Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Nov 10, 2011 1:00 pm Hi guys, So this forum has been an absolute wealth of knowledge so far.. and now it's time to create my own account as we are nearing settlement on our block of land, and also near deciding on a floor plan and handing over our well earned cash to start the building process... We are looking at building the Glendale 34 by M3tr1c0n (in Regional Vic), with enough changes that its basically a miniature Whittaker! Our concern at the moment I guess, is how quickly the price goes up from the base plan - even WITH their promos. We've already added almost $70k with site costs, BAL assessment and floor plan modifications... Our site has ~ a 3m fall over the block, with site costs at approx $20,000. Lucky we have an M class soil classification! We are also up for a BAL assessment of about 19 which could add ~ $15,000. Modifications we've made: - added a dining room & outdoor room along the back of the house - closed off the sitting room with two sliding doors (making it a theatre room) - changed the layout of the ensuite - workshop extension to garage - removed the study to make it an outdoor porch This doesn't even begin to look at lighting, studio M upgrades, flooring, heating/cooling.... eek! So currently we're looking for recommendations on what to do before handover, and what is best to leave til after handover - what works out cheaper? I know i've seen a few posts about this, so i'm hunting them down at the moment... but happy to take anyones' recommendations based on personal experience! Looking forward to getting to know everyone & sharing our (hopefully positive) experience! Jo x Blog: http://matt-and-jo.blogspot.com.au/ Purchased Block: August 2011, Block Settled: Dec, 2011 Contract Signed: 28/6/12, Site Works Started: 9/11/12 Re: Starting the building process: Big M - Victoria 2Nov 11, 2011 2:43 pm Hi Matt and Jo, Welcome. Where about in rural Vic are you building? Looking forward to following your build Living in Sydney - Building in Melbourne My Thread: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=50518 Re: Starting the building process: Big M - Victoria 3Nov 11, 2011 2:44 pm Building in Ballarat - away from the "big smoke" but not too far to get to the city! I am a former Sydney girl, and Matt has lived in Melbourne most his life.... So a bit of a tree change for us! Blog: http://matt-and-jo.blogspot.com.au/ Purchased Block: August 2011, Block Settled: Dec, 2011 Contract Signed: 28/6/12, Site Works Started: 9/11/12 Re: Starting the building process: Big M - Victoria 4Nov 11, 2011 3:18 pm Hi Matt & Jo I'm a Melbourne Girlie we are only up here as my Hubby is in the Defence Forces, and after some 11 years in we have decided enough is enough and moving to Melbourne to be closer to family and settle down with our son. Do you miss Sydney? Have you been 'missing' for long? Love Ballarat, you wont be too far from us Living in Sydney - Building in Melbourne My Thread: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=50518 Re: Starting the building process: Big M - Victoria 5Nov 11, 2011 3:20 pm Have been in Ballarat a year now, 2.5 years since I left Sydney. Ballarat is lovely! I don't think we'd consider moving back to the city now. Blog: http://matt-and-jo.blogspot.com.au/ Purchased Block: August 2011, Block Settled: Dec, 2011 Contract Signed: 28/6/12, Site Works Started: 9/11/12 For reference, this is the Austlii reference. My take on this is, that they would be breaking the law denying access to a homeowner in Victoria, or their agent from having… 1 9070 I apologise for any confusion, but your understanding is correct. We approached our situation differently based on advice from… 11 53177 |