Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Nov 04, 2011 10:48 pm Hi all, Well, here I go again with building... this time on the other side of the country!! But this time it is home and means a hell of a lot to get it right as I really don't want to sell EVER again! lol So, I am building in Brighton with views to the ocean lets hope I don't get built out! And am building with Blueprint homes. At this stage I am ecstatic at the treatment, communication and help from the company and am looking forward to what is to come. This is even easier than my AVJennings build in ACT so far, but then, we haven't even got up to pre start yet!! So, I am starting up a 'blog' I suppose on the build and how everything goes with this builder and am starting with my highly modified plan of one of their 'premium' builds. http://s876.photobucket.com/albums/ab32 ... ROWN-1.jpg I have started looking around at everything from floors, to bench tops, to cabinetry and tiles. I have a good idea of what I want with mood boards I have been putting together for 6 months, and will definitely bombard you all with them and ask for advice about what looks better, works better or is most practical. My first lot of bombardment is: 1. Flooring - I am looking at timber floors to the entire house as I LOVE them BUT, my dog is a giant breed and very uncoordinated with arthritis who already hates slippery tiles and hasn't done well at my friends house with walking on her floorboards I have been told the 'non slip finish and water based finish' are not as goo as they make out either. So I am looking at vinyl planks and happy to accept advice. I have had vinyl planks before, in Karndean Winter Oak. (this is my last house and the vinyl floor I had: http://s876.photobucket.com/albums/ab32 ... anklin.jpg I will NEVER do that again, as the dark picks up ALL dirt and scratches showed badly. I am however looking this time at Karndean Opus Magna which is wide plank and a pale milk choc grey colour that I ran a set of keys over and could not scratch. Plus I know the dog is absolutely fine on vinyl, so bonus there. (BTW, I will probably always own this breed of dog, so planning for 'later' isn't a thought here). This is the link: http://www.karndean.com.au/site/product ... ct_ID=1691 2. Kitchen Benches I am in a dilemma with bench tops.... I have had matt white kitchen cupboards before with caesarstone 'nougat' (see above photo in floors) and I thought the benches always looked a little discoloured against the pure white BUT I have now received a sample of caesarstone Pure white which seems just as 'off colour' as nougat but without the flecks to distract you. I am choosing high gloss white cupboards in the kitchen this time and want to get the benches right, so also ordered a sample of a colour I would NEVER normally order, called 'Mangrove'. It matches the karndean Magna flooring really well (its a little darker but same colour really and both have texture), but I am nervous about veering from my all white theme I have always chased. The mangrove colour is here: http://www.caesarstone.com.au/Colours/C ... 0-Mangrove™ and the nougat is http://www.caesarstone.com.au/Colours/C ... 600-Nougat™ and the pure white: http://www.caesarstone.com.au/Colours/C ... re%20White™ no idea which to choose though!!! I am going with (in the kitchen) high gloss white overhead and under bench cupboards, with integrated dual single drawer dish drawers, hidden basins and mirror splash back and stainless fridge etc. So, the bench is proving difficult. 3. Bathroom: I am really keen on porcelain versions of honed white travertine look tiles in 300 x 600 for walls floor to ceiling and polished white travertine look for the floor also in 300 x 600. I am then debating a full feature wall of tiles at the end of the bathroom (in the shower area) in mother of pearl either 'mother of pearl indonesian gold' or 'pure white freshwater shell' http://motherofpearl-tiles.co.uk/MOTHER ... MPLES.aspx As I have never seen this, I would love any feedback or thoughts!! 