So you are saying driveway with Wisdom will be $25K?
Is this for a colour-on-top concrete driveway of
35sqm?
Browse Forums Building A New House Re: Building with Wisdom Homes 15541Feb 10, 2020 1:27 pm psur2357 Hi $25k will not be enough for landscaping a standard 450 m2 land with driveway, fencing, landscaping fully completed can cost you $50k-$60k. Better get say driveway to be completed by wisdom and then the other items by others So you are saying driveway with Wisdom will be $25K? Is this for a colour-on-top concrete driveway of 35sqm? Re: Building with Wisdom Homes 15542Feb 10, 2020 1:50 pm Icthys99 psur2357 Hi $25k will not be enough for landscaping a standard 450 m2 land with driveway, fencing, landscaping fully completed can cost you $50k-$60k. Better get say driveway to be completed by wisdom and then the other items by others So you are saying driveway with Wisdom will be $25K? Is this for a colour-on-top concrete driveway of 35sqm? no i think psur2357 meant 25K as whole won't be enough for your block if you go via wisdom landscaping. Get just your driveway done through wisdom and rest of landscaping post handover on your own. And typically a double car driveway standard council cross over is 10-12K ( if you have the landscaping 5K voucher you can use it to bring the cost down to 5-7K) Re: Building with Wisdom Homes 15543Feb 10, 2020 2:11 pm kingofnowhere Icthys99 psur2357 Hi $25k will not be enough for landscaping a standard 450 m2 land with driveway, fencing, landscaping fully completed can cost you $50k-$60k. Better get say driveway to be completed by wisdom and then the other items by others So you are saying driveway with Wisdom will be $25K? Is this for a colour-on-top concrete driveway of 35sqm? no i think psur2357 meant 25K as whole won't be enough for your block if you go via wisdom landscaping. Get just your driveway done through wisdom and rest of landscaping post handover on your own. And typically a double car driveway standard council cross over is 10-12K ( if you have the landscaping 5K voucher you can use it to bring the cost down to 5-7K) What is considered (lengthwise) a double car driveway standard?. How many meters from the street. I guess a better question is, how much per meter is the standard charge (not the cost) on a driveway? Does anybody have the experience of having "under the driveway retaining tanks" and how much it increases the cost? I have been quoted, between 8-14k for a 14mts long driveway with a double garage entrance. These quotes included all the cost and color schemas. I'm no expert by any stretch of the imagination but 25k seems a bit too much unless of course, the length is way too long. Re: Building with Wisdom Homes 15544Feb 10, 2020 2:29 pm kingofnowhere no i think psur2357 meant 25K as whole won't be enough for your block if you go via wisdom landscaping. Get just your driveway done through wisdom and rest of landscaping post handover on your own. And typically a double car driveway standard council cross over is 10-12K ( if you have the landscaping 5K voucher you can use it to bring the cost down to 5-7K) There was a promotion running until end of Jan 2020 that gave customers $25K voucher (instead of the $5K provided in previous promos) to use at Wisdom Landscaping and Pools. So will the left over amount of approx $13K after using the voucher for a basic double car driveway ($25K less $12K driveway) be enough to lay basic turf (front and back yard as necessary) and standard fencing? I am in the same position hence my interest in this topic. Thanks. Re: Building with Wisdom Homes 15545Feb 10, 2020 2:35 pm I think it is better to plan with the final quotes, as it may differ substantially from the initial quotes. Turf quote can be quite high, I have been quoted in excess of 14k (supply and install), plus you have to add a garden bed. You may end up with nothing left after driveway, even more, you may have a negative difference even on 25k. Re: Building with Wisdom Homes 15546Feb 10, 2020 3:43 pm malypetu What is considered (lengthwise) a double car driveway standard?. How many meters from the street. I guess a better question is, how much per meter is the standard charge (not the cost) on a driveway? Does anybody have the experience of having "under the driveway retaining tanks" and how much it increases the cost? I have been quoted, between 8-14k for a 14mts long driveway with a double garage entrance. These quotes included all the cost and color schemas. I'm no expert by any stretch of the imagination but 25k seems a bit too much unless of course, the length is way too long. for me a 32sqm driveway 14sqm council cross over was ~11K ( with landscaping voucher was 6K) Re: Building with Wisdom Homes 15547Feb 10, 2020 5:46 pm Icthys99 Hi all I have put down my deposit to build the Ambassador 33 with Wisdom Homes. I have 3 indoor-only cats and part of the reason for building is to be able to be in control of the floor plan and thereby restrict their access to certain areas such as the kitchen. With this in mind, I have a couple of questions for which I would