Browse Forums Building A New House 1 May 08, 2010 6:18 pm Hello I'm new to this site but wanted some opinion on this. MY husband and I are looking at building our second house, and a) I can't believe how much things have changed since we built 8 years ago and b)I'm very confused. So my question is Is it better to start with a cheaper house and spec it up to how we want, or, to start with a house (and builder) with a higher level of standard and make fewer changes?? We have a pretty good idea of what we want- recessed ceilings and high ceilings, stone benches etc and have found a house we love that has these as standard, but am wondering if it wouldn't be cheaper to start with a cheaper floorplan and make the changes to that?? Thanks! my new build thread- Ben Trager https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=89826 my switch build thread (2011) https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=36569 Re: Start high or low? 2May 09, 2010 2:08 pm when looking at the homes ignore all the gimmicks out there and make sure you just get down to the nuts and bolts and compare apples with apples. I would suggest finding a design that suits you first then add all the bells and whistles you want. Some will sell their homes with all inclusive items and some will work the other way and offer a base then you load on what ever you want in the homes. Be sure to get a few quotes from different places and also be very clear on what the site costs will be. compare firstly the standard inclusions in a home then look at the upgrades the consultant adds on for you. Re: Start high or low? 3May 09, 2010 2:34 pm IMO, definitely start with a builder and design that's as close to the standard you want as possible. The builder will be doing what they do all the time rather than swimming out of their depth. Probably the most important factor is that the tradies on the job will be used to meeting that builder's standards. As an example, our ceiling heights ranged from 3 to 3.9 metres with bulkheads, which meant a combination of elaborate cornices and square-set. The plasterers and cornice fitters were used to this as it's what they do all the time - and it showed. They were happy and comfortable with the job and we were very happy too. The only problem was that they were so friendly and chatty, we had to stay away so they would get some work done. The main plasterer even brought us a dozen eggs after telling all about his free-range chooks. Of course, we made sure they didn't leave empty-handed at the end of the job, too. Using a team of plasterers that spent most of their time doing 2.4 metre ceilings would have cost more for a lesser job. That same principle can be extended to every aspect of the build. When I was told at the beginning of our build that it would actually cost more to get a "budget builder" to do the same house, I was very skeptical. During the build, that truth became crystal clear. OTOH, getting a "prestige builder" to downspec too much would probably be a bad idea, too. I reckon it's horses for courses. Once you've decided the standard and cost of the house you want to build, I think the best approach by far is to select your builder from those that typically do homes as close to that standard as possible. That way, the builder will be working within their "comfort zone" and things will just flow better. The tradies, suppliers and standards they are familiar with will generally be the ones that suit the type/standard of house you want to build. So, don't try start high or low - try to get the match between your house and the builder spot-on. As a committed convert to this way of thinking, I hope I can be excused for being a bit preachy about it.... Cheers zeke Re: Start high or low? 4May 09, 2010 4:08 pm We started by writing down what our home needed, and then worked from a budget for our base price. We chose to pay less for the basic house. With a few builders I've found, the cost of simply upgrading some of the features of your home, your almost paying full price, not just the difference between standard and upgrade. That probably makes no sense to anyone apart from me We also had fixed site costs, as we didn't want any nasty surprises. It may cost more, but less stressful in the long run, should you encounter any problems. Dear J.K. Rowling, Your books are entirely unrealistic. I mean, a ginger kid with two friends? Sincerely, Anonymous Re: Start high or low? 5May 09, 2010 6:42 pm Best thing as everyone has said, pick a plan that is very close to what you want so that you don't make too many structural changes = $$$. I would also suggest working out a budget. And to answer your question, I would start lower because if you start with the highest spec house and take things out, the builder gives very little back. Go with a builder who can provide good specs to start off with and work your way from there. Summit/New Gen Homes Slab - 9/4/10 PCI - 13/9/10 Handover - 22/9/10 Re: Start high or low? 7May 09, 2010 8:07 pm I also agree and said this to someone yesterday just starting the homebuild trail. Forget the fancy stuff. Start with the plan, that has to be right for your family. That is the most important thing. The rest can be optioned or added if finances allow. www.themaxbuild.blogspot.com forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=20717&start=300 www.leahspaperpassion.blogspot.com Re: Start high or low? 8May 09, 2010 8:33 pm See, thing is, we've found a floor plan we love, adore, very few structural changes needed, comes with fancy stuff as standard. But I keep seeing these REALLY cheap houses advertised, that I'm sure we could mess with in a big way and add all the fancy stuff in, and am wondering if that'd be cheaper?? I guess a big part of it is, that 8 years ago we built our first home for Just over $103000 and now we're looking at $220000 ish which is mind boggling! my new build thread- Ben Trager https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=89826 my switch build thread (2011) https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=36569 Re: Start high or low? 9May 09, 2010 8:47 pm Are the REALLY cheap house satisfactory as far as floorplan and quality goes? How big is the home for the $220ish? A friend of DH's built a home with the basics of all they had to offer. What he did was when things wore out or broke or they managed to save a little money they replaced them with the fancier or better things. eg taps etc. www.themaxbuild.blogspot.com forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=20717&start=300 www.leahspaperpassion.blogspot.com 4 6193 If you can calculate the reasonable charged head from let's say 100mm below the gutter to the top of where the vertical riser's horizontal discharge pipe will be, that… 11 17525 Those span tables can be pushed a little for a low deck if you dont mind a little flex. Last deck I did, I pushed it a little and it was still rock solid - no noticeable… 6 13735 |