Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Aug 07, 2020 2:03 pm Hi All, My first post here, and a bit of a long one. Apologies if I've broken any ettiqutte by starting a thread. I have lurked for a while and searched also. Myself and my wife live in Melbourne's East and had always thought it impossible to buy or build near us. Recently we've saved well, however, and have found an estate nearby (Kinley, in Lilydale). The land is currently being subdivided and will title early/mid next year. The estate is offering 12.5m x 30m blocks for $445k- unfortunately a good price in the eastern suburbs. Our choice now is weather we build on this or try to buy an existing property. Building gets us numerous financial advantages as first home owners who won't be able to save for the full 20% deposit, but we are slightly concerned with the size of the block, and in turn it's house and rooms, as well as the potential for costs to balloon. What we're looking for is: - 3 Bedrooms (2nd and 3rd to be bigger than 3m x 3m) - 2 living areas - Study or 4th Bedroom would be ideal - Total spend under $250k for the build (house, upgrades, site fees. I appreciate it's hard to estimate site fees So far we've identified the Midland by Porter Davis as our favourite, but we're a bit concerned with how far the costs could blow out (we wouldn't be getting their current special offered, so would depend on what's offered later), as their extras + site fees seem to have the potential to cost more than many. We'd like to identify a cheaper option in case the Porter Davis one gets too pricey. We've seen a lot of other builders online, but we're struggling to work out how reliable they are. On occasion we're able to find the builders on this message board, but often it's due to specific questions rather than general reliability. Adding to our troubles are the lockdown in Melbourne making it impossible to get out and look at homes. Is anyone able to share their recommendations for reputable builders who may be cheaper, or also their experiences in a similar situation? Re: Reputation and reliability of cheaper builders 2Aug 09, 2020 10:59 am We're building the Midland 21 with PD. To be completely honest factor in 40% - 60% above the standard price. Ours has the Grand Alfresco, extended kitchen and bedroom 4 which is about $19k above the standard price. We're sticking to the majority of Cat 1 options as we like them but we have increased the garage by 1.5m, (about $4k), added the 2250 x 4800mm stacker door to the alfresco area. Ours is currently sitting around the $300,000 mark including $26k for "World of Style" options. Re: Reputation and reliability of cheaper builders 3Aug 10, 2020 9:14 am Hello and thank you for your post. We'd be looking at some of the same options- we could potentially delay things such as the alfresco until later, but we'd quite likely add the 4th bedroom, and a chance at the kitchen and garage extension also. If you don't mind, can I ask you a few questions to help us get a better idea of the price? - Besides your structural changes, could we save much by making different styling and discretionary choices, compared to what you've chosen? - Was there any particular special that was included in reaching that price? - How are you finding the design, and Porter Davis in general? Would love to learn from your experience. We were hoping to get as close to $250k as possible- so your price is a bit clear of that but not necessarily a deal breaker for us. I'm also mindful that we'd like to save some money, but it's also a long term choice. Saving money now could mean a big difference down the track, especially on some of these structural issues Thanks again for your time Re: Reputation and reliability of cheaper builders 5Aug 27, 2020 10:14 am hopingtobuild Hello and thank you for your post. We'd be looking at some of the same options- we could potentially delay things such as the alfresco until later, but we'd quite likely add the 4th bedroom, and a chance at the kitchen and garage extension also. If you don't mind, can I ask you a few questions to help us get a better idea of the price? - Besides your structural changes, could we save much by making different styling and discretionary choices, compared to what you've chosen? - Was there any particular special that was included in reaching that price? - How are you finding the design, and Porter Davis in general? Would love to learn from your experience. We were hoping to get as close to $250k as possible- so your price is a bit clear of that but not necessarily a deal breaker for us. I'm also mindful that we'd like to save some money, but it's also a long term choice. Saving money now could mean a big difference down the track, especially on some of these structural issues Thanks again for your time How's everything going with your pricing there? I'm intrigued any builder is getting a fixed price down that low so what size home is it if you don't mind me asking? Re: Reputation and reliability of cheaper builders 6Sep 02, 2020 8:52 am timthetoolman44 hopingtobuild Hello and thank you for your post. We'd be looking at some of the same options- we could potentially delay things such as the alfresco until later, but we'd quite likely add the 4th bedroom, and a chance at the kitchen and garage extension also. If you don't mind, can I ask you a few questions to help us get a better idea of the price? - Besides your structural changes, could we save much by making different styling and discretionary choices, compared to what you've chosen? - Was there any particular special that was included in reaching that price? - How are you finding the design, and Porter Davis in general? Would love to learn from your experience. We were hoping to get as close to $250k as possible- so your price is a bit clear of that but not necessarily a deal breaker for us. I'm also mindful that we'd like to save some money, but it's also a long term choice. Saving money now could mean a big difference down the track, especially on some of these structural issues Thanks again for your time How's everything going with your pricing there? I'm intrigued any builder is getting a fixed price down that low so what size home is it if you don't mind me asking? We're travelling okay- to clarify we're not necessarily trying to get fixed pricing or expecting to stick strictly below that number, more so hoping to work out what's possible at or near our budget. We've spoken to a guy from Porter Davis who gave us some information regarding another house they did in the development. They fixed site costs for them at $20K, and they spent a bit more than we would on upgrades. He said that our budget would be somewhat realistic- but then it's in his interests to tell us what we want to hear. $20k site costs would give us $30k on upgrades, a figure we may exceed, but not necessarily by much. We also spoke to Beachwood, who were very helpful and very open with prices. They then told us they'd sent a quote, but we've been waiting some time for it now. Re: Reputation and reliability of cheaper builders 7Sep 02, 2020 3:59 pm I've been looking around adelaide for 3bdr, 2 bath, 1 living and am finding turn key options around your budget from budget volume builders. I can't imagine getting to 4 bdr/2 living for even close to that though. If it's a long term thing I'd also be wary of the quality at those prices. Re: Reputation and reliability of cheaper builders 8Sep 02, 2020 7:55 pm Have you looked at what their inclusions are like? Some of the things that falls under builder’s range may not be palatable to you; hence need to upgrade which will cost dear. Also, have you considered costs for cooling, air conditioning, driveways, perimeter concrete, landscaping, fencing, CCTV, alarm, electrical items etc which are generally not included. Hello all, I have been looking at display homes and talking to some builders. I am looking to build a custom home in South Australia, Adelaide. I'm looking at Statesmen… 0 1540 Thanks again Simeon for being so elaborate. Appreciate it. Its gives us a very idea. Kind Regards 4 3645 Look at your bill from the electricity company. It should detail the charges. You will need to do some estimating and some calculations. Then charge the… 8 4194 |