Browse Forums Building A New House Re: McDonald Jones Homes - The new thread 521Nov 29, 2010 2:32 pm Hi Danana, That is disappointing to hear that the painters are so bad - I hope we don't get the same ones. They will be in for a shock if they think they can do a bad job for us as Garry is a painter by trade and will go over it with a fine tooth comb. We have also paid to have 3 coats of paint so we will make sure that is what we get. We have been told the gyprock will start on Friday and lock up by 13 December. Woodduck, what kind of paint job did you get. Are you happy with it? Re: McDonald Jones Homes - The new thread 522Nov 29, 2010 5:45 pm G'day Guys, Had our pre-selection walk through today for the colors, I must admit that after reading the comments I was a little bit worried in relation to a very limited "standard" collection, but we were actually blown away by what is included in the "standard" range. So not many upgrades at all 1 thing that I did forget to ask the color consultant is what is the pricing for the 3 coats, as we are picking a pretty light color (not sure which one - wife's domain " I opted to have the standard tile behind the range hood as I really like the tile in the Bordeaux in the Rutherford Display home (been there about 100 times already, I think the lady is going to get sick of us). So well will be sticking with the tile opposed to forking out $1500 to have the splash back extended to go behind the range hood. Was quoted $10500 for the 60x60 Porcelain tiles (yes the same as the display home, I might as well pick that house up and move it to our block as most of our colors will be the same), I think we'll be going with this quote as we have budgeted for the tiling to be around $10000, and i'm more than happy to pay the extra $500 for the convenience of being able to move straight in and not having to be at a Tiler's mercy. Does anyone know how provisional allowances work in regards to banks, the "Bank" we are going through won't allow us to borrow more than the "Fixed" contract from the builder due to us getting the Defence Home Loan (saving big bucks!). We were hoping to get some extra to do somethings ourselves but if the bank isn't going to play the game that's going to be interesting. McDonald Jones have put in a provisional allowance on our behalf but unsure what this arrangement means. I will be seeking further advice tomorrow. So getting back on topic, very happy with our color consultant (Melissa), was friendly and very helpful - hopefully we will be able to go through the process for real when we go back in a fortnight. I'm more than happy to enlighten any one regarding rough costs for the things that we had upgraded/got prices for. Josh ___________________ Initial deposit - 31 Oct 11 Signed Contract - Apr 11 Released to Construction - 03 Jun 11 Site Start - 05 Jul 11 (Advised) Re: McDonald Jones Homes - The new thread 523Nov 29, 2010 6:11 pm Hi Castlevania, Glad the process went well for you. Hope mine will be good once I get to that stage as this one is already dragging out. Could you please tell me how long was the period from initial deposit to colour appointment. Also, have you done any brick upgrades, if so do you recall any brick categories? I like Pebble from PGH (from the website only-not sure of the look in real life) and wonder if anyone knows which category thhis might be. Thanks. Building Havana Elite with side HT with MJD 20/04/11 DA approved by council 06/06/11 cut/fill 08/06/11 piering 20/6/11 slab 11/8/11 frame complete 18/9/11 lock up 28/11/11 handover booked Re: McDonald Jones Homes - The new thread 524Nov 29, 2010 6:12 pm Castlevania G'day Guys, Had our pre-selection walk through today for the colors, I must admit that after reading the comments I was a little bit worried in relation to a very limited "standard" collection, but we were actually blown away by what is included in the "standard" range. So not many upgrades at all 1 thing that I did forget to ask the color consultant is what is the pricing for the 3 coats, as we are picking a pretty light color (not sure which one - wife's domain " I opted to have the standard tile behind the range hood as I really like the tile in the Bordeaux in the Rutherford Display home (been there about 100 times already, I think the lady is going to get sick of us). So well will be sticking with the tile opposed to forking out $1500 to have the splash back extended to go behind the range hood. Was quoted $10500 for the 60x60 Porcelain tiles (yes the same as the display home, I might as well pick that house up and move it to our block as most of our colors will be the same), I think we'll be going with this quote as we have budgeted for the tiling to be around $10000, and i'm more than happy to pay the extra $500 for the convenience of being able to move straight in and not having to be at a Tiler's mercy. Does anyone know how provisional allowances work in regards to banks, the "Bank" we are going through won't allow us to borrow more than the "Fixed" contract from the builder due to us getting the Defence Home Loan (saving big bucks!). We were hoping to get some extra to do somethings ourselves but if the bank isn't going to play the