Browse Forums Building A New House 1 May 20, 2011 10:06 pm Ok we are still on the building talk as we are pretty set on the house we want but are thinking we are missing a few upgrades. So my question to you all is what have you upgraded on your house when building it? So far we have: Changing the laundry glass sliding door to a normal hinged door Frosted glass in the bathroom Air Con tiled shower base Twin internal slide out bin Rendering to the Pillars at the front Upgrading the kitchen to pot draws & bringing in our own oven & rangehood Upgrade sliding doors to stacker doors Concrete to the alfresco, porch & driveway DO you think its cheaper to get the concreting done privately as they are charging $81 per m2. There is approx 50m2 that needs doing Any help would be fantastic Re: What upgrades did you get when building? 2May 20, 2011 10:27 pm hi building virgin, Not sure where you are building and if you have a single or double storey home. We have upgraded to 9ft shadowline cornices upstairs and downstairs. We have upgraded our doors to the theatre room to translucent glass/timber door. Front door 1200 pivot. 40mm ceaserstone alarm/intercom floor to ceiling bathroom tiling Ooh and my favourite is my door in the laundry with an internal venetian, my builder did this automatically and I think they are very cool Not sure about concrete but my DH rang a few and they charged about $75sqm for patterned concrete. What house do you like? Re: What upgrades did you get when building? 3May 20, 2011 10:34 pm One very hint that I have learnt from our experience is that if you are even 'thinking' of upgrading your tiles go to the tile provider and scope out costs of tile and labor. You can save yourself a fortune (probably 30-40%+ by going outside ie..our tiles in total ending costing 20k including labor and we could have easily saved a big bundle by doing it after a handover but it is a an extra hassle - but worth the 5-10k we could have saved). Other upgrades we had are - Gyprock the gap above kitchen cupboards and ceiling - Rangehood exhaust to exterior - Heating fan light combo for bathroom - Lots of extra powerpoints - External gas (for BBQ) - Power allowance for under kitchen cabinet lights - Locks for some doors As for concrete - i think if you can get it in your contract then probably not worth the hassle of doing after handover as you would probably save only $10psqm which isn't worth the hassle for locking down a tradie for this kind of saving (as it can be difficult to find a good reliable one - that returns phone calls Project History Deposit - 20/4/2010 Land Settled - 20/8/2010 Council - 30/9/2010 Slab - 17/11/2010 Bricks - 28/01/2011 Roof - 5/02/2011 Gyprock - 4/03/2011 Re: What upgrades did you get when building? 4May 20, 2011 10:37 pm We are looking at the Hartley 341 or the Hartley 361. Its a single story home and the 341 is 27sq of living & the 361 is approx 29sq of living it will def be one of these just depends which one we settle on I think qonyx: we get free flooring which includes either tiles or floating floorboards. We can decide which one we want yet. How many extra power points did you get? Re: What upgrades did you get when building? 5May 20, 2011 10:40 pm Here are some of our actuals to give you an idea of costs Obscure glazing to windows at main bathroom and ensuite Nil Translucent glazing to double PMAD104 doors in lieu of standard range 96.00 Privacy adaptor for study and main bedroom (door locks) 24.00 Provide optional steel balustrades with pine stringers, mdf treads and pine handrail and posts in lieu of standard staircase 266.00 Provide 900mm wide polyurethan cupboard for ensuite 244.00 Provide 1050mm wide polyurethan cupboard for main bathroom 244.00 Provide 600 series enclosure to enable upgrade of TV, phone and distribution including the following 4 x TV, 8 x Ph, 7 x data, 674.00 E/O 1 x Free to air HD TV point 80.00 E/O 1 Phone point 79.00 Provide 2 x White compact fluoro downlights 146.00 Provide 3 x extra strengthening of light pendants , living, dining, family 60.00 Provide 4 x Additional double power points 140.00 Provide 1 x external weatherproof double power point 69.00 Provide 8 x external junction box for future light fittings 392.00 Provide 1 x internal gas bayonet point 185.00 Provide an internal flush hung door for painting with a Lockwood "Bow" lever passage set handle to the Study, in lieu of the standard square set opening. 162.00 Provide a wall oven/microwave tower unit with overhead cupboard doors and two pot drawers, in lieu of an underbench oven kitchen layout. 