Browse Forums Building A New House Re: Building with Ben Trager? 2Apr 25, 2014 9:28 pm Hi missimuu. It sounds like you're having a bit of a bad run. We found that the admin stage ran relatively smoothly and quickly. It's difficult to comment on problems with councils and DA requirements. We supplied our SC with a full set of DA requirements from Satterley which probably helped. In BT's defence, many councils have different requirements and it would be difficult for a builder to know all of them. However, they should have a much better idea than the customer. We believe there has been a turnover in staff. It's actually worked in our favour as we've got a great new SS but we can see how it could cause problems. We'd recommend you try and not let delays and set-backs get to you as there will undoubtedly be many more before you're living in you house and it will drive you to distraction. Also don't put too much faith in timescales, we were told 32 weeks from slab to PCI. We're now 33 weeks and not at lock-up. As for balconies, there's a lot of additional engineering, design and build work involved so you can't compare the price per sqm with adding standard floorspace. Our balcony worked out about $1500-2000 sqm but it's something we definitely wanted. We've had our fair share of ups-and-downs with BT but we're going to have a house which is nearly perfect for us, within our budget. We love our design, the interesting building process and how it's working out and we don't think any other builder could have given all of this. Hopefully things will start getting smoother for you and you can enjoy the start of your build. Re: Building with Ben Trager - Swan River 3May 26, 2016 10:03 pm Hi Everyone, been awesome checking out builds with Ben Trager to get a good idea of the finishes. This is my second build and we chose Ben Trager Homes as their display homes were well presented and pricing was excellent for a quality product. However, the experience so far has been a nightmare and I would never recommend Ben Trager Homes to anyone after everything we have been through especially forking out over 300k for their home ![]() But anyway, it's finally time to post my BT journey so far! Sorry for the big post, Im cramming it all into one for anyone looking to see a BT Build. We went with a custom based on The Angrove and added a front balcony to enjoy the stunning views over the national park we have and swan river location. Titled Block Purchased Sep 2013 Build Contract Signed July 2014 Slab Down - 13th June 2015 Lock up - Around 20th May 2016 Screed has been completed so tiling should be commencing soon and definitely taking lots of photos! Still waiting on grano pour to garage and no garage door. Cabinets & tiles have arrived, no stone bench tops. Exterior rendering incomplete and site is in much need of a clean up still. Have already noted a few wonky ceilings and balustrade that has been left behind IN the walls. I am really hating the stair case, not what I imagined. We are definitely employing a third party to inspect before it is handed over. Seems it is taking forever to build ![]() Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ The best part - My Colour Selections!! ![]() Old Wood Maple Beige / Old Oak Tile feature full height wall to Ensuite. A very similar tile I chose for the kitchen splash back just a shade darker. Spa Stones Bianco & Grigio Tile Floors for Laundry / Bathrooms / Balcony. Downstairs Bathroom is 200x400 Polar White Tiles with a Feature Strip of Stone/Metal Mosaic. Benchtops we went with the Crystal Salt throughout. Kitchen & Laundry cabinets are Polar White Silk Finish. Bathroom cabinets are all Snow Elm laminate finish, Flooring & Carpets already chosen! Vinyl Laminate (Karndean Looselay - Athens) Found some beautiful globe pendants for the kitchen too from Masters. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Not sure your local council conditions but often you can maintain current setbacks by going through a DA as alterations and additions rather than a new build, hence the… 1 11830 Hi Beechey, you're right about that. Despite all the consumer protection agencies and building watchdogs out there, the only real way to enforce your contract is by… 3 29543 ![]() 4 34655 ![]() |