Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Jun 09, 2013 11:36 am Hello, I've just spent the last week or so researching Kit and Modular homes made from various products. One of the things I was most surprised about was the "cost". In particular, modular homes seem to be always over $1,000 p/sqm. Somehow I thought that these would be a cheaper option then building a project home. Yet I like the idea of modular homes as I'm a fan of open-plan living. And almost all of the modular homes designs are excellent. I'm not a builder and have no experience at all. So, I'm reluctant to get a kit home and use a builder/project manager who I don't know anything about. Our budget is tight. I don't want to spend more than $100,000 (excluding land). And we certainly can't afford to have any mistakes made for our plan to retire to Queensland. We haven't bought any land yet. I would like to ask the general community here for any ideas and/or advice? I'm hoping for some "user experiences" (testimonials if you will) and information about the possible pitfalls or things to avoid (about kit home building). Even some contact information (or links) if at all possible. TIA ... Jan H Re: Thinking about building Kit House 2Jun 09, 2013 12:04 pm From my research alone, I can tell you that unless you plan on doing a lot of the work yourself, you won't save much money on a kit. You can get a builder who could then 'hire' you as a laborer but again, that's a lot of work and a steep learning curve. Obviously there are some very nice tiny modular homes that you can get that come in under cost but none of those kits include plumbing, footings, tilers, painters, plumbers, electricians etc. That's the stuff that really costs money. To give you the best idea I would have a look at some of those modular designs and alter them a bit yourself, do a sketch of the kind of home you'd want and then just talk to a builder and ask him if it could come in under your budget. They will usually be willing to talk through how much certain things cost and give you a rough idea without any commitment on your part. Good luck! edit: One of the smaller custom builders is what i'm talking about, not the big project builders Blog http://tobuildahomeimprobable.blogspot.com.au/ Settlement Apr Council Jul Contracts Dec Earthworks Dec Frames Jan Trusses Feb Roof Feb Windows Mar Re: Thinking about building Kit House 3Jun 09, 2013 12:26 pm Thanks for that - yes, I've just started to do a rough sketch of what I'm after. This is based on what I've seen, which bits I liked and those that I didn't. Plus my own take of my preferences for lifestyle etc. Now to take this to a custom builder and see if they can give me a rough estimate. That way I will know if I can afford it I'm just about to start investigating building companies in Queensland. Somewhere in the Toowoomba or maybe even the Sunshine Coast area depending on which land prices I can afford. thanks again 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 17401 Hi All It has been a few weeks since my last update. The build has been progressing well. No major issues to report. The scaffolding was dropped today, gyprock will be… 96 356642 Building a fence now will help limit people dumping rubbish and soil on your property. Many houses in suburbia on small lots have fences up before a build. I moved into a… 1 4373 |