Browse Forums Renovation + Home Improvement 1 Sep 27, 2013 1:47 pm Hi, I'm new to the forum and was hoping to gain some advise from anybody that has extended their house in South East Melbourne suburbs and who knows of any reputable builders/contractors? We're in the early stages and looking to get rough estimates on what the job would cost. Cheers Re: Home Extension Builders South East Suburbs Melbourne 2Sep 29, 2013 4:51 pm The Archicentre has a cost guide for renovating - http://www.archicentre.com.au/publications/cost-guide. Finished a renovation last year but can't really recommend the builder due to lots of problems with the site manager and building manager. That was a single story extension, the addition of an open plan and remodelling of a bathroom, laundry and powder room and that cost @ $250,000 (fixtures, reno, etc). There are some companies (Builders) to avoid in Melbourne so when you are researching your builders, make sure they are licensed (see the Building Commission website) and know all their trading and business names. A good search on the VCAT domestic building hearings can be eye opening to how some builders conduct themselves (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/cases/vic/VCAT/) you need to do a good search as some builders change their company names after a case being heard at VCAT. Getting word of mouth recommendations is good but make they are not from people associated with the builder. Do not believe online testimonials about a builder and definitely do not believe any reviews on consumer websites (they are often done by reps of the builder and not real clients). You will need to have set and approved plans for potential builders to quote from. Watch out for builders who give really cheap quotes as that can mean lots of costs coming up after you have signed the contract and tradespeople hassling you for money as the Builder does not pay them properly for the work quoted. Home One has some good blogs etc on people's building experiences which are good to read before you build. Re: Home Extension Builders South East Suburbs Melbourne 3Sep 29, 2013 6:08 pm mummy2two, Look for a qualified, reputable and honest no nonsense building inspector and speak to them first. They have seen it all and know who to avoid and who is good. Most people only think of building inspectors after they have problems. 3in1 Supadiverta. Rainwater Harvesting Best Practice using syphonic drainage. Cleaner Neater Smarter Cheaper Supa Gutter Pumper. A low cost syphonic eaves gutter overflow solution. Keen to hear from people in the area who have got KDRB done on whom they got the build from? Looking for recommendations. Thanks 0 21099 Hi, can anyone recommend a custom home builder who can build in north east area? Looking to build a custom 4-br energy-efficient home with a max budget of 750k. If they… 0 22813 Thanks for your reply! We're definitely not after a small house Might still have a chat to them. Who did you end up building with if you don't mind me asking? 2 2621 |