Browse Forums Building A New House Re: Corner block build Thomas Archer 7Aug 17, 2022 5:33 pm cjam1 So I've decided to knock down a house a bought in Melbourne and build. I have a corner block which is rather tricky because it's on a main road. It has a 9m setback too which for a 400sqm block makes it super tight. I knew straight a way I needed customisation and I have a pretty tight budget, so I had to make sure I found the right builder to partner with. Researched - Thomas Archer - Hallbury - Carter Grange - Arden Homes - Arli Homes - Aston Homes I checked out a Carter Grange home and was not a fan, it was cheap finishes and narrow throughout the whole place. After reading reviews and chasing up I decided to cross them off my list. Arden and Aston didn't really seem to do much in the south east which is where I am (Glen Eira) and I wanted someone familiar with the council there so they could help reduce the setback a little. My uncle built his house in Mt Eliza 20 years ago and suggested I go with his builder 'Frank'. His house is beautiful and has lasted 20 years without issues, so I figured I'd give Frank a call (albeit I doubt Frank was even still in business or if he was within my budget). Who know Frank was now the owner of Thomas Archer! But I tried to not let that sway me. Arli homes was stunning facades, but alas no customisations, so they had to be ruled out. I was left with Hallbury homes and TA. I loved the Hallbury facades, just stunning with big windows and big voids. Inclusions were also excellent, with 2.7 standard downstairs ceilings, tap-ware in black, square set cornices... easily worth 15k. BUT, the 34sq was the same price as the 39sq evoke by TA. And the TA floorpan had a much better flow... I eventually decided to go with TA, mainly from a cost perspective but also because I could guarantee the build would last (assuming they hadn't started to cut corners). The Hallbury sales team were a little better, really going above and beyond- but I'm not one to be swayed by a sales pitch. Given my large setback and the shadowing expected to the house behind me's alfresco, some major adjustments needed to be made to the evoke, I agreed to reducing the size up to 3squares because it would provide 1. monetary savings and 2. more likely to get that building permit straight off the bat. Stressful? Hahahaha only the beginning. The current house has a garage on the corner block at the back, moving it will cost me another 10k approx to change the crossover, and I want the backyard at the back... all issues and challenges with the 9m setback. I'd also like the entry on the side street.. Right now TA are working through a potential design within that house envelope. Will share once they share it with me. Next up inclusions and upgrades... Oh wow, how exciting! All the usual suspects in that list, we engaged most. Yes Frank was a chippy before he was TA Director. Tight envelope for build on corner with setback, but do-able. Looking forward to this one. https://thomasarcherbuild.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html - Thomas Archer Homes - Custom Nouveau 41 Re: Corner block build Thomas Archer 8Nov 08, 2022 2:01 pm any further updates on your build? How is everything moving so far? Re: Corner block build Thomas Archer 9Nov 30, 2022 10:02 pm Blacktea2sugars cjam1 So I've decided to knock down a house a bought in Melbourne and build. I have a corner block which is rather tricky because it's on a main road. It has a 9m setback too which for a 400sqm block makes it super tight. I knew straight a way I needed customisation and I have a pretty tight budget, so I had to make sure I found the right builder to partner with. Researched - Thomas Archer - Hallbury - Carter Grange - Arden Homes - Arli Homes - Aston Homes I checked out a Carter Grange home and was not a fan, it was cheap finishes and narrow throughout the whole place. After reading reviews and chasing up I decided to cross them off my list. Arden and Aston didn't really seem to do much in the south east which is where I am (Glen Eira) and I wanted someone familiar with the council there so they could help reduce the setback a little. My uncle built his house in Mt Eliza 20 years ago and suggested I go with his builder 'Frank'. His house is beautiful and has lasted 20 years without issues, so I figured I'd give Frank a call (albeit I doubt Frank was even still in business or if he was within my budget). Who know Frank was now the owner of Thomas Archer! But I tried to not let that sway me. Arli homes was stunning facades, but alas no customisations, so they had to be ruled out. I was left with Hallbury homes and TA. I loved the Hallbury facades, just stunning with big windows and big voids. Inclusions were also excellent, with 2.7 standard downstairs ceilings, tap-ware in black, square set cornices... easily worth 15k. BUT, the 34sq was the same price as the 39sq evoke by TA. And the TA floorpan had a much better flow... I eventually decided to go with TA, mainly from a cost perspective but also because I could guarantee the build would last (assuming they hadn't started to cut corners). The Hallbury sales team were a little better, really going above and beyond- but I'm not one to be swayed by a sales pitch. Given my large setback and the shadowing expected to the house behind me's alfresco, some major adjustments needed to be made to the evoke, I agreed to reducing the size up to 3squares because it would provide 1. monetary savings and 2. more likely to get that building permit straight off the bat. Stressful? Hahahaha only the beginning. The current house has a garage on the corner block at the back, moving it will cost me another 10k approx to change the crossover, and I want the backyard at the back... all issues and challenges with the 9m setback. I'd also like the entry on the side street.. Right now TA are working through a potential design within that house envelope. Will share once they share it with me. Next up inclusions and upgrades... Oh wow, how exciting! All the usual suspects in that list, we engaged most. Yes Frank was a chippy before he was TA Director. Tight envelope for build on corner with setback, but do-able. Looking forward to this one. He wasn't quite a chippy, a cabinet maker I believe. They are not as good as they portray, have been dampened by the service now Re: Corner block build Thomas Archer 10Nov 30, 2022 10:07 pm cjam1 Not much has actually happened between February and now, not for the sake of trying. One thing I'm conscious of is TA is very very slow, as is a lot of construction. I'm fortunate, the house I have on the block is rented, and I can book in the demolition once I know we're close. If time is not your friend then I suggest TA may not be for you. A work colleague of mine went with Singh homes and had his design and prep for build done already with suggestions to start build before the end of the year. I'll be lucky if my build starts in Q1 next year. Below are timelines they initially provided and the actual dates it's landed so far Version 1 of the master drawings was completed on 29th April I turned around design feedback in under 48 hours, second set was signed off June 30th The great news was even though it's a corner block report and consent was not required! The entry and facade faces the side street which means the side street becomes the frontage and those setbacks then apply. Prelim services have now been requested since July 21st. I pretty much email the coordinator every second day. I think staying on top of it is the only thing i can do. Initially we had plans to start build Feb 23, but I think it'll be pushed out perhaps March or April. Next up I'll share my designs and thoughts and you can all provide ideas and feedback!
This seems too slow! We are with a local builder now, and was on site within 3 months with a fixed contract Re: Corner block build Thomas Archer 12Dec 01, 2022 8:56 pm Hi All, Update from me, we've done the pre-tender, with tender next week. Recommendations to people
Things to look out for
I'm now aiming for an April/May start with the assumption I can demolish at the end of Feb and that TA will be ready. Duration 10 months I believe. Re: Corner block build Thomas Archer 13Dec 01, 2022 9:01 pm Blacktea2sugars cjam1 So I've decided to knock down a house a bought in Melbourne and build. I have a corner block which is rather tricky because it's on a main road. It has a 9m setback too which for a 400sqm block makes it super tight. I knew straight a way I needed customisation and I have a pretty tight budget, so I had to make sure I found the right builder to partner with. Researched - Thomas Archer - Hallbury - Carter Grange - Arden Homes - Arli Homes - Aston Homes I checked out a Carter Grange home and was not a fan, it was cheap finishes and narrow throughout the whole place. After reading reviews and chasing up I decided to cross them off my list. Arden and Aston didn't really seem to do much in the south east which is where I am (Glen Eira) and I wanted someone familiar with the council there so they could help reduce the setback a little. My uncle built his house in Mt Eliza 20 years ago and suggested I go with his builder 'Frank'. His house is beautiful and has lasted 20 years without issues, so I figured I'd give Frank a call (albeit I doubt Frank was even still in business or if he was within my budget). Who know Frank was