Browse Forums Building A New House Re: Building with Kurmond Homes 21May 01, 2013 11:54 am As I mentioned before I have been to the Kurmond preferred tile supplier (Manago Tiles - Mulgrave) to have a quick look at what is available. Beautiful, beautiful tiles and soooo many to choose from. If anyone is like us it could take a will to decide. The staff are very, very helpful, even without an appointment, they were more than happy to show us what was in the Kurmond range. We haven't made an appointment yet because we haven't signed anything yet but hopefully very soon. Can't wait to get a more 'definite' idea of what we want. I have added some photo's that I took when we were there. The board's were all being updated when we were there so things may have changed but I am pretty sure the amount of tiles to choose from and the quality will not change. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ We were told the tiles with the green dot's are the Kurmond Tiles - we saw lots & lots of green dots. Re: Building with Kurmond Homes 22May 01, 2013 1:47 pm UpsizeTime I'm jealous, love the views. We definitely will not have views in Glenwood. Our last house looked over the top of Glenwood from our bedroom window, but didn't find myself standing at that window for long periods of time. Have to create our own views. We pan to plan some nice flowering gum trees, they are lovely trees and bring in the native birds which are far and few between. We has them in our old block and. The lorikeets started to come morning and night, love watching and hear wildlife. Well I spoke to D today's and told him we are happy to progress to drafting stage. So, we pay our initial deposit and progress from there. Plans drafted with all what we talked about will be exciting. Unreal, have to get a quote on the sink in the pantry but if we do do it, I would definitely do that old style, I.e above bench so you can drip dry the dishes. Have to be practical and nice as well. How much did they quote you for the sink in the WIP. Forgot to ask D today. Like those brics they have a tinge of brown in them which will blend nicely if ou combine colours. We are thinking of only using bricks, no bag & painting on the front. Thinking of the using a two one effect. Have to check out the bricks and see if it will work. Is that brick in the standard range? Talk soon - views in this part of the world at autumn are "unreal" despite the cold winters in the Southern Highlands, the autumn oranges, reds and browns makes me feel the three-times-a-week drive to deal with work problems in Canberra all the more worth it! I can send you over some rotten pine trees though if you like? Too many hedges in this part of the world! - congrats on moving to the next stage with plans! Gosh, we are probably about 6 weeks from that stage; we'll be watching your build progress with interest and then some! - two-tone effect is always such a great look! In fact, now you've reminded me of that, perhaps we need to consider it, too! What colours in the tone - are chocolate brown and a cream on top? (sounds like a dessert!) Re: Building with Kurmond Homes 23May 01, 2013 1:52 pm Jen1977 Join the dark side carak and use the dishwasher. I wash nothing by hand and anything that says it cant go in the dishwasher still goes in just to check. - hey Jen, thanks for this bit of advice. We (as a family of only two atm!) find the dishwasher great for our parties, but goodness me, it would take a week to stack up enough dishes to use the dishwasher. But - now you've stirred me into action - perhaps life is too good to enjoy then standing at the sink washing up - more importantly, talk about views! Just looked at your blog - and what a great block you started with: http://www.thehousethatmatandjenbuilt.blogspot.com.au/2012_06_01_archive.html .. and from all reports, Rawson are great builders! We had a chat with them too and can see that they haven't any hidden tricks like some builders. Quality, too. Re: Building with Kurmond Homes 24May 01, 2013 1:53 pm carak777 We were told the tiles with the green dot's are the Kurmond Tiles - we saw lots & lots of green dots. Okay - noted carak777 - green dots it is! Do the tilers tell you what is or isn't an upgrade? Re: Building with Kurmond Homes 25May 01, 2013 2:14 pm Quote: - hey Jen, thanks for this bit of advice. We (as a family of only two atm!) find the dishwasher great for our parties, but goodness me, it would take a week to stack up enough dishes to use the dishwasher. But - now you've stirred me into action - perhaps life is too good to enjoy then standing at the sink washing up - more importantly, talk about views! Just looked at your blog - and what a great block you started with: http://www.thehousethatmatandjenbuilt.b ... chive.html When we were a family of two we had a dishwasher. We didnt have room for one in our flat in England, but as soon as we got our own place we bought one - even though there wasnt a place for one in the kitchen, we had it next to the washing machine. life is too good to wash up. Now we have two kids the dishwasher is always full. Thanks for the compliments on the block - quite a few of the trees on the block have gone for the house, but we still have 31 left (5 were removed two weeks ago) we are in a koala area and did have a koala in a tree just before Christmas. I dont think we will have one again though - as they wont come once we move in as we dogs We are going with a two toned kitchen. I was happy with only one colour, but DH wanted two colours. We are having Truffle Lini (licorice Linea in the laminex colours) and malt on the top. Truffle lini is a grey/brown colour. A lot of our furniture is dark brown, but I want to move more to the grey tones, but dont want to lose the brown all together. