Browse Forums Building A New House Re: Building with Dennis Family Homes (Melb) 19Mar 01, 2018 7:22 pm Upgrades/ Variations
When we first sought out various builders’ information to ascertain who we would build with, we found some companies (Simmonds, Homebuyers etc) handed out freely printouts of their upgrade options including prices. Unfortunately DFHs don’t offer this, even after you have signed up, & it is something I hope they consider changing down the track as it really is beneficial for customers to ascertain what is available, & what is within their budget means or not. We were very lucky as our sales consultant gave us an Optional Upgrades Aspirations Price List (says for Internal Use only & forbids replicating/ copying it) and when we changed from an Aspirations floor plan to an Inspirations Essence home, it was good to see their pricing is the same for basic upgrades irrespective of range (eg for double power points, hinged/ sliding doors, data cables, etc.) Something else we learnt when frequenting DFH’s Display Homes is that you can request a “Display Home Colour Schedule” that lists all the various upgrades and specs done on that particular home. So if you fall in love with one particular home, or even a room in the house, you can glean all the products or upgrades done so you can replicate it. We then ventured over to the South Eastern side of Melbourne and was thrilled when we found they also provided Display Home Optional Extras Pricing sheets!! These sheets break down the applicable upgrade cost for Essence customers and Premium Customers! From these we were able to get a rough idea of how much certain upgrades were for things we loved in particular displays (eg Cat 6 Calacatta Nuvo Caesarstone upgrade pricing). At our last appt with our sales consultant, I requested the printout for the Eden Tarneit Display home and they were able to access it (this was at another display village) so if you do see a DFH you love, do ask for these!! Being on the DFHs New Build Discussion Facebook Group has been so influential (& beneficial) in hearing about & determining which upgrades/ Variations to consider, especially for first time builders. Here is a list of things which are good variations/ upgrades to consider (note pricing may very well change): - Continuous Hot Water System $200 (Note: If you have recycled water in your estate you can get the recycled water charge of $2648 credited back - this is for removing the solar panel etc) - Bulkhead to Study Nook - this can provide you with the ability to put a decorative screen or blinds in the gap, as seen in various DFHs display homes. - Front Door Translucent Glazing (& side panel) $144 - Adding a window to your pantry - Adding a window backsplash (approx $500) - Ensuite Sliding Door $400 - WIR Hinged Door $200 - Set of 3 Pot Drawers $312 - Butlers Fitout (price varies depending on floor plan chosen - generally between $2-5k including Cabinetry, Sink & tapware, Coloured Laminate Shelving) - Shower Niche 400 x 600mm $250 - Pendant/ Ceiling Light Point $80ea - Data Cable/ Point $126ea - Double Power Point $65ea - Front Pillar Exterior Light Point $85ea - Spotlight $120 - Downlights in Base of Overhead Kitchen Cabinets - Carpet Underlay Upgrade (approx $500) - 600mm wide WIR Built-in Shelves & Drawer Unit $650 - Insinkerator - Laminated Built-In Study Bench $600 (like in the Display Homes) - Hard-wired Doorbell $278 - Feature Painted Wall $198ea - Pull out Large Twin Bin $140 - Shaker Kitchen Cupboards - approx $4000 - Pull out Laundry Basket (in Cabinetry) $210 - Brick infills above all windows & entry doors - Raised ceiling height to 2580mm - Mirror Sliding Robe Doors $190 per robe - Upgrade to 900mm appliances $1200 - Glass Splashback $990 - Cold Water Point in Fridge Space $118 - Additional TV Point $94 - Tiled Shower Base - Upgrade External Wall Insulation - approx $700 - Internal Wall Insulation - approx $500 If you have any other upgrade or variation prices, please feel free to comment Re: Building with Dennis Family Homes (Melb) 20Mar 01, 2018 8:12 pm Bricks What bricks has everyone selected? Would love to see photos of them We went to Austral Bricks in Deer Park awhile back and hubby & I both fell in love with the Indulgence Range, namely Biscotti & Truffle. For Essence Homes this is a Cat 6 Series, costing $3380. Indulgence Range: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ From left to right: Praline, Biscotti, Truffle Biscotti is a Brick used on a fair few DFH’s displays & it has been really helpful obtaining the colour schedules to work out what colours/ materials for roofing, garage/ front door, guttering, render paint etc complements it. We also obtained a list of local houses from Austral where these particular bricks have been delivered to. I am particularly keen on the Biscotti one, although I did really want to go with a purpley/brown render originally. So have yet to determine what render colour we go with. Here are some photos of the Biscotti Brick: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Truffle Brick: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ We have also seen these bricks used on colour suggestion boards in other builders’ display receptions which has also been really helpful in seeing what colours they have teamed together for various elements. Here are a couple we have seen: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Austral have been such a pleasure to deal with - they are so helpful (without being a nuisance), providing us with an informative brochure showing all their brick ranges, grouting options and styles and also free brick samples. The samples are great for taking to the paint shop to work out your render colours Well, that’s it for now Hope everyone elses’ builds are going well! Hi everyone, Newbie renovator here, after some advice for combining our family room in the picture and the alfresco and make a larger family room. There is a flush sill… 0 1533 Ask for references and speak to them. If they are defensive or try to avoid the request, walk. 1 43750 I would never build with Fowler homes. I built with them in 2021 and till date maintenance issues are pending. All their existing trades and businesses don't work with… 14 69460 |