Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Aug 27, 2007 3:30 pm ***Help please..... Do i need to specify BRAND for things like plumbing pipes, architraves/ skirting/electrical (i.e. power points, cables), paints, anti-termites treatment, gypsrock/plasterboard, frames/trushes, garden taps, drawer handles, shower screen, motor for the panelift garage ?
Should i just leave the brand out as they are generally standard and have competitive price across the brand? Which items above should i pay more attention since they are considered as expensive item. Now the update from the meeting with builders 1) I have talked to four builders last week, and ask them to give me the quote. It seems that they are quite reluctant to take my appliances details as they obtained some of their appliances in a very good price. They can give allowances, but a small one. 2) Two builders claimed that having brick over the windows for standard height house (2400mm) is structurally unsound and only done by "silly" builders. 3) all builders did not want to involve in the "grey water" from laundry/bathroom. The only thing they will do is to connect the water tank to toilets, laundry, one external tap. I know that there is a separate plumbing arrangement for greywater, by how to make use of them and if they are expensive? 4) One builder quote me $230,000 to build a 195m2 house (that include 38m2 garage, 17.25 pergola/alfresco, and 4.2 porch, 174m2 living). I will give you the inclusion list when they are ready, so you could comment if this price is reasonable. Thanks. Ozn Re: Update from last week meeting with prospect builders 2Aug 27, 2007 4:02 pm oznow,
Firstly I should say that I'm not an expert. Just someone who is on the journey to design and build a custom home. I would specify everything. The problem is that builders will get the cheapest item that satisfies a requirement. So your taps, windows, etc will be the cheapest. Another advantage is specifying everything is that you can compare apples to apples. Everyone is quoting the same items so you can compare. At the very least I would ask for a list of all fittings and finishes. Then go and look at some sample items. If they are all poor quality then why proceed. I'd be interested in what appliances they use. Consider an (unrealistic) example. If I asked the builder to supply a TV, they would go out and buy a Sonic (you could get these from Woolworths for $99). You would more likely buy a Sony. It will cost you four times more but the quality will be better and it will last longer. So in the long run the Sony is actually cheaper (and more enjoyable). Again I'm not an expert, but the bricks over windows to me is standard and structurally sound (introduce the builder to the concept of lintels - show them how handy they are ) Can't comment on greywater, but I would have thought that it is becoming pretty standard these days. Your price sounds about right to me, but only if you're getting quality products from reputable manufacturers. Cheers, Casa Demolition August 2009, Construction Started September 2009, Completed December 2010 Re: Update from last week meeting with prospect builders 3Aug 27, 2007 4:14 pm Hi Casa
I tried to do that, but do not have details information for the things i listed in my post above (such as eaves, archtraves, etc). Also, the builder seems not interested to my spec. They said that it would be not economical if they used my spec, as they get "their spec" cheaper. For example, when i asked certain builder to give me Rinai Infinity 26L, instead they will give me a small allowance if i want to change the spec. I am depressed and have spent many sleepless night just to compile the inclusion lists , but it seems the list is useless. The only positive thing was i am more knowledgeable when i discuss witht he builders last week. I am planning just to ask the builder to specify/detail their inclusion list, so that i can make comparison. Three of four builders have have display houses. So i always can go back to check their "quality". OZN Re: Update from last week meeting with prospect builders 4Aug 27, 2007 4:55 pm Oznow, surely you can request things like stone, a specific brand of kitchen appliances, hot water system, windows, but absolutely everything down to eaves?
Also bear in mind that builders have their own suppliers and will be able to get some things cheap(er) than the exact one you want even though they are comparable in quality so you're bound to throw away some money for nothing. For instance, our builder has a contract with a particular lighting shop and can get all the lights at builder's discount, so I went to that shop to look for my lights, was happy with what they had and that was it, no need to pay more for lights from some other shop. I'd say specify things that you know 100% you want and could not live without, but surely that does not include absolutely every little thing? So my advice is request their detailed inclusion list, and then change/add what you can't live without. Re: Update from last week meeting with prospect builders 5Aug 27, 2007 5:56 pm Since i have the block of land, and currently is looking for a good but no-expensive builder, i need to compare their quote. Now, to what extend should we compare apple to apple.
Thanks Re: Update from last week meeting with prospect builders 6Aug 27, 2007 6:49 pm This will always be a tough one when talking to a project home builder.
I think unless you are building custom build - you are always going to have some restisance to changing some items. For instance - you are asking the builder how much extra to change up from their "we know it costs this" for their "normal" house. Take this as a simple example - He knows that when he uses xyz brand of taps they always fit in with enough room to connect the pipe, certain size hole and it takes 10 minutes to install If you say I want to use ABC brand of taps, he now has to check the tap and make sure the hole is the same size, the length of the spiggot out the back is the same, and will it still take 10 minutes to instal? So his "kit' house that he knows he can build for XYZ dollars in so many days - is changing with every variable you ask for - and if he is not familiar with the new item then he will either resist change or add some extra $$ to cover his risk. Sure you can change whatever you like - but a project builder is a volume builder and volume builders do not like change as it becomes to variable. Ask the rolls royce dealer what you can change in the car - anything you want sir/madam - then ask the same question of the Korean car builders and tell me the answer you get. Steve Hi Everyone I learned something this week that I thought would be worth sharing. In NSW a lot of developers of subdivisions put covenants on the land which normally… 0 6583 Look at your bill from the electricity company. It should detail the charges. You will need to do some estimating and some calculations. Then charge the… 8 4254 Site works are just about to start on our build with Blueprint in Midvale. viewtopic.php?f=31&t=106894 2 3960 |