game that's going to be interesting. McDonald Jones have put in a provisional allowance on our behalf but unsure what this arrangement means. I will be seeking further advice tomorrow. So getting back on topic, very happy with our color consultant (Melissa), was friendly and very helpful - hopefully we will be able to go through the process for real when we go back in a fortnight. I'm more than happy to enlighten any one regarding rough costs for the things that we had upgraded/got prices for. Josh Glad it went well. We fount it such a relief to see what the selection process would be like. What design are you building? I am considering upgrading the kitchen cupboard doors so that will be our biggest expense. I have been trying to get an idea of the cost of flyscreens and security screens for the stacker and regular doors. Companies seem reluctant to give even an estimate without the house being built.. Has anyone else had this problem? Is it really worth looking elsewhere or is it similar in the end?? Lizzie Re: McDonald Jones Homes - The new thread 525Nov 29, 2010 6:21 pm taki Hi Castlevania, Glad the process went well for you. Hope mine will be good once I get to that stage as this one is already dragging out. Could you please tell me how long was the period from initial deposit to colour appointment. Also, have you done any brick upgrades, if so do you recall any brick categories? I like Pebble from PGH (from the website only-not sure of the look in real life) and wonder if anyone knows which category thhis might be. Thanks. Hi Taki, Our gap from paying deposit to colour appt will be around 6 weeks - appears alot shorter then some time lines I have been looking at on blogs. And seriously we need that time - bricks have been our biggest decision and we need to decide that before colour appt. Have you received your colour folder - ours took the full 2 weeks. Yours shouldn't be too far away if you haven't received it. It will contain an email address to confirm the colour appt and we made contact and have been able to email to request prices for not included bricks - basically anything from $800 to close to $4000 for the house - most were under $1000 so definately work asking. I don't know about Pebble. Slurry bricks show a different colour when they chip so we are trying to avoid this. Also a couple of ranges require an extra cost for cleaning and there are only a number of included garage door clours (light colours) so this will all impact your decision. I decided I was happy to upgrade either brick or garage door but not both.. Good luck - we are finding it is slowly coming together. Can't wait for the decisions to be made so we can relax and wait for action at the site Lizzie Re: McDonald Jones Homes - The new thread 526Nov 29, 2010 7:21 pm Hey Tiki, We got our colour pack about a week after our deposit of 3000 and our appointment about 4/5 weeks after the deposit. She mentioned that the fly screens are $47 per a window, we are building the Bordeaux 14 at Waterford County (Near Maitland/Hunter). Josh ___________________ Initial deposit - 31 Oct 11 Signed Contract - Apr 11 Released to Construction - 03 Jun 11 Site Start - 05 Jul 11 (Advised) Re: McDonald Jones Homes - The new thread 527Nov 29, 2010 7:25 pm Hey Taki, Sorry didn't see your question regarding the bricks, have been told that Austral are the new suppliers for bricks and not PGH, unsure if this is location specific. Does any one know if the Bar area is included in the Home Theater room in the Bordeaux 14? I forgot to ask and i'm scared to make another variation I think the next one may cost me my life. J ___________________ Initial deposit - 31 Oct 11 Signed Contract - Apr 11 Released to Construction - 03 Jun 11 Site Start - 05 Jul 11 (Advised) Re: McDonald Jones Homes - The new thread 528Nov 29, 2010 7:35 pm We paid our deposit on 13/11 and I suppose I can expect a colour pack soon (hope it's good). I'm trying to obtain Geotech from developer, which would save us around $400. I asked for flyscreens to be included in the quote as I've heard they are not too expensive, but was told they are, I will ask about this at the colour appt then, would prefer to have them doen before the move in. Bricks are my main worry, we need exposure grade and we want to pick solid coloured brick, as we are going with Classic facade and being Havana Elite, it will be fairly wide and needs to look good. b.lizzie-do you recall garage colours that are standard. Have you narrowed down your choice of bricks. I thought about contacting PGH and Austral as from their websites you can't tell whih ones are solid. We hope to start building in March-April. Did anyone upgrade external/internal doors and what is the choice. We need to keep the costs down, as I think our site costs will be more, 1.5m fall front to back, need around 700mm cut and same for the fill, at least won't need soil removal I hope. Castlevania, I was looking at Austral, I don't mind Symmetry Asphalt and I've heard it's solid colour. Are you going with brick or bag/render? Building Havana Elite with side HT with MJD 20/04/11 DA approved by council 06/06/11 cut/fill 08/06/11 piering 20/6/11 slab 11/8/11 frame complete 18/9/11 lock