really appreciate some input: 1. There is an entry void in the floor plan which I quite like and would like to keep. I have noticed people normally hang dangling pendants in this space. I am worried that one or more of my cats will attempt to jump on to the pendant and not only hurt themselves but also break off the light fixture. Is my concern real? If so, what could I do to mitigate this risk? 2. Has anyone got Wisdom Homes to do vinyl flooring in their home? If so, what brand(s) do they use, and approximate additional cost for a 33sq home where used everywhere except wet areas? My cats sometimes make a "mess" so we need to have something that is resistant to water including in the bedrooms, hence why vinyl is being considered. Thank you in advance for your help. Hi! We also are building the ambassador with an indoor cat with a void and an expensive pendant and tbh the thought of her jumping on it has never crossed my mind which I put down to her being an excessively lazy and big rag doll cat. Curious to know how you plan to cut off the kitchen though... my cat is over indulged and allowed to go where she pleases, hat's off to you for being able to control 3! I can't control 1!! They do water resistan laminate flooring which is quite exe but if your totally against carpet go for it or look at tiles 🙂 Re: Building with Wisdom Homes 15548Feb 10, 2020 6:20 pm Ambassador36 Icthys99 Hi all I have put down my deposit to build the Ambassador 33 with Wisdom Homes. I have 3 indoor-only cats and part of the reason for building is to be able to be in control of the floor plan and thereby restrict their access to certain areas such as the kitchen. With this in mind, I have a couple of questions for which I would really appreciate some input: 1. There is an entry void in the floor plan which I quite like and would like to keep. I have noticed people normally hang dangling pendants in this space. I am worried that one or more of my cats will attempt to jump on to the pendant and not only hurt themselves but also break off the light fixture. Is my concern real? If so, what could I do to mitigate this risk? 2. Has anyone got Wisdom Homes to do vinyl flooring in their home? If so, what brand(s) do they use, and approximate additional cost for a 33sq home where used everywhere except wet areas? My cats sometimes make a "mess" so we need to have something that is resistant to water including in the bedrooms, hence why vinyl is being considered. Thank you in advance for your help. Hi! We also are building the ambassador with an indoor cat with a void and an expensive pendant and tbh the thought of her jumping on it has never crossed my mind which I put down to her being an excessively lazy and big rag doll cat. Curious to know how you plan to cut off the kitchen though... my cat is over indulged and allowed to go where she pleases, hat's off to you for being able to control 3! I can't control 1!! They do water resistan laminate flooring which is quite exe but if your totally against carpet go for it or look at tiles 🙂 Thank you for the kind words, but despite having 3, I can’t actually control them (usually the other way around with cats as I am sure you know!) Two of my cats are fit and exceptionally curious. I am almost certain they will leap for the pendant. The third one is like your big and lazy ragdoll, so I don’t foresee any issues with him. My interim solution is to put in a nice light flush against the ceiling so there’s nothing for them to hang off. I am crossing my fingers that they survive the first leap and dare not attempt it again after shaking off from the unexpected impact. Then I can monitor and update the fitting to one hanging if required. We are sealing off the whole back of the house (incl kitchen) from the front by reversing the staircase direction (like in Ambassador 36) and putting in a door at the end of the hallway. As for the water proof laminate, I was seriously considering that but found the warranty is voided if spills are not cleaned up within 24 hours (can’t guarantee this if away on holidays etc). Due to not wanting tiles in bedrooms, I am settling for glue down Vinyl. I will see if they can quote something for the tender. Re: Building with Wisdom Homes 15549Feb 12, 2020 5:10 pm Hi All, I've got a question about driveways. Does anybody have any experience with driveways build over the water retaining systems? Any thoughts, tips will be most welcome. I would like to explore the idea of building with an external party if that is possible/feasible/recommended. Basically, if someone can give an idea on how much will it cost a driveway to a double garage, based on a 17mts length and the estimated cost for the council crossover. Please consider the water-retaining system will be built under the driveway. Any companies that you can suggest to ask for quotes? Re: Building with Wisdom Homes 15550Feb 16, 2020 2:25 pm For those planning a KDR in Sydney with Wisdom Homes, Metricon, MJH, H&H, Masterton... etc. and all other volume builders targetting KDR's demolition is a big ticket item costing $20-$40K.