now the owner of Thomas Archer! But I tried to not let that sway me. Arli homes was stunning facades, but alas no customisations, so they had to be ruled out. I was left with Hallbury homes and TA. I loved the Hallbury facades, just stunning with big windows and big voids. Inclusions were also excellent, with 2.7 standard downstairs ceilings, tap-ware in black, square set cornices... easily worth 15k. BUT, the 34sq was the same price as the 39sq evoke by TA. And the TA floorpan had a much better flow... I eventually decided to go with TA, mainly from a cost perspective but also because I could guarantee the build would last (assuming they hadn't started to cut corners). The Hallbury sales team were a little better, really going above and beyond- but I'm not one to be swayed by a sales pitch. Given my large setback and the shadowing expected to the house behind me's alfresco, some major adjustments needed to be made to the evoke, I agreed to reducing the size up to 3squares because it would provide 1. monetary savings and 2. more likely to get that building permit straight off the bat. Stressful? Hahahaha only the beginning. The current house has a garage on the corner block at the back, moving it will cost me another 10k approx to change the crossover, and I want the backyard at the back... all issues and challenges with the 9m setback. I'd also like the entry on the side street.. Right now TA are working through a potential design within that house envelope. Will share once they share it with me. Next up inclusions and upgrades... Oh wow, how exciting! All the usual suspects in that list, we engaged most. Yes Frank was a chippy before he was TA Director. Tight envelope for build on corner with setback, but do-able. Looking forward to this one. So the great thing is, given my frontage is now on the side street the approval was that the setback only needs to be 3m, it's given me a lot more room to play with! Re: Corner block build Thomas Archer 14Dec 01, 2022 9:03 pm Stephen OConnor Blacktea2sugars cjam1 So I've decided to knock down a house a bought in Melbourne and build. I have a corner block which is rather tricky because it's on a main road. It has a 9m setback too which for a 400sqm block makes it super tight. I knew straight a way I needed customisation and I have a pretty tight budget, so I had to make sure I found the right builder to partner with. Researched - Thomas Archer - Hallbury - Carter Grange - Arden Homes - Arli Homes - Aston Homes I checked out a Carter Grange home and was not a fan, it was cheap finishes and narrow throughout the whole place. After reading reviews and chasing up I decided to cross them off my list. Arden and Aston didn't really seem to do much in the south east which is where I am (Glen Eira) and I wanted someone familiar with the council there so they could help reduce the setback a little. My uncle built his house in Mt Eliza 20 years ago and suggested I go with his builder 'Frank'. His house is beautiful and has lasted 20 years without issues, so I figured I'd give Frank a call (albeit I doubt Frank was even still in business or if he was within my budget). Who know Frank was now the owner of Thomas Archer! But I tried to not let that sway me. Arli homes was stunning facades, but alas no customisations, so they had to be ruled out. I was left with Hallbury homes and TA. I loved the Hallbury facades, just stunning with big windows and big voids. Inclusions were also excellent, with 2.7 standard downstairs ceilings, tap-ware in black, square set cornices... easily worth 15k. BUT, the 34sq was the same price as the 39sq evoke by TA. And the TA floorpan had a much better flow... I eventually decided to go with TA, mainly from a cost perspective but also because I could guarantee the build would last (assuming they hadn't started to cut corners). The Hallbury sales team were a little better, really going above and beyond- but I'm not one to be swayed by a sales pitch. Given my large setback and the shadowing expected to the house behind me's alfresco, some major adjustments needed to be made to the evoke, I agreed to reducing the size up to 3squares because it would provide 1. monetary savings and 2. more likely to get that building permit straight off the bat. Stressful? Hahahaha only the beginning. The current house has a garage on the corner block at the back, moving it will cost me another 10k approx to change the crossover, and I want the backyard at the back... all issues and challenges with the 9m setback. I'd also like the entry on the side street.. Right now TA are working through a potential design within that house envelope. Will share once they share it with me. Next up inclusions and upgrades... Oh