Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Jun 16, 2014 11:14 pm I am doing a 2 x double story townhouse development in the Monash area, and as a newbie have some questions about getting the design done. As a bit of background: we will live in the larger of the two houses, the other will be sold. We are not after premium quality - just standard quality typical for built-to-sell properties in the Melbourne Monash area. We expect the property values to be about $800k for the 24 sq. one and $1.1m for the 35 sq. one (size includes garages). We would far prefer the simplicity of using an existing design, but because our block is so narrow and under Monash council town planning rules a custom design is our only option. So my questions are: 1. I'm thinking about using a builder's drafting/design service, but how do you protect yourself from being price-gouged once the design has been done? 2. Are there any builders that allow you to engage/pay them for design, so that you take the plans to another builder if they are not competitive with the build price? 3. I would expect the architect/designer to ask me a lots of questions along the way, talk to me about his ideas, advise on kitchen and open-plan layouts, etc. Would I be expecting too much to do this fixed price? Would an hourly rate suit my expectations better? I've been told by someone who use a fixed-price service that the designer produced one concept with little communication and then had to alter it over and over again to get what they wanted. 4. I’ve been told that due to the architect’s copyright, if changes to plans are required then I must use the same architect. Is that standard practice? 5. Lastly, any recommendations for architect or builder-with-design-service in Melbourne south-eastern suburbs? Many Thanks, Paul Re: Questions about using an Architect or Builder's Draftsma 2Jun 17, 2014 12:13 am psdillon I am doing a 2 x double story townhouse development in the Monash area, and as a newbie have some questions about getting the design done. As a bit of background: we will live in the larger of the two houses, the other will be sold. We are not after premium quality - just standard quality typical for built-to-sell properties in the Melbourne Monash area. We expect the property values to be about $800k for the 24 sq. one and $1.1m for the 35 sq. one (size includes garages). We would far prefer the simplicity of using an existing design, but because our block is so narrow and under Monash council town planning rules a custom design is our only option. So my questions are: 1. I'm thinking about using a builder's drafting/design service, but how do you protect yourself from being price-gouged once the design has been done? 2. Are there any builders that allow you to engage/pay them for design, so that you take the plans to another builder if they are not competitive with the build price? 3. I would expect the architect/designer to ask me a lots of questions along the way, talk to me about his ideas, advise on kitchen and open-plan layouts, etc. Would I be expecting too much to do this fixed price? Would an hourly rate suit my expectations better? I've been told by someone who use a fixed-price service that the designer produced one concept with little communication and then had to alter it over and over again to get what they wanted. 4. I’ve been told that due to the architect’s copyright, if changes to plans are required then I must use the same architect. Is that standard practice? 5. Lastly, any recommendations for architect or builder-with-design-service in Melbourne south-eastern suburbs? Many Thanks, Paul What I did was: I negotiated, that if we don't agree on the price I can buy the copyright on the drawings for $XYZ and walk away to another builder. 2014 30/05 $3900 25/08 Contracts 02/10 DA submitted 2015 17/02 DA approved 02/04 Colors 10/04 Demo 09/07 Construction start 27/07 Fill 15/08 Slab 21/09 Frame 2016 08/01 Bricks Re: Questions about using an Architect or Builder's Draftsma 3Jun 17, 2014 11:04 am See my advice here re copyright. viewtopic.php?f=1&t=71444&p=1182338&hilit=copyright#p1182338 I'd familiarise yourself with most of the council rules regarding your site then hunt around for your own draftee or building designer and ask to see some examples of ( similar ) prior jobs. Stewie Re: Questions about using an Architect or Builder's Draftsma 4Jun 17, 2014 2:48 pm Contact Mat at Simatrik Design, He's absolutely fantastic and is so attentive and talented. I work with him on lots of projects at my work http://simatrikdesign.com.au Re: Questions about using an Architect or Builder's Draftsma 5Jun 17, 2014 10:46 pm Thanks for the comments guys. Had one builder today quote $14k to release plans if we decide to not go with him. Thanks for the referral LaceyM, I'm checking out his site as I type this! Your build is relatively simple, I believe your job can be easily done by a good building designer, you really do not need to pay for the architect. Remember, architect's… 3 8363 I've just had a look at the website. The company are just building broker's. There are plenty of similar companies that basically draw your plans (they own them so you… 8 4377 Ardo That is so funny! I wonder how many people know who Larry Haun is these days. I have a couple of young guys we call Mo 1 & Mo 2 who run a crew of 6 boys and… 9 12921 |