Browse Forums Building A New House Re: What not to do with Builder? 3Sep 02, 2010 9:38 pm I agree with b0b555, the supervisor himself told me not to go with the driveway or the landscaping as they will have to charge the builders margin which is an x% of the cost incurred, you will at least save when you get it done from an independent business. I can also suggest something that I would be doing. I wanted to get some feature walls done in my house and that would definitely charge extra. Instead, I have chose a standard white that the builder is already offering and getting a DIY course from bunnings on painting techniques and plan to do it myself sometime later. It may not be as easy as it sounds but I wouldn't mind giving it a go, something to keep me busy over the weekends . Same goes for decking for your alfresco. To do it single handedly.. seriously.. its a PAIN! Re: What not to do with Builder? 4Sep 02, 2010 10:28 pm A few items I wouldn't get the builder to do and why: Timber/ wooden flooring: supplier delays, tradies marking the floor, low quality vs. price Appliances: low quality vs. price Air con: low quality vs. price, they also generally use the cheapest units Concreting: high builders margin 3rd coat: you'll be very disappointed if they only use 2 coats or there are imperfections (you'll be painting in 6 months anyway) Security system: your asking for trouble... they generally only use reed switches which are useless Water tank/pump: Builder's margin These items can easily be installed/bought after handover and you have full control over cost, quality and expectations. Larger builders like these extras to make up margin, smaller builders generally don't make their money off these items and pass on the actual cost (retail rate) directly to you. The only reason why you would get a builder to do any of these items is if you don't like the fuss or you got a super good deal from the builder. Re: What not to do with Builder? 5Sep 02, 2010 11:50 pm We're doing evap cooling, driveway, interior flooring. Site Start: 10th September, 2010 PCI : Friday 27th January, 2011. Handover: 3rd February, 2011 Build Thread: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=37677 Re: What not to do with Builder? 6Sep 03, 2010 8:07 am Alarm, Intercom, Driveway/Landscaping, Light Fitting Installation, Flooring. As mentioned, all comes down to how much trouble you want go to. In my case, doing a lot of pre-wiring to make life easier later. I've also decided to get the builder to install CAT6 cabling (just easier now) and owner supplied exhaust fans which are ducted, purely because they need to cut the sarking that they are installing. We are installing timber floors before the skirting, architraves, staircase and kitchen go in. Allows for a much cleaner finish. We dealt direct with the builders preferred timber flooring company. This we couldn't change. Re: What not to do with Builder? 7Sep 03, 2010 10:19 am Get a quote from the builder and quotes from other trades and take the best one. Don't forget to factor in time sometimes it will cost more to have work done with the builder but you don't have to waste time organising and waiting. Cheers Lou http://take2-customdesigndownslope.blogspot.com 07-10-09 omg they have cut the block 14-05-10 we finally have the keys Re: What not to do with Builder? 9Sep 03, 2010 3:36 pm If your really looking to save cash here is a list of what you can do. Driveway Fencing Landscaping Supply your own light fittings Supply your own electrical appliances Floor Coverings and Window treatments If your handy try doing your own shelving, its really very simple and cheap. Anything else get the builder to do. Re: What not to do with Builder? 10Sep 03, 2010 4:05 pm Ducted aircon can be difficult after build if no provision was made for it. Agree though that builders may put in the cheapest unit they can get as currently living in a place with crappy aircon due to that very reason. Some builders will use good units like Daiken. Re: What not to do with Builder? 11Sep 03, 2010 7:37 pm xBeanie Ducted aircon can be difficult after build if no provision was made for it. Agree though that builders may put in the cheapest unit they can get as currently living in a place with crappy aircon due to that very reason. Some builders will use good units like Daiken. Our builder does use Daikin. But it was still $2K - $3K cheaper to use a 3rd party. And the builder does allow them to access at the appropriate time to do their rough in. Re: What not to do with Builder? 12Sep 03, 2010 7:59 pm We were lucky that the builder had a $15k for $40k worth of upgrades. You could see bluntly on the page the exorbitant prices. Like $8k for a evaporative but after the deal it come down to $3k which was comparative to retail. All in all, do your homework. The HIA contract, in the term & conditions section states that "Commencment" is deemed when the drainage is started or the piers are dug or the slab is formed up (incase… 2 6177 I work with owner, he/she is my man on the ground and I instruct them when to visit the site and take photos and I have other tools in the bag. 4 15275 Thanks. I called VBA today and they said it was a Consumer Affairs issue, the old handball. Seems like the government organisations don't want to do their job at the moment. 2 7556 |