Browse Forums Building A New House Re: Building in Canberra 33Feb 27, 2012 6:56 pm Pathline A lot of display home builders have set designs and on these set designs they quote cheap as long as you stay with the set plans they provide, but as soon as you want to change the plans the cheap price goes out the window. What I recall is when I came with my custom designed plan I had drawn up ,The quotes blew out with Blackett and many other builders in the display village. I did the rounds as you do when you first think of building a new home. You have to be careful as some builders did not have clear allowances like with the kitchen allowance and stone bench top for example, how much is it?, no fences, no clothes line , no driveways, no flyscreens add at least $1,000 over a whole house for these and 4 wardrobes does that come with shelves in the cupboards and in some cases no eaves around the property! This all adds up to dollars along the way if its classed as a variation to the contract and if you add a builders margin for variations to the contract of 20% it’s going to really add to the base cheap price that sucks you in and makes you pay big time by the end. This is where builders get a bad name. Tiling heights in the main bathroom and ensuite and what if they are larger tiles 600mm by 600mm or polished porcelain is that going to cost more? Can you deal directly with the tiler for your main floors or does that attract a 20% builders variation above the tile supply and labour cost? This can work out to be a small fortune even without the builders margin applied. There are builders now in Canberra who charge you to meet you on site just to see your house per meeting! Who do they think they are and what are you paying them for in the contract price if you can’t even meet the builder on site as part of the standard contract! I would suggest you don’t go with one of those builders! You should give them a list of everything you want to be included and allowances for these items so you know the value of what is and is not included. If you think you can do any of these items for the same or cheaper than a builder can, think again as the builder has all the resources and the trade prices and an individual can’t get these things for the same price. It’s always more expensive for an individual. Site costs is a another place where the cheaper quotes usually grow in price. You should get the builder to have a look at your block and quote you a fixed price even before you give them any money and make sure it is a fixed part of your contract before you part with any money. Don’t let a builder charge you money for estimated site costs just because they don’t know the soil classification yet. Get the soil classification and set a fixed site cost. There are clauses in builders contacts that they can keep your money if the builder paid for engineer writes them a letter to say that the site does not support the works and will cost more than on M class soil. I know as this happened to 3 of my friends and cost the $8,000 each all with the same builder which is a major scam if you ask me. All the best with your research !!!!! Hi, thanks for your valuable advice. you have explained everything so very well!!! Re: Building in Canberra 34Feb 27, 2012 8:14 pm I'm not quite sure about all the first time posters posting good reviews about Gold Ruby homes. Although I never dealt with Gold Ruby so they may be legit so I hope that answers your question. Even if you think you had everything included in the contract let me assure you that you'll have missed something. For example I had slimline light switch included but powerpoints turned out to be the thicker plates. They want to charge approx $500 to switch at the last minute, I refused to be gouged and went with the thicker plates. Another example is data cables, they put in one end of the plug but left the other end without a plug, I already paid approx $180 for each cable and they want to charge $360 to put in the plugs (RJ45s if you want to google). This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are heaps of new houses all ready and landscaped, retaining walls built on the market. I suggest if you haven't already bought land or have your heart set on a custom build look at allhomes.com.au. Canberra builders/landscapers think they're gods and can get away with anything. Re: Building in Canberra 35Mar 01, 2012 4:45 pm gelatiii I'm not quite sure about all the first time posters posting good reviews about Gold Ruby homes. Although I never dealt with Gold Ruby so they may be legit so I hope that answers your question. Even if you think you had everything included in the contract let me assure you that you'll have missed something. For example I had slimline light switch included but powerpoints turned out to be the thicker plates. They want to charge approx $500 to switch at the last minute, I refused to be gouged and went with the thicker plates. Another example is data cables, they put in one end of the plug but left the other end without a plug, I already paid approx $180 for each cable and they want to charge $360 to put in the plugs (RJ45s if you want to google). This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are heaps of new houses all ready and landscaped, retaining walls built on the market. I suggest if you haven't already bought land or have your heart set on a custom build look at allhomes.com.au. Canberra builders/landscapers think they're gods and can get away with anything. Hi, Unfortunately we have already got a land in ballot... so have to build the house. Guess will have to do a lot of research and homework. Thanks for your advice. Cheers Re: Building in Canberra 36Aug 09, 2020 11:29 pm Hi, a bit old topic, but would like to revive it. I have read on this topic about BLD experience, can someone share their story since 2012? Really would like to understand what were roadblocks, were they hard to deal with? Many thanks Wow I hadn't realised things had gotten that pricey in just a couple of years since I built, that is crazy with how much land is now costing if you aren't lucky enough to… 3 7219 go upvc window frames ensure insulation under colorbond. not just sarking, lighter color roof also not sure if you have seen this viewtopic.php?t=5823 last couple of pages… 4 110944 |