60.00 Provide a SMEG PGFA75SC (Stainless Steel) 70cm gas cooktop top mount with 4 + wok burners and cast iron trivets, in lieu of standard gas cooktop in gas package. 1,212.00 Provide a SMEG SA8210X (Stainless Steel) 60cm wide freestanding/built-in dishwasher, in lieu of the standard dishwasher included in the promo package. 55.00 Provide SMEG SCA506X (Stainless Steel) 60cm in lieu of standard Oven 416.00 Provide a SMEG K5020X70 (Stainless Steel) 70cm Canopy rangehood ducted externally, including the deletion of the overhead cupboard, in lieu of standard rangehood. 1,362.00 Extend the cooktop overhead and floor cupboard (inc. benchtop) by approximately 600mm in order to line up with the Powder Room wall. 827.00 Provide painted bulkheads between the top of the Kitchen cupboards and the underside of the ceiling to accommodate the cornice. (Note: - no increase to the height of the standard kitchen cupboards). 657.00 Project History Deposit - 20/4/2010 Land Settled - 20/8/2010 Council - 30/9/2010 Slab - 17/11/2010 Bricks - 28/01/2011 Roof - 5/02/2011 Gyprock - 4/03/2011 Re: What upgrades did you get when building? 6May 20, 2011 10:47 pm you are a legend thank you so much for that post will def give us something to look at & go over tomorrow morning. You are soooo fantastic xx Re: What upgrades did you get when building? 7May 20, 2011 10:51 pm Building Virgin qonyx: we get free flooring which includes either tiles or floating floorboards. We can decide which one we want yet. How many extra power points did you get? Point is check out the builder's standard that they provide to make sure you are happy with these selections. If you aren't then get some quotes from other suppliers (ie tile megamart and tile tradesmen) to compare and make a decision based on this. We found out that we couldn't use another supplier after we signed the contract even though we pay any uprades to the supplier separate. In terms of power point - think where you will have any electronic gear (TV, laptops, etc) an put at least a double socket on every wall. And get a couple in the garage and external. This is probably the easiest time to do it. Also be cautious of tradies that will likely charge you what the builder would charge you in which case you are better off getting in contract rather than do it after handover. A quote can change day by day and because they are almost always flat out - most don't care if they don't get your job coz there is plenty of other work. Project History Deposit - 20/4/2010 Land Settled - 20/8/2010 Council - 30/9/2010 Slab - 17/11/2010 Bricks - 28/01/2011 Roof - 5/02/2011 Gyprock - 4/03/2011 Re: What upgrades did you get when building? 8May 20, 2011 11:09 pm Building Virgin you are a legend thank you so much for that post will def give us something to look at & go over tomorrow morning. You are soooo fantastic xx NO BIG THANKS TO YOU.. you just prompted me to take a look at my ''upgrades" and noticed that there is an upgrade for a retaining wall $455 that now isn't going to be built because it is not needed and am now hoping for a refund on this (so thanks to you - i should now get this refunded) Project History Deposit - 20/4/2010 Land Settled - 20/8/2010 Council - 30/9/2010 Slab - 17/11/2010 Bricks - 28/01/2011 Roof - 5/02/2011 Gyprock - 4/03/2011 Re: What upgrades did you get when building? 9May 20, 2011 11:49 pm Thats pretty cool qonyx. We had heaps of upgrades. Powerpoints, downlights being the obvious. Also, translucent glazing for the entry doors, obscuring for the windows upstairs, upgrade to glass canopy rangehood, stairwell lights, decorative tiles behind basins, upgrade gas pipeline for future gas heater/gas fireplace, rainshowers, upgrade to carpet underlay (feels great underfoot and carpet is supposed to last longer), off white mortar, floodlights outside, decorative lights on pillars, upgrade to zoned ducted heating, upgrade from WIR to an extra bathroom, extra high doors to master bedroom, privacy locks on doors, upgrade entrance key set, additional heating vents in the bathrooms (brilliant in winter worth every penny of the $150 odd it cost us). Thats all I can remember. Now: Building another new home Settlement: 8 July 2021 Construction due to start: In two months Re: What upgrades did you get when building? 10May 21, 2011 6:21 am There is quite a bit of advice about electrical planning at this link http://www.anewhouse.com.au/?cat=166 The Harder You Try - the Luckier You Get ! Web site http://www.anewhouse.com.au Informative, Amusing, and Opinionated Blog - Over 600 posts on all aspects of building a new house. Re: What upgrades did you get when building? 