Excessive site costs?

Lorri · Jun 12, 2016 2:42 am

How about you stop the p**sing contest and get back to helping people instead.
Take it offline if you want to carry on, time to grow up.
I like to get helpful advice or comment on things not listen to people fighting.
Regards
Lorri

StructuralBIMGuy · Jun 12, 2016 8:09 am

Lorri

How about you stop the p**sing contest and get back to helping people instead.

I thought that was what I was doing until the spoilers that don't offer useful advice jump in.

Ponzu

The sad thing is is that you haven't even realised for over a year that my status was a direct response to one of your posts where you referred me to your own status as evidence of your qualifications. Joke's on you buddy.
I can't beat PMs from people who don't know better. You're right, what was I thinking.

Last edited by Ponzu on Jun 10, 2016 10:31 pm, edited 1 time in total.

I should have every right to defend myself from a troll/stalker that questions my profession qualifications &
genuine contributions

Lorri

Take it offline if you want to carry on, time to grow up.

That is the nature of forums they are dynamic & robust
There are a number of arguments here, first we live in the age of the internet, blogs & forums and you don't have to read it if you don't want to... I don't favour censorship, secondly, you can't determine what's useful until people declare there qualifications,interests & aims,etc,etc Then it's up to the punters they'll decide if the info is useful or not.

Lorri

I like to get helpful advice or comment on things not listen to people fighting.

Me too... and I for one apologize, my excuse is i am battle hardened by what i see & deal with on site namely the expensive structural repairs that clients are confronted with, which incidently could have been avoided prior
Finally, Always looking for better ways to get the message out beforehand I believe I am doing my bit with simplifying design and engineering , 3D BIM, simulations, etc. it's now up to those seeking advice to do there bit, also
I think the search engine can be improved [J]?

1960sModernistHome · Jun 12, 2016 9:48 am

I was only making conservation. The only reason I asked where you studied is because I know a lot of Engineers in Perth and thought we may share some common connections in the industry.

qebtel · Jun 13, 2016 7:48 pm

1960sModernistHome

qebtel

.... It's why sloping blocks, all things being equal, have a lower price that flat blocks

Yep here in Perth some Land developers pre-selling future stages have knocked $30K off the price of flattened retained blocks
I would happily pay $30k more for a sloping block if it had a nicer outlook, better access to natural light and cross ventilation. I'd much rather be up a bit higher than trapped down in the flats with everyone else

you must have missed the qualifier - I bolded it for you.

qebtel · Jun 13, 2016 7:51 pm

Ponzu

Don't worry because according to bimboy and qebsmall you can flout economic reason and business sense and get it for a steal

Care to point out where I floutd economic reason, PonceBoy? You start to wilt under fire..
Like I said,

1960sModernistHome · Jun 13, 2016 9:10 pm

qebtel

you must have missed the qualifier - I bolded it for you.

Not sure if this is directed at me but you have misquoted me in your post above.

building-expert · Jun 13, 2016 9:36 pm

I think there has to be a stop to this and a return to the topic before mod steps in

AussieMark · Jun 14, 2016 1:35 am

Double post deleted

AussieMark · Jun 14, 2016 1:35 am

I agree with BE that all should stick to the topic

1sttimebuild · Jul 22, 2016 1:30 pm

Hello, I am looking at building a new house in an established northern Perth suburb. I like a subdivided land approx 530 sq mt in size. Its in a cul de sac sloping to the rear. The drop from verge to the boundary is quite steep. And from there to the rear of the block is approx 4 mtrs. The building envelope will have a fall of approx 2 mtrs.

I have attached a contour survey and a proposed split level house plan. I don't have a geotechnical report. For the proposed house plan and cost (310k), the builder has included a provisional sum of 45000$. I have had a look at the site and its clear of any trees, rocks, building, etc.

With this information:

1. Do you think the provisional sum is enough or should I budget a lot more? Eventually the total est cost of house + land will be crucial in me taking a decision to purchase or not?
2. Its a downward sloping block. So any advise/things to look out for will be much appreciated.
3. Any builders you would particularly recommend for building a split level house on a sloping block in Perth

PS: I am trying to talk with a few builders / site work contractors to get an estimate of the costs involved.

Thanks

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StructuralBIMGuy · Jul 22, 2016 3:00 pm

Hi 1stTimebuild
Welcome to the forum
Are there existing retaining walls on the boundary
photos would help.
Also I assume it is lot 2 Why haven't they drawn it properly (Flipped the plan)?
In regards to the plans suitability for the contour map the slope to the rear is considerably greater and there is a slope LH to RH that needs to factored?
I would request the siteworks to be broken down and itemised as your budget would be very tight on such a difficult block?

1sttimebuild · Jul 22, 2016 4:10 pm

Thanks for the udpate. I am looking at Lot 1 (it has better elevated views at the rear where the alfresco might sit)

Here is the original plan (i had a flipped image)

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The site seems to have some sort of retaining. I will post some pics later today.

