Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Nov 28, 2019 12:20 pm Hi there, We have previously been quoted almost $20k for the fixed site cost and when we received the final tender it has an additional $18k. Is this normal for a fixed site cost where the amount can still change? I thought the purpose of having fixed cost is having no surprises or this actually depends on the soil type? I have copied below and appreciate your inputs. Thanks Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Re: P Class soil and fixed site cost 2Nov 28, 2019 1:20 pm What do I say the Salesman/estimator made a mistake and under tendered Site costs It happens all the time, unfortunately you will have to pay up. OT, Costs aren't fixed until they start construction on site. hth Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Re: P Class soil and fixed site cost 3Nov 28, 2019 1:27 pm Do you have your site/soil survey? A H2 soil it highly reactive and it seems it was included in your fixed site costs. Most builders seem to include 'M' and you pay more as you go up H1 H2 etc. Even in the 'fixed' part of the tender they say there could be significant additional costs, so I'd get all this locked down before proceeding. Seems you also aren't guaranteed it to be sited where you want. So the builder seems to have gone from H2 to P, where are you building? A 'P' site classification for a demolition with trees around isn't that strange but they seem pretty wary of the soil. Rawson include peiring to the slab in their fixed costs, and a M class slab for comparison. Re: P Class soil and fixed site cost 4Nov 28, 2019 1:34 pm It's likely the fixed costs were for a H2 slab (based on 2.2) and would have been conditional on it being at least a H2. We had costs covered up to an M class slab (as nearly all volume builders seem to quote on) and ours came back as a H1/P (P because it was a demolition). Because of that we had extra costs on top of what was originally quoted (given the upgraded size of piers, reo and other stuff). There is the potential for screw piers which would add a lot more (as you have experienced). Re: P Class soil and fixed site cost 5Nov 28, 2019 1:50 pm ![]() What do I say the Salesman/estimator made a mistake and under tendered Site costs It happens all the time, unfortunately you will have to pay up. OT, Costs aren't fixed until they start construction on site. hth Thanks. It's a huge amount but I guess as long as they are charging us correctly I think no issue. One of the most important part of the build is the foundation. Re: P Class soil and fixed site cost 6Nov 28, 2019 1:56 pm ![]() Do you have your site/soil survey? A H2 soil it highly reactive and it seems it was included in your fixed site costs. Most builders seem to include 'M' and you pay more as you go up H1 H2 etc. Even in the 'fixed' part of the tender they say there could be significant additional costs, so I'd get all this locked down before proceeding. Seems you also aren't guaranteed it to be sited where you want. So the builder seems to have gone from H2 to P, where are you building? A 'P' site classification for a demolition with trees around isn't that strange but they seem pretty wary of the soil. Rawson include peiring to the slab in their fixed costs, and a M class slab for comparison. I don't have the copy of the soil survey but the developer has indicated P class when we settled the land as I've seen this in the document. Not sure if the builder has done the soil test but I will confirm. We are building in South East of Melbourne and the area used to be a golf course so there were large old trees that has to be taken out by the developer. I hope we won't have an issue given the extra large charges for the slab foundation. Thanks Re: P Class soil and fixed site cost 7Nov 28, 2019 2:01 pm ![]() It's likely the fixed costs were for a H2 slab (based on 2.2) and would have been conditional on it being at least a H2. We had costs covered up to an M class slab (as nearly all volume builders seem to quote on) and ours came back as a H1/P (P because it was a demolition). Because of that we had extra costs on top of what was originally quoted (given the upgraded size of piers, reo and other stuff). There is the potential for screw piers which would add a lot more (as you have experienced). Thanks. Have you been initially quoted the fixed site cost and then had to pay extra due to soil being H1/P? Re: P Class soil and fixed site cost 8Nov 29, 2019 8:20 am ![]() Thanks. It's a huge amount but I guess as long as they are charging us correctly I think no issue. You won't know that unless you check the engineering Data and Quantities and it's always best to check it before you hand over a deposit... tell the builder to sharpen his pencil Here's an analysis There is little cost difference in comparison Slab and Formwork Costs ![]() One of the most important part of the build is the foundation. That's a given, the problem is withholding the soil/footings engineering until you have paid a deposit at that stage many then feel locked in...and pay up. OT, Society Trusts Engineers , that trust isn't instantly transferable to others on your build IMO, Builders would do better to lift their game Cheers Chris Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Hi The "P" just advises there are some problems with the site that the engineer needs to address, as you're a KDR the P would relate to the disturbed/loose soil with… 1 10316 ![]() Hey guys, I’m building in the northern suburb Donnybrook and I’ve received a quote from the builder… 0 8698 2 7175 ![]() |