4. Outside: I am debating on the external look of the house, and being coastal I would like to keep that in mind (without being cheesy). I am sticking with silver window frames and silver or white roof in colour bond with matching guttering and downpipes the colour of my bricks which will be the large format limestone brick. I will also go with timber finish garage door and entrance door. The problem I have is what colour render to the front of the house only? I have to render the front of the house and have no idea if I should go a warm neutral creamy colour or a bold colour or even what would look best so would love ANY advice!!!! The elevation should look something like this: http://s876.photobucket.com/albums/ab32 ... nBROWN.jpg My front windows will be dressed internally with white plantation shutters. So, I will leave it there for now more to come and THANKS FOR ANY INPUT!!!! Ness Re: New home with Blueprint - Brighton, WA 2Nov 04, 2011 11:40 pm A few things to add... 'oh so much to be excited about ' I am doing a few extras to the house such as: 1. Feature lighting to the facade of the house 2. extra size master bedroom 3. door from master to a private courtyard 4. gas fireplace to master and lounge room 5. double size shower to ensuite 6. glass panel only to shower 7. hidden cistern toilet 8. double length bench in ensuite 9. Spa to ensuite (possibly bliss freestanding TBC: http://aquadesign.com.au/pages/products/ 10. cavity slider to ensuite 11. Island batch to kitchen 12. Hidden sink to island 13. Caesar stone 14. Mirror splashback 15. overhead cupboards to kitchen 16. Pyrolitic wall mounted oven 17. Izona cooktop http://www.tomorrowskitchen.com.au/#izo ... ok-surface 18. 31c Ceilings to living areas 19. Downlights to most areas (feature lights to hall and bedrooms) Some furniture/colours I have for the home (factored in) 1. Dining and Coffee tables http://www.domayneonline.com.au/layfaye ... table.html and http://www.domayneonline.com.au/layfaye ... table.html 2. Mirror tall boys as bedside tables 3. bed similar to this http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Balinese-Han ... 35b60fbec4 4. feature colour (paint and wallpaper) in teal colours 5. Using Louis ghost chairs in WIR/dressing rooms and entry etc 6. Bedside tables; clear bourgie lamp http://www.replicafurniture.com.au/repl ... -lamp.html I am sure I will update more as we go along.... Re: New home with Blueprint - Brighton, WA 3Nov 05, 2011 6:22 pm Oh and one more question... I have currently chosen caesarstone to all my kitchen benches, but am contemplating changing that to caesarstone for the island bench only but with a waterfall (which I can't afford if all my benches are casesarstone) and make the back bench along the cooking area etc stainless steel. Has anyone got stainless steel benches? Thoughts? Easy to keep clean? Stays looking good? Does the combo of waterfall caesarstone and stainless benches look good? Can anyone recommend other materials? Thanks Again!!! Re: New home with Blueprint - Brighton, WA 4Nov 05, 2011 8:43 pm Wow! Its going to be gorgeous! The vinyl looks gorgeous, and looks like it'd hide dirt and and scratches you might get, and it complements that flooring gorgeously Feature wall would be divine in those tiles! Can't wait to see more! I'm having a white on white kitchen but love the look of the mangrove, and if the 'off white-edness' bugged you, itd definitley solve that issue 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: New home with Blueprint - Brighton, WA 5Nov 10, 2011 10:39 am Thanks Tinkster!! Glad to hear someone likes my choices!! I have actually been thinking about the 'off white' matching in the kitchen and am starting to lean even more toward a waterfall nougat island and stainless steel bench at the back so that will break up the benches/cupboard with a diff colour and the fleck in the nougat waterfall bench should pick up beautifully with the colour floor. The only thing is, whilst I am waiting for a price I have been told to prepare myself for stainless steel to be twice the price of caesarstone!! I have also just been informed that the mirror splashback is MORE than glass!! I had been told previosuly that the mirror finish was 1/2 to 1/4 of the price and nearly fell over when told the splash would cost $3000 in mirror!!! and only $2000 in glass!!! So the solution the builder has put forward is get it done afterwards as Stegbar said it should cost $2000 with install if done directly through them..... still.... So, my next trial is also now having to go to the one tile company that blueprint use as apparently the builder has stopped allowing people to supply their own tiles and I need to see if they can get that mother of pearl tile imported for me... somehow I think I might be out of luck on that one but, here is hoping they can help!!! In more positive news, I get to choose my spa for the ensuite from Reece who do a freestanding spa bath.... I can't wait to see it!!!! Should be awesome! Re: New home with Blueprint - Brighton, WA 7Nov 10, 2011 4:01 pm Just found your thread and had a read ... sounds like you have been doing your homework - very nice. Can't wait to see this one take shape! We have Merino render and a Jasper roof. Making all those choices is hard work isn't it - it's such a relief when it's all done and you can then start to worry you've made the right choices. Only kidding - once you've made the final decision you shouldn't doubt yourself. Good luck with it all!! For info on our build: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=43093 Built the McLaren by Dechellis - slab down 22 Feb - handover 30 Aug 2011 - and gardens finished 9 Dec 2012!! Re: New home with Blueprint - Brighton, WA 8Dec 06, 2011 1:03 am nessbrown A few things to add... 'oh so much to be excited about ' I am doing a few extras to the house such as: 1. Feature lighting to the facade of the house 2. extra size master bedroom 3. door from master to a private courtyard 4. gas fireplace to master and lounge room 5. double size shower to ensuite 6. glass panel only to shower 7. hidden cistern toilet 8. double length bench in ensuite 9. Spa to ensuite (possibly bliss freestanding TBC: http://aquadesign.com.au/pages/products/ 10. cavity slider to ensuite 11. Island batch to kitchen 12. Hidden sink to island 13. Caesar stone 14. Mirror splashback 15. overhead cupboards to kitchen 16. Pyrolitic wall mounted oven 17. Izona cooktop http://www.tomorrowskitchen.com.au/#izo ... ok-surface 18. 31c Ceilings to living areas 19. Downlights to most areas (feature lights to hall and bedrooms) Some furniture/colours I have for the home (factored in) 1. Dining and Coffee tables http://www.domayneonline.com.au/layfaye ... table.html and http://www.domayneonline.com.au/layfaye ... table.html 2. Mirror tall boys as bedside tables 3. bed similar to this http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Balinese-Han ... 35b60fbec4 4. feature colour (paint and wallpaper) in teal colours 5. Using Louis ghost chairs in WIR/dressing rooms and entry etc 6. Bedside tables; clear bourgie lamp http://www.replicafurniture.com.au/repl ... -lamp.html I am sure I will update more as we go along.... I found that same bed on ebay and I wished I lived locally so I could get one! If you know anywhere in Perth that sells them, please let me know...it's amazing and I reaaaallly want one It's finally happening! Follow our build with Homegroup WA viewtopic.php?f=31&t=55324&p=987698#p987698 Re: New home with Blueprint - Brighton, WA 9Jan 19, 2012 11:10 pm Hey the JJ's... I didn't find the bed in white in Perth, but I had a bed almost the same in natural timber that a local company refinished to 'shabby chic'. Will post pics... I LOVE it!! In other news...... I finally got contracts and after some to-ing and fro-ing, finally settled on them and signed. So, roll on today and I had pre-start. I am feeling VERY discouraged by the whole process. On the positive side: 1. I have a really nice splash colour chosen (clear pool or something similar) glass splash. I originally wanted clear colour mirror, but Blueprint said they would not do it, black mirror only if I wanted mirror... hello 1970. Good thing, I like the glass colour I chose. Also, at $1900, I am happy with price. 2. I have a really pretty bench top in stone, called absolute stone, 'absolute chrome' that is a white with flecks, and has a glitter type fleck through it It also cost $300 less than the amount I was charged for caesarstone in my contract 3. I am happy with my overall exterior colour choices that scared the bejeebers out of me to select in the first place. The choices are Surfmist roof, with surf mist entrance columns and the main render to the house will be woodland grey. To accent this, I will be having the cedar garage doors and a matching colour main entrance door in Solver Antique Cherry. I will then have white window frames to go seamlessly with the white plantation shutters I am planning. I will be planting yukka type plants to the front for 'pops' of vivid green and using stainless up/down column lights. However, here is where I get a little unhappy. 1. The contracts which were signed and ready to go before Christmas, were not sent to council before Christmas, in fact, they were only sent 2 days ago and they expect it will take 6 weeks for approval. (Despite the fact I told them, I need the build done by 1 Nov as I will miss out on a very hefty work housing subsidy if it takes longer for completion). 