Browse Forums Building A New House Re: Our Journey - At an end (though a new one has begun!) 61Sep 06, 2008 8:58 pm So time for a bit of an update I think.
We are going through our quote from M and are busy working out what we need, what we want and what we can happily chuck. Unfortunately, it looks like the green options will be the first to go as they have pushed us over our budget. $12,000 for solar panels is a bit much, even though we'd really like to "do our bit". The high ceilings option is just over $5k. We had originally thought we'd cut that, but I spoke to a real estate agent in the area today, and the first thing she said was "make sure you get high ceilings". I guess we'll keep 'em! It all just seems so far away right now! Damo Visit my blog: http://damosbitofblog.blogspot.com/ Re: Our Journey - At an end (though a new one has begun!) 62Sep 06, 2008 9:09 pm Hi damo,
I thought all builders had to supply EITHER a water tank OR solar panels as part of their standard package, in order to meet the 5* building requirements? In our case, we are getting our builder to do the solar panels, and paying extra for the water tank - works out much cheaper this way, our tank will only cost $3500. Unless I am misunderstanding something With the ceiling heights, can you do some feature areas with higher ceilings? Might work out cheaper than doing the whole house with the higher ceilings? (Might not too, dunno just a thought?) Re: Our Journey - At an end (though a new one has begun!) 63Sep 06, 2008 9:14 pm donuts Hi damo, I thought all builders had to supply EITHER a water tank OR solar panels as part of their standard package, in order to meet the 5* building requirements? In our case, we are getting our builder to do the solar panels, and paying extra for the water tank - works out much cheaper this way, our tank will only cost $3500. Unless I am misunderstanding something With the ceiling heights, can you do some feature areas with higher ceilings? Might work out cheaper than doing the whole house with the higher ceilings? (Might not too, dunno just a thought?) Sorry should have been clearer. Solar hot water is included on M homes by default - we were considering upgrading to the photovaltic (spelling?) panels that help power the rest of the home. Good suggestion on the feature areas of the ceiling. We are again considering switching back to the Latitude, that comes with a raised entry ceiling and the option for a dropped kitchen ceiling. So many decisions! And we're only at the very start! All good fun though Damo Visit my blog: http://damosbitofblog.blogspot.com/ Re: Our Journey - At an end (though a new one has begun!) 64Sep 06, 2008 9:18 pm Ah ok, you were going to upgrade some more. Yes it's a shame the eco options end up so expensive!
Yep there are lots of fun decisions to make! And we're all here to give our opinions and help make them for you if you need Re: Our Journey - At an end (though a new one has begun!) 65Sep 07, 2008 3:32 pm Quote: We are again considering switching back to the Latitude, that comes with a raised entry ceiling and the option for a dropped kitchen ceiling. damo, Is it because Latitude is a signature collection house, as such, includes a raised ceiling? But the base price for Latitude is also higher than Bel-air. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Built the Nevada 42 Next project - landscaping! Re: Our Journey - At an end (though a new one has begun!) 66Sep 07, 2008 8:18 pm VJ damo, Is it because Latitude is a signature collection house, as such, includes a raised ceiling? But the base price for Latitude is also higher than Bel-air. Hiya VJ, It's just a feature of this particular home. The entry is specifically raised higher than the rest of the roof for effect. Looks really nice and makes a great place to hang a lovely light feature! The Latitude is a bit more expensive, but with the options we are after, I think it will end up cheaper overall! We're also going to check out some Carlisle homes in a couple of weekends time. Quite like the look of the Pagoda! We've seen the Caroline Springs display, all I can say is WOW! Damo Visit my blog: http://damosbitofblog.blogspot.com/ Re: Our Journey - At an end (though a new one has begun!) 67Sep 11, 2008 3:26 pm Oh. Oh. Oh.
