Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Aug 25, 2011 5:31 am Hi, DH and I have finally decided that we will knock down our home of 13 years and build a bigger house. I am so new to this 'building' thing that I haven't even decided on a design for sure yet. I have organized a site inspection and realize that the salesman will be keen to do a quote for us once it is complete. I have learnt so much from the 'things I forgot' thread but my needs are even more basic than that. It made me realize how little I know. What do you wish you had asked at your initial meetings with the builder? Or what did you ask that you were so glad you did? All tips, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated. KDRB Carlingford, NSW Building Garden Retreat with MDJH Re: Questions to ask 2Aug 25, 2011 8:47 am Who's doing the site inspection? Someone independent? The builder might quote for a basic slab, but you might need more foundations or clearing or excavating. What's the allowance for what kind of slab P H M etc Do you have to pay something before they will discuss the project any further - how much? Are you prepared to walk away from that money if you get bad vibes or can't afford the house? Is the builder a reputable firm? You can look him up on his ABN number or the Master Builders Assoc - especially if he's a small firm. How much of the work is subcontracted - is the whole job put out to a smaller firm? Is the plan you choose sited to get the best solar access - choose a new plan or new block (also depends where you are) What's included - any landscaping, driveway? carpet, tiles, how much wall tiling - how high What's the level of insulation? Look at their tiles, carpet range - how cheap and nasty are they - can you upgrade? $$? These points might be in the things I forgot thread. Re: Questions to ask 3Aug 26, 2011 9:55 pm When i first started researching building i thought the footings were included in the price but they are extra and can be a big chunk out of the budget. Also it is a good idea to see where the sun rises and sets so you can position the windows to get the most of the winter sun etc. Ive just been reading as much info as possible and now im allot more confident as to how things operate its scary when you dont understands big things that cost big bucks. Have fun learning, i have Re: Questions to ask 4Aug 27, 2011 8:52 am Thank you both for the tips. I'm afraid at the moment the more I learn the more I realize how little I know. It is quite daunting. My husband and I are off for a weekend in the hunter valley looking at the last few McDonald jones homes that we haven't seen yet (and a rare night away from the kids). Should be able to decide on a design when we get back. Soil survey is happening on Mon. We don't know anything about footings and pairings so I think we have a lot of reading to catch up on. Have been reading lots on passive houses but that also is just convincing me that the way I thought the house would catch the sun is not necessarily right. I have to start making decisions soon or well never get our new home done. KT KDRB Carlingford, NSW Building Garden Retreat with MDJH Ardo That is so funny! I wonder how many people know who Larry Haun is these days. I have a couple of young guys we call Mo 1 & Mo 2 who run a crew of 6 boys and… 9 15421 I work with owner, he/she is my man on the ground and I instruct them when to visit the site and take photos and I have other tools in the bag. 4 15020 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 10415 |