Hi all,
I'm a newcomer in this forum. I've only discovered the forum ever since I've dived into my first building journey about a month ago. Finally, after waiting land to be released whilst contemplating over which builders to choose from.. we've had PWC and land signed this week, my first milestone!
I've learnt a lot from the threads here, so I thought I'd join in the excitement and post my own building thread
So, we've decided to build with Dale Alcock. The Catalunya design has caught our attention since day one, and even after looking at so many other builder's design, we still liked this design.. and we're glad that we actually are going to build it!
Here's the original design..
http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q604/jsoetandi/5CFB6F67-6D14-4CE2-8928-BD48EE3DD300_zpsxfth7kns.png
After discussion with the sales consultant, we have ended up with the below updated design..
http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q604/jsoetandi/0C320EA6-A38F-4CFA-822E-896AE1421AB3_zpssl824sju.png
What we did is:
- extend the WIR/Bathroom, laundry, and kitchen under eaves
- move back alfresco and living to flush with BED 4 and increase size of MASTER Bedroom
- 31c ceilings on MASTER bedroom
- reconfigure kitchen into a U-shape, adding cupboards etc
- door closing on Home Theatre
- TV recess in living
- door to theatre (will probably change to double door)
- Reconfigure laundry and increase size of linen, adding sliding doors
We are going to delete the highlight window in the kitchen as we thought its a waste of space.. and will be putting an overhead cupboards instead. So we'll have plenty of cupboards! Hopefully that will compensate with the lack of WIP or WIL. It's so hard fitting everything in 12.5 block!
On a different note.. we are actually already 15k over our initial budget, and we haven't even gone to prestart! But I just cant think of taking anything out of the current inclusions we have! The only thing that we may be taking out is the glass splashback or the stone benchtop (which is about $6300 combined), but really I can't see my kitchen without a stone bencthop!
Anyway, looking forward for any feedbacks if you have any. Its still a slow journey as we are waiting to get approval on the design etc, but will keep updating here.
Thanks!
TIMELINE:
04/04/14 First meeting with DAH
09/04/14 Lot put on hold
01/05/14 Building preliminary contract signed
07/05/14 O&A Signed, land deposit paid
27/05/14 Land title issued
28/05/14 Land finance approved
03/06/14 External colour meeting
18/06/14 Land Settlement
19/06/14 Building contract signed
10/07/14 Building finance approved
17/07/14 Prestart meeting
31/07/14 Prestart variation signed
16/08/14 Land ready for survey
22/08/14 Survey completed
09/09/14 Energy rating approved
26/09/14 Building application approved
01/10/14 Water & developer application approved - officially in construction!
24/10/14 Slabbed
21/11/14 Bricklaying begins
11/12/14 Plate Height
20/01/15 Roof Cover
24/02/15 Lock Up
30/04/15 Final Inspection
20/05/15 Key Handover!