Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Sep 12, 2016 9:34 pm Enough lurking! It is time to start my own thread. Especially now that we have a block of land to build on A couple of months ago we thought we had found a block but the sale fell through when the vendors (also neighbours) imposed ridiculous height restrictions on what we could build. As they say, everything happens for a reason and we have ended up with a far better block. We have purchased a very steep block with beautiful views where we will build our dream home. We are first time builders and are feeling a little daunted by the prospect at this point. We have been speaking with a couple of builders - one is a local builder who is experienced with sloping sites and the other is a project builder who is happy to customise a plan to suit the block. The project builder is requesting a raft of tests ($5K) be completed before they can go any further but the local builder says that all he needs in a contour plan to draw up preliminary plans ($1500). What to do??? How many builders should be speak with before we make a decision??? Here is a pic of the block Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Re: Custom downslope build - Northern NSW 2Sep 13, 2016 1:55 pm Where are you building? We are building in Naughtons Gap about 15 mins outside Lismore. Your blocks so so amazing!! I can imagine sitting on a deck enjoying some bubbles to that view hehe. There is a lady on here Traceywayne who built on a pretty decent slope in Murwillumbah maybe she can give guidance or steer you in the right direction if you send her a private message. I would imagine a contour test should be enough to start? GJ Gardner Modified Coolum 277 viewtopic.php?t=83643 Custom downslope build - Northern NSW 3Sep 13, 2016 2:09 pm Our block is about 5mins from Tweed Heads. I am looking forward to relaxing on that deck for sure. I will send Tracey a message. Her house is not far from where we live Re: Custom downslope build - Northern NSW 4Sep 13, 2016 2:56 pm Are you in flood area being that close to water or is that pic deceptive? GJ Gardner Modified Coolum 277 viewtopic.php?t=83643 Re: Custom downslope build - Northern NSW 5Sep 13, 2016 3:29 pm We are fairly high up so no chance of flooding into the house but I daresay we would get flooded in/out in heavy rain. We already have that problem where we are now so are used to it. Just as long as the weather is good during the build - I don't mind Re: Custom downslope build - Northern NSW 6Sep 13, 2016 9:01 pm Phew that's a relief you won't get flooded. Sounds like you really have a great spot!! Was that the only block available in your area? GJ Gardner Modified Coolum 277 viewtopic.php?t=83643 Re: Custom downslope build - Northern NSW 7Sep 13, 2016 10:32 pm It is a beautiful spot. The original development was created about 30 years ago. The people that we bought the block from have had it since then. It is the last vacant lot in the area. We were very lucky to get it. It was supposed to be auctioned but we made an offer prior and they accepted. Woo Hoo!! Re: Custom downslope build - Northern NSW 8Sep 13, 2016 10:43 pm Hello! Wow what an awesome spot! I would try a few different builders including project ones. Usually they only require about the same as the custom builder that quoted you. All they need to do is a site, contour and soil test and roughly sketch up plans/customise existing plans for you initially. That is quite a slope! I do have soft spot for split level homes so looking forward to seeing what you come up with! Re: Custom downslope build - Northern NSW 10Sep 14, 2016 9:08 pm deejay08 Ps. I found a better moodboard!!! Ooh, what is it called? I am having trouble finding one that I can work easily. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated Re: Custom downslope build - Northern NSW 12Oct 18, 2016 8:47 pm Well, settlement for our block of land was yesterday so it is officially ours! We have decided on a builder and are in the process of finalising the floor plan. We are supposed to be downsizing but it doesn't seem to be working out that way I guess it will come down to cost at the end of the day... Hopefully we will have a preliminary plan by the end of the week. All that is left to do now is to sell our current house to pay for the new one. Fingers crossed it will happen this week. Re: Custom downslope build - Northern NSW 13Oct 19, 2016 6:58 am Congrats on settlement!!! Can't wait to follow your build Can we have a sticky at your floor plan when it's done? GJ Gardner Modified Coolum 277 viewtopic.php?t=83643 Re: Custom downslope build - Northern NSW 14Oct 19, 2016 8:13 am Sure Charli I will upload as soon as I have it Re: Custom downslope build - Northern NSW 15Oct 19, 2016 8:40 am Congrats Ninny! can't wait to see your floor plan ... Re: Custom downslope build - Northern NSW 16Oct 20, 2016 9:07 pm Hi Ninny, By the looks of your photo, we're fairly close by in Terranora. We're hoping to start building in about 6 months so any info you can pass on re builders would be appreciated! Love the views you have. Steve Re: Custom downslope build - Northern NSW 17Oct 21, 2016 6:19 pm Altocu Hi Ninny, By the looks of your photo, we're fairly close by in Terranora. We're hoping to start building in about 6 months so any info you can pass on re builders would be appreciated! Love the views you have. Steve Hi Steve Yes, we are just on the opposite side of the Terranora Broadwater. Did you buy in Altitude Aspire? We can see that development from our block. We are hoping to start building in the new year. We have had a hard time finding a builder as the block slopes 8m from he front to the back. We have gone with a small local builder. Hopefully all goes well Re: Custom downslope build - Northern NSW 18Oct 21, 2016 7:34 pm I have the plans but they are PDF and I cannot figure out how to upload them. Any help would be greatly appreciated Re: Custom downslope build - Northern NSW 20Oct 21, 2016 8:47 pm We had a DA approved last year and here is the condition that was imposed by Northern Beaches council: 1 1034 regardless, your contract stipulates a payments schedule and SOPA doesn't give provision to that scenario. Your contractual terms appear to stand. Hence get a lawyer, it… 4 12490 If so what were the "special circumstances" under which it was granted? "Note: If the development consent is for 'dual occupancy' an owner-builder permit can only be… 0 14902 |