Spoke yesterday with our SC about the cost of doing the whole house in Austral Zinc. When we asked her last weekend, she said "probably about $4,000". We thought that sounded okay. Now she has come back and it's at LEAST $18,000! Yikes! Hebel is looking like the better option again. We can do the whole house in Hebel (with render) for under $13,000. Problem is, I'm a bit in love with the Zinc bricks now My partner thinks we should just do Hebel, as the render gives a nice clean look. Whilst I agree in some respects, I think a nice brick can really add some character to a house. A brick I've seen that seems to be very popular on here is the Austral Hawthorn. That would probably give a similar look to the Zinc, but hopefully not be as expensive. I checked out the Austral website and the Zinc is about 50% more expensive than the Hawthorn. Taking that logic, the Hawthorn brick should be about the same cost as Hebel, or at least closer? Thoughts, my fellow boardies? Damo Visit my blog: http://damosbitofblog.blogspot.com/ Re: Our Journey - At an end (though a new one has begun!) 68Sep 11, 2008 3:31 pm I know with PD you can upgrade to using Hawthorn bricks - which are a category 6 and the upgrade cost was about $6000 for a 40square house, so I think it should be a fair bit cheaper than the $13000 you are thinking
Great bricks btw My karma ran over your dogma Re: Our Journey - At an end (though a new one has begun!) 69Sep 11, 2008 4:44 pm Your logic sounds right damo ... how much of the house will be bricked? Our house cost something like $2800 to upgrade the whole house (30 sq) to Austral Canterbury (same range as Hawthorn).
Some brick, some render and some hebel sounds like a nice compromise and shouldn't cost as much? Re: Our Journey - At an end (though a new one has begun!) 70Sep 11, 2008 5:02 pm donuts Your logic sounds right damo ... how much of the house will be bricked? Our house cost something like $2800 to upgrade the whole house (30 sq) to Austral Canterbury (same range as Hawthorn). Some brick, some render and some hebel sounds like a nice compromise and shouldn't cost as much? We were thinking to brick all of the house, except for part of the facade which must be rendered (estate guidelines). $2800 sounds like a much better price! I think we could be happy with the Hawthorn bricks, they do have a similar look about them (dark, elegant). We have another meeting with our SC for the end of September (partner works most weekends, so we book in advance!), will discuss with her then. Any-old-hoo! Damo Visit my blog: http://damosbitofblog.blogspot.com/ Re: Our Journey - At an end (though a new one has begun!) 71Sep 11, 2008 6:08 pm Damo,
if you are looking for a dark elegant brick, try Austral La Trobe. It has flashes of a deep blue in it. Check out Eager's thread about his house, he's got some good pics and used the LaTrobe. Made me change my mind about using the Hawthorn brick. Just my 2cents Cheers Joanne Re: Our Journey - At an end (though a new one has begun!) 72Sep 11, 2008 6:16 pm Back Pocket Damo, if you are looking for a dark elegant brick, try Austral La Trobe. It has flashes of a deep blue in it. Check out Eager's thread about his house, he's got some good pics and used the LaTrobe. Made me change my mind about using the Hawthorn brick. Just my 2cents Cheers Joanne Pretty sure the La Trobe is standard as well.... so no money to upgrade if that's the case. It is a really nice brick. I leave you to fend for yourself, figure things out yourself. Terrence Malick Re: Our Journey - At an end (though a new one has begun!) 73Sep 11, 2008 6:30 pm Oh I love the Hawthorn brick!
