Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Jun 18, 2015 1:27 pm I am hoping some wonderful people on these forums may be able to offer some advice please. We have signed up with a builder, and besides a few minor additions we are going with their baseline inclusions. We decided this because it was more costly for them to do the extras than us doing them ourselves at a later date. So I am wondering from your own experience when is the right time to start making enquiries/arranging these things? Before the construction is completed, or wait until we are moved in and do them at a later stage. The things we need to do ourselves are: - Arrange for ceiling fans in main living areas and bedrooms - Purchase and arrange installation of split cycle system in main bedroom and living area - Fit-out walk in robe and maybe even look at some wardrobe drawers in other 3 bedrooms - Fit-out pantry - Fencing (we do have a dog so this is probably going to be done as soon as possible) - Blinds - Is it easier to arrange a garage (for the backyard) before laying turf or lay turf first and then worry about the garage later? This is something we arent sure of yet as depends on funds and of course waiting on council approval. Thanks in advance Re: Advice please - building our first home! 2Jun 18, 2015 1:54 pm Ceiling fans can be purchased whenever (get them during a sale) and stored until after handover when you can get an electrician in. Same goes with the split system. Tends to be cheaper to buy the systems in Winter as they aren't in demand and you can sometimes get them cheaper. Fit out of walk in robe - I would wait until you can at least stand in the space and get a feel of where you want things, and then get a quote based on your plans. Same goes with pantry. Just be mindful that if the carpet/flooring isn't in yet, the height may change. Fencing - do this when you can. Your builder will probably have a temporary fence up anyway. Blinds - I will be getting someone in to do the measuring up but not until all of the plastering, painting etc is done. So quite close to handover. Garage - no idea, sorry! My blog: tashandpaul.wordpress.com Re: Advice please - building our first home! 3Jun 18, 2015 2:32 pm TashPaul Ceiling fans can be purchased whenever (get them during a sale) and stored until after handover when you can get an electrician in. Same goes with the split system. Tends to be cheaper to buy the systems in Winter as they aren't in demand and you can sometimes get them cheaper. Fit out of walk in robe - I would wait until you can at least stand in the space and get a feel of where you want things, and then get a quote based on your plans. Same goes with pantry. Just be mindful that if the carpet/flooring isn't in yet, the height may change. Fencing - do this when you can. Your builder will probably have a temporary fence up anyway. Blinds - I will be getting someone in to do the measuring up but not until all of the plastering, painting etc is done. So quite close to handover. Garage - no idea, sorry! I agree with these also. Fencing- Our house is nearly at lockup and we are trying to sort the fences out now. The sooner they are up the better. Blinds- Agreed that you should wait until you can measure them after install. I did that and was surprised to discover every window was a slightly different measurement to the house plans. I've just started buying blinds now based on my measurements. Garage/Turf- I would definitely put the turf down after you know if/when you are getting a garage. It would be a colossal was of time and money to install grass only to have it all ripped up or ruined in places when the garage is done. Re: Advice please - building our first home! 4Jun 18, 2015 4:55 pm For the robe fit-outs, if you're certain you want to do your WIR immediately after handover, have your builder delete the standard shelf-and-rail in there. You'll get a small credit and its easier for the robe fitter if they don't have to remove an existing shelf. Jen (& Dave) Plantation Bronte, Ormeau Ridge, Gold Coast QLD 12/03/2015 - Commencement... 26/08/2015 - Handover! viewtopic.php?f=31&t=76446 So it looks like we finally have some movement on site! Definitely later than expected, but I'll take any progress at this point. I'll drop by over the weekend to get… 5 27731 Versaloc is a mortarless besser block system that still needs a properly engineered footing. If you just do a 400x200 footing it will fail in time. At 17m long you need it… 1 18052 A question. Im in Queensland and building a new home. We managed to reach practical completion 6 weeks ago but we haven't heard any date for handover yet. Who should we… 0 5811 |