Browse Forums Owner Builder Forum Re: What will it cost me as an owner/builder ? 61Aug 06, 2011 7:55 pm Hi guys. Hope you don't mind me dropping in here... There certainly seems to be some knowledgeable people on here... I am looking for a front door made from sustainable timber. Do you think that would be so hard? Our builder uses Corinthian and Hume (both which use bad wood: Merbau which is endangered rainforest timber and Pacific Maple which is threatened). Anyway, so we have been researching where to get just a plain front door using either recycled timber or sustainable Australian timber. Stegbar use Western Red Cedar from Canada, but we would prefer to support Australian suppliers. So if anyone has anyone suggestions that would be super! (Particularly in Sydney. We found two places in the North Coast, but not near Sydney). I just couldn't live with myself opening a door each day and knowing where it had come from ... SunshineT's Build: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=34585 Designs start: 4/12/09 DA: 5/7/11 Demo: 22/12/11 Slab: 24/2/12 Keys: 31/8/12 Re: What will it cost me as an owner/builder ? 62Aug 06, 2011 9:03 pm skjoshi If I go by the people who have done it, it seems achievable in my budget but if I believe the other figure, I am well short. I can get a complete home built by a project builder roughly around this budget, I understand they buy bulk BUT they also make good profit. Can YOU, people who have already done this, advise me about the kind of budget I should be looking at. Sanjeev Not on the tools you may or may not save money as determined by some of the other answers. Hands on the tools a definite saving (In my case about 50% +) I have done lots of extensions, never a complete house from scratch (same story though). Example 1: I needed a simple extension of about 90 m2 , I rang 6 builders. 3 got back to me in a week, the other 3 never returned my calls. Of those 3 that did, 1 was not interested after discussion, the 2nd never got back to me and the 3rd submitted his quote. He quoted $115,000 to lock up for a skillion roofed, timber framed, clad in blueboard. I only wanted a builder to do the job for me in the first place because I was recovering from injury and it had to be done soon. By the time this process of getting quotes was completed I had had a gut full, and was recovered enough to do it myself. Which I did. I did exactly what I asked the builder to quote for, """PLUS""" completed all the gyprocking, installed a kitchen, did the floor tiling and carpet and painting for $75,000 !!!!!!!!!!!! I would put down about $30,000 for all the extras I did. That means I completed what they quoted for at a total cost of around $45,000 a whole $70,000 cheaper !! Here's how I tackle my extensions. I draw up all the plans myself (Never needed a draftsperson) and submit to council (cost around $500 for application fees) Sub out the plumbing prior to slab being poured I subbed out a concreter for the slab My timber frames I get pre assembled at a brilliant factory in Clare, they get delivered to site ready to put together like a jigsaw puzzle. I employ a local builder on an hourly rate ($50) to help erect the frame (Kills 2 birds with one stone. Need the extra hands and he signs of on the project) I have a roofing guy who is cheap and excellent quality, so he does the roof next. I put the external cladding up with my wife Window maker installs the windows as part of his service. Sparky comes in and does his thing I gyprock the walls and install insulation I tile the floors I final fix the timber (doors, skirting architraves) I fitted the kitchen (bought at auction. $18,000 kitchen for $5,000) I paint then carpet Sparky final fix All complete, whole process from the idea in my head to completion about 7 months. If all goes according to plan, our family will be buying house number 13 for another complete reno and extension in the coming year. This will be my last and hopefully best. I intend to take my time on this one (I usually do complete renos and add extensions in about 9 months from purchase date). When and if we get this dream property we have our eyes and heart on, we intend to take oodles of photos and post the whole project here stage by stage for people to learn from, possibly 'Masterclass' style. Hi VK, Think it's worth investing time in an Owner Builder course to equip you with basic knowledge on Australian Building Industry and its regulations. Also, I suggest… 11 22704 Hi all. Anyone know when the $11,000 limit was set in legislation for renovations in QLD? Ive been renovating for 5 years now and this was the limit back then. As we know,… 0 4249 |