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ The kitchen gets installed this week, so I am hoping it will look good. One thing I found is that you can ring Laminex or polytec and they will send our larger size samples than the chips you usually find. It is much easier to gauge the colour. Modified Fernside 38 Rawson Homes Blog: http://www.thehousethatmatandjenbuilt.blogspot.com Build Thread: https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=60501 Re: Building with Kurmond Homes 26May 01, 2013 7:22 pm Jen1977 ... we are in a koala area and did have a koala in a tree just before Christmas. I dont think we will have one again though - as they wont come once we move in as we dogs. - Now that's what I call an Aussie Christmas! Koalas in the gum trees - that must have been a great sight! Hope you got some photos! Jen1977 .. we are going with a two toned kitchen. I was happy with only one colour, but DH wanted two colours. We are having Truffle Lini (licorice Linea in the laminex colours) and malt on the top. Truffle lini is a grey/brown colour. A lot of our furniture is dark brown, but I want to move more to the grey tones, but dont want to lose the brown all together. - those classic colours are a winner. You can't go wrong there. Personally, I think the grey tones would perhaps lighten the decor, but as you say you have dark furniture, perhaps a bit of lighter colours would work if you can? So long as you have lots of light coming through the windows and arranged for a skylight or two (if needed), it has to be good! Jen1977 .. the kitchen gets installed this week, so I am hoping it will look good. One thing I found is that you can ring Laminex or polytec and they will send our larger size samples than the chips you usually find. It is much easier to gauge the colour - (1) please let us know how you get on with the kitchen installation (a good photo or three?!), and (2) that's a good tip re: getting the larger samples - I didn't even know you could do that. I had this image I was going to need to try and get a 'sense of what it looks like' by having all this square swatches all over the place! Re: Building with Kurmond Homes 27May 01, 2013 7:52 pm Quote: - those classic colours are a winner. You can't go wrong there. Personally, I think the grey tones would perhaps lighten the decor, but as you say you have dark furniture, perhaps a bit of lighter colours would work if you can? So long as you have lots of light coming through the windows and arranged for a skylight or two (if needed), it has to be good! Our walls are taubmans big white which is very white and our floors are white porcelain 600x600' so there will be quite a lot of white in the house. I will be sure to take lots of pictures. Keeping fingers crossed that it goes in this week. Modified Fernside 38 Rawson Homes Blog: http://www.thehousethatmatandjenbuilt.blogspot.com Build Thread: https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=60501 Re: Building with Kurmond Homes 28May 02, 2013 12:16 pm Hi All Great to see a new Kurmond thread! We have decided to build with Kurmond after doing much research and comparisons with other builders. We’ve previously built with Eden Brae during their earlier days (2005/6), which was quite a good experience. This time around though, we felt Eden Brae have grown quite large and their designs hadn’t changed much either. Kurmond impressed us with their designs, inclusions and pricing. Despite reading the negative comments on product review etc, I’m fairly comfortable going with Kurmond as I know of horror stories with many other builders, big and small. A lot of the comments have related to administration and communications, but what I’m interested in is the finished product over anything else. We’re building a modified version of the Sierra 31 in North Kellyville – gardenersridge.com So far so good as I’ve dealt mainly with P, the director and recently B, the architect. The only unknowns at this stage are the environmental compliance such as rain garden costs, as our precinct is an environmentally sensitive area. Otherwise the upfront costing gives us a good estimate before we head down the “upgrades” path. Looking forward to discussing all challenges and triumphs along the way. I will post the amended plans once I get them. Re: Building with Kurmond Homes 29May 02, 2013 1:16 pm mars78 Hi All Great to see a new Kurmond thread! We have decided to build with Kurmond after doing much research and comparisons with other builders. We’ve previously built with Eden Brae during their earlier days (2005/6), which was quite a good experience. This time around though, we felt Eden Brae have grown quite large and their designs hadn’t changed much either. Kurmond impressed us with their designs, inclusions and pricing. Despite reading the negative comments on product review etc, I’m fairly comfortable going with Kurmond as I know of horror stories with many other builders, big and small. A lot of the comments have related to administration and communications, but what I’m interested in is the finished product over anything else. We’re building a modified version of the Sierra 31 in North Kellyville – gardenersridge.com So far so good as I’ve dealt mainly with P, the director and recently B, the architect. The only unknowns at this stage are the environmental compliance such as rain garden costs, as our precinct is an environmentally sensitive area. Otherwise the upfront costing gives us a good estimate before we head down the “upgrades” path. Looking forward to discussing all challenges and triumphs along the way. I will post the amended plans once