Hi all,
Just starting a thread on our Hartley 341 to be built in the SE burbs as part of our knockdown and rebuild. Seeing H1 has been an excellent resource for us, I thought we would share our process with everyone else. So far we have signed off on the initial contract with the colour appointment due mid Jan, so unfortunately we haven’t got much physical progress.
Brief background – been looking around casually for houses to build. Initially, feel in love we the Hartley but after bringing our parents we changed our minds. Continued to look at different builders/houses but none really stood out until we saw another version of the Hartley. Simply put, while there are many more offerings that are much “trendier”, none compared to the Hartley for the “home” feel.
We ended signing up at the Epping DFH due to the helpful sales consultant even though it’s on the opposite side of the world to us. (Not sure if I can name names on H1 so if you want the sales consultant name, perhaps a PM?). Upgraded to the 341 as it was only $5k more and we had the land to accommodate.
Other major changes
Traditional Façade with rendering to replicate the computer generated picture seen on the web site
Swap the location of the study and the living space (figured we will get more use of the living area if it’s closer and figured the study should be as far away from noisy areas)
Extended the double garage as far as our property will allow (the standard space is actually quite small)
Changed the garage to outdoor access to be a roller door (gives access for those big & hard to move stuff via the rear)
Added a window to the garage for aesthetics (sales consultant suggestion – at $330 for a window …bargain!)
Small changes (these are things that I think are value for $$)
Get your windows to your preference in terms of size – they are unbelievably cheap
Whirly birds (subjective but some people swear it’s the best option for heat reduction as opposed to sarking or double glazing)
Extend your island bench – we tighten space between the cooktop and island bench allowing an additional 100mm
Other odds & ends that I think will help:
DFH seems to be quite comfortable with you substituting basins/taps/fittings with your own personal choice BUT you must provide the specifications at or before your final variations are submitted. Basically, consider if you have the space to “hold” onto the gear until DFH are ready for it. Right now, I have to decide on the kitchen items & a basin for the powder room in less than a month. On that note, anyone know of a decent tradelink to go to? I’ve been to the Mitcham, Ringwood, Bayswater ones and the range on show is lacklustre
It took us about 3 months from placing the initial deposit to the 1st contract. From what I’ve read, that’s fairly standard time frame for DFH. Didn’t really bother us as we are in a knock down and rebuild situation but I can see how frustrating that could be for people who have their empty land waiting
Our demolition quote is at $9k. Do your homework and get multiple quotes as they seem to have a relatively “large” range
That’s all for now. Hopefully we will have some more details to add in the near future!
To Herbicat: Hopefully our build will go as smoothly as yours did!!! Your pics make me sooo jealous!!!!!
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