I will check with the builders regarding an itemised cost. However, without a soil test, I get the impression that they are a bit reluctant to even give a ballpark figure. One of the builders said around 80-100k for site works and advised not to buy the plot. Since its sloping downwards, there might be an issue with winter sun as well.

However, the suburb is an established one and doesn't really have any land options. I like the area and the land size. But at the same time, I don't want to commit to something that is going to cost me an arm and a leg to build.

StructuralBIMGuy · Jul 23, 2016 7:42 am

It sounds typical of most salesman/Project builders talk " here's a plan to start with..we can firm things up after we get some financial commitment from you." (Ha,Ha,Ha,come in spinnner)
Perth northern coast is typically type A footing- Sand.
At least the one builder has warned you "not to buy" , I would tend to support this comment without further engineering design analysis/investigation.
Please don't fall into the trap of buying cheap land that has expensive Engineering/Siteworks without knowing what your doing HTH

1960sModernistHome · Jul 23, 2016 5:09 pm

I wouldn't sign a thing without a fixed price all-inclusive contract.

If there's one things builders love, it's when theu hear the word "variation".

If something costs $10,000 at tender time, it will cost $20,000 as a variation.

And get a professional to check your contract before you sign (quantity surveyor, building surveyor etc)

The other point to consider is the strong possibility that you may end up getting better value by getting a custom designed house on stumps that better suits the sloping block. Work with the slope rather than fighting it.

The project homes seem cheaper on the face of it, but by the time you add up all your extras and expensive site costs to make a slab home work on a slopey block, you may very well find that the custom option is better value. Plus you'll get a house that sits better on the block, and it designed to how you want it.

A lot people will try and steer you away from a sloping block, but they tend to have the best views, the best breezes, and the most privacy, amd when it comes to resale these are major value-adding features.

1sttimebuild · Jul 24, 2016 8:04 pm

Thanks a lot for your inputs StructuralBIMGuy and 1960sModernistHome.

I am totally in for working with the slope. Hence, I approached a few builders who specialise in building split level homes that suit a sloping block. All of them are quite dearer than project builders. On the up side, I was able to speak with the builder directly rather than a sales person and all of them advised me that it would be difficult to build a house on that block in the budget I had in mind. I am reasonably sure that I would be able to shave a few grand off the land price and get it for a relatively cheap price. However, still I would end up praying a pretty penny overall for the house and land together. I don't have an issue with that too but unfortunately it would be beyond my reach.

I am still awaiting reply from a couple of builders. But it seems like I will have to look elsewhere.

StructuralBIMGuy, here are a couple of pics of the block:

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The 1st pic shows the retaining put in place by the neighbour which will be staying in place. Just gives an idea of the slope gradient we are dealing with.

1960sModernistHome · Aug 01, 2016 4:58 pm

Looks like a nice elevated block, would be a shame to miss out. But I totally understand not wanting to stretch yourself financially - it's not worth it in the end if you've got a lovely house but too stressed out trying to pay for it to enjoy it.

I've often considered designing a custom house for a slopey block, but just building part of it. Perhaps leaving the lower level as a shell that can be fitted out with rooms later on as you can afford it.

StructuralBIMGuy · Aug 02, 2016 9:18 pm

Hi 1st Time build
Thanks for the photos
Just curious where are you building?
The perth market at best is very flat (excuse the pun)
at the moment and prices dropping even faster
BTW another 10% drop in land price wont cover your retaining wall costs.

1sttimebuild · Aug 02, 2016 10:24 pm

1960sModernistHome, i love the block. Cost is the only thing stopping me :-(

. I do want to build a house but not at the cost of sacrificing my current lifestyle. More than happy to wait till the 'right thing' comes along.

StructuralBIMGuy, The areas I am looking at are Duncraig/Carine. The house I will build/buy will by ppor for the next 10 years atleast or till the kids finish their schooling so I don't mind stretching myself a bit. I agree the Perth market is very flat/declining. Hence, the inclination to upgrade and buy/build.

StructuralBIMGuy · Aug 03, 2016 10:37 am

1sttimebuild

....The house I will build/buy will by ppor for the next 10 years atleast or till the kids finish their schooling so I don't mind stretching myself a bit. I agree the Perth market is very flat/declining. Hence, the inclination to upgrade and buy/build.

I am happy to advise and assist please leave a PM...We did the same for our family

arcachon · Aug 23, 2016 4:03 pm

Just receive a pre-contract quote from the builder. Basics are 2000m2 block, 1.8m drop on house site (back to front), S Class soil.

Connections (Stormwater, power, water, sewer): $3,000
Over standard allowance due to set back of building.

Earthworks to level the site: $2,000

Piering for slab: $4,400

Rock removal: $6,000 (provisional)

BAL-19 Requirements: $6,000 (provisional)

TOTAL: $21,400

All seems quite reasonable to me and nothing unexpected. No retaining walls included though I'll probably get some done post hand over to tidy up the landscape. I'll be confirming the Rock Removal billing policy. Happy to pay cost plus X% method an request copies of the invoices. Don't want to pay $6k for $2k worth of rock removal. :wink: