Browse Forums Owner Builder Forum 1 Jun 08, 2013 10:34 pm Our plans are finalised and have been submitted to a surveyor for approval. We have an independent building inspector lined up. Does anyone who has done OB before have any sound advice, as we are about to commence ours. I have previously worked on commercial construction for some years doing shop fitouts and also doing many apartments/high rises in Melbourne. I’m not a qualified carpenter or shopfitter but because of my previous background in construction I am confident enough (I think ) to go down the OB route. Of course I won’t be doing everything myself – Plumbing, excavating, electrician, bricks etc but will arranged. I will do what I can – such as painting, hanging foilboard, hanging plasterboard, laying floor, standing frames (with help). I’m going to have a go at all the decking in time, fitting vanities, WIR, Kitchen, Pantry etc. I will do all the insulation. One of the main reasons for going OB is that hopefully will save a bit of coin, by using our time and labour, but also to have a better finish at the end. I am quite pedantic/anal about the end results at least if I do it, it will be to my standard, which is quite high. Many blokes I have seen on sites and have worked with have been quite rough and ready; not saying all builders are this way, but as it is the only OB we intend on doing, I hope we will get the finished desired outcome we hope for. I am trying to get 2-3 quotes for every outside trade I require, rather than just taking the first one. We do have a builder lined up to help on some things, but we now have a couple of concerns with him. Maybe it is our fault a little as we know him – (our kids are friends) but we don’t socialise with him. He knows we wish to engage him for some help but have not asked him to do anything yet. However he is telling us he is chasing up quotes for us and is pushing us towards tradesman he uses. Not sure if he just being helpful and enthusiastic or if he stands to gain more by using his ‘suppliers’ and trade friends. Col. Re: Our Owner Build in Country Victoria. 2Jun 09, 2013 4:36 pm Welcome to OB'ing. I don't have advice from having been there, but am going to follow your thread in prep for my build. You seem to have much covered, and am sure experts here can help. bashworth has a site with many details, well worth a browse. http://www.anewhouse.com.au/ greenify has several posts, and a website http://www.greenifyconsulting.com.au/ Some very handy spreadsheets for planning, budgeting and scheduling. Building-expert has one post that's relevant, and more throughout threads and on his blog. http://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=64889 Other threads have cautionary tales on that topic. Your prior experience will certainly help in the hands on that you do and the QC of your contractors. Even with 3 quotes, get references or ask around about previous work. From the OB course I did, the build is only a part. So much involved in getting the scheduling, co-ordination, certificates and all important payments spot on. Hope this helps a tiny bit, and bumps the thread up for others to share their real life experiences. t For reference, this is the Austlii reference. My take on this is, that they would be breaking the law denying access to a homeowner in Victoria, or their agent from having… 1 9067 Hey everyone Not for me or anyone I know, just generally interested. For a single allotment house, are you allowed to take the fence on both sides of your house and… 0 20876 Sorry but you have a crap builder. Probably too late now. For our last build I only spoke to builders who would allow me easy access (at no cost). I used my own sparky… 10 9748 |