2. Blueprint, will not let me choose tiles from anyone except their one provider. Not only do you not get to go to a tile centre, but you have only about 6 choices of bizarre circa 1980's tile to choose from in the pre-start centre. You can go to their one suppliers store to choose tiles but the pre-start manager told me 'we do not have a per square metre allowance for tile, so choose a tile and we will tell you the upgrade cost'..... - So I just chose from their 'upgrade' range, tiles I still didn't really like, which still came to an extra $2900 - Also surprised there is no 'per sqm amount' when I was charged $1800 during contract stage to increase tiles in the ensuite from floor to ceiling. - I also wanted a hob-less shower and centre tile drain, which they quoted all up at $1300 (See how things are adding up here......) 3. Then I get told, to choose formica kick boards in 'brushed pewter' it will cost another $366.... when in my last build it was at no extra cost (As its just a formica colour, not actual stainless steel)... starting to scratch my head. Then all the little things (As everyone warns you of) started adding up, including a total of $3070 in electrical to add a couple of conduits, 7 double power points, 2 singles, 1 upgrade from a double to a quad point, 5 basic additional bayonet points, 1 external light and 8 LED down lights. As well as $278 and $239 to change the clear glass in the door and side light to obscure glass..... So, after being originally told, you can't choose other company tiles, you can't have mirror splash, you can't have poured limestone drive etc, you can't have stainless steel benches etc etc etc, I did resign myself to the fact that at the end of the day, I chose a package builder, I can't afford architect design/choice so there has to be some compromise. I must say however, that even with that point firmly in my mind, I am still lost as to why I can't know an amount to go to the actual suppliers store and chose other tiles. I am confused at why some basic things are costing SOOO much. Bottom line, I spent over $50,000 already in the contract to upgrade a heck of a lot and had $9,000 to spend at pre-start. I was quoted $22,000 at my initial choices in pre-start and even with hacking it back and choosing not only tiles I dislike, but no having my hob-less shower, I still came in at a total $12,500 in pre-start which I just cannot stretch to. I am already at the upper end of my budget and paying that extra will mean sacrifices at hand over when I go to do flooring etc. I have gone back to the pre-start people to ask again for a tile per sqm amount so maybe I can choose tiles direct from supplier (which would solve the extra amount on its own) as well as querying the amount on the kicks and glass. Fingers crossed for a positive outcome as generally, this company have been good to deal with. Anyone else experience similar things with their builders? Is it normal to not get told what your tile costs are per sqm? I would appreciate some others input as, as I said... feeling a weeny bit deflated I should be excited at this point!!!! Comments welcomed Just not 'well you chose a stock standard builder' as I know, or at least I do now!! lol Land Settled 02 Oct 11 Final Build contract Dec 11 Pre-Start 19 Jan 12 Construction Licence 25 Jan 12 Still waiting for final plans to go to slab list Blog @ http://nessieshouse.webs.com Re: New home with Blueprint - Brighton, WA 10Jan 19, 2012 11:55 pm Oh sorry.... And thanks mclaren and d@n!! Land Settled 02 Oct 11 Final Build contract Dec 11 Pre-Start 19 Jan 12 Construction Licence 25 Jan 12 Still waiting for final plans to go to slab list Blog @ http://nessieshouse.webs.com Re: New home with Blueprint - Brighton, WA 11Jan 20, 2012 2:10 pm Right, to hopefully I will have a response on this tiling situation / ensuite issue shortly. Hopefully today so I can get the matter put to bed! I did some calculations and it looks like the charge for tiling is about $160per sqm! That being the case, I am told by others that it should be about $45per sqm for labour, $55 at the maximum mark up of 35% for the builder (as per contract) and then $60 per sqm for tiling supply charge. Which, I am fairly certain I can find tiles I like at that price direct from the supplier. Still strange though, that the tile I like that I chose previously (from the supplier which apparently I cant get for floors, just walls only which isn't what i was after, so back to the drawing board there lol) was $80 per sqm, they said would cost an extra $2500 on top of what I am already paying just for three walls in the ensuite........ sooo.... Now I don't know what to think!! The waiting is killing me........ Land Settled 02 Oct 11 Final Build contract Dec 11 Pre-Start 19 Jan 12 Construction Licence 25 Jan 12 Still waiting for final plans to go to slab list Blog @ http://nessieshouse.webs.com Re: New home with Blueprint - Brighton, WA 12Jan 29, 2012 1:11 am @The JJ's... I am including a couple of links here re: the bed. I originally purchased this bed for my Indonesian furniture 'fit out' which is not going to suit the new build http://s876.photobucket.com/albums/ab32 ... anklin.jpg So, with the pic of the bed I liked in mind I had the following done: http://s876.photobucket.com/albums/ab32 ... G_0377.jpg I will post pics soon of it all put together... I am just waiting to finalise bedside table handles so the look is competed before I send, but I did have this re-finished in Perth (the furniture doctor) and I LOVE it!!! <3 Hope that is some help Land Settled 02 Oct 11 Final Build contract Dec 11 Pre-Start 19 Jan 12 Construction Licence 25 Jan 12 Still waiting for final plans to go to slab list Blog @ http://nessieshouse.webs.com Re: New home with Blueprint - Brighton, WA 13Jan 29, 2012 9:21 pm Hi nessbrown, I had my pre-start last Tuesday, 24th of Jan. I found it very stressful and exhausting and I too found it a little perplexing that everything costs so much extra!!! With my project builder, they don't give you a price for the tiles (or allowance, if you like) but the tiling supply company knew which tiles I could have as standard and which ones would cost extra. They could tell me how much they would cost, as the builder works this out (i.e. It's not the ticketed price in the tiling centre..... As they would have their margin to add and then there'd be the labour costs) They've also managed to come up with all kinds of provisional sums and when I asked what evidence I would be given when they finalise the costs on these provisions (and I asked this question a few times) I was given the same answer over and over..... They would send out a contract variation with the final amount of the provisional sum and I would have to accept it and keep a copy of that so that I can mark off the provisional sums as I go then at the end of the build they would give me a credit for anything outstanding. Like you, I have been a little disheartened by the whole process, but this forum has been a god send!!! Some things I've learnt from and some things I have just had to accept and will have to move on. Hopefully we will both end up with awesome homes and it will be totally worth it in the end!!! Re: New home with Blueprint - Brighton, WA 14Jan 30, 2012 12:21 am Hi Caz, Thank you for your message, I appreciate hearing from someone who can relate but obviously it sucks when you start hating the build and feeling totally disenchanted with it all. I am starting to feel a little better, if only for the fact I have gone back and counted how lucky I am to have the extras that I do have but still, they could make life a LOT easier. I am sure your build will turn out gorgeous.... its just these damn prelim steps!! On a different note though, I decided to launch an actual blog with photos etc (Was just a little easier) so I will be doing most my updates there, and asking questions here!! So, feel free all to visit my blog and post any feedback you think might help (or any questions about the experience/choices etc!!) Very happy to share my blog is at: http://www.nessieshouse.webs.com Land Settled 02 Oct 11 Final Build contract Dec 11 Pre-Start 19 Jan 12 Construction Licence 25 Jan 12 Still waiting for final plans to go to slab list Blog @ http://nessieshouse.webs.com Re: New home with Blueprint - Brighton, WA 15Feb 03, 2012 12:16 am Sooo.... Small update.... My Blog page on my webpage is now updated with photos and colour selections! Yay!! Just waiting on the paperwork from blueprint to confirm all my upgrades and choices!! It's been two weeks... hopefully not much longer to go I also finally got one tile each of my tiles I have selected... the pictures don't quiet do them justice but I think the effect will be great... not what I originally wanted but hey, I can't have everything!! So, the white tile is my main 3 walls in both bathrooms, the long dark tile is the 'feature' wall (all the back wall in the ensuite shower and the walls inside the shower to the main bathroom) and the small dark tile is the floor tile for the wet areas. I am a tad nervous about these, but then, when your