I get them. Welcome mars78 to Homeone, such a great place to 'hang out' if you are building, there is so much to learn, the good, the bad and the ugly. We had read the negative comments and bad reviews about Kurmond and it does make you a little bit concerned but we have been very impressed with Kurmond, they have been nothing but helpful and reassuring right from the start and nothing seems to be a problem for them. I checked out the Gardeners Ridge area (thank you Google Earth) - what an amazing place to build - so close to everything. Sydney is really growing and expanding. I remember driving to Rouse Hill Shopping Centre a couple of years ago and it was all bush - now it is new estates, schools, parks - everything. Why is is an environmentally sensitive area? Is the land released yet? When do you start to build? Sorry - too many questions. Love the Sierra design, did you choose that design after inspecting it at HomeWorld South (Catherine Fields), we have seen it a couple of times and it is a great house. We have also been dealing with P, very, very helpful - nothing a problem and B is such a nice man, again very helpful and will listen to what you want, sometimes architect want to design something that is easy for them but not what you want or need. So glad that you have found this site and this thread, really looking forward to caring, sharing and helping. Can't wait to see your plans. Re: Building with Kurmond Homes 30May 02, 2013 1:54 pm Thanks carak777 for the wonderful welcome...yes there's so much to learn on this forum. It makes building so much easier than it would normally be. Certainly not too many questions...The North Kellyville area was released in 2008 and was not originally planned for large scale subdivision due to the sensitivity of the Cattai and Smalls Creek catchments. Therefore much of the riparian corridors are zoned for environmental living, that is blocks backing the bush corridor usually 1-2 acres. Gardeners Ridge is right alongside these zones. Luckily though we escape the BAL 12.5 zone by 100m. The land is expected to be registered in November '13 so we'll hopefully commence building soon after. We're getting in early with Kurmond to make sure we're ready to go, especially choosing colours! We were initially looking at the Sapphire 32, but realised that the Sierra 31 was more functional and we visited the display at Homeworld South 3 times before deciding finally. We got a pre-tender from Macdonald Jones, however DW wanted the master bedroom at the front (sticky beak) and their prices were slightly higher. Plus our developer who also lives in Gardeners Ridge was alarmed that there quite a few MJ homes being proposed already. I'd initially enquired with Kurmond regarding split level homes / site costs etc and P called me to provide some useful information. I didn't realise he was the owner. I then talked to him about single storeys and he asked me to come see him directly at Windsor after visiting the display home, and we went from there. B was excellent as he went beyond just adjusting our floorplan. He was very knowledgeable and helpful. Hopefully we'll have some preliminary plans next week. Re: Building with Kurmond Homes 31May 02, 2013 3:20 pm mars78 good on you for getting in early, making decisions can take forever if you are anything like DH and myself (we are now wondering if we should change the facade ). It's great that you missed the BAL by 100m, we are not so 'lucky', we have a BAL of 40 back and sides and 29 at the front which add's a great deal of expense to the build. Glad you found P very helpful and it is nice to know that you can actually taking to the owner/director - not knocking the sales people but talking to the 'top' is somehow reassuring, well it was/is for me. Love the Sierra design, when we have inspected it at Catherine Fields it feels very welcoming and comfortable. Spent a lot of time in the kitchen/family area, felt like a real home. Could be the way it was furnished not sure but felt as though I could just sit and relax for ever. Really looking forward to checking out your plans. If you have any questions just ask, hopefully someone will know the answer, if not we will all ask P (perhaps I had better not ask any more questions, I am sure P is so sick of all my questions he has put my email address in the blocked sender list section ) Re: Building with Kurmond Homes 32May 02, 2013 6:32 pm Welcome Mars. Talk about asking too many questions. When I rang D last he used my name straight away. Kinda welcoming and scary he knows my number already. LOL, poor him and we have only just begun. We are dealing with D at home world south, he has been good. I think P emailed me initially in response to an Internet query but the we started speaking to D. So far so good. Hanging out to Sunday, babysitters organised. Keen to get the ball rolling on the plans. Also getting the house layout positioned on our block to get an idea of landscaping needs and where we should put our pool. Getting closer to a decision there also. Funny how some of you talk about not using the dishwasher, with three kids ours is full everyday plus extra washing for the drying rack. Endless! Great to see there are a few if us. Re: Building with Kurmond Homes 33May 02, 2013 6:46 pm I think if we had three children we would need to use a dishwasher as well. The first person we spoke to at Kurmond was D and he was extremely helpful. Happy to hear that you have organised the babysitter and that Sunday is 'house day', so much to see, so much to ask, you will most probably come home exhausted, mind spinning, excited & overwhelmed. Can't wait to hear how it all goes. If you want to confused D, change phones