wow, how exciting! All the usual suspects in that list, we engaged most. Yes Frank was a chippy before he was TA Director. Tight envelope for build on corner with setback, but do-able. Looking forward to this one. He wasn't quite a chippy, a cabinet maker I believe. They are not as good as they portray, have been dampened by the service now I actually went with them not because of any sort of reputation or anything- my uncle built his house with them about 15/20 years ago, he turned out to be Frank's first client. Service aside (which I feel everyone has been hit by the lack of staff and the high demand), the quality has stood out really really well. Re: Corner block build Thomas Archer 15Dec 01, 2022 9:04 pm Stephen OConnor cjam1 Not much has actually happened between February and now, not for the sake of trying. One thing I'm conscious of is TA is very very slow, as is a lot of construction. I'm fortunate, the house I have on the block is rented, and I can book in the demolition once I know we're close. If time is not your friend then I suggest TA may not be for you. A work colleague of mine went with Singh homes and had his design and prep for build done already with suggestions to start build before the end of the year. I'll be lucky if my build starts in Q1 next year. Below are timelines they initially provided and the actual dates it's landed so far Version 1 of the master drawings was completed on 29th April I turned around design feedback in under 48 hours, second set was signed off June 30th The great news was even though it's a corner block report and consent was not required! The entry and facade faces the side street which means the side street becomes the frontage and those setbacks then apply. Prelim services have now been requested since July 21st. I pretty much email the coordinator every second day. I think staying on top of it is the only thing i can do. Initially we had plans to start build Feb 23, but I think it'll be pushed out perhaps March or April. Next up I'll share my designs and thoughts and you can all provide ideas and feedback!
This seems too slow! We are with a local builder now, and was on site within 3 months with a fixed contract Yep you're right very very slow to be honest, but I wasn't in a rush, and I didn't want to coordinate designers, builders and other tradesmen myself. I'm just one person building a house, it does take a fair bit of work. Having TA organise it, albeit slow, just takes the pressure off Re: Corner block build Thomas Archer 16Dec 01, 2022 9:07 pm CYB We've just started the process with TA and will follow. Concept drawings are about to be signed and I'm starring into the abyss of what is to come. I signed my drawings in March, and I'm expecting to start next April, so expect about 12 months from design to start build- longer if you're doing a pool before hand. They're very slow. Also, make sure you have enough budget for a 25% increase. Not an exaggeration. I along with almost everyone in the facebook group have had a 120-200k increase in costs from PSQ to pre-tender, and it's not slowing at this stage. A few people I've chatted to have pulled out at pre-tender or tender, this isn't to scare you, it's just to not waste your time, because of the slow process prices rise a fair bit Re: Corner block build Thomas Archer 17Dec 01, 2022 9:20 pm cjam1 CYB We've just started the process with TA and will follow. Concept drawings are about to be signed and I'm starring into the abyss of what is to come. I signed my drawings in March, and I'm expecting to start next April, so expect about 12 months from design to start build- longer if you're doing a pool before hand. They're very slow. Also, make sure you have enough budget for a 25% increase. Not an exaggeration. I along with almost everyone in the facebook group have had a 120-200k increase in costs from PSQ to pre-tender, and it's not slowing at this stage. A few people I've chatted to have pulled out at pre-tender or tender, this isn't to scare you, it's just to not waste your time, because of the slow process prices rise a fair bit Did you go with a full custom design or use one of their existing designs? I’ve gone with a standard plan and have a PSQ for the base plan that works out to be 15k psqm - with upgrades I’m at about 18k psqm. After laying down 5 large and been assured several times that it should be more or less on the money. If it isn’t I’ll be livid . 