Browse Forums Building A New House Venturai's build - Ultimate St Marks HBC, Banksia Grove WA 101Jan 25, 2012 10:40 pm my new build thread- Ben Trager https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=89826 my switch build thread (2011) https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=36569 Re: Venturai's build - Ultimate St Marks HBC, Banksia Grove 103Jan 28, 2012 1:30 am My building forum: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=49650&p=756654#p756654 Building the 'Ultimate St Marks' with Home Buyers Centre Re: Venturai's build - Ultimate St Marks HBC, Banksia Grove 108Jan 30, 2012 2:13 pm My building forum: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=49650&p=756654#p756654 Building the 'Ultimate St Marks' with Home Buyers Centre Re: Venturai's build - Ultimate St Marks HBC, Banksia Grove 109Jan 30, 2012 3:01 pm sdmould Wow what a stroke of luck that you got in! Not good about the lax in security but at least you got to have a look.. And sometimes it's better to have a look before the inspection so you definitely don't miss anything Yeah we got very lucky, but I'm still 50/50 about whether not having let them know was the right thing to do or not. Not much point now though, and maybe we'll let it slip with our site manager on Wednesday anyway, because they're going to have to do something about that door. It was a fabulous opportunity though. Half a week before its inspection, and we got to spend as much time as we liked in there virtually uninterrupted. sdmould Is the powerpoint on the ceiling for your projector? Yeah it certainly is. It not being there isn't a deal breaker, because I'm not going to mount the projector to the ceiling until we've painted (and we'll wait the 6 months as recommended to do that), but we'll get it because we've paid for it. sdmould The 'habitable' clean is not always the case. I can't speak on behalf of HBC but the two home builders I have worked for so a VERY THOROUGH clean - all the bricks get cleaned, walls washed down, floors vacuumed, things dusted, windows cleaned etc. I would expect HBC to do the same but then again they may not - you'll see in a few days! Did you walk over your tiles barefoot? Nah I thought about it at the time, but dismissed it. Looking back though, I wish we had. The only thing that really concerns me is the discolouring on the wall in the dining room (I have it on video, but I should've taken a picture of it). Even though it's probably just because of something really minor, my imagination has me thinking worst case scenario, which would be that it's something like water damage. Touch wood it's nothing like that, but having seen that, I do wish I'd organised an inspector to look the place over. While I won't really be able to trust anything he says, I'll definitely be asking that site manager on Wednesday why it's there. Re: Venturai's build - Ultimate St Marks HBC, Banksia Grove 110Jan 30, 2012 4:28 pm Bet your so excited at this stage dude! PS that lino is banging! http://lindeman28.blogspot.com - Our building blog Re: Venturai's build - Ultimate St Marks HBC, Banksia Grove 111Feb 01, 2012 6:32 pm Trewman PS that lino is banging! I'll say mate, and speaking of banging, so was our PCI. I'll open with a shot of the outside with the garage door down: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ I do really love how it looks. We must've been a good half an hour early this morning, but our site manager was already parked outside, and after a quick chat, he let us in and look around while he made a phone call or two. Nice guy. They'd really done quite a bit of work between our look inside on Saturday afternoon and this morning. The rangehood had been re-installed, they'd filled in a lot of the gaps between some of the tiles and they'd given the place a damn good clean. It really was all quite spectacular. To be honest, not a whole lot came up. There's some more areas around some of the tiling that need to be filled in, and a couple of things were loose, like one of the power points in the theatre room and the toilet roll holder in the ensuite bathroom. They also need to install the towel rail in the ensuite, along with that single power point on the ceiling in the theatre. Some of the foam padding along one of the window runners leading outside to the alfresco had come loose, and the gas knobs on the hotplate in the kitchen were not angled straight up and will need to be fixed. The thing I was concerned about with discolouration on one of the dining room walls was because a door had been painted that'd been leaning up on that wall. As soon as Beth suggested it, I knew that's what it was, because I'd seen a door there from outside during one of our visits. He was an open guy, didn't really come across like he had anything to hide, and he admitted right off the bat an issue with cracking along some of the cornices. Apparently, that's an issue that many builders have been having. I don't know if that's true or not, but he was definitely aware of it, aswell as being aware of the need to have it fixed in areas where it was particularly bad. It's another thing that he said they will check again during the 6-month maintenance. All in all though, it was relatively minor stuff. I don't know whether he was just putting on a show for us or not, but a number of times where something came up that would warrant a fix, he was straight on the phone, trying to get it sorted. That floats my boat. I mean, he apparently set it up with the electrician where he'd be out this afternoon to fix the issues that came up in the theatre room. I don't know if that actually happened or not, but that's the kinda service that I think we'd all like to see. Anyway, here's a few more shots: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ So, we have our