Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Jul 28, 2020 10:24 pm Hello first time posting, and at the start of our home building researching....I have a clear idea or what floor plan I'd like. Can I sit with a standard builder for them to design the plan? Or would I need to go through an architect? It's not overly complicated but I haven't found the exact plan I want. Or is it about finding a reputable builder, and modifying their plans? Also, will they work with me for free first so I know how much I'm looking at paying for the build? Thanks all for your wisdom!! Re: Design our own home plans? 2Jul 28, 2020 10:34 pm Standard Builders don't want to do much more than vary one of their standard plans. When I wanted to build a house to my design I engaged a building designer/draftie rather than an Architect. This suited me as I had only been in Australia for a few months, but had a clear idea of what I wanted. The designer was able to work from my detailed sketches and make sure that the building codes were met. The Harder You Try - the Luckier You Get ! Web site http://www.anewhouse.com.au Informative, Amusing, and Opinionated Blog - Over 600 posts on all aspects of building a new house. Re: Design our own home plans? 3Jul 28, 2020 10:43 pm Thanks for your reply ...how much more does it cost going down that path? I'm wondering if I could potentially be looking at an extra 50-100k to be able to go with my own design. And in trying to figure out if I need to compromise and just go with a standard design ...mine isn't overly complicated, it's actually quite simple but I haven't seen anything like it ...how much did your total design and build end up costing? Re: Design our own home plans? 5Jul 28, 2020 11:20 pm My prices are 25 years out of date. . . But the house probably only cost 10% extra. The Harder You Try - the Luckier You Get ! Web site http://www.anewhouse.com.au Informative, Amusing, and Opinionated Blog - Over 600 posts on all aspects of building a new house. Re: Design our own home plans? 6Jul 29, 2020 2:13 am If you want to be able to get quotes etc and compare prices/ get competitive rates then suggest you go down draftsperson/architect route. If I had the time I would but you have to be patient. I’m going down the project builder route, most of them are happy to work with you to “custom build” but you basically have to select one builder and pay them a deposit before they give you a plan and a quote. I managed to get generic $/sqm and a standard spec sheet but that’s about it. Keep in mind that it will be more expensive than something off the shelf as they will charge you for design and building the same houses helps them keep costs low. They think mine will be ~15% more than a standard one but I am getting a bigger en-suite and kitchen and raked ceilings. I found my sales consultant very willing to make changes though compared to friends who went down the normal route. Re: Design our own home plans? 7Jul 29, 2020 2:15 am Ask them to show you their other designs or bring what you’re thinking of as an example. They have tons of designs that aren’t on the website either Re: Design our own home plans? 8Jul 29, 2020 8:58 am If it is not a complicated design and appears relatively straightforward, a building designer would be more than adequate at a lot less than what an architect would charge you for the same thing. Stewie Re: Design our own home plans? 9Jul 29, 2020 9:52 pm What state are you in mate? If you’re in NSW speak to King Homes. They have an in-house architect that can help you with your venture. I personally went to an architect. Paid them $2000 to draft up plans. The rest of the cost was included in my contract so I was only out of pocket by $2000. Good luck! First time builder Double Storey NSW Re: Design our own home plans? 10Jul 30, 2020 7:30 am Knitz I'm wondering if I could potentially be looking at an extra 50-100k to be able to go with my own design. Own your own design and copyright, use 3D Engineering Bim to extract the data, quantities material costs and rates. These can be linked to Bim and updated using Python scripting What does it cost ? More than hiring a designer and less than an architect. Knitz I'm wondering if I could potentially be looking at an extra 50-100k to be able to go with my own design. The data and information also comes in handy in negotiating rates, costs and materials..Knowledge is power lol, OT be prepared for Double Bay..Double pay and triple pay for an architect Knitz And in trying to figure out if I need to compromise and just go with a standard design ...mine isn't overly complicated, it's actually quite simple but I haven't seen anything like it ...how much did your total design and build end up costing? There is no standard design ..the builder will nail you on variations and engineering site works Try putting up your sketch... the better the sketch, Data and information the better the reply and it also helps others Help! How to decide on a builder without quotes Cheers Chris Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Hi Mofflepop, I would recommend finding a building designer to prepare plans, they should design to your specified budget. The benefit is you can tender the project out… 9 20417 ideal house depends on the site and location as much as internal floor plan....what is the distance from the house to all four boundaries, where is north, describe your… 3 15166 Really tight at the top of the stairs- how to get furniture into those rooms? Study books - does anyone really use them these days? Large storage closet would be more functional. 2 6886 |