Browse Forums Building A New House Re: Our tri-level, side split floor plans! ~ Waiting to sign 121Jun 23, 2012 2:32 pm This thread is somewhat dead, but thought i'd update for my own purposes... We are awaiting the arrival of our contract (finally) this week! We have until June 30th to still get the $26,500 First Home Buyers Grant so FINGERS CROSSED! Things that have changed; - We gave up the polished concrete once the prices reached about $40k - Now we're going to do in-slab hydronic heating, with tiles. Haven't finalised the tiles yet, but we have found 2 that we like, that have a very similar finish to the polished concrete we wanted.. - Alfresco 1 has been turned in to a 3m internal extension Once the contract is all signed, we will work on the permits & developer approval, after which we should be able to get started on site (current wait time is about 4wks from permits).... from that, another 6-7 months before its complete! Jo 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: Our tri-level, side split floor plans! ~ Waiting to sign 123Jun 27, 2012 4:20 pm Thanks Carmel... its been a long time coming, so we're hoping it turns out well! fingers crossed. I'm sure you will all be able to experience the build with 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: Our tri-level, side split floor plans! ~ Waiting to sign 124Jun 27, 2012 10:14 pm Your builder built the house next door to us ( The Warrnambool branch did anyway). Dexterredcat used Victoria Blue bricks I think. Can't wait to watch this baby grow! Deemaree Kyndylan Capers: viewtopic.php?f=36&t=46852 My blog: http://www.sufficientlysufficient.blogspot.com/ Re: Our tri-level, side split floor plans! ~ Waiting to sign 125Jun 28, 2012 11:35 pm ooh really Dee - how did the neighbours house turn out? any concerns that you are aware of? so far we have only heard good reports about them which is great... fingers crossed it stays that way for us as well! 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: Our tri-level, side split floor plans! ~ Waiting to sign 126Jun 29, 2012 10:23 am B&P do have a good reputation locally-not cheap though. Neighbours have had bath replaced and a couple of minor things-but overall they don't seem to have had a lot of return visits since moving in! Deemaree Kyndylan Capers: viewtopic.php?f=36&t=46852 My blog: http://www.sufficientlysufficient.blogspot.com/ Re: Our tri-level, side split floor plans! ~ Waiting to sign 127Jun 29, 2012 10:25 am Thats a relief thanks dee! 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: Our tri-level, side split floor plans! ~ Waiting to sign 128Jul 02, 2012 1:02 am Hi everyone! I have put this as a stand-alone thread in the landscaping area, but thought i'd also include it here in case any of the lurkers had suggestions also... some of it you will already know, I was lazy and didn't 're-write' it. ....We are not even started our build yet, but are trying to work out budgets and get ahead of the 8 ball with regards to further plans for our outdoor areas. Basically, our house is a split level (side split) and will need some kind of stairs or ramp from the garage up to the front door entry, and also stairs from the back sliding door, down to the courtyard (see images at end of post). The builder has told us that it is our responsibility to build stairs/access and we will not get a certificate of occupancy until they have been completed! The front & back doors will also be deadlocked until it is complete, due to the safety issues related (i get this for the back door, as its an immediate 900mm drop from the door, however the front yard shouldn't have been an issue, it just meant there was no access from the drive directly to the front door unless you walked back further towards the footpath, and up onto the top level)... My main concern is -- WHO and WHERE do I look for someone to do this? We live in a country town, where tradies are somewhat limited, and myself & other half are not the most hands on people in the world.. Also we (potentially) will have a BAL of 40, so I guess timber decking is out of the question for the rear? I will try and scan some pics of the rear area to show you how it sits, but anyones ideas or recommendations is greatly appreciated. Has anyone built stairs like this themselves before?? If so, how hard is it - honestly - for 2 novices? I must say, I am leaning towards the last picture as the layout for this area, rather than the middle image as recommended by the builder (aren't they meant to be the subject experts?!)