told you have a $44p/sqm + $500 spend (which even though I did only chose at $44p/sqm, it cost me a further $1050 and not $500 as there was extra cost to lay tiles horizontally ) you don't go and spend above..... it all just starts equalling thousands more, so no natural spa look, but these will sparkle nicely with the chandelier http://s876.photobucket.com/albums/ab32 ... G_0424.jpg http://s876.photobucket.com/albums/ab32 ... G_0426.jpg Happy for thoughts Land Settled 02 Oct 11 Final Build contract Dec 11 Pre-Start 19 Jan 12 Construction Licence 25 Jan 12 Still waiting for final plans to go to slab list Blog @ http://nessieshouse.webs.com Re: New home with Blueprint - Brighton, WA 16Feb 03, 2012 8:04 am Yay ... I like it! For info on our build: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=43093 Built the McLaren by Dechellis - slab down 22 Feb - handover 30 Aug 2011 - and gardens finished 9 Dec 2012!! Re: New home with Blueprint - Brighton, WA 17Feb 03, 2012 7:36 pm Thanks Mclaren I have been VERY nervous about these tile choices!!!! Land Settled 02 Oct 11 Final Build contract Dec 11 Pre-Start 19 Jan 12 Construction Licence 25 Jan 12 Still waiting for final plans to go to slab list Blog @ http://nessieshouse.webs.com Re: New home with Blueprint - Brighton - question about tile 18Feb 19, 2012 1:49 pm Hi All, So, I am still waiting for my revised plans to come out of drafting after pre-start but am expecting them to be ready this week. Something the consultant said has got me thinking though (and yes I am probably an idiot for not realising) but I figure they will show what direction my tiles will be laid in, but I haven't been asked my preference. My last build, was run very differently, so I am sort of learning all over again So, if they draw the tiles horizontal laid on the plans which I was hoping to discuss with the tiler and not be locked in now, as they are 300 x 500 main walls and 300 x 600 feature wall, I will need to have a decision to the builder quick smart on how I actually want them laid! As per my previous posts... the feature tile is a darker cappuccino colour and my main tiles a shiny white (With a little mother of pearl sheen) and the floor tile matches the feature tile colour but are square 300 x 300. With the different sizes on wall tile, I had thought it might be a better idea to lay the main tile horizontally for the 'bigger room' effect but then, run the the feature tile (whole back wall of the ensuite which is all shower area) vertically. I thought that might give it a more fluid, 'waterfall' type effect whilst helping to make the area look a little taller too. Does it work laying 3 walls horizontally and 1 vertically if they are different colours/slightly different sizes? Has anyone done this or seen pictures of this done? I will add, the tiling in the ensuite is floor to ceiling. I really don't know what to do here, as the tile selection is not what i originally wanted, so I am having to re-visualize the room and don't want to stuff it up!!! I will add, that whatever way I have them laid in the ensuite, will be laid in the main bathroom too. The main bathroom is the normal glass door square space and will have the feature tile inside the shower and the main white tile on all spaces outside the shower (but will not be floor to ceiling in the main bathroom). Any advice/tips/photos/comments will be very much appreciated!!!!! Cheers! Land Settled 02 Oct 11 Final Build contract Dec 11 Pre-Start 19 Jan 12 Construction Licence 25 Jan 12 Still waiting for final plans to go to slab list Blog @ http://nessieshouse.webs.com Re: New home with Blueprint - Brighton, WA 19Feb 20, 2012 11:57 am no one? Land Settled 02 Oct 11 Final Build contract Dec 11 Pre-Start 19 Jan 12 Construction Licence 25 Jan 12 Still waiting for final plans to go to slab list Blog @ http://nessieshouse.webs.com Re: New home with Blueprint - Brighton, WA 20Feb 20, 2012 12:34 pm Perhaps if you could show us a pic of the tiles it might help ... For info on our build: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=43093 Built the McLaren by Dechellis - slab down 22 Feb - handover 30 Aug 2011 - and gardens finished 9 Dec 2012!! Is it just a report written to give to the bank initially and it is based on what and how your payments are made up for, or is it a full service where they go out and… 2 5602 Skjm You might want to watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKx-bsOr2jg If that link doesn't work go to youtube and search for Zac Homes ACA I am really… 1 4020 |