Browse Forums Building A New House Re: Cost issues - advice please 21Sep 27, 2017 9:22 am Hi Chipstik, Benji is correct, I've just looked at my quote, and the whirly bird was around 100, and the installation the same... I had one included whirly bird, as well. I'd say it's easier to go to a roofing place and have the whirlies put in after - much cheaper! Unless you are handy, and can diy... my hubby put a couple in at my Mum's - but she had tile. Is it a colorbond roof? Even so... places like stratco can install for you, usually. Back a few years, we had a1.5kw solar put on my Mum's, and a 5kw put on ours... we got super-duper inverters (oh the hours of research!), that could have additional panels attached, and take the climate. I believe hers cost just under $3000, and the systems are a lot cheaper and better since then. Go 5kw... they are much cheaper now. And definitely don't do it through the builder! That about the window removing charge is balderdash - unless they have the top draughtsmen in the world being paid by the hour for changes - no. And I can assure you, they haven't. What you have to watch is being overcharged elsewhere, now, because they're having a little tanty that you question them. They have to make money somewhere, to pay thier admin peope and wages etc, and that's fine, however your quotes all seem excessive. These types of places will often overcharge for 'exclusivity' and 'snob' value, so the yuppies can say it was all custom, and tell all their friends how much it cost. You really need to decide what you can organize afterward for yourselves. My builder was pretty good, however I have our stone cladding quoted at HALF what they wanted to charge. Our wardrobes, pantry, and linen press shelving, I'm paying two thirds what they wanted to charge, for custom/fancier goods. We are doing our own laundry fit-out, I'm a diy-er, so that will be a huge saving. We are having an electrician in for lighting that I've bought on sale and/or made, floors and shutter package from a wholesole supplier - we saved a tonne that way. Good luck with it all! Re: Cost issues - advice please 22Sep 27, 2017 6:46 pm [quote="Chipstick"]Thanks for responses. Yes it is a custom build. We went with this builder because we liked their display home and they had won a number of awards. There aren't any reviews of them online. They mentioned that basix changed significantly in July which is why there is the unexpected changes required. We've already paid $20k for the plans, which we don't own, mistake we know. And we have transferred a further $50k (5% due on signing contract) - although we haven't signed contract as we were waiting for basix approval. We would be able to get the $50k back (we only transferred it as we could only transfer in $10k increments and were not expecting basix issues). I suggested to my husband that we go elsewhere but he just wants to get on with it if they have a reasonable response. I think their response over next few days is critical. I suspect they will try and sweep it under carpet. My concern is we are spending a fortune and how can we trust that the costing to date and as build proceeds. I'd prefer have a builder where we have a good relationship and I wander how possible that That’s outrageous Re: Cost issues - advice please 23Sep 27, 2017 7:29 pm Hello again, further to my previous comments. The window price, flooring and garage insulation prices are ridiculous. In assuming the windows went to upvc thermally broken double glazed windows or something like that. You need to get them to apply for pre July basix and it will go back down to standard windows with a few low e windows here and there. They shouldn't really charge you to do this as they should have known about it already. I'm an in the process of applying for it for someone else currently. I have been an estimator for a custom builder and a project builder so I know prices pretty well. I don't know what state you're in but it should be fairly similar anywhere. Feel free to ask me questions. Daniel Building estimator at Ford Homes Building designer after hours: Whitehaus Design & Drafting Re: Cost issues - advice please 24Sep 27, 2017 8:36 pm Chipstick Is there some kind of transparency we can request from builder. E.g. To see invoices from suppliers? Not unless it's a cost plus contract and it's been agreed upon Even then,I've seen some ridiculous invoices produced by Subcontractors & Builders The best you can do is know what's fair and reasonable price beforehand BTW prices are all over the internet, you just need to do your homework beforehand .. Caveat Emptor Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs I am looking at building a house. Has anyone used Construkt Homes (based in Adelaide)? Does anyone have experience with this builder? 0 6494 12 5374 Industry type domestic contracts are prepared by industry bodies for the benefit of the builders. This means that if you are the owner watch out. One of the points is… 0 3313 |