Hi everyone
Like many others, we've used these forums extensively for ideas, tips, traps to look for and general information about builders. Figured its time now to try and give back to the homeone community and share our experiences too as we progress along the way.
Our block is 450m2, south facing with dimensions that are better suited to a double but we were after a single design - more so for lifestyle but budget was a factor too of course. Difficult finding a project builder with plans we liked AND who were flexible with design alternations. Done the usual (multiple) visits to display villages all across Sydney. We tried working with some builders to modify potential plans to our liking, and looked into doubles too. Finally came across the Cedarwood1828 design by Sekisui on display at Kellyville - Its not a big plan and in some aspects space is wasted but we liked the feel and flow of the design and the separation of living and sleeping quarters - plus it fit on our block without modification!
Naturally, we stalked as many Sekisui threads as we could find on H1, and decided to sign contracts in May 2016. Thank you to all your sekisui thread authors/contributors, for your all updates, photos and ideas - and frustration venting too I guess - its given us some expectation to what will come and how to resolve should the situation arise for us yvonneh clintdb cat_dunc shazaw The_joneses trimum
We've also had to novate to Burbank and faced some supplier changes too. Currently on the 3rd CSO and 3rd SS. The first SS was hopeless, no communication and just resigned after taking annual leave after Xmas break. Yet to meet a SS in person, but was asked to meet concretors for slab stage - which gave alot of confidence seeing the working relationship and trust between builder and contractors. Current SS gives weekly updates over phone.
High level timeline to back date our journey;
May: Contract
Jun: Colours
Sep: Eletrical appointment
Nov: Site ready
Dec: Site pegged, fenced
Feb: Redo electrical appointment (supplier change), excavation/levelling, piers (under allowanace, Yes!), pods and reinforcement
Mar: pre-slab indepedant inspection, slab poured, tile appointment, flooring and roof tile re-selection (supplier change)
Now: Plumber is currently backlogged due to recent 3 weeks of rains. Next: External pumping. and frame delivery