Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Sep 26, 2010 9:31 pm Long-time lurkers here, finally taking the step to post a new thread
After many years of renovating our current house we have purchased an acreage block of land in SE Qld to build our dream home on. We spent months looking for the right block of land, we had been looking in the 1000m2+ range so that we could have a large shed on the property, we ended up putting in a couple of offers on blocks in the north side of Brisbane that were 1250m2 and would just fit our needs in terms of size but the prices would have restricted what we could afford to spend on the actual house. We both work just outside of the CBD and drive in every day now so the commute won't be much of an issue, plus having a nice relaxing place to come home to will be a bonus. This will be our 4th house and our first build, we are pretty much set on what we want in a house including a nice big pantry for Mrs BBR, a big master suite and a Home Theatre, oh, and the shed (the covenants allow for a shed with a maximum 100m2 floor size, so we are going to take full advantage of that!) We were initially looking at building a Grandview 30 but with the amount of changes we wanted to make it started getting a little pricey, so we decided to see what it would cost through a custom builder. Unfortunately that took a couple of months of back and forth before we finally got a quote which was $120K more than Grandview for almost the same design! Since then we have completely changed tact and gone with Pl@nt@tion Homes/H3nley and their new Emperor Q1 design below: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ We visited the North Lakes display village last Sunday to look through the house, we really liked the layout and were surprised by the ensuite one of the bedrooms had, we completely missed it on the plan! So all up it has 3.5 bathrooms, admittedly way more than a house with only 2 people will ever need, but hey we're using the “resale value” excuse We spoke to the salesman while we were there and by COB Monday we had an estimated price which was much more to our liking. We were also impressed with the amount of standard inclusions in the house and the bonus Solar Power and Hotwater currently on offer. Fast forward to yesterday and we have now put down the initial deposit on the design and are set to have the soil tests and contour plans done over the next couple of weeks. We are hoping to be in the house by next September (in time for my 30th) barring any complications along the way. We have started a blog here: http://bellbirdretreat.blogspot.com which should hopefully get updated every week or so with our journey. Stay tuned...... Re: Building a H3nl3y/Pl@nt@tion Emperor Q1 in SE QLD 3Sep 26, 2010 10:26 pm herbiecat Congrats on starting a thread and I look forward to following your build! Love you house palns by the way and your colours are great. Same from me RF Build: viewtopic.php?f=38&t=34534 Flooring: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=39733 Chat: viewtopic.php?f=36&t=53303 Re: Building a H3nl3y/Pl@nt@tion Emperor Q1 in SE QLD 4Sep 27, 2010 8:31 am Welcome to the addictive world of H1 Pl@nt@tion are a favourite of mine! I love their plans!! I haven't seen your plan before - it looks great though! My fave pl@nt@tion plan would have to be the penninsular which is alot smaller than yours - maybe 300sqm . I don't think it's very a popular plan though for some reason - alot of people seem to build the retreat which is similar and of the same size. Anyways, good luck with everything! Re: Building a H3nl3y/Pl@nt@tion Emperor Q1 in SE QLD 5Sep 27, 2010 9:38 am Thanks everyone, it certainly is exciting. I've updated the first post with a pic of the standard Emperor Q1 design for your viewing pleasure We have chosen to move the Master suite to the rear as per the grainy document below for the first floor redesign, it suits our block more and will mean that the master is away from the road: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Here's a pic of the front fence that has just been installed by the estate, the side fences are still to go in, but we think just having the front one there makes a huge difference: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ And here's the block, its reasonbly flat for the majority then slopes up after the 50m mark Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Looking from about halfway back: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Apologies for the big piccies Re: Building a H3nl3y/Pl@nt@tion Emperor Q1 in SE QLD 6Sep 27, 2010 11:46 am I really like the new layout for upstairs. I would prefer to be away from the road too. I especially like the 2 entries into the second ensuite. Just wondering if you are planning to extend the wardrobe along the whole wall of bed 2 or leave the voids there? Just seems like wasted space to me (I am all about storage) RF Build: viewtopic.php?f=38&t=34534 Flooring: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=39733 Chat: viewtopic.php?f=36&t=53303 Re: Building a H3nl3y/Pl@nt@tion Emperor Q1 in SE QLD 7Sep 27, 2010 2:05 pm Raleighfarm I really like the new layout for upstairs. I would prefer to be away from the road too. I especially like the 2 entries into the second ensuite. Just wondering if you are planning