up 28/11/11 handover booked Re: McDonald Jones Homes - The new thread 529Nov 29, 2010 7:50 pm Hey Taki, Going for the Brick, was tossing over getting the place bagged however thought in the long run with maintenance would be a pain - not a handy person I'm sure if you go trawling back through this forum you'll find that people were quoted around $540?!? for fly screens. If that is the price, I'll have the builder do it, as I have done it before and found it to be painful - lack in the patience department too Haven't thought about the bricks, Danielle has her favorites for different things (brick included), We are upgrading the internal (all $980 for molded) and external doors (stained for $500). I was told that you get the door that is shown on your facade picture. Unsure of the Garage as I think Danielle has that covered as well, maybe i'll get to choose something for the home theater room! Does anyone know the rough cost of putting plantation shutters in the Bordeaux? J ___________________ Initial deposit - 31 Oct 11 Signed Contract - Apr 11 Released to Construction - 03 Jun 11 Site Start - 05 Jul 11 (Advised) Re: McDonald Jones Homes - The new thread 530Nov 29, 2010 7:58 pm Josh, I found this blog that has Austral Asphalt and I like them I must say, hope I like the price http://erwisdomprosperity.blogspot.com/ We are getting the impression package, which has upgrade to Hume Nexus range fron door, I would also like to update internal doors. With bagging, we are going with bricks as would hate maintenance, not handy people anyway. I will leave cinema room to my husband, and it will depend on price, can't go overboard, we may do this after as it would be cheaper. Building Havana Elite with side HT with MJD 20/04/11 DA approved by council 06/06/11 cut/fill 08/06/11 piering 20/6/11 slab 11/8/11 frame complete 18/9/11 lock up 28/11/11 handover booked Re: McDonald Jones Homes - The new thread 531Nov 30, 2010 6:31 am 1155 Hi Danana, Woodduck, what kind of paint job did you get. Are you happy with it? So far the paint job (from what i can see) is pretty good, the only fault i can see so far is the pantry doors with glass, around the edges is pretty average. But over all reasonably happy, until our building inspector tells me otherwise...lol Woodduck Building The Chesterfield Grande with McDonald Jones https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=33587 Re: McDonald Jones Homes - The new thread 532Nov 30, 2010 7:32 am @ Woodduck - you have employed a private inspector for your build? I was thinking about doing this as well......have you found this valuable so far and did MJH have any issues withyou getting one? I think I would rather pay for one to have piece of mind considering how much we are spending on the build. Re: McDonald Jones Homes - The new thread 533Nov 30, 2010 7:48 am normad @ Woodduck - you have employed a private inspector for your build? I was thinking about doing this as well......have you found this valuable so far and did MJH have any issues withyou getting one? I think I would rather pay for one to have piece of mind considering how much we are spending on the build. Hi Normad, Have sent you a PM. An inspector will pick up things we are not trained to see. No issues with MJH. Will keep you all posted. Woodduck Building The Chesterfield Grande with McDonald Jones https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=33587 Re: McDonald Jones Homes - The new thread 534Nov 30, 2010 7:53 am Yay found a few people in our area that have already built with mjh & they kindly let us have a look at their benches & vanities so very comfortable with the formica now. They looked great. Still having sleepless nights about the colour selection, i can't wait til they are all done & we know pricing... having an issue with the main bathroom... we told the "salesperson" what we wanted & they gave us a drawing of what is was suppose to be like (same as the ensuite - double basins, bulkheads etc) then when we were going over the quote for the 100th time it didn't seem to line up. When i queried our client liason about it, he tells me no there is only one basin blah blah blah... apparently we can add the extra basin at colours but when we asked at our colour walk throu she said we had to talk to our client liason hopefully it will get sorted quickly... do they give you exact pricing on the day at your colour selections or do you have to wait for them to send it out? Re: McDonald Jones Homes - The new thread 535Nov 30, 2010 12:27 pm Castlevania Does any one know if the Bar area is included in the Home Theater room in the Bordeaux 14? I forgot to ask and i'm scared to make another variation I think the next one may cost me my life. Hi all, Not too sure, we are getting the 'old' Bordeaux, they changed the design slightly after they built the display home. So where the bar is in the display home is where the TV will be in ours. We had a provisional allowance for electrical. Once we had chosen all our electricals, a variation comes in which removed the provisional allowance and adds the 'real' amount on. (ie: -$5000 provisional, +$6000 electrical variation) if that makes sense. Make sure you add allowances for piering!! that