25% off is almost criminal. Nobody can be expected to make decisions with such inaccuracy. Re: Corner block build Thomas Archer 18Dec 01, 2022 9:45 pm CYB cjam1 CYB We've just started the process with TA and will follow. Concept drawings are about to be signed and I'm starring into the abyss of what is to come. I signed my drawings in March, and I'm expecting to start next April, so expect about 12 months from design to start build- longer if you're doing a pool before hand. They're very slow. Also, make sure you have enough budget for a 25% increase. Not an exaggeration. I along with almost everyone in the facebook group have had a 120-200k increase in costs from PSQ to pre-tender, and it's not slowing at this stage. A few people I've chatted to have pulled out at pre-tender or tender, this isn't to scare you, it's just to not waste your time, because of the slow process prices rise a fair bit Did you go with a full custom design or use one of their existing designs? I’ve gone with a standard plan and have a PSQ for the base plan that works out to be 15k psqm - with upgrades I’m at about 18k psqm. After laying down 5 large and been assured several times that it should be more or less on the money. If it isn’t I’ll be livid . 25% off is almost criminal. Nobody can be expected to make decisions with such inaccuracy. I went a modification of their existing. Semi custom. I also put significant provisions in. Join the facebook group- it's not just me, everyone has had an increase of about 100-150k from PSQ to pre-tender. You need to budget for it or you'll have a shock. I'm not saying it to scare you, I'm saying it so you can prepare. Thomas Archer Homes Build Discussion Group- there are 277 members, ask them Re: Corner block build Thomas Archer 19Dec 01, 2022 9:55 pm cjam1 CYB cjam1 I signed my drawings in March, and I'm expecting to start next April, so expect about 12 months from design to start build- longer if you're doing a pool before hand. They're very slow. Also, make sure you have enough budget for a 25% increase. Not an exaggeration. I along with almost everyone in the facebook group have had a 120-200k increase in costs from PSQ to pre-tender, and it's not slowing at this stage. A few people I've chatted to have pulled out at pre-tender or tender, this isn't to scare you, it's just to not waste your time, because of the slow process prices rise a fair bit Did you go with a full custom design or use one of their existing designs? I’ve gone with a standard plan and have a PSQ for the base plan that works out to be 15k psqm - with upgrades I’m at about 18k psqm. After laying down 5 large and been assured several times that it should be more or less on the money. If it isn’t I’ll be livid . 25% off is almost criminal. Nobody can be expected to make decisions with such inaccuracy. I went a modification of their existing. Semi custom. I also put significant provisions in. Join the facebook group- it's not just me, everyone has had an increase of about 100-150k from PSQ to pre-tender. You need to budget for it or you'll have a shock. I'm not saying it to scare you, I'm saying it so you can prepare. Thomas Archer Homes Build Discussion Group- there are 277 members, ask them Yeah have done so already. The only thing that can explain what you have experienced is the price hikes due to COVID cost related pressures which I was aware of and as such have already been factored inTo PSQ. I suppose I cannot avoid further hikes due to ongoing inflation but noted. I think I’ll start looking elsewhere as anything over 10% will burn through all of my contingent funds. Re: Corner block build Thomas Archer 20Dec 02, 2022 11:46 pm cjam1 I'm now aiming for an April/May start with the assumption I can demolish at the end of Feb and that TA will be ready. Duration 10 months I believe. Hi! Hope you are well. Just wanted to let you know about our journey and hopefully it may help you out. We signed tender in Aug 21, and was told site start would be end of Nov 21 - similar time frame you were told. We demolished in October and were ready to go. We didn't get our contract until Feb 22, and site started March 22. So the lot sat vacant for months. We zoomed through the contract phase as well as they wanted to site start quickly because TA agreed to not charge us a price increase due to the delays being on their end. I would take that Feb demolish date with a grain of salt, and really stay on top of them regarding progression and when to actually demolish. Thomas Archer Nouveau 41 - Glen Eira Build: Our first home! Follow us on Instagram @ jay.x.zara for more updates! Our instagram! 4 15513 Dear all, Requesting your help in relation to a CDC code. We are building a new home in NSW on a corner lot (500m2, 15m wide) following Greenfield CDC code. Our design… 0 6669 Thank you so much everyone. This all makes a lot of sense. I guess when you talk to a builder who butters up everything to look very polished, you get to start believing… 7 20236 |