to extend the wardrobe along the whole wall of bed 2 or leave the voids there? Just seems like wasted space to me (I am all about storage) Thanks Raleighfarm, we think that the flow of the alternate upstairs is a lot better too especially the bathrooms and the TV area. Good point about the wardrobe, I will have to ask about why its not all the way across, it would definitely make sense to have it all the way. I'm big on storage too and we have been spending time trying to work out the best use of the void under the stairs in the entry way, current ideas are for a wine rack or shelving for books/ornaments. We did ask about the voids in the TV area and were told that they were there for aircon/cabling etc, so the wardrobe might be a similar thing, I'll let you know when we find out. Re: Building a H3nl3y/Pl@nt@tion Emperor Q1 in SE QLD 8Sep 27, 2010 2:51 pm I saw a pic in a magazine about how to use the space under the stairs. Can't remember the specifics (it was very bright but you could choose your own colours). I'll see if I can find it and scan it in for you. RF Build: viewtopic.php?f=38&t=34534 Flooring: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=39733 Chat: viewtopic.php?f=36&t=53303 Re: Building a H3nl3y/Pl@nt@tion Emperor Q1 in SE QLD 9Sep 27, 2010 3:08 pm Raleighfarm I saw a pic in a magazine about how to use the space under the stairs. Can't remember the specifics (it was very bright but you could choose your own colours). I'll see if I can find it and scan it in for you. Wow, that would be great, thank you! The internet has a few ideas, it seems to be a big thing in the US to build in underneath the stairs, one was a little secret passage way into a book room.... Re: Building a H3nl3y/Pl@nt@tion Emperor Q1 in SE QLD 10Sep 27, 2010 4:40 pm bellbirdretreat Long-time lurkers here, finally taking the step to post a new thread After many years of renovating our current house we have purchased an acreage block of land at the Spring Mountain Estate in Greenbank in SE Qld to build our dream home on. We spent months looking for the right block of land, we had been looking in the 1000m2+ range so that we could have a large shed on the property, we ended up putting in a couple of offers on blocks in the north side of Brisbane that were 1250m2 and would just fit our needs in terms of size but the prices would have restricted what we could afford to spend on the actual house. After reassessing things we decided to look further out and found the Spring Mountain Estate http://www.springmountainestate.com.au in Greenbank (about 40mins south of Brisbane) where they had lots of acreage blocks at great prices in comparison, it also meant that we could have a lot more land at a smaller price, which made perfect sense to us! We both work just outside of the CBD and drive in every day now so the commute won't be much of an issue, plus having a nice relaxing place to come home to will be a bonus. This will be our 4th house and our first build, we are pretty much set on what we want in a house including a nice big pantry for Mrs BellbirdRetreat, a big master suite and a Home Theatre, oh, and the shed (the covenants allow for a shed with a maximum 100m2 floor size, so we are going to take full advantage of that!) We were initially looking at building a Grandview 30 but with the amount of changes we wanted to make it started getting a little pricey, so we decided to see what it would cost through a custom builder. Unfortunately that took a couple of months of back and forth before we finally got a quote which was $120K more than Grandview for almost the same design! Since then we have completely changed tact and gone with Pl@nt@tion Homes/H3nley and their new Emperor Q1 design below: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ We visited the North Lakes display village last Sunday to look through the house, we really liked the layout and were surprised by the ensuite one of the bedrooms had, we completely missed it on the plan! So all up it has 3.5 bathrooms, admittedly way more than a house with only 2 people will ever need, but hey we're using the “resale value” excuse We spoke to the salesman while we were there and by COB Monday we had an estimated price which was much more to our liking. We were also impressed with the amount of standard inclusions in the house and the bonus Solar Power and Hotwater currently on offer. Fast forward to yesterday and we have now put down the initial deposit on the design and are set to have the soil tests and contour plans done over the next couple of weeks. We are hoping to be in the house by next September (in time for my 30th) barring any complications along the way. We have started a blog here: http://bellbirdretreat.blogspot.com which should hopefully get updated every week or so with our journey. Stay tuned...... Your plan is absolutely gorgeous I love the tv area on the 2nd floor the house is massive Re: Building a H3nl3y/Pl@nt@tion Emperor Q1 in SE QLD 11Sep 27, 2010 4:42 pm Love the plan. Must be one of their newer ones. We are just up the road from you at Teviot Downs and built with Plantation at the beginning of the year. Looking forward to your journey. Building the Pl@ntation Retreat on 4009m2. All moved in!!!!!! Now for the real work https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=20588&p=285640#p285640 