was our biggest post-construction variation, but its totally random which way it will go. Flyscreens for us (excluding the sliding/stacker doors) were around $500 I think. Our place is littered with blue stickers that dictate where the paint needs fixing up, granted a lot of them are touch ups after the powerpoints and lights were installed etc. Building with McDonald Jones - Bordeaux 14m @ the ponds in sydney's north-west Build Blog => http://damianandannasabode.blogspot.com/ Construction status - DONE. Re: McDonald Jones Homes - The new thread 536Nov 30, 2010 2:12 pm Hi all, danana-your house looks great, I like the red colour on your facade. Regarding bricks, if anyone is interested, I called Austral today, I was told that Symmetry and Bowral range are solid colour throughout the brick. Also got infor that Symmetry Asphalt is not exposure grade so that one is out for me. I also like Bowral Murrey Grey. gavmer1...I noticed you upgraded to Bowral range, would you mind sharing the upgrade cost please... If anyone has any more info on bricks, please feel free to share. I got a message saying our colour folder is on its way, can't wait for it. Building Havana Elite with side HT with MJD 20/04/11 DA approved by council 06/06/11 cut/fill 08/06/11 piering 20/6/11 slab 11/8/11 frame complete 18/9/11 lock up 28/11/11 handover booked Re: McDonald Jones Homes - The new thread 537Nov 30, 2010 2:42 pm Thanks Woodduck, Can you tell me when they put the air-conditioning ducting in the roof. Do they leave it until the gyprock is finished? Re: McDonald Jones Homes - The new thread 538Nov 30, 2010 2:58 pm 1155 Thanks Woodduck, Can you tell me when they put the air-conditioning ducting in the roof. Do they leave it until the gyprock is finished? It was put in after the gyprock and painting finished. I guess it depends on the SS and what trades are available. Building The Chesterfield Grande with McDonald Jones https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=33587 Re: McDonald Jones Homes - The new thread 539Nov 30, 2010 5:56 pm danana Castlevania Does any one know if the Bar area is included in the Home Theater room in the Bordeaux 14? I forgot to ask and i'm scared to make another variation I think the next one may cost me my life. Hi all, Not too sure, we are getting the 'old' Bordeaux, they changed the design slightly after they built the display home. So where the bar is in the display home is where the TV will be in ours. We had a provisional allowance for electrical. Once we had chosen all our electricals, a variation comes in which removed the provisional allowance and adds the 'real' amount on. (ie: -$5000 provisional, +$6000 electrical variation) if that makes sense. Make sure you add allowances for piering!! that was our biggest post-construction variation, but its totally random which way it will go. Flyscreens for us (excluding the sliding/stacker doors) were around $500 I think. Our place is littered with blue stickers that dictate where the paint needs fixing up, granted a lot of them are touch ups after the powerpoints and lights were installed etc. Hey Danana, How many extra piering holes did you end up having to have? We already have the allocated funds aside for electrical, just not the fences, landscaping and the Plantation Shutters. I spoke to the bank today and they are more than happy for us to have a provision, so I will contact the variation guy and have him up it from 20 to 30. Looks like our house will be very similar to your regarding the temp lighting, have you contacted an electrician yet regarding quotes? Thanks Taki for the advice, I"m unsure of the pricing for to upgrade the bricks? Anyone??? Josh ___________________ Initial deposit - 31 Oct 11 Signed Contract - Apr 11 Released to Construction - 03 Jun 11 Site Start - 05 Jul 11 (Advised) Re: McDonald Jones Homes - The new thread 540Nov 30, 2010 7:18 pm Hi Everyone, Before I bury myself in preparing for colour selection, I found the list of included Austral Bricks - Classic, Old Colonial, Impressions, heritage, South pacific (? slury ie not solid colour), Urban one (I think is slury), Whitsunday (I think is slury) and everyday life. The cost to upgrade we found started at around $820 for the house. This included some PGH and some Austral, others were around $3000, but mostly under $1000. We are looking at Austral Governor range and finally starting to agree on a style!! Taki - garage door colours are surfmist, sandbark, paperbark and classic cream, there are 4 styles and you can pay extra for the window things. I found the colour folder left me overwhelmed with even more questions, so this has been great along with a walk through.. Hi AKG, We had a base tender of $592 for 31 squares from MC Donald Jones. It looks relatively cheaper than other builders. But I assume there are many hidden things that… 1 16793 Hi, Apologies - I know there is plenty out there on this but struggling to put together the puzzle. We're planning our garage/external laundry to master bedroom and… 0 11096 Hi there! Putting the feelers out there for those who have (or almost) built with Arli homes! Interested in your experiences who've built from their stock home designs… 0 23467 |