Beware that its a common trick for some demolition companies to claim extra payment from customers for hidden asbestos before they will issue your site's clearance certificate. An extra $6K or so for the "hidden asbestos" seems to be the sweet spot and most people will just pay up. Possibly some extra disposal costs @ $600 / tonne, extra manual labour @ $100 / hour to 'Emu Pick' the fragments hidden under the slab / buried in the soil... and disposal bags costs etc? Asbestos is mysterious, scary, and you need the clearance certificate ASAP for the builder to start work. The "hidden asbestos" may or may not be real. I recommend you ask your demolition company to confirm in writing they will provide you with the EPA Wastelocate consignment tracking number to check the details of your job. It is a legal requirement for the asbestos disposal companies to follow the NSW EPA’s app system. This consignment tracking number can be checked by anyone online. https://wastelocate.epa.nsw.gov.au/ and any company following this mandatory legal process will have nothing to hide. In addition to checking the consignment with the EPA Wastelocate tracking number, I recommend getting it clearly in writing within the demolition agreement as to what the agreed procedure will be if they find the "hidden asbestos", and if they don't follow that process you are not liable to pay any extra. Ideally when they find the "hidden asbestos", you are provided reasonable warning time by the demolition company to leave your workplace and travel to the site, to properly inspect, and take your own photos etc. Perhaps also plan to stay around to observe and document the additional works required (see the workers wearing appropriate protective clothing and equipment) to remove and safely package the "hidden asbestos". They should have nothing to hide. Be wary of the demolition company's multiple photos sent to you remotely as their proof, which of course will show some asbestos. If any demolition company quoting your job won't confirm a reasonable & transparent "hidden asbestos" process to your satisfaction then find another more strait forward company that will. Their quote may be little higher than others, who may sus you out and deliberately under quote to win your job, confident they will more than make it up later! Be careful you don't end up accepting the higher quote from the "trustworthy" demo company without this transparency in the agreement, however. By all means listen to, but don't just rely on any builders' demolition "partner" recommendations or similar (it's not their money!), anonymous online forum 5 star reviews (mostly faked), or the demolition companys' overt assurances of their unique in the industry ”honesty and trustworthy-ness” (these type of assertions as well as denigrating industry competitors are a real warning sign). Also be considerate of some smooth & subtle confidence trick grooming tactics used after you have signed up. Many 1st time KDR customers have trusted demolition companies then have happily parted with their $6K, blissfully unaware and actually thanking the demo company for promptly managing their site’s non existent ”hidden asbestos” in the least expensive way compared with bulk dumping of mixed asbestos waste. Re: Building with Wisdom Homes 15551Feb 17, 2020 8:00 am kingofnowhere malypetu What is considered (lengthwise) a double car driveway standard?. How many meters from the street. I guess a better question is, how much per meter is the standard charge (not the cost) on a driveway? Does anybody have the experience of having "under the driveway retaining tanks" and how much it increases the cost? I have been quoted, between 8-14k for a 14mts long driveway with a double garage entrance. These quotes included all the cost and color schemas. I'm no expert by any stretch of the imagination but 25k seems a bit too much unless of course, the length is way too long. for me a 32sqm driveway 14sqm council cross over was ~11K ( with landscaping voucher was 6K) That’s a decent cost for the driveway from wisdom landscape and with the added voucher. Re: Building with Wisdom Homes 15552Feb 17, 2020 10:03 am Norfolk, Thank you for the innumerable tips and for the quality of them. Having just completed the demolition, I can testify the importance of your message. I have first-hand experience with them. You have to do your homework!! There are a couple of companies