Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Dec 13, 2010 12:14 pm Hi everyone, I am about to sign the contract for land in canberra. I am building on quite a small budget (crazy in canberra i know) but i am only looking at getting a small and basic house. My problem is that i have been looking at site costs and have been quoted very different prices, as i don't know much yet about building i don't know who is wrong or why they might be different. So i am turning to the forum for help. My block has just under 1.5m slope from front to back (slight angle on the slope). The block is 29.9m long. The first couple of builders i spoke to told me i would be looking at around $4000 - $5000 extra for the site costs. However recently the last couple of said i am looking more ar $15,000 and the backyear (what there is of it) would be horrible. Can anyone shed any light on which way i should be leaning, will i need a retaining wall etc. Thankyou very much in advance for any advice, or comments. Oh also does anyone know an honest builder in Canberra who i could trust for a good estimate. Re: different site cost quotes and good canberra builder 2Dec 14, 2010 12:15 pm Hi Katie Forget trying to compare site costs, it's impossible. Look at the total cost of the build. All builders seem to have a different definition of 'site costs'. My cut was a similar fall to yours and it cost approx. 5K. That is for the excavator to prepare the site. Nothing more. If you do a 'battered cut' you may be able to avoid a retaining wall. This is essentially shaping the soil at deep end of the cut with a couple of 'steps' so that it doesn't collapse towards your house. Have a chat to the boys at Vogue Constructions. I have no affiliation with them, nor did I use them, but they struck me as good guys. They won't be as cheap as the big builders FYI. Re: different site cost quotes and good canberra builder 3Dec 14, 2010 1:27 pm Thanks Kineso, That makes me feel better. Hopefully they will be able to do this battered cut thing. Sounds like its the cheaper option. good point about looking to see other site costs might be hiding. I will try vogur constructions. thanks for the recommendation. Wow I hadn't realised things had gotten that pricey in just a couple of years since I built, that is crazy with how much land is now costing if you aren't lucky enough to… 3 7093 8 6137 yep you need a joint, foam is easiest, will look fine once rendered with a joint. 2 5233 |