Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Sep 02, 2011 4:37 pm So... I've helped a bunch of people on here with minor (and sometimes major) modifications to their home designs. I'm thinking of starting a small sole-trader business whereby people can send me their plans and tell me what they hope to achieve, and I can make mods in a way that gets them what they are looking for at minimal expense. Which is, essentially, what I have already done for many users on here. Some changes that I have made are (for example) to fit within an allocated space, to allow for a different facade that the original shape of the house didn't allow for, to add storage, to increase solar passivity (thus decrease energy consumption bills), to add or remove space, kitchen design, etc. I have even done a few whole house designs. Most users that I have helped were frustrated with their architects or builders for not listening properly or understanding what it was they were asking to change, and moat have said I'd gotten it spot on with the first attempt, then come back for further changes. I have a few questions: 1/ would you pay for a service like this? 2/ what would you pay? 3/ if I have done this for you, would you be willing to give a written testimony and/or have your designs (original and amended) on display? I've put this in here as it has predominantly been people in this forum who have requested my help in the past. Many of those probably no longer frequent this forum as they're mostly in their lovely new homes by now. Thanks in advance!! Re: Query on housing design changes 2Sep 02, 2011 5:35 pm Hi somewoman, this is a great concept and great especially for those who really are uncertain of their plans. In terms of payment, it would really depend on what you feel your time is worth and what you would be willing to pay yourself for a niche service. Perhaps go by a hourly rate may be somewhere to start and go from there? Re: Query on housing design changes 3Sep 02, 2011 6:06 pm Sounds like an excellent idea to me. When I was looking to build, I had some builder's designs that I liked but I wanted to modify them to suit my needs better. I didn't want to go to an architect because I assumed I would be paying some exorbitant fee for the service. One builder said I could sit down with their designer for a fee of $300. I would've happily paid the money and done that if I knew that the plans were mine afterwards to take to other builders, which I assume they wouldn't have been. Re: Query on housing design changes 4Sep 02, 2011 6:13 pm Most people use the internet for free advice and converting them to paying is fairly hard. I run my blog as a bit of a hobby but here are some idea of the statistics since I started. There are now more than 140 pages of information and opinion. The site has had 12,500 visits 46,000 page views Total income, donations, google adverts income and paid links = $134 I am not complaining, my hobby looks like it will be self funding but its not going to give me much in the way of profit. P.S I get a lot of satisfaction from the fact the numbers of visitors give me a feeling that what I have to say is interesting 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: Query on housing design changes 5Sep 02, 2011 8:09 pm I would be happy to write a testimony, you gave me a walk in pantry that I didnt think to have (they are not big in nz, but I now see in oz it is standard) a north facing window in my family room, and to think 'storage' and make storage out of dead spaces I think charging for 'sketches' could be a service (ie not a clue, please help me get thoughts on paper) and also tweaking plans like you did on here, another service. not a clue re price, but too cheap, people wont value your work, too dear and they will want working drawings. GOOD LUCK because of your thread 100 yrs ago I joined this forum and it has been the best thing ever, so thank you I shall be forever grateful. Re: Query on housing design changes 6Sep 02, 2011 9:19 pm kiwi - what a lovely thing to say! Somewoman - Sorry I don't really have anything useful to say on pricing/costs etc but did just want to say it is nice to see you back on H1 - when I started stalking this forum - your posts, particularly in the custom build thread, were very useful. Good luck with your proposed business. Our building thread: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=51657 Re: Query on housing design changes 7Sep 02, 2011 10:18 pm I was always impressed with the way that you changed people's plans to make them work just that little bit better. I think, go for it! Re: Query on housing design changes 9Sep 04, 2011 12:14 pm I also think you should go for it. I was impressed with the changes you suggested for my home (even though I did not end up implementing them). You would fill a void as it is so hard trying to make a home energy efficient as possible. Especially with volume builders who are willing to change plans the admin people have no idea and just suggest lighting, double glazing windows. The never look into structural changes, house siting etc. If i built again I would definitely consider your services and be willing to pay for them. However the important thing would be to get your views before too far down the track and committed. Good luck and hope it works out for you. House - Lockup completed 23rd December 2011 - Painters are in!!! https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=37261&start=0&hilit=Blaxland Re: Query on housing design changes 10Sep 06, 2011 8:26 pm I was just sent a letter from google re $100 worth of free adwords. You can have the voucher if you like, (offer expires 30th sept) I wont be using it as I shelved my company. I did use ad words and they were good...just had crappy people answering the enquiries!! why dont you do up a quick website, big daddy were doing free hosting if you buy a domain name from them, and see what sort of response you get ??? pm me if you would like the voucher code and how to log into adwords with the voucher. 3 steps. yours if you want it chick... if not...will see if nathan wants to use it. Re: Query on housing design changes 11Sep 06, 2011 8:29 pm ps it was a letter, on paper with a stamp. from lucinda barlow, head of marketing, google australia and new zealand from the postie!!! wasnt emailed Re: Query on housing design changes 13Sep 07, 2011 7:44 pm Hey, best of luck with this. I recall referring to you as a legend on multiple occasions with my second design and we all stayed up late solving problems etc. Granted I went in another direction entirely but only cos of price. Hope things are well with you. Luck Timeline Aug 08-Land Mar 09-Demo/Titles Sept 10-Handover No1 Sept 11-Handover No2 April 12-Sold No2 Aug 14-Land/Demo Jan 15-Slabs viewtopic.php?f=31&t=25736 Re: Query on housing design changes 14Sep 09, 2011 6:04 pm Thanks all! There is nothing definite on the cards - I guess a lot of the shine has worn off it after having built my own dream home, dealt with the nightmare that was the SS and then ended my marriage and moved out shortly after completion... I'd love to do it again someday, and I'm still quite passionate about sustainability and improving our living spaces, just a tad depressed and not quite sure what it is I really want to do. Weighing options for now... Hi All, see above image. The required setback from the rear boundary in my case is 5m, as you can see the shape of the site and location of the boundary is slightly… 0 8432 CDC Housing Code 3 When to apply Floor Area external face of wall vs Gross Floor Area internal face of wall. 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