re-inspection booked for Thursday 9th February at 8am, and then afterwards, we're headed down to Homebuyers to pick up our keys at 9:30! This is a sure thing, because apparently, the finance came through this morning too! I know a lot of people in these parts are wary of making that final payment until they're good and ready, but our faith in Homebuyers appears to have been justified. We have every confidence that most of the issues that came up in the inspection will be fixed by next Thursday (if not soon afterwards). So yeah, I'll finish with a final shot from my theatre room: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ That's the wall the image will land on, and because my theatre room is long enough to really be able to move that projector back, I'm going to make sure it's damned near wall-to-wall. Bring it! Re: Venturai's build - Ultimate St Marks HBC, Banksia Grove 112Feb 01, 2012 6:51 pm Good work dude looks like it all went well. Really love your roof it looks great, its a shame more people dont do colourbond. http://lindeman28.blogspot.com - Our building blog Re: Venturai's build - Ultimate St Marks HBC, Banksia Grove 113Feb 01, 2012 11:26 pm Oh my gosh!!! This is so exciting. I love the photo of your theatre room!! @Trewman Are you in Vic? I'm pretty sure over 50% of people in WA build with Colorbond roofing.... Or maybe I just think that because in all the new estates I trawl through, I have several "Colorbond moments" in quick succession. They really are lovely @Venturai It sounds like you did a very thorough inspection. Did you grab everything and test it? Or could you just see when something was loose or not quite right? I'm also VERY glad to see there was a thorough clean done on your place!! They have well and truly set the benchmark for my builder!! Re: Venturai's build - Ultimate St Marks HBC, Banksia Grove 114Feb 02, 2012 9:11 am caz_770 Oh my gosh!!! This is so exciting. I love the photo of your theatre room!! Yeah so good hey. We can't wait to get in there, and after it was all done we posted the letter of intent to vacate this rental to our landlord. That felt good See Caz, all of this is what you have to look forward to. Good times are coming caz_770 @Trewman Are you in Vic? I'm pretty sure over 50% of people in WA build with Colorbond roofing.... Or maybe I just think that because in all the new estates I trawl through, I have several "Colorbond moments" in quick succession. They really are lovely Yeah I must admit I do see a lot of colorbond out there in these parts. Still plenty of people using tiles though, but colorbond is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with. caz_770 @Venturai It sounds like you did a very thorough inspection. Did you grab everything and test it? Or could you just see when something was loose or not quite right? I'm also VERY glad to see there was a thorough clean done on your place!! They have well and truly set the benchmark for my builder!! Yeah a bit of both, really. We tried to make sure everything worked properly, which means you have to test it yourself. It's really quite interesting because at first we were running around testing the power points with my electric razor, and after not long the site manager was like "you really don't have to do that, the electrician has to make sure everything works properly anyway". While that does make sense (for obvious safety reasons etc), from that point onwards we were like "ok we'll just test the main ones". They all continued to work fine, but because I'm so much into home theatre and wanted to test all the points in that room, if I hadn't, I'd never have discovered that one of the doubles in there was on much too loose and would need fixing. It's true what they say; you gotta keep on doing it, well after they've told you to stop, because you never know what you're going to find. Re: Venturai's build - Ultimate St Marks HBC, Banksia Grove 115Feb 09, 2012 7:11 pm Well, we got the keys! Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ The re-inspection went well, the site supervisor was already there finishing up a few things when we rocked up (25m early again). We didn't have as much time as we did before, because we'd already booked the appointment to pick up the keys, but the place held up really well. Jason Windows had come out and fixed the foam length along the window runner, and most of the holes around the tiled areas have been taken care of. The loose power point has been fixed in the theatre, and the theatre's ceiling power point has been installed. I haven't taken a picture of it though, but it's a lot bigger a box than I thought it'd be, and if I'd known that's how it was going to be, honestly, I'd rather have gone without it altogether. I thought it'd be flush up against the ceiling or something, but it's not, and I basically can't ceiling-mount a projector behind it because it'll obscure it's view. All in all though, we're pretty happy. A lot of the discoloured areas (mainly due to cornice cracking) have been repainted, and while one or two parts are still noticeable, it's not something either of us are overly concerned with. The last (major) thing that remains is the gas hotplate knobs, and we've got someone coming out tomorrow to take care of that. As you can see, they gave us a really nice pack of goodies as a 'gift'. It's full of useful stuff too, which was surprising. Basically, everything as pictured including a little 2-pack of Kleenex toilet paper. I was impressed by that; I mean, it's not a huge pack of stuff, but at least it wasn't the plain brand stuff you'd sooner chuck in the bin than wipe on your arse! Rather amusingly though, one of the globes in that double pack popped right off the bat when plugged into the theatre room. We ended up going to Bunnings, spent damn near $70 on