A bit of summary and thoughts
It is always fun to read other forum member’s journey and their builds as well as their thinking around colours and design. I’ve probably contemplated on putting up a blog or post. A bit of war and peace for about 6-7 weeks now. (I’m actually writing this in Word before I put it up since I’ve realised that I can carry on a discussion for awhile!). The wife is not really interested nor does she have the time to post.
It all started…
Decided that a 3 year old home (built by Australand) just won’t cut it because of many factors, location was one of them (due to our daughter’s school). So off we went to find a new location in Ryde Council to settle into. Now there are some really beautiful homes in the Ryde area but just not what we’re prepared to pay. Also, these newly built homes didn’t tick all the boxes. Since the market was getting a little ridiculous we decided rather than buying something all done up but having to retrofit ourselves we’ll buy one that we'll do KDR instead.
We managed to secure the location we wanted and it met our needs as far as amenities go (Liquor store, restaurant, physio, local medical). We were also cautious and wanted to make sure we knew what the area was like during the different seasons and take advantage of the sun (that was until I found the Suncalc! Go and see my useful links). Of course getting to know your neighbours is also very important for any sort of KDR. However, first week of moving in we knew that we’ll need to fast track a KDR. (See the timeline in the next post).
We happened to come across Alkira and having researched high and low about the builder before they got on to our list. We also toured Homeworld numerous times to find something we liked (See requirements below). Thus, ended up with Alkira (The Sienna), it ticked a lot of boxes for us and there wasn’t anything that we would have changed so we stuck with it. We have stayed pretty much in line with what was on display and our internal colours are pretty close to what is on display (only differences are kitchen doors and bathroom tiles).
Requirements
After having lived in an off the plan house we knew what we wanted and what we did not.
What we wanted:
• Allow enough natural light
• Good insulation (more for Winter than Summer good passive solar)
• Both myself and missus are in IT so the house required full network cabling (had it in our other house and something we can’t live without)
• A void area somewhere in the house
• Had to be double storey
• Minimum 4 bedrooms
• Flooring on the first floor be solid since we were sick of hearing heavy footsteps from downstairs (this is where hebel comes in)
• Ample supply of power points in the rooms
• A location to set a gas fireplace nicely for aesthetics and function
The Sienna
After having researched high and low and the people who have used Alkira Homes, I have found out that the Sienna is not really that popular. The most popular seems to be the Olivia or the Elyse 15. What struck our cord about the Sienna was the “void” and it was situated in an area where we’ll be in the most which was the kitchen and dining. The display home had a number of add ons (see the photos in summary of the plan link) over the standard but the things we liked about the Sienna were:
• Void (obviously)
• The living room where the gas fireplace will eventually be located
• Cornerless stacker doors leading to the alfresco for the indoor / outdoor entertaining factor
• Spacious pantry
• Retreat area in the Master
• Full bathroom downstairs
Floor plan from Alkira (floor plan link)
What I’ve learned to date: (ping me and ask!)
As these are MY experiences and opinions, I am not about to publish anything out that could be used to sue me. Other than each industry has a set of rules of engagement and timelines. If you work in any other industry than construction then time lines will be very different to what you will experience during your KDR. I see it like retail you have people from all walks of life and so some can really suck the life out of the sales people, while others are dream customers.
You may think you’re the centre of the universe when it comes to your build but the builders are dealing with many many more. BE PATIENT. Try and understand what they have to go through so that everyone is on the same page.
Do your research, know exactly how you want your house to be built structurally. Everything that could cost you thousands to do later as it means additional labour and rework, do it with the build and suck up the 20%+ builders margin. Anything you believe can be done post-handover and will be cheaper, then do it later.