Hank is now out to the public for viewing and lodging of complaints against his proposal for being built. It is a two week window and we have already met the neighbours directly behind us who seem pretty nice and we know the house next to us should be vacant now so that only really leaves the house on the other side. It is looking good and hopefully this step means that the council has no more objections to our plans.
It would be amazing if we actually started building before xmas as I have been telling our friends that I didn't expect to start building til Jan next year.
Onward and upward!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Scouts motto, be prepared!
About two weeks ago we decided to get ahead of the time to choose lighting placement and power points by visiting the display home and marking it down on the plans. Unfortunately while we thought we were getting ready early, we realised we should have done this before plans were finalised.
Upon looking at the layout on the 1st floor which had a large wall area between two doors that a flat screen tv was hanging on, we realised that the door placement was different from our original plans to maximise this area to enable a large screen to be handily placed between the doors. This allowed a lounge area to be placed opposite making the configuration nice. But we didn't notice this until now and our plans were already submitted. We were told it would be a few hundred dollars for amendments to plans once submitted.
Additionally downstairs in the great room, we were trying to plan out where the dining area and lounge, tv etc would be situated that made best use of the alfresco position and view. Again, if we had gone through this exercise before plans were finalised we would have positioned windows and doors in different places to maximise the layout of furniture. This was another change, would this mean another few hundred dollars? We weren't too sure but the change we wanted downstairs was not just a simple interior door placement, it would have meant change to council plans and more delays costing us money. So we would have to live with it.
Not entirely ruined but could have been better planned. Its one of those things you know, when you know Hank could have been a perfectly planned specimen but now we know he has some flaws that we overlooked. Still, one for the experience books.
Advice, plan as much ahead as possible before final plans.
Upon looking at the layout on the 1st floor which had a large wall area between two doors that a flat screen tv was hanging on, we realised that the door placement was different from our original plans to maximise this area to enable a large screen to be handily placed between the doors. This allowed a lounge area to be placed opposite making the configuration nice. But we didn't notice this until now and our plans were already submitted. We were told it would be a few hundred dollars for amendments to plans once submitted.
Additionally downstairs in the great room, we were trying to plan out where the dining area and lounge, tv etc would be situated that made best use of the alfresco position and view. Again, if we had gone through this exercise before plans were finalised we would have positioned windows and doors in different places to maximise the layout of furniture. This was another change, would this mean another few hundred dollars? We weren't too sure but the change we wanted downstairs was not just a simple interior door placement, it would have meant change to council plans and more delays costing us money. So we would have to live with it.
Not entirely ruined but could have been better planned. Its one of those things you know, when you know Hank could have been a perfectly planned specimen but now we know he has some flaws that we overlooked. Still, one for the experience books.
Advice, plan as much ahead as possible before final plans.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Meeting the neighbours
Well council came back with a request that we show that an attempt was made to run the sewer down stream through the neighbours yard rather than pump it back up to the street towards the front of the house. Luckily it is mostly a formality as most people do not want you to dig up their yards and disrupt them.
So our builder drafted a letter of refusal for them to sign and asked that we get their signature. So hubby went over and explained to them what the council was asking. It turned out that they were quite lovely and said they wouldn't mind us doing this if we returned the state of their house back to what it was! Hubby quickly explained it was just a formality and that we wanted them to refuse which they obligingly did. How accomodating!
So it was back to the builder with the signed letter and back to council.
So our builder drafted a letter of refusal for them to sign and asked that we get their signature. So hubby went over and explained to them what the council was asking. It turned out that they were quite lovely and said they wouldn't mind us doing this if we returned the state of their house back to what it was! Hubby quickly explained it was just a formality and that we wanted them to refuse which they obligingly did. How accomodating!
So it was back to the builder with the signed letter and back to council.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Hank has gone to council!
Monumental step today, Hank has been submitted to council! Also, we asked for an update on the extra $2K issue for our change to bathroom layout back to standard and our sales consultant confirmed that she believed we had been charged twice for the shower option on the ground floor. We will have to remind her to amend our tender.
The day of colour selection - watch the upgrades!
Well the day had come for Hank's interior colour selections and whatnot. We had to take a day off work for this as the showroom was not open on weekends.
Firstly I will say that it is best to know what you want prior to this day. If you do not know want you want, then its good to at least have a general idea of what you are looking for. Most of the 'consultants' are primarily there to fill in the forms that you will sign locking you in to your selections and secondarily they answer your questions and make some superficial comments about the design and colours. If you expect them to give you options and expert recommendations then don't hold out for this. They have a set number of clients to get through per day and there is really little time to spend going through all the variations you could get.
Firstly, we picked interior colours, which we sort of knew what we wanted based on what we saw in the display homes and we confirmed outdoor colour selections as well. Then it was choosing from a limited number of options for interior doors, handles, bathtubs and basins. We upgraded to larger tubs and upgraded all taps (vanity, shower and tub) to mixer style which was quite costly when considering the number of taps there were across the three bathrooms.