globes, so I've ended up with a different one at the front than I do at the back. We could've taken the odd one out and put it into the laundry or something, but it's actually pretty cool and just adds to the effect. Being a theatre, they'll be off most of the time anyway though Anyway, it's all happening now. Over the next few days we have a few things being delivered and installed, and on Tuesday we've hired a moving van and we shift the main stuff. That'll take a couple of trips. On the bright side, while ordinarily two weeks of rent would shortly be due, only one will be - the last one! To be honest, it'll be quite sad, because we've been at this rental property for 7 years now, and after that long, a place really does feel like home. It's not though, and you know, it doesn't matter how much you spend on rent on a property, it'll never be yours. Our internet is due to cut off shortly, and we don't know what we're going to do up in Banksia Grove. Either we'll try Telstra wireless, or we'll bite the bullet and give Fuze Connect a go. If you never hear from us again, you can assume we went with the latter!! Re: Venturai's build - Ultimate St Marks HBC, Banksia Grove 116Feb 09, 2012 8:20 pm caz_770 Oh my gosh!!! This is so exciting. I love the photo of your theatre room!! @Trewman Are you in Vic? I'm pretty sure over 50% of people in WA build with Colorbond roofing.... Or maybe I just think that because in all the new estates I trawl through, I have several "Colorbond moments" in quick succession. They really are lovely Yes I am and we are the first in our estate to build with a colorbond roof! The roof actually got started today. Venturai Well, we got the keys! Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ The re-inspection went well, the site supervisor was already there finishing up a few things when we rocked up (25m early again). We didn't have as much time as we did before, because we'd already booked the appointment to pick up the keys, but the place held up really well. Jason Windows had come out and fixed the foam length along the window runner, and most of the holes around the tiled areas have been taken care of. The loose power point has been fixed in the theatre, and the theatre's ceiling power point has been installed. I haven't taken a picture of it though, but it's a lot bigger a box than I thought it'd be, and if I'd known that's how it was going to be, honestly, I'd rather have gone without it altogether. I thought it'd be flush up against the ceiling or something, but it's not, and I basically can't ceiling-mount a projector behind it because it'll obscure it's view. All in all though, we're pretty happy. A lot of the discoloured areas (mainly due to cornice cracking) have been repainted, and while one or two parts are still noticeable, it's not something either of us are overly concerned with. The last (major) thing that remains is the gas hotplate knobs, and we've got someone coming out tomorrow to take care of that. As you can see, they gave us a really nice pack of goodies as a 'gift'. It's full of useful stuff too, which was surprising. Basically, everything as pictured including a little 2-pack of Kleenex toilet paper. I was impressed by that; I mean, it's not a huge pack of stuff, but at least it wasn't the plain brand stuff you'd sooner chuck in the bin than wipe on your arse! Rather amusingly though, one of the globes in that double pack popped right off the bat when plugged into the theatre room. We ended up going to Bunnings, spent damn near $70 on globes, so I've ended up with a different one at the front than I do at the back. We could've taken the odd one out and put it into the laundry or something, but it's actually pretty cool and just adds to the effect. Being a theatre, they'll be off most of the time anyway though Anyway, it's all happening now. Over the next few days we have a few things being delivered and installed, and on Tuesday we've hired a moving van and we shift the main stuff. That'll take a couple of trips. On the bright side, while ordinarily two weeks of rent would shortly be due, only one will be - the last one! To be honest, it'll be quite sad, because we've been at this rental property for 7 years now, and after that long, a place really does feel like home. It's not though, and you know, it doesn't matter how much you spend on rent on a property, it'll never be yours. Our internet is due to cut off shortly, and we don't know what we're going to do up in Banksia Grove. Either we'll try Telstra wireless, or we'll bite the bullet and give Fuze Connect a go. If you never hear from us again, you can assume we went with the latter!! Well done dude big achievement. No more rent now you are paying off something that is yours. Ive never rented thank god but Im only 24 so haven't needed to (living with friends doesnt count). Make sure you definitly post some pics after settling in. http://lindeman28.blogspot.com - Our building blog Re: Venturai's build - Ultimate St Marks HBC, Banksia Grove 117Feb 09, 2012 10:42 pm Hey Venturai CONGRATULATIONS!!! Glad to hear they fixed up most, if not all, your identified issues, nice to hear they made that effort before you got there. Shame about the theatre powerpoint, it may have happened only because they put it in late and didn't pre-wire it, I'd guess it was originally planned as a flush one, surely no-one wants the bulky box visible. This nearly happened with our powerpoint on the island bench, but they told us upfront it would be a box so we moved it to under the bench overhang. turned out it was only about 2cm thick anyway. I like the package they've given you. Personally I still think all lightbulbs should be included, but your two is better than none! What have you got booked to be installed straight away? Nice comment re fuze