Re: Building a H3nl3y/Pl@nt@tion Emperor Q1 in SE QLD 12Sep 28, 2010 8:49 am jessie87 Your plan is absolutely gorgeous I love the tv area on the 2nd floor the house is massive Thanks, it will become the TV/Gym area with a little front balcony which will be part of the Byron facade pictured below: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ seast Love the plan. Must be one of their newer ones. We are just up the road from you at Teviot Downs and built with Plantation at the beginning of the year. Looking forward to your journey. Thanks new neighbour We think the Emperor design was only released in the last few months which will hopefully make it a unique home for the area and it certainly ticked a lot of our boxes. It was good to be able to see the display at North Lakes to confirm that it was definitely what we wanted. Re: Henley/Plantation Emperor Q1 in SE QLD 13Sep 28, 2010 12:38 pm Your emperor is a bit different than the one I'm building..... I'm building the standard emperor with a few changes, that includes moving the TV room to the back so we can have a rear balcony, and converting the study to a guest room with ensuite. Its interesting that the TV room shift to the back is standard on your plans ! It opens the house up much more than having the bedrooms there - in the display homes it felt quite closed in. I'm also building on acerage (5 acres) and I've had so many people ask why we are building a double story house and not a sprawling single story. I like your facade - I wanted the Hayman with cream render, but the council might get cranky about it not being natural blending colors. Will keep an eye on your blog ! H's Emperor Q1 on acreage Site cut 16/6/11 Slab 2/8 Frame 29/8 Tiles 9/9 Bricks 13/10 Plaster 2/11 Fittings 28/11 PCI 19/3 Re: Henley/Plantation Emperor Q1 in SE QLD 14Sep 28, 2010 11:59 pm Congrats on the choice to live in Spring Mountain. We are across in the "Pocket" at Spring Mountain, probably 5 mins walk through the fire trails to your block. We both work in the city also and love the commute home in the afternoons to peace and quiet. We built with Plantation homes last year and had nothing but praise for them. Amazing how fast time flies..... All the best.. Will be keen to see your progress Any questions at all, let us know Ozz Built 36sq Plantation "Retreat" on 4460m2 at Spring Mountain, Qld In Living and landscaping.. >>> ... http://retreatspring.blogspot.com Re: Henley/Plantation Emperor Q1 in SE QLD 15Sep 29, 2010 9:41 am cookie_monster Your emperor is a bit different than the one I'm building..... I'm building the standard emperor with a few changes, that includes moving the TV room to the back so we can have a rear balcony, and converting the study to a guest room with ensuite. Its interesting that the TV room shift to the back is standard on your plans ! It opens the house up much more than having the bedrooms there - in the display homes it felt quite closed in. I'm also building on acerage (5 acres) and I've had so many people ask why we are building a double story house and not a sprawling single story. I like your facade - I wanted the Hayman with cream render, but the council might get cranky about it not being natural blending colors. Will keep an eye on your blog ! We just looked at the Henley VIC site and yes it does look a little different, the master dressing room on your design looks HUGE too! It does make sense to have the TV area at the back like you are going to do, it looks a little boxed away where it is on the standard design. We were quite surprised at the number of standard options they have for things like the alfresco/patio, garage etc and how all the prices were just listed, unlike some places where you get an estimated figure. Our Plantation salesperson actually commented that he is seeing more and more requests for 2 storey on acreage blocks. We were originally going to go with a single storey design but we felt that we can get so much more value out of a 2 storey and we like the idea of the living and sleeping areas being completely separate. You'll have to post up some pics of your build if you get a chance, it would be good to see how things go for you ozzroo Congrats on the choice to live in Spring Mountain. We are across in the "Pocket" at Spring Mountain, probably 5 mins walk through the fire trails to your block. We both work in the city also and love the commute home in the afternoons to peace and quiet. We built with Plantation homes last year and had nothing but praise for them. Amazing how fast time flies..... All the best.. Will be keen to see your progress Any questions at all, let us know Ozz Cool, great to hear a good Plantation review, we went for a drive to the block on the weekend and noticed that there is a Plantation being built down the road, we had a sticky beak but couldn't tell for sure what design it was but it was a single storey, possibly the Retreat. There are 3 other builders signs up already, 1 by the Big M and 2 custom builder so things seems to be moving along in the stage. We are also moving from the Redlands area to Spring Mountain, so it sounds like a similar move to you one We have 700m2 at the moment and are finding that we are running out of space and it will be great for hubby to be able to use his power tools without having to move both cars out of