11May 21, 2011 7:42 am Eaves, structural slab to the alfresco and termite treatments were the big non-standard upgrades for us. Other minor things were a dropped ceiling to the kitchen, a few extra power points and light batons, locks and flyscreens and externally ducted range hood. Couple of things I wish I had thought to include are light batons in the WIRs and externally ducted exhaust in bathroom / ensuite. Not worth the PCV on them now, I guess I'll just have to do it after handover. Matt's Brando: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=46340 Started March 30th 2011 PCI July 15th Re: What upgrades did you get when building? 12May 22, 2011 7:44 pm its funny when you think about building at the start you just assume most "everyday" things are included. When speaking to our consultant she advised us to buy our own down lights & then get the electrician to put them in so we can choose where they go and we can also bring other lights in & get credit back for the ones they supply. She also recommended we speak to the painters directly if we want feature walls as it would be cheaper for us. Flyscreens are also included which is good as the other builders we looked at they were not included. Thanks for the link Bashworth will check it out now Re: What upgrades did you get when building? 13May 22, 2011 11:07 pm qonyx Here are some of our actuals to give you an idea of costs Obscure glazing to windows at main bathroom and ensuite Nil Translucent glazing to double PMAD104 doors in lieu of standard range 96.00 Privacy adaptor for study and main bedroom (door locks) 24.00 Provide optional steel balustrades with pine stringers, mdf treads and pine handrail and posts in lieu of standard staircase 266.00 Provide 900mm wide polyurethan cupboard for ensuite 244.00 Provide 1050mm wide polyurethan cupboard for main bathroom 244.00 Provide 600 series enclosure to enable upgrade of TV, phone and distribution including the following 4 x TV, 8 x Ph, 7 x data, 674.00 E/O 1 x Free to air HD TV point 80.00 E/O 1 Phone point 79.00 Provide 2 x White compact fluoro downlights 146.00 Provide 3 x extra strengthening of light pendants , living, dining, family 60.00 Provide 4 x Additional double power points 140.00 Provide 1 x external weatherproof double power point 69.00 Provide 8 x external junction box for future light fittings 392.00 Provide 1 x internal gas bayonet point 185.00 Provide an internal flush hung door for painting with a Lockwood "Bow" lever passage set handle to the Study, in lieu of the standard square set opening. 162.00 Provide a wall oven/microwave tower unit with overhead cupboard doors and two pot drawers, in lieu of an underbench oven kitchen layout. 60.00 Provide a SMEG PGFA75SC (Stainless Steel) 70cm gas cooktop top mount with 4 + wok burners and cast iron trivets, in lieu of standard gas cooktop in gas package. 1,212.00 Provide a SMEG SA8210X (Stainless Steel) 60cm wide freestanding/built-in dishwasher, in lieu of the standard dishwasher included in the promo package. 55.00 Provide SMEG SCA506X (Stainless Steel) 60cm in lieu of standard Oven 416.00 Provide a SMEG K5020X70 (Stainless Steel) 70cm Canopy rangehood ducted externally, including the deletion of the overhead cupboard, in lieu of standard rangehood. 1,362.00 Extend the cooktop overhead and floor cupboard (inc. benchtop) by approximately 600mm in order to line up with the Powder Room wall. 827.00 Provide painted bulkheads between the top of the Kitchen cupboards and the underside of the ceiling to accommodate the cornice. (Note: - no increase to the height of the standard kitchen cupboards). 657.00 Wow qonyx, I don't know what state you're building in but your upgrades are reeeeeally cheap! In WA most of those upgrades are twice what you have noted, especially the electrical! Re: What upgrades did you get when building? 15May 23, 2011 9:38 pm Hi BV & CA, We are building with Mirvac in Sydney. Mirvac do turn key packages - Well not really turn key - as the following is still outstanding on handover - Blinds/Curtains, - Rear landscaping - Fences - Light fittings But for the most part not too much hassle trying to get tradies to do things for you.... Anyway good luck with your build - just got confirmation that we will get the 422 retaining wall variation back (which means we will be able to spend it on the retaining wall that we actually need) Project History Deposit - 20/4/2010 Land Settled - 20/8/2010 Council - 30/9/2010 Slab - 17/11/2010 Bricks - 28/01/2011 Roof - 5/02/2011 Gyprock - 4/03/2011 Re: What upgrades did you get when building? 