Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Jul 22, 2010 6:52 pm We're looking at building with a small local builder from our own plan. Now he provides a 'finished product' as in all we'd have to supply is landscaping and curtains. Of course the price comes in quite expensive (in my inexperienced eyes) ... so what I would like to know from experienced builders ... Do you personally feel you achieved better value for money by letting the builder do everything or did/do you prefer to get all the extra's done after handover? If you do prefer to get the extra's after handover ... what sort of things? carpet, tiles, extra electrical work? Love everyones opinions and feedback ... thanks ~ trying to build our dream home by the sea ~ Re: A question for all those who have built before :-) 2Jul 22, 2010 7:17 pm I would have to say it would probably depend on your builder. We had our builder include everything in the quote and in the contract inclusing landscaping, curtains, carpet, letterbox, clothesline etc etc. What I found is that along the way if we decided to source our own things I could always have it credited back to us with a variation. For example- I have just decided I don't like the washing line they have included in the contract (I want bigger) so they have sent me a variation of $250 to get my own. We have done several variations with various things and I have never been charged a "variation fee" By doing it this way- we applied for a loan from the bank and knew EXACTLY what it was going to cost us. So- I would just check this with your builder. Good luck! Michelle Build thread: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=32574 Re: A question for all those who have built before :-) 3Jul 22, 2010 7:24 pm RaryGirl Sometimes builders charge a premium price for things that can be done after handover. Do you know anyone handy? Would you have help available to help you finish things off? Are you prepared to wait for things to be done after handover or are you the type of person that would just want to "get it done and over with" and be handed the keys to an almost finished home? I guess it depends on whether the prices that your builder can supply and fit things for is cheaper than what you can get it done for. You may need to do a bit of homework in that area to help you get your answer. We had these things done after handover, Carpet Some lighting Landscaping Kitchen splashback Driveway Tiling (other than the wet areas) I think that's all, but after 4 months we sre STILL doing things and will be for some time to come. www.themaxbuild.blogspot.com forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=20717&start=300 www.leahspaperpassion.blogspot.com Re: A question for all those who have built before :-) 4Jul 22, 2010 8:06 pm We opted for the basic base house really, with what we would call necessary inclusions. Heating, cooling, flooring, carpets, even fly screens. That saves us having to organise trademen after handover, as we figure we'll already have enough headaches. Landscaping, decking, and also personal touches like window canopies will be after handover. We also included a basic package with our build, which covered carpets and window furnishings, but where we opted to purchase our own, those items are then credited back to us. Dear J.K. Rowling, Your books are entirely unrealistic. I mean, a ginger kid with two friends? Sincerely, Anonymous Re: A question for all those who have built before :-) 5Jul 22, 2010 9:23 pm Thanks for your replies. I'll speak to the builder about including these items, but he works it all if I source my own items and see what he says. If he's happy to credit back the items (without variation fees) then this sounds like the way to go. ~ trying to build our dream home by the sea ~ https://form.jotform.com/240284569218058 Please spare a moment to fill out this survey form for a project. You stand a chance to win a digital gift voucher. Legitimate… 0 2814 1 2965 A question. Im in Queensland and building a new home. We managed to reach practical completion 6 weeks ago but we haven't heard any date for handover yet. Who should we… 0 5800 |