Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Mar 22, 2012 2:32 pm Hi all I've been reading the forum and getting heaps of info and have finally decided to post my own question, hoping I can get some advice on what I should do. We're looking at building a double storey in Perth, got some plans drawn up by a draftsperson but aren't really happy with them. We've tried to tell her what we really want but she seems set in her ways and can't or won't be able to make changes. So we've decided to start again with someone else. I've done some research and these are my options: 1) get a building designer to draw us up a new set of plans and we can shop around - I'd like to do this but the cost is a big issue - I'm guessing it'll cost at least $4k (I've emailed him about the price but no reply yet...) 2) get a designer from a boutique builder to draw us some plans. I've found a builder that I like (they do houses within our budget and have won some customer service awards). This will cost $1500, which will be deducted from the contract if we decide to go ahead. I don't know if I like them enough to be 100% sure that I'll want to go with them. They say they can design to our budget but how will I know they're not overcharging if I can't compare?? 3) another boutique builder that I like (though maybe not as much as the other one) can modify some of their current plans to suit our needs. They didn't mention any charge for this. They also have a promotion on at the moment where they will supply reverse cycle zoned ducted A/C to the whole house, as well as stone benchtops to the kitchen bench and ensuite bathroom worth ~ $30k. Sounds good but again, how will I know they're not overcharging on the house if I can't compare? What would you do? Any advice would be great Re: Who should I go with?? 2Mar 27, 2012 1:53 pm Hi, we're building a double storey in Perth and went through a similar process. We spent over a year on deciding. We finally decided on a smaller custom builder after realising that adjusting a project builders designs means so many changes the cost becomes prohibitive. We liked this particular custom builders work and went to them initially and exactly the same thing happened as you mentioned, the designer drew what they wanted. We were disappointed, and thought we'd try one more time. By then they had a new designer in and he is on the ball. He totally undertstands what we ask (and we changed our mind lots of times - bedrooms up, bedrooms down etc) and we have full confidence now. Developing that confidence made our decision for us. of course, we havent had it priced yet hehe Yes we are worried about not having a comparison but I've done so many price comparisons based on sqm costs for each type of display we liked at least I'll know ballpark... this custom builder is also happy for us to do some things direct with their tradesmen which is cheaper, but the same guy is doing it. Hopefully that saves some money. Good luck. i imagine you also have another contract with an architect? and yeah, whatever other's said about special conditions and appendices 16 16026 hey there! π so, itβs kinda common for standard drawer depths to be around 500mm since most cabinets use this size to fit the usual runners… 3 20922 I've decided, after a period of confusion (my building broker told me it's probably not worth it to use a lawyer, but others have said it is a must) that I definitely will… 7 27958 |