... http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/x391/j0anne04/stairs.jpg ** Image 1: Front and side elevation of house showing the way the house sits, and also where the stairs are required. There is 840mm step at rear, not sure on exact drop at front - but it is slightly greater due to the slope of driveway, and garage is also 3 steps lower than remainder of house. http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/x391/j0anne04/stairs2-1.jpg ** Image 2: One option for the rear stairs (straight from back door, down to main courtyard area) http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/x391/j0anne04/stairs3-2.jpg ** Image 3: A second option for the rear stairs, giving us usable space on the top AND lower level (I want to use the top level for a clothes line, or enclosed cat area - but if I do stairs directly from the door down, id have to do more stairs further down the yard to get UP to this area... it also gives us access to the utilities down the dead side of the house).. Jo 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: Our tri-level, side split floor plans! ~ Waiting to sign 129Jul 02, 2012 9:33 am Why don't you get your builder to do it? Re: Our tri-level, side split floor plans! ~ Waiting to sign 130Jul 02, 2012 9:36 am They won't do it because the cost could vary so much depending on cut. They have made it a clause we have to do it. :/ 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: Our tri-level, side split floor plans! ~ Waiting to sign 131Jul 02, 2012 10:44 am As a short term option you can purchase premade stair kits from Bunnings-mind you, if you have stairs above a certain height you will legally require a balustrade/handrail.... Even in a regional area you should be able to find a chippy or handyman who can do this. Is there a Jim's Handyman Service locally? Deemaree Kyndylan Capers: viewtopic.php?f=36&t=46852 My blog: http://www.sufficientlysufficient.blogspot.com/ Re: Our tri-level, side split floor plans! ~ Waiting to sign 132Jul 03, 2012 2:36 pm Ill have to look into our BAL limits with regards to timber decking I think... and make some enquiries! 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: Our tri-level, side split floor plans! ~ Waiting to sign 133Sep 07, 2012 10:52 am If you are BAL 40, timber tread stairs will not be feasible. Keep in mind though that there is a 'shielding' clause in AS3959 (bushfire building) that will allow you to drop the BAL one level in an area that is shielded from the vegetation risk by the building or neighbours. If you can't get your stairs completed in timber I would have a chat with a steel fabricator, get them drawn up and fabricated offsite and dropped in on pads with holding down bolts. Re: Our tri-level, side split floor plans! ~ Approaching LOC 134Mar 10, 2013 1:44 pm Hi guys! So... a lot has happened in the 6 months since I last posted in this thread... I did manage to keep up with the blog, but my thread got neglected... sorry! If you'd like a more detailed history of the last 6 months, please go visit our blog here: http://matt-and-jo.blogspot.com.au/ Otherwise, here is a run down of where we are at.... So currently, as of today we are almost ready for the plasterers to start! We have the slab, frame and electrical/plumbing/heating/cooling all roughed in, minus a few small issues that will be addressed next week. The plumber has forgotten our fridge water point, and the heating/cooling guys put one duct in the right hand corner of the WIR and the other smack bang in the middle of the back wall, which means we would need a second box around it! I wasn't happy with this, so we called the manager who we have been dealing with, and he has offered to go and fix it himself on Tuesday after the long weekend... so as an alternative we will either have a small box in each far corner of the WIR, or the one on the right hand side will just be a little bigger - but thats fine, its better than losing almost the entire back wall! Will see what happens on Tuesday.... Brick work has started, and I am loving the bricks! they have done a really neat job so far - which is really evident when you look at the brickwork that will be rendered, which is slopped together. Windows and doors are in... Windows are Surf Mist to match our boarding and fascia and look great... the front door looks a little..... odd? Let me explain... This is our door: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ This is the door from the manufacturers website: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Does anyone else spot the difference? I'm convinced that our door looks wrong - like there should be one more glass insert at the bottom (you can even see the different colour in the wood where it should be!) - however, the door was only meant to ever have 6 inserts... I just think ours have been made smaller than they should have been. My other half thinks that it is to avoid the glass being damaged, ie; like a kick panel or similar, but to me it is just wrong! Thoughts? I will be asking them about it but I know a lot of people have this door (Corinthian Infinity 6) so want to check this is not normal first... As for the other doors, the door from the garage to the side yard was put in and opened inwards... the plan showed it opening outwards which is what we wanted. We found out this isnt possible with a wooden door due to the BAL & fire requirements, so at builders cost they are putting in an aluminium french door that will match the laundry.... only problem is I made them order a obscured glass door (seeing as they are paying!) and then later realised that the laundry was not obscure!!!!! argh... so now I need to decide if I just put obscure film on the laundry, or if I suck it up and try and get it replaced with obscure glass, or I just leave it.... What else is there to update on..... Our bath has been delivered and is sitting nicely in the hob... we've had a meeting with the sparky and bumped our electricals up quite significantly (a few grand +) and now will be having down lights in the main living areas, ceiling fans in the bedrooms, pendants above the bench and a theatre setup! Much happier now. Anyway, I better not keep the pic piggies waiting much longer, so here is some random pics of how we're travelling (plenty more on the blog) and ill try to keep this updated from here on in.. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ ^ Front view as of last week. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ ^ Study window and front door... we need to arrange stairs to access the door though! lol Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ ^ View from the rear yard. Nice storm brewing overhead. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ ^ My study window... i'm in love! Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ ^ Our current stair case arrangement Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ ^ Master bedroom windows & view. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ ^ Really bad image of what will eventually be my gigantuous WIR! Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ ^ BATH!! Main bathroom. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ ^ Neighbours cat, Oscar... I don't think our cats will be impressed by the smell of cat, but Oscar has pretty much moved in... I am actually concerned that once we move in, he will continue to just walk on in of his own accord... he is lovely though, and so affectionate. Follows me around like a shadow whenever we are there! Clearly knows i'm a crazy cat lady. Anyways, ill leave it at that for now as I don't want to eat up everyones download limits... more pics to follow as it happens! Those curious for more, as mentioned above - there is plenty more on the blog! Jo 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: Our tri-level, side split floor plans! ~ Almost @ LOCK U 135Mar 10, 2013 2:08 pm house is amazing and yes they are missing a glass panel on your door you can even see in the pics the panel missing Re: Our tri-level, side split floor plans! ~ Almost @ LOCK U 136Mar 10, 2013 2:17 pm 1rocky house is amazing and yes they are missing a glass panel on your door you can even see in the pics the panel missing Thanks 1rocky! The thing is the door is only meant to have 6 panels, so do you think I should just ask for a new one? The panels should all be bigger - and more balanced. I agree though - its quite clear exactly where its meant to be. grr! 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: Our tri-level, side split floor plans! ~ Almost @ LOCK U 137Mar 10, 2013 2:27 pm Wow, fab!! Although a long build!! The door doesn't look right, but it will prob be better re kicking.? Not sure of the stain..is it finished? We have the same bath and surround, it is great for magazines and candles, much better than a free standing one. Looks good mate, shame they keep stuffing up, seems to be universal... Re: Our tri-level, side split floor plans! ~ Almost @ LOCK U 138Mar 10, 2013 2:36 pm kiwi Wow, fab!! Although a long build!! The door doesn't look right, but it will prob be better re kicking.? Not sure of the stain..is it finished? We have the same bath and surround, it is great for magazines and candles, much better than a free standing one. Looks good mate, shame they keep stuffing up, seems to be universal... Door isn't stained yet - they will be doing that later on down the track. We were actually surprised they put a door in straight away, especially as it cant be used (no stairs) - we thought they would just board it up. As for stuff ups, they have been minor so far, and I will give the SS credit where due, he is quick to correct the few things we have picked up on (and he is giving us a key once we are at lock up so we can still get access! woohoo!) 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: Our tri-level, side split floor plans! ~ Almost @ LOCK U 139Mar 10, 2013 2:42 pm Whoa!! But why can't they read plans??!!! Crazy. Glad you are happy with the build though. Christmas dinner at yours Re: Our tri-level, side split floor plans! ~ Almost @ LOCK U 140Mar 10, 2013 10:03 pm It's not the same door-the pic of what has been installed shows 6 smaller panels of smaller glass than what has been indicated on the website-plus it obviously has a timber infill panel. Deemaree Kyndylan Capers: viewtopic.php?f=36&t=46852 My blog: http://www.sufficientlysufficient.blogspot.com/ My land is 260m2 (10m x 26m) located in claymore NSW. Under campbelltown council. I know in general the following setbacks would apply ground floor side setback =… 0 4229 isn't a garage level with the rest of the house a given? pretty sure they 'came around' long time ago. if you have a flat block, the garage is usually level with the rest… 1 13340 they can, it's a fairly standard solution when the slab isn't recessed. the falls need to be in the main floor, if it hasn't been done then you need to ask them to redo… 4 5041 |