connect, I'm about to call them to get our place connected but not on a contract. It's worth trying them out, at least then we can complain with more evidence! I have heard there was a 6 week wait at one stage though, so we might need wireless in the meantime. So the next question... are you thinking about changing jobs or going to see how you go with the drive to work? I'll be driving to Perth, but I'm currently in Joondalup so pretty much used to it, it will be a big change for you to have that long drive. Having said that, it's a small price to pay for the joy of being in your own house. Re: Venturai's build - Ultimate St Marks HBC, Banksia Grove 118Feb 09, 2012 11:29 pm Trewman Make sure you definitly post some pics after settling in. You can count on it mate. You'll all be sick of seeing pictures of my theatre room after a while. Assuming I have a stable internet connection with which to upload them, of course. jasmin3 I like the package they've given you. Personally I still think all lightbulbs should be included, but your two is better than none! Granted, it does seem a bit half-assed, especially when you consider how much you can be paying for the house. $150,000+ and they can't spend another $50 or so putting in globes? Please. jasmin3 What have you got booked to be installed straight away? In a nutshell, the crossover's getting done tomorrow (Friday), and the aircon on Monday. Having these two things done prior to our main move on Tuesday really floats my boat. We've paid for the side gate and are waiting to hear back from them about an installation time, and we've also put a deposit down on the security screen door for the front door. Alas, we're looking at anywhere from 3-4 weeks for that one. jasmin3 Nice comment re fuze connect, I'm about to call them to get our place connected but not on a contract. It's worth trying them out, at least then we can complain with more evidence! I have heard there was a 6 week wait at one stage though, so we might need wireless in the meantime. Yeah I read about the 6 week wait too, I think it might've been over on Facebook. I'd be going mental waiting that long. I see you asked that Andrea what Telstra's wireless service is like (I'm not stalking, really ). I would expect it to be tolerable for general web browsing and the like, but absolutely rubbish if you're into things like gaming or video streaming. As far as we're concerned then, as a short-term solution it'd be fine, but any longer and we'd start to really tire of it. jasmin3 So the next question... are you thinking about changing jobs or going to see how you go with the drive to work? I'll be driving to Perth, but I'm currently in Joondalup so pretty much used to it, it will be a big change for you to have that long drive. Having said that, it's a small price to pay for the joy of being in your own house. For now, I'll suffer the drive. I like the freedom, to be honest, like I usually go and have lunch in my car, I like to get out of the building. I'd miss that if I took public transport. It's easy for me to say that now though, not having actually done it yet, but a month or two down the track and it might be a very different story. I've got a feeling it's a journey that'll take upwards of 75 minutes. Venturai's build - Ultimate St Marks HBC, Banksia Grove WA 119Feb 10, 2012 9:00 am Congrats on keys!! It's such an exciting feeling, it's finally yours! That's a hell if a commute, you are Braver than me! my new build thread- Ben Trager https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=89826 my switch build thread (2011) https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=36569 Re: Venturai's build - Ultimate St Marks HBC, Banksia Grove 120Feb 10, 2012 9:50 am Congratulations Venturai!!! I LOVE the little "care package" HBC left you. Simple, yet very useful! I know that the tp is something I will probably forget, so I'd really appreciate that! And Kleenex?! And it's good to see they have their priorities right, stubby holders and coffee cups Venturai On the bright side, while ordinarily two weeks of rent would shortly be due, only one will be - the last one! To be honest, it'll be quite sad, because we've been at this rental property for 7 years now, and after that long, a place really does feel like home. Wow! 7 years!! That would feel like home! Since I moved out of home in August 2002, I haven't lived in the same house for longer than 3 years! I think subconsciously I was moving every couple of years because after 2 years in a place it does start to feel like home.... So that's when I'd start getting frustrated, 'cause I knew my money wasn't going into my home! And also because I was free to move at the end of any of my leases. This is the 1st house I've lived in and have gone on to a periodic tenancy.... Will hopefully be my last Unfortunately, I will have to move out before my new home is complete There's no way I can avoid repayments and rent.... No-one to share expenses with Venturai Our internet is due to cut off shortly, and we don't know what we're going to do up in Banksia Grove. Either we'll try Telstra wireless, or we'll bite the bullet and give Fuze Connect a go. If you never hear from us again, you can assume we went with the latter!! Good luck with the internet connection Hope to hear from you soon! Hi, Would you please share some photos of your Orlando 20 HBC build? I would like to get some insight on the living and dining area. Thank you 0 1679 Thank you so much everyone. This all makes a lot of sense. I guess when you talk to a builder who butters up everything to look very polished, you get to start believing… 7 19103 Hi We have finally decided to complete a KDR on our corner plot in NE Melbourne suburbs. Given its a corner plot approx. 400 sqm just a standard design may not fit the… 0 9084 |