occasionally that should do the trick. Re: Building with Kurmond Homes 34May 02, 2013 7:04 pm mars78 Hi All Great to see a new Kurmond thread! ... Kurmond impressed us with their designs, inclusions and pricing. Despite reading the negative comments on product review etc, I’m fairly comfortable going with Kurmond as I know of horror stories with many other builders, big and small. A lot of the comments have related to administration and communications, but what I’m interested in is the finished product over anything else. We’re building a modified version of the Sierra 31 in North Kellyville – gardenersridge.com Yah - welcome to the 'gang' Mars78 : great to have another Kurmond builder find this emerging thread ... I think at the end of this process we need to throw a big luncheon in a park somewhere to pat each other on the back for getting through the stresses. You are building in another great part of Sydney and I'm pretty confidence that P and all his team are going give you just the perfect home! My DW and I considered Eden Brae early in the piece, but found their "business model" a bit bloated for us (that is, we dealt with salespeople, and as nice as they are, they are not the owners of the business - the actual builder!) mars78 Looking forward to discussing all challenges and triumphs along the way. I will post the amended plans once I get them. Can't wait to see the plans, and once again, welcome aboard Re: Building with Kurmond Homes 35May 02, 2013 7:07 pm mars78 We were initially looking at the Sapphire 32, but realised that the Sierra 31 was more functional and we visited the display at Homeworld South 3 times before deciding finally. We got a pre-tender from Macdonald Jones, however DW wanted the master bedroom at the front (sticky beak) and their prices were slightly higher. Plus our developer who also lives in Gardeners Ridge was alarmed that there quite a few MJ homes being proposed already. Forgot to add - what a great design you've chosen!! We are going with the Glenleigh design and hope to have "version B" plans back in a few weeks. Mind you, with all these good people like you mars78 coming onto the Kurmond list, they are going to be busy, that's for sure. As for MDJ Homes - yep, been there done that with them. Pass. Re: Building with Kurmond Homes 36May 02, 2013 7:10 pm carak777 .. we are not so 'lucky', we have a BAL of 40 back and sides and 29 at the front which add's a great deal of expense to the build. -Yes, those wretched BALs carak777 ... we got lucky in the Southern Highlands and don't those challenges - instead we have rivers to watch out for! - Any news from your "lovely" bank - the bank we will all vote Bank of the Year if they get back to our friend carak777!!! Re: Building with Kurmond Homes 37May 02, 2013 7:13 pm UpsizeTime Hanging out to Sunday, babysitters organised. Keen to get the ball rolling on the plans. Also getting the house layout positioned on our block to get an idea of landscaping needs and where we should put our pool. Getting closer to a decision there also. Great to see there are a few if us. - UpsizeTime I think "Sunday" needs to be re-named "House Design Building Day!" what do you think? Mind you, this week we need to make it a Saturday, so we will be out and about looking at bricks (thanks to carak777 and her DH for all the tips there!), and might try dropping into Homeworld just the hell of it! - Oh - better go and wash the dishes Re: Building with Kurmond Homes 38May 02, 2013 7:35 pm Had to share this view - it was sent to me by a friend of a friend today. Autumn in Bowral has a particular colour about it, doesn't it?! http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/unrealhome/highlands_pic_today_zps4529b5ff.jpg Re: Building with Kurmond Homes 39May 02, 2013 8:03 pm unrealhome I think at the end of this process we need to throw a big luncheon in a park somewhere to pat each other on the back for getting through the stresses. Hi unrealhome... DH just said why wait until the end, we need to get together now and pat each other on the back Rang the bank again - "looking good" - yah sure what does that mean!!! Hopefully that is bank talk for "yes" but until I see something in writing, I am not going to be convinced and don't want to get my hopes up to be disappointed. I know this is going to sound really, really strange but I'm excited for you going to the brick places... great to see bricks 'in real life' and walls of bricks not just photo's - don't forget you can take samples home - we will be able to build a great letterbox with all our samples... If you drop into Homeworld the Kurmond display home has all the Diamond Package Inclusions - great to see what they are and how they look in a home. Just saw the Bowral Autumn - beautiful... also love Tulip Time in October Re: Building with Kurmond Homes 40May 02, 2013 8:37 pm carak777 ... It's great that you missed the BAL by 100m, we are not so 'lucky', we have a BAL of 40 back and sides and 29 at the front which add's a great deal of expense to the build. carak777 I can't imagine what the extra costs would be for BAL 40! P had estimated $10K for the Sierra when I enquired. But your view to the bush does look serene. I'd assume its a steep drop from the photo Ask for references and speak to them. If they are defensive or try to avoid the request, walk. 1 74219 I would never build with Fowler homes. I built with them in 2021 and till date maintenance issues are pending. All their existing trades and businesses don't work with… 14 105129 Hi there! Putting the feelers out there for those who have (or almost) built with Arli homes! Interested in your experiences who've built from their stock home designs… 0 23198 |