Browse Forums Owner Builder Forum 1 Oct 27, 2013 11:17 am Hi all, As a bit of an intro, I'm planning a new build in Melbourne's north-east (Banyule). It is a dual occupancy on a corner, so I've got full site access. Site size is 20mx20m. Two storey build, with ground floor at approx 90sqm. 3 bedrooms, master with ensuite. Simple and efficient design. Passive solar orientation. M-class soil. The site is a bit of a pain. Loads of shrubby veg, several large trees, and a slope on the block with a fall of about 1m - so a bit of benching will be required. I've been working so far with a custom kit manufacturer, who is also an architect. To date, I had been intending for the build to be done by one builder. Tender went out, pricing came back in way over the estimate. I'd been working to $1900/sqm (which is what the kit manufacturer told me to work with and I've since had a building consultant and one other builder advise that $1900, for the plans I have, is more than reasonable). However, the costs coming back in came to more like $2500-$2700/sqm once kit was included, with site costs on top of that. Not happy. So, I'm now having to consider owner building, but will possibly also re-tender before I make that decision. Before I re-tender, I want to get some trades on-site to talk through my plans. I'm concerned the site condition is leading to the crazy quotes. I'd like to get a good understanding of what my drainage/clearing/excavation costs would be. The slab engineers came back with slab on ground, but I'm wondering about a waffle pod and whether that could help to reduce excavation costs (obviously would go back to slab engineers to see if waffle pod OK on benched site - M class soil). I'm not clear on who to contact first to start to work this out. Concretor? Excavator? Should I be clearing my trees before getting these people out on site? A few tips welcome. Recommendations for builders/project managers, site prep, excavation, concreting, drainage plumbers also welcome! Note that if I do end up as OB I will be looking to appoint a project manager, but in the interim I need to nut out as much of this stuff as possible. Cheers New build - N/E Melbourne Passive solar, energy efficient design 147sqm 2 storey http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YylmeMilok8 http://www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/index.html Re: Best way to get quotes: Site clear, prep, cut and fill.. 2Oct 27, 2013 5:26 pm Hi Comfyhouse4me, It sounds like they are taking advantage of you. Before you make any further decisions or spend any money check out my website at www.greenifyconsulting.com.au and look at all the free info I have for you. Good lick Matt Re: Best way to get quotes: Site clear, prep, cut and fill.. 4Oct 28, 2013 2:59 pm Thanks Matt re your info Re OB on dual occ - it is a bit more detailed than that. Will be subdividing prior to build. Current lot not mine, but the newly subdivided lot will be. Slab engineer got back to me today, and have stated "Waffle raft type of construction is only suitable for a class A or S site". This is news to me... It seems as though many people on this site have had waffle pod slabs for various soil types. Anyone know if this sounds right? Also - anyone able to recommend any Melbourne concretors? Comfy New build - N/E Melbourne Passive solar, energy efficient design 147sqm 2 storey http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YylmeMilok8 http://www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/index.html Re: Best way to get quotes: Site clear, prep, cut and fill.. 5Nov 06, 2013 9:21 am Waffle is a valid way to build on soil that may incur too many difficulties with excavation. This method got a bad name early on, as a few of them were badly executed, and though the issues were resolved there's been a negative legacy; no longer warranted. If you're working with slope, or have an unusual or challenging block have a look around on the forums or on-line for some of Melbourne's custom builder with experience in solutions with sloping blocks. Even if you are doing an owner build they may have a blog or be generous with their communication and give you some worthwhile ideas. I have stone pavement (?) in my backyard around the pool. I have not tended to them and so there is moss growing on them. I intend to clean them but was wondering what the… 0 598 4 9060 PM me your email. I have a build excavation calculator you can use based on your plans to double check what your builder is telling you. Cheers Simeon 1 10236 |