Duplex Builder Sydney ?

Harry001 · Feb 10, 2020 5:22 pm

Hi All

I have been trying to research on reliable builders (custom) for a duplex development I have planned on a block of land in Sydney. Every renowed builder has got +s and -s reviews and all the custom fairly new builders have got no reviews only. I am finding it difficult to trust one and kick start my project. Would anyone here, has got any personal building experience and recommendations ?

Few of the builders that I am considering are, any other builder you would like to recommend ?

Champion Homes
ZAC homes
Merit homes
Xclusiv Built projects
Chateau Builders
HR Building pvt ltd
Clarenden Homes (Saying they will do custom)
Metricon (again saying they will do custom)

KateBrooks · Feb 07, 2021 7:04 pm

We're on the same journey. Hard to find reviews on the Custom Home builders.

gogo65 · Feb 07, 2021 8:12 pm

Where are you building Kate? Weve just finished a custom build in Sydney

KateBrooks · Feb 07, 2021 8:37 pm

gogo65

Where are you building Kate? Weve just finished a custom build in Sydney

In the Cumberland Council area. Who did you build with? I dont know if my budget of 900k a duplex with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bath per unit. Im looking for standard inclusions in the mid range, nothing fancy.

mallet17 · Apr 14, 2021 5:59 pm

Hey Kate - I'm also in the Cumberland area and have gone through the journey for a Duplex.

I'm building with Metricon - HIA contract signed, and about to start the build.

$900K for 3 bed and 2.5 baths I think can be possible for the combined duplex build width of 11m - 13m (block width of around 15m).

You may end up stretching out your budget a bit - but keep in mind, it's best to get everything done now rather than later, such as kitchen, bathroom and electricals.

If you're still looking, I've had a great and understanding rep at Metricon, and can recommend you to him. I'm happy to share info with you too.

PLGH · Feb 22, 2023 4:06 pm

Don't use Merit Homes, when they found out I was comparing prices as you would, Darren had a hissy fit, abused me and said he wouldn't build for us so we blew $10k. I thought we dodged a bullet actually if that's how they act up front, can't imagine the build stress.
Be warned.

Infinite-Justice · Feb 22, 2023 10:09 pm

PLGH

Don't use Merit Homes, when they found out I was comparing prices as you would, Darren had a hissy fit, abused me and said he wouldn't build for us so we blew $10k. I thought we dodged a bullet actually if that's how they act up front, can't imagine the build stress.
Be warned.

What's the 10k for? seems quite high.

AJ1111 · Feb 23, 2023 7:35 am

Isn't Merit and Chateau considered high-end custom builders? I'd imagine their pricing is way over the volume builders listed above. I saw a house built by Chateau and it looked amazing, but I'd guess they are double the price of say Metricon or Claredon.

PLGH · Feb 23, 2023 7:46 am

Infinite-Justice

PLGH

Don't use Merit Homes, when they found out I was comparing prices as you would, Darren had a hissy fit, abused me and said he wouldn't build for us so we blew $10k. I thought we dodged a bullet actually if that's how they act up front, can't imagine the build stress.
Be warned.

What's the 10k for? seems quite high.

Yes it was.
Merit said it would include the site testing and bespoke plans to approval to council but we thought still high.
We thought it was OK as we had a narrow site and no other off the plan were suitable.
In the end, our chosen builder Gremmo charged the same to get to approval of DA. So it was market at the time.
I fiind it changes a bit with the capacity in the building market, a mate just paid $7500 for the same.
Tullipan charged $400 for plans at one time.
We got absolutely nothing for our money but in the end we thought that if Merit decided to continue with us rather than refund the money it would be more trouble than it was worth so we moved on and wrote it off.
Happy to warn others.

PLGH · Feb 23, 2023 7:57 am

AJ1111

Isn't Merit and Chateau considered high-end custom builders? I'd imagine their pricing is way over the volume builders listed above. I saw a house built by Chateau and it looked amazing, but I'd guess they are double the price of say Metricon or Claredon.

Merit were custom but the build going on that was near us for referral wasn't that fancy so we thought it was middle of the road. They were only about 20% more than base Metricon.
We loved a Metricon but after stepping through "upgrades" like brick infills, render and not using plastic toilets it was actually comparable.
Remember with volume builders, a variation like an extra window or a wall moved is very expensive.
We stopped the consultation when the price was 25% more than the Gremmo quote. The Metricon price nearly doubled during the consultation as the base model was exactly that, no patio, no air, very basic kitchen with down market fittings etc.
This gap ended up being eroded because Gremmo made mistakes like forgetting we needed a water detention system and water tanks which we had to dig in at a cost of $50k and we were too far into it then to change builders..
Happy we didn't go with Merit at the end but it wasn't without its problems.