Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Nov 12, 2010 12:29 pm Hi guys, A few questions for experts out on H1: 1) What does 'material handling fee' mean with regards to site cost? I am paying like $1500. Does that seem right? 2) Do everyone have to get the 'Report & Consent' from relevant council? $350 here 3) Termite Protection.. I already have Termite Collars to Slab penetration included in my base price. now I am also being charged $980 for Termite Treatment to house perimeter. Any comments here?? Thanks a lot Re: A few questions for experts out on H1 2Nov 12, 2010 8:43 pm Only one I can possibly help with, is #3, from memory is the termite collars is what they put around the pipes in the slab to stop them going up them later, and you also need to have perimeter protection on top of that. But I would of expected perimeter to of been part of the base price, especially as they have the collars in the base price. If I was to win Lotto, I would build with a different builder, now to win lotto Re: A few questions for experts out on H1 3Nov 13, 2010 6:05 pm 1. The material handling fee could mean anything. My guess is they had a site labourer working with the bobcat, so they have charged you for that. This is one of those areas that I take up with builders, it's too ambiguous and could be challenged quite easily. Ask to see invoices, you're within your rights to request them especially if it was noted as a provisional sum. 2. No idea. 3. Builders are required to provide termite treatment as per the BCA - if the perimetre treatment is required then surely they would have included it in the base price? The exception might be if the council specifically asked for a type of treatment to be used (on a parapet wall say where chemical spray isn't sufficient). Re: A few questions for experts out on H1 4Nov 16, 2010 7:10 pm Thanks for the replies, guys. @YBBroker --> The material handling fee in my case isnt a provisional sum, I have it under 'non-provisional' section in my tender. Also, the Termite Treatment isnt standard, although it does say 'in accordance with australian Standard AS3660-1993. Its surprising how the builders rip you off with all the fine prints, isnt it Cheers I totally agree with everything you have written. Thanks again for your always excellent input and advice. I really enjoy reading your posts cheers Simeon 1 3278 Personally, considering your layout (study/work desks in bedrooms), I don't think you have any other option but to leave NW windows and make them as big as possible e.g.… 7 10470 We had this happen to us last year and got charged a variation. Try and give away as much as you can that is usable to charity otherwise if you are in Sydney I have a… 1 4494 |