Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Jan 07, 2017 8:35 pm Evening all, First post here, so please be kind I have zero experience in building a new home, so I need some advice if theres anyone who's been in a similar position and has time to spare. My husband and I currently own a 80's 3brm 1bath rendered brick home in an outer Melbourne suburb. We bought our home 8 years ago and poured a lot of extra repayments in it while we were still full time workers without children (we now have 2) so our mortgage is quite small. We love our street, and our suburb is booming! We have decided that, financially, a knock down rebuild is going to be the smartest thing in terms of acquiring our "forever house". Otherwise we would need to sell and spend a lot more to find what we want, or move further out. The thing is, I have absolutely NO idea where to start. I'm not even sure we could afford to build right now, but I won't truly know until I start to contact a builder and really understand the approximate costings. Through word of mouth and terrific reviews regarding general customer service, build quality and attention to post build repairs, I've been recommended a builder who I think would be suitable. They specialise in sloping blocks (such as ours) and building split level homes in order to keep site costs down, and I love the idea of both. We have no plans for the new house, because it will depend entirely on whether we level out or build with the slope. So who do I contact first? The builder (would they need to come out and view our current block)? The council? Sorry if some of what I've written doesn't make sense. I'm sure once you build, you have a wealth of information, but for me, I have no idea and I don't want to approach anyone and actually say that. I want them to think I at least know something about building and what we want. Thank you in advance! Re: Knock down rebuild - advice much appreciated! 2Jan 09, 2017 12:58 am Building a new house is exciting but can be stressful, so do your research before you commit. Visit as many display homes by as many different builders as you can - we did this for about 9 months, and looked at countless floor plans, before we chose a builder. Sounds like you've chosen one with a good reputation, but you may change your mind as we did, almost a year into the process. The sales people at the display homes can give you a rough idea on price. Don't forget to allow for landscaping, window furnishings, driveway etc. Budget extra for unexpected costs, there will be some. Ask the price of the display home as compared to the base price for that house. This forum is very very useful, I spent many nights here. Good luck! Re: Knock down rebuild - advice much appreciated! 3Jan 11, 2017 6:51 pm We are doing the same thing also located in Melbourne, and whilst having built an investment property previously a knock down rebuild is very different, and you do have your emotions involved. I concur with what AvaG has advised. I will need to verify with builders if they will build with overhead power or if you need to go underground if not already. As our power had to come across the road this has cost our $7700 straight up before building. If you plan on keeping any existing structures - ie detached garage, ring around builders as ask if they will built with the structure still in place or if you need a clear block. Again we were in this position and a lot of plans we liked the builders would not work with us. So check first with the builders that you think you might use, it just takes a quick phone call. Don't forget to check where your water main is and if this needs to move, again mine does and we are just getting pricing to do this, and guess what - water has to come under the road again. Get quotes for demo and it will cost more if you have asbestos. You don't get full site cost from the builder until you have demo'd the house as builders need to complete soil testing again once the house is gone. We are about to sign our tender document and will be house hunting for a rental in the next couple of weeks so we haven't even demo'd yet and it has taken us a year to get to this stage. Check with council if you have any heritage listing. Then review with the builder. You will need a copy of the Certificate of Title showing your names as registered owner/s to prove you own the land once you have chosen your builder. Here's a demo checklist The gas has been abolished Overhead power has been abolished and underground electrical pit has been installed (if required) The sewer service has been capped at the tie point The storm water service has been capped at the entry point to the property The water service has been capped on the dwelling side of the meter with the meter and tap to remain on site The proposed building area is free of underground pipes from the existing service Provide demolition permit to builder Take your time and ask lots of questions. Good Luck! We've had the offer of a short term tenant whilst waiting for CDC/DA home approval and demolition for our knock down rebuild. It would achieve a pretty low rent as it's… 0 13771 Hi I live in a 100yr old semi and my neighbour added an additional floor last yr and our architect has advised that we can knock down our semi and build a free-standing… 0 37728 5 6827 |