the garage the shed will be a god send! Thanks for the offer of advice too, we will no doubt have a few questions to ask along the way. We are really happy with the suburb choice too and there seem to be enough local facilities available within a short drive and having Springfield and Browns Plains within reasonable driving distance is a bonus. I also noticed that Woolies do their online grocery deliveries out there so I'm pretty happy about that, gives us more time to relax and enjoy the view Re: Henley/Plantation Emperor Q1 in SE QLD 16Sep 29, 2010 11:19 am Welcome!! Love your plans. So nice to see so many Teviot Downs and Spring Mountain people on here!!! Looking forward to following your build. Emma Building on an acre at Teviot Downs, Brisbane Building through Hallmark - Flair 253 with a few changes Mother of two gorgeous girls Build thread: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=37178 Re: Henley/Plantation Emperor Q1 in SE QLD 17Sep 30, 2010 8:25 pm emlet01 Welcome!! Love your plans. So nice to see so many Teviot Downs and Spring Mountain people on here!!! Looking forward to following your build. Thanks Emma, there do seem to be a few of us here Hopefully there will be more soon as the rest of our stage sells, more neighbours builds to spy on! We are waiting for our sales guy to get back from leave on Monday so that we can make sure he put in the request for the soil test before he went away... Your build looks like it is progressing nicely, I am glad that the council seem to be approving plans reasonably quickly for our area, with any luck we might have a slab done by Christmas, but I don't know if that is wishful thinking or not. Re: Building a H3nl3y/Pl@nt@tion Emperor Q1 in SE QLD 18Oct 01, 2010 2:48 am bellbirdretreat Raleighfarm I saw a pic in a magazine about how to use the space under the stairs. Can't remember the specifics (it was very bright but you could choose your own colours). I'll see if I can find it and scan it in for you. Wow, that would be great, thank you! The internet has a few ideas, it seems to be a big thing in the US to build in underneath the stairs, one was a little secret passage way into a book room.... Bellbird, the picture is from the OCT Better homes and gardens magazine. I can't get it in the shops as NOV is already out but I know someone who has it so I'll borrow it and scan it. In the mean time I found this on the website: http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/better-ho ... o-stow-it/ but this is an expensive alternative (although I like that all is hidden). The one in the mag itself would be a lower budget. Another one: http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/better-ho ... o-stow-it/ And another: http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/better-ho ... o-stow-it/ RF Build: viewtopic.php?f=38&t=34534 Flooring: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=39733 Chat: viewtopic.php?f=36&t=53303 Re: Henley/Plantation Emperor Q1 in SE QLD 19Oct 01, 2010 8:29 am I've asked H to add a door under the stairs in my emperor for storing shoes etc. as there isn't anywhere close to the front door. From memory it had been approved as a variation. But it won't look as sleek as those doors in the better homes & gardens link. H's Emperor Q1 on acreage Site cut 16/6/11 Slab 2/8 Frame 29/8 Tiles 9/9 Bricks 13/10 Plaster 2/11 Fittings 28/11 PCI 19/3 Re: Henley/Plantation Emperor Q1 in SE QLD 20Oct 04, 2010 8:43 pm Raleighfarm Bellbird, the picture is from the OCT Better homes and gardens magazine. I can't get it in the shops as NOV is already out but I know someone who has it so I'll borrow it and scan it. In the mean time I found this on the website: http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/better-ho ... o-stow-it/ but this is an expensive alternative (although I like that all is hidden). The one in the mag itself would be a lower budget. Another one: http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/better-ho ... o-stow-it/ And another: http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/better-ho ... o-stow-it/ Thank you so much Raleighfarm, those links were great! so many ideas to ponder, I really like the last one with the drawers, its probably the most expensive one to do though . cookie_monster I've asked H to add a door under the stairs in my emperor for storing shoes etc. as there isn't anywhere close to the front door. From memory it had been approved as a variation. But it won't look as sleek as those doors in the better homes & gardens link. OK great, we'll be sure to talk to them about it when we get to that stage, we are starting to keep a list of all the things we want to ask about when we finally get to meet with the head office staff. There are so many things we keep saying oh, what about this or this? Is it possible to render an old corrugated iron shed.I have heard that it can be done if it is covered with chicken wire first.Not sure of the ratio of the render mix and… 0 4896 Thanks. Yeh ideally that would have been good, but have progressed too far now. Hoping some well placed internal walls fixed up into the battens will provide some… 2 5403 Hi, I am sheeting the inside of a 5.7 x 8m shed with gyprock. Unfortunately the shed wasn't designed for internal cladding but I have been framing it up as strongly as… 0 3416 |