16May 23, 2011 9:52 pm qonyx One very hint that I have learnt from our experience is that if you are even 'thinking' of upgrading your tiles go to the tile provider and scope out costs of tile and labor. You can save yourself a fortune (probably 30-40%+ by going outside ie..our tiles in total ending costing 20k including labor and we could have easily saved a big bundle by doing it after a handover but it is a an extra hassle - but worth the 5-10k we could have saved). In relation to this point, we did this for our carpet (or are doing) and while we are saving a fair bit of money (and getting a better product) it is money we have to find ourselves. So sometimes while it can be cheaper upfront to do something yourself, sometimes it's easier to put it on the mortgage and pay it off over 30 years Land Deposit - 18/12/2009 Became a land Baron - 21/12/2010 Site Start - 27/1/2011 All moved in!! Re: What upgrades did you get when building? 17May 23, 2011 11:18 pm Twiggy In relation to this point, we did this for our carpet (or are doing) and while we are saving a fair bit of money (and getting a better product) it is money we have to find ourselves. So sometimes while it can be cheaper upfront to do something yourself, sometimes it's easier to put it on the mortgage and pay it off over 30 years We actually managed to arrange finance with CBA that allowed us to pay for things that weren't part of the construction contract. So for example blinds, light fittings, fences. All we had to do was get invoices from the suppliers, sign them and send them through and the bank released funds for us to use as we pleased. Mind you we asked for about 40k more upfront - which would make it easier for you to do things post handover (mind you we are already over budget on that 40k ''çontingency") Project History Deposit - 20/4/2010 Land Settled - 20/8/2010 Council - 30/9/2010 Slab - 17/11/2010 Bricks - 28/01/2011 Roof - 5/02/2011 Gyprock - 4/03/2011 Re: What upgrades did you get when building? 18May 25, 2011 8:11 pm We have been in discussion with the builder re the tiles. They said that they write us out a cheque which they allow $28 per m2 for floor tiling and $27 per m2 for wall tiling and we go to the tile/floor places and choose our own. They dont have a huge range of tiles there so they get all their customers to choose their own and if its more you can just add the difference but if its less you get to keep the change Re: What upgrades did you get when building? 19May 25, 2011 8:20 pm We have done the following so far but havent locked everything in a selection so prob upgrade a few more things: -Extend main roof by 6m for verandah -full render to front of house -panel roller door -additional powerpoints + tv points -all tapware -ungrade s/s appliances -front door -additional man-hole -added huge linen press in second lounge oh wow cant think of the rest.. Building in Adelaide, SA Slab poured 08/09/2011 Handover 18/01/2012! WORLD CONCEPT HOMES Our build thread: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=44725 Re: What upgrades did you get when building? 20May 27, 2011 10:13 am Building Virgin We have been in discussion with the builder re the tiles. They said that they write us out a cheque which they allow $28 per m2 for floor tiling and $27 per m2 for wall tiling and we go to the tile/floor places and choose our own. They dont have a huge range of tiles there so they get all their customers to choose their own and if its more you can just add the difference but if its less you get to keep the change Our bank also allows us to do this... our carpets were given to us a a free bonus so no point doing them outside the contract (may upgrade the standard though).. but we are also doing our own downlights/feature walls etc with the contractors outside of our building contract.. Building in Adelaide, SA Slab poured 08/09/2011 Handover 18/01/2012! WORLD CONCEPT HOMES Our build thread: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=44725 No the fireplace doesn’t work. It’s been enclosed. I’m not sure what was removed, as it was done quite some time ago - well before what I can see with photos online… 2 11585 Depends how much direct sun it gets. Is there any shading (eaves or trees)? If the sun hits a window directly it doesn't matter too much if it's double or single… 1 12669 9 24806 |