Browse Forums Renovation + Home Improvement 1 Oct 18, 2016 7:33 pm We have been working with a building company to get some plans drawn up for an extension. Even after cutting back the plans (we made the changes) they are still too expensive for us. I now want to get quotes from other builders but the plans drawn up are obviously done by this builder. We don't have a massive area to play with so the layout that has been done is perfect but I don't think I am allowed to get it recreated by an independent draftperson? What are my option? TIA Re: Building company too expensive 2Oct 18, 2016 7:37 pm I just wanted to add we haven't paid anything for these plans or signed anything. Re: Building company too expensive 3Oct 19, 2016 6:30 am Why don't you just pay for the plans then you can use them as you like. Foremost Building Expert in Australia,assisting with building problems/disputes, building stage inspections,pre-contract review advice for peace of mind 200 blogs http://www.buildingexpert.net.au/blog Re: Building company too expensive 4Oct 19, 2016 8:48 am I wasn't aware that was an option? I have never renovated before. Are they usually pretty forth coming in asking to buy the plans they did, since it means they won't be getting the business. Re: Building company too expensive 5Oct 19, 2016 8:59 am Hi Goldencrumble Here are a thing things to consider next time 1.Nothings free..the builder and designers relies on copyright.. in theory the design will always belong to them 2.You need to buy the plans and exclusive ownership to build the design 3.Notwithstanding many owners only buy plans and come unstuck with the engineering, where the builder/contractor uses their engineering to claw back profits by charging huge amounts for unforeseen engineering. eg site work costs 4.Your own engineer will also give you alternate, optimised & cost efficient design options 4. The engineer can also certify and keep your building on track Do your self a favour and get complete designs and engineering next time.HTH Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Re: Building company too expensive 6Oct 19, 2016 1:31 pm goldencrumble I wasn't aware that was an option? I have never renovated before. Are they usually pretty forth coming in asking to buy the plans they did, since it means they won't be getting the business. They probably will get their nose out of joint if they miss out on the build job but I don't think you should be held to ransom if you don't want to proceed with them. Ask them what they want or offer them a fair price (considering how much time and effort they spent with you) and don't be stingy with your offer because if this goes legal leaving 10 K on lawyers table will just be starting point. You could be diplomatic and ask them to tender a price along with 2-3 other builders and you never know, they might just have been right. Good luck. Foremost Building Expert in Australia,assisting with building problems/disputes, building stage inspections,pre-contract review advice for peace of mind 200 blogs http://www.buildingexpert.net.au/blog It will be neat but you won't have much freeboard. At least they are not weep holes. Are you in a high intensity rainfall region? The regulatory slope is only required… 3 8283 Firstly, if your house is still under builder's warranty (10 years in Victoria) you should have no need to crawl into roof space but let the builder handle it, unless you… 3 5645 Not sure if that works? I was told the issue is the headspace clearance requirement on step 4. My builder is proposing shifting the beam 310mm towards the kitchen...I'm… 2 2641 |