During our time, Hawthorn was a Category 3 brick and cost of upgrade for double-storey house was approx $1,900 only. But that was because it's a signature house. The cost would be different if you upgrade to a Cat3 brick for a Collection house. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Built the Nevada 42 Next project - landscaping! Re: Our Journey - At an end (though a new one has begun!) 74Sep 12, 2008 10:37 am Back Pocket Damo, if you are looking for a dark elegant brick, try Austral La Trobe. It has flashes of a deep blue in it. Check out Eager's thread about his house, he's got some good pics and used the LaTrobe. Made me change my mind about using the Hawthorn brick. Just my 2cents Cheers Joanne Thanks for that, they are a nice looking brick! Even better if they won't cost the earth! Damo Visit my blog: http://damosbitofblog.blogspot.com/ Re: Our Journey - At an end (though a new one has begun!) 75Sep 12, 2008 10:39 am VJ Oh I love the Hawthorn brick! During our time, Hawthorn was a Category 3 brick and cost of upgrade for double-storey house was approx $1,900 only. But that was because it's a signature house. The cost would be different if you upgrade to a Cat3 brick for a Collection house. Hmmm that sounds much more like the price I'd be happy paying. Perhaps our SC was wrong about the $18,000 for the Zinc. I mean, that's just extortion! They are nice, but not THAT nice! Speaking of Collection v Signature - does anyone know all the differences between the ranges? I've spoken to a few M people and have had every answer from "no difference" through to "everything is better"! Damo Visit my blog: http://damosbitofblog.blogspot.com/ Re: Our Journey - At an end (though a new one has begun!) 76Sep 12, 2008 2:04 pm I have loved reading this thread. Far more enjoyable than TV (except for Grand Designs and Top Gear )
I say good on you for having the guts to really get out there and find what it is you really desire and be willing to change as you slowly work that out. Too many of my friends had started the process and then at some point things changed, but instead of standing up and making the decision to change direction have decided it would just be easier to continue on with the current course. Its very sad to see a friend at the end on the building process although generally happy with the result say 'I only wish I had of' or 'maybe I should have'. Its such a big investment of our time and for most of us all our money so why live with 85% satisfaction when we can shoot for 100%. Keep it coming... I'm really looking forward to the next episode Finally Designing and building the home I always wanted to! Re: Our Journey - At an end (though a new one has begun!) 77Sep 12, 2008 7:15 pm Quote: Speaking of Collection v Signature - does anyone know all the differences between the ranges? I've spoken to a few M people and have had every answer from "no difference" through to "everything is better"! damo, you can ask for the standard inclusion list from your SC. it lists the "extras" the you get when you build a Signature house. other things that were not on the list are: - standard tiles, - bricks, - roof tiles, etc have more choices than M1 and Collection houses. Say for example, a type of roof tile is standard in a signature house, but an upgrade in a collection house. Also, with their promos now, signature houses normally include stone benchtops (now in Cat 2 colours!) to all areas. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Built the Nevada 42 Next project - landscaping! Re: Our Journey - At an end (though a new one has begun!) 78Sep 12, 2008 7:47 pm Yeah, I've seen a list with the differences, but it's a TINY list. I think it includes higher ceilings and maybe two other (fairly small things). I'm just not certain that list is exhaustive, it looks more like a light sales brochure. Anyhoo, i'll double check with our SC next time we meet up with her.
Thanks everyone for the feedback! Damo Visit my blog: http://damosbitofblog.blogspot.com/ Re: Our Journey - At an end (though a new one has begun!) 79Sep 12, 2008 7:50 pm Daffy Duck I have loved reading this thread. Far more enjoyable than TV (except for Grand Designs and Top Gear ) I say good on you for having the guts to really get out there and find what it is you really desire and be willing to change as you slowly work that out. Too many of my friends had started the process and then at some point things changed, but instead of standing up and making the decision to change direction have decided it would just be easier to continue on with the current course. Its very sad to see a friend at the end on the building process although generally happy with the result say 'I only wish I had of' or 'maybe I should have'. Its such a big investment of our time and for most of us all our money so why live with 85% satisfaction when we can shoot for 100%. Keep it coming... I'm really looking forward to the next episode hehe thanks for the kind words. One thing you can be sure of, every minute decision will be shared with the board The help I've received already has been super valuable, it's just awesome. Damo Visit my blog: http://damosbitofblog.blogspot.com/ Re: Our Journey - At an end (though a new one has begun!) 80Sep 25, 2008 12:44 am Hi Damo,
How are you going with the home selecting process? Have you changed your mind or still sticking with the Bel-Air? I remember seeing that house displayed at the Lydnhurst area, and i thought it was a beautiful house. Mum however didnt like it much as she thought it was quite strange to have the living room smack bang in the middle. She's just very old fashion. Had a good read of your blog, feels like i know you now. You havent updated it for a while, i like your style of writing. Hope to read more of your experience. Good luck 4 14259 Minimum overhang into gutter must be 50mm, turn down tool should not split the sheet. it seems wrong tool for the profile was used, the flashing cannot slope back. Rib… 2 2093 Electrical just got back to me and said the most they can provide is a single power point on the Bedroom 1 side of that wall. After handover, your towel rail installer… 2 3815 |