there working very hard to show you the best quote BUT THEN... you will get hit with an extra charge for asbestos that you were not aware. I was fortunate enough to find a good company and an honest person leading it, it was upfront on cost and charges and didn't have any surprising extra cost. On another topic, I would like to get comments (about cost) on the driveways having underneath the water retaining system. I was hit with a high cost for that, I have no clue on how to proceed but very reluctant to believe that is that much. Would you recommend to have it done externally as it is better? Will this have a negative impact for other reasons? Re: Building with Wisdom Homes 15554Feb 17, 2020 11:19 am wow!!, Thank you for sharing your experience I really think these type of costs should be analysed and showed to you beforehand, even if you have to pay for the eng report. Furthermore, the engineering report should be yours to keep and use it with any other builder. Additionally, it will be interesting to create a list of expenses not considered as part of the contract that impacts the budget. I've heard of many people that get their hopes high once they read the basic price and the extras disclosed, as to be very minimal and then (after it is too late) get hit with all the extra cost not included and not of the builder responsibility but important. In other words, what is the total cost of the project no just the house. Similarly, there is not an easy way to compare builder to builder and house-design to house-design, let alone having a rank of builders by quality, responsibility, Etc. Cheers Re: Building with Wisdom Homes 15555Feb 17, 2020 11:27 am malypetu What was the provisional cost amount for your retention system compared to the actual cost? I had an issue with Metricon where the basix provisional amount was too low due to their sloppy diligence assessing my site. Either that or they deliberately low ball provisional amounts to keep tender quotes low. Retention tanks were situated under the driveway with the grates on the side. All is logical and neat. I had to pay the extra cost of the works as quoted however I was able claim back $13k of their builders margin on this part of the project after they admitted their poor dilligence estimating the provisional amount. They do many KDRs in Kuringai and should have provided more accurate provisional costs based on their experience. They agreed and credited the $13k.
Re: Building with Wisdom Homes 15556Feb 17, 2020 11:55 am Manhattan52 @malypetu Can’t help with the water retaining system under the driveway. Mine was the opposite and needed to be porous. Ended up being about $100k. Is the water retention and driveway piece separated in the costing that may help. manhattan52 what was the original provisional amount for the hydraulic works in your tender from Wisdom Homes? Re: Building with Wisdom Homes 15558Feb 17, 2020 6:56 pm malypetu These emails document my experience and outcomes with Hydraulics and Basix variations with Metricon a few years ago. There may be some things within that could help you with your Wisdom Homes build questions. [Me] Hi, Thank you for these details. As you will appreciate unexpected costs $27K for Hydraulics and Basix is a very significant increase on the combined provisions of $36K represented in the contract. We have signed the contact based on the representations that were made in it. To assist our understanding, can you please urgently provide Metricon’s answers to each question below. 1. What due diligence was exercised in Metricon’s preparation and management approval of these $26K and $10K provisions in the contact offered? 2. Were these Ku ring gai Council documents considered when preparing these $26K and $10K provisions? http://www.kmc.nsw.gov.au/Plans_regulat ... Management , https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/p ... ools/basix , http://www.kmc.nsw.gov.au/files/.../Eng ... k_2013.pdf 3. Were the finalised house plans, survey plan and physical location of the house considered (these were all known at the time of the contract signing)? 4. A reasonable person would assume the provisional amounts in a contract would be a realistic and conservative, risk averse, estimate of un-finalised costs to allow customers accurate information to make budget decisions. Is it Metricon’s company policy to provide such quality of information? 