foot ceilings - copius insulation - loads of windows - fresh breeze - home... Re: Is it cheaper to source your own PC items??? 2Jan 28, 2010 11:43 am We are supplying our own feature tiles for the ensuite and bathroom, and the tiles for the kitchen splashback, and having the builder's tiler install them. We bought all the tiles from DiLorenzo for way way way less than normal (they were all discontinued bargain basement) (basically $10 per mosaic sheet rather than $35-40), just had to make sure that we bought enough to cover the space we need, plus additional for wastage (10%), plus leftovers so we have spares in the future. Only thing is is that we have to deliver them to site ourselves, but that doesnt bother me at all. Re: Is it cheaper to source your own PC items??? 3Jan 28, 2010 12:00 pm You would have to check with your chosen builder whether it would be allowed or not. Most major builders do not let you provide anything - some smaller builders will, it all depends on the actual builder. One main thing to remember is that it will not be covered under the builder's insurance. So the risk is that you either have the item installed at your own risk or alternatively have to arrange for installation after the rest of the house is completed. We used a small private builder who was willing to let us provide quite a lot of items with them arranging for their tradies to do the install. We were also lucky that the tradies onsite did everything with extreme care so weren't hassled with items going "astray" or being damaged during the install and subsequent finishing off of the house. Some things are worth waiting for. The best advice is for you to get a competent building consultant to guide you through your build 7 4677 The significant date is when receive final payment invoice Check that section of contract Bit of fluff by builders prior to that 1 15946 |