Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Oct 13, 2016 2:53 pm It looks like I’m heading down the custom design path for the construction of my weekender shack. The concern with this approach is the increased construction costs associated with a custom build. With sufficient motivation I can be handy around the house. I’m comfortable with painting, basic carpentry such as installing architraves / skirtings and shelving. I have tiled before so would also consider doing that. How else can I reduce the constructions costs: 1) in general through good design etc 2) by performing work myself I’m thinking about getting the house built to a minimum stage where an occupancy permit can be issued and then complete the work at my leisure on weekends. I do have access to a plumber in the family but will need to engage a sparky for any electrical work. I have looked at http://www.vba.vic.gov.au/consumers/per ... cy-permits but there wasn’t much detail. With a house with multiple bathrooms does only one bathroom have to be completed. What about the kitchen ? Any guidance on this would be greatly appreciated as would any general cost saving ideas. Cheers Grant Re: Reducing construction costs for custom build 2Oct 13, 2016 3:08 pm There is a list at this link: https://anewhouse.com.au/2012/02/10-thi ... cy-permit/ The Harder You Try - the Luckier You Get ! Web site http://www.anewhouse.com.au Informative, Amusing, and Opinionated Blog - Over 600 posts on all aspects of building a new house. Re: Reducing construction costs for custom build 3Apr 22, 2017 9:59 am Thanks Bashworth. I have looking at other options but keep on circling back to this one. Does anybody have a recommendation for a builder active around Bass Coast in Victoria who would be willing to do a custom build to Occupancy Permit ? Reducing construction costs for custom build 5Apr 24, 2017 12:11 am Hey theshack, I looked into this myself and found the bank want a minimum 40% deposit being a owner build for the whole project. If that isn't a issue then in QLD the minimum standard for works completed to receive your certificate of occupancy is one completed bathroom and the kitchen sink connected, can be on a cabinetry frame. I've seen a few people on the threads take the kit home approach with companies such as Paal kit homes or StoryBrook. No idea about local builders sorry. Best of luck with it, we ended up finding a local builder with a bag load of flexibility and it's working out nicely. Re: Reducing construction costs for custom build 6Apr 25, 2017 7:31 pm JB1 Thought about owner building? It did cross my mind briefly but my wife and I both work full time and our shack block is 90 minutes away so would make any site supervision difficult. I suspect the OB route is likely to end up in tears or a divorce @Tribe7 Yes, I reckon our best bet is to find a local builder who is flexible. I'd get the gutters to match your roof and pipes to match the paint - otherwise they become a feature. Nice pick with the paint colours! 1 34266 6 55311 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 27355 |