5. We understand the $26K contract provision for hydraulics is based on Metricon’s ‘average’ provision for a certain type of house and the hydraulic engineers were not consulted prior to preparing this. Is this correct? 6. What is the basis for this $26K ’average’. For example how many homes, what sizes m2, what council areas, when homes built, final cost range low to high… 7. Why the additional need for $6,737 of gutter guards was not considered when the contract was prepared? 8. Why the extra rainwater tank capacity requirements (extra $11,577) was not known even though the roof area and hard surface area was confirmed in the contract? 9. Why the need for rainwater tank reticulation (extra $1,657) was not considered when the contract was prepared? 10. Why the additional council & CDC requirements ($2,488) were not considered when the contract was prepared? 11. If the provisional amounts in the contract were indeed only ‘averages’, why were they not qualified with very clear and unambiguous cautionary explanations or disclaimers such as “*Metricon rough average only”, or “*Note: $26K is a rough indication only - costs may vary significantly - up to 75% over provision” to inform customers of the estimate’s inaccuracy and risk costs being significantly more? Particularly if Metricon know they are very rough ‘averages’ and forwarded to clients without checking by hydraulic engineers or other appropriately qualified professionals. 12. Please list the specific items that total “Minus Additional Requirements: $17,684.00 in you email below - I don’t understand this number. 13. Have your material suppliers’ and contractors’ quotes been checked and confirmed competitive? We would appreciate your urgent responses as we await these before signing the variation forms. Please call me if you have any questions. [Me] Hi, Thanks the chat on Friday afternoon. I appreciate your openness. The total of $36,000 for Hydraulics and Basix provisions represented in the contract were not accurate for our project. We had based our budget, layout, features and variation etc decisions on the contract information and were very surprised to see a total cost of $62,909 for these on the variation received on 23 November. After speaking with you, I understand the final quoted amounts are the realistic actual costs for the plumbing contractor works and regulatory certificates plus a builders margin on this of 25%. We are prepared to pay the plumbing contractor’s and regulatory costs of $50,327.20 in full, however in this circumstance, we do not feel it is appropriate nor reasonable that we pay the 25% builders margin of $12,581.80 on top of this. Therefore I request the variation is adjusted to remove this amount. Please let me know your thoughts. [Metricon] Gday, Thanks for sending this through. I agree and we will have the variation updated to reflect as such. Thank you for working with us through this situation, onwards and upwards from here. Hope this finds you well. Regards Re: Building with Wisdom Homes 15559Feb 19, 2020 7:59 am This report may assist customers in understanding and appreciating Wisdom Homes operating processes https://www.ahuri.edu.au/research/position-papers/143 Re: Building with Wisdom Homes 15560Feb 19, 2020 7:50 pm Long time lurker here. Question - has anyone contested a variation for concrete piering where the extra cost was way in excess of the expected. We are having an underground tank - 10000L near our alfresco and the variation has come back in excess of $4K due to zone of influence. Three piers 1.6M in depth, the tender states - "provide concrete piering up to an average of 1.5m deep" and " If additional concrete piers are required above standard to provide a uniform bearing, these will be charged at $85 per lineal metre. The maths which make 100mm of concrete for three piers equate to $4K does not compute for me. Hope to hear other's thoughts. Thank you. Can someone please offer some advice? Im DESPERATE. Because I'm completely and utterly exhausted. How long are variations taking with other companies at the moment? We… 0 18436 In fairness nobody gave a crap about the ACCC and the gag clauses continued in the pro forma templates of a few other builders after the ACCC took on Wisdom, and more… 19 73284 Hi Everyone, I am exploring builder in NSW and received a very tempting quote from Wisdom home for their momentum series. I just want to know experience of building… 0 8207 |