Next it was choosing bathroom vanity tops and cupboards. Our standard design was laminate tops and cupboards. To upgrade to poly cupboards was around $800 but it was limited to a number of colours only, not any colour we wanted. We picked a light colour vanity (i had originally thought to have a coffee coloured cupboard with white top) as the only dark poly colour was a rich chocolate which was too dark for our liking. The top we asked for rounded edged laminate and we chose a gloss white marble style top. We spent some time deliberating and finally moved onto the next stage but I was not convinced. (sorry no photos, too lazy)
Kitchen was next and we had several poly colours to choose from as well as several cultured stone benchtops. I had originally thought to go with coffee cupboards again and white top, but hubby picked a grey stone benchtop and light grey cupboard. I had baulked at the grey but when they were put together, the combination was quite unique and went with our cool coloured interior wall paint. Hubby also said it would match the steel appliances. We increased the size of the fridge area to accomodate our double door fridge. Lucky I asked about the size as the 'consultant' did not even bring up the subject of fridge size. Hubby upgraded the rangehood to a canopy style and also asked for soft close drawers which were reasonably priced. The location of the microwave which was part of the upper cupboards was moved up in line with the upper cupboards. We were not too sure if this was too high and would prove a hazard but the only option given was to move it lower but then it would not align with the upper cupboards.
Then we moved to airconditioning and was most impressed by this consultant, a more experienced gentleman with a wonderful manner. He seemed to really know his stuff and gave reasons for his placement of the vents. We opted for an additional remote so we would have one remote on the top and bottom as the remotes which sit on the wall act as the thermostat.
Security, phone, tv and data points were next. This was out of my area of knowledge (and interest). I left this to hubby who added another tv point, phone point, 5 cat 6 data points! and another alarm sensor (we got 3 as standard so added another). All these upgrades were starting to add up! I only just managed to convince the hubby not to get a sound system installed as well.
By this time I was hungry and it was past 12.30 pm already. They give you lunch vouchers at the cafe but you aren't really encouraged to eat until you finish all the selections.
We had staircase next and did not upgrade anything, thank god. We got a standard round stained balustrade to match our stained 1200 mm wide front door which sits on top of the wall which gives it a nice modern look instead of the entire staircase being posts.
Lastly we had flooring. We always intended to do the flooring ourselves believing we could save a few thousand dollars this way. We also wanted tiles on the ground floor which the builder does not do, only carpet and timber flooring. We selected a carpet and flooring and got quotes for these anyway.
Finally we were then given half and hour for lunch before seeing our main consultant to confirm all our selections. Lunch was not the greatest but hey, it was free and satisfied the hunger.
Before making our way back to the main consultant, I dragged hubby back to the bathroom vanity and top selection to rethink our previous choice. We decided to forego the poly upgrade to the vanities and chose a dark grey with gloss white marble top for the ensuite and stringybark with gloss white marble top for the other bathrooms. I quite liked the stringybark laminate for a bit of texture and detail but hopefully it does not clash and look cheap once installed!
We confirmed our selections and were done by about 3pm after starting at 9am! It is a full day and an important one and you are really not given much time.
Once we left, we realised we had wanted the microwave in the island rather than above in the upper cupboards. We rang back and asked if this could be moved to the island instead but were told we had already signed our selections and decisions. Ripped! So beware, make sure you come prepared. We also told them we would not go with their flooring as we shopped around and decided we could get a better deal outside which could save a few thousand.
Also, we found all our upgrades amounted to several thousands of dollars. We were generally happy but didn't take the cost of all the little increments into consideration.
Firstly I will say that it is best to know what you want prior to this day. If you do not know want you want, then its good to at least have a general idea of what you are looking for. Most of the 'consultants' are primarily there to fill in the forms that you will sign locking you in to your selections and secondarily they answer your questions and make some superficial comments about the design and colours. If you expect them to give you options and expert recommendations then don't hold out for this. They have a set number of clients to get through per day and there is really little time to spend going through all the variations you could get.
Firstly, we picked interior colours, which we sort of knew what we wanted based on what we saw in the display homes and we confirmed outdoor colour selections as well. Then it was choosing from a limited number of options for interior doors, handles, bathtubs and basins. We upgraded to larger tubs and upgraded all taps (vanity, shower and tub) to mixer style which was quite costly when considering the number of taps there were across the three bathrooms.
Next it was choosing bathroom vanity tops and cupboards. Our standard design was laminate tops and cupboards. To upgrade to poly cupboards was around $800 but it was limited to a number of colours only, not any colour we wanted. We picked a light colour vanity (i had originally thought to have a coffee coloured cupboard with white top) as the only dark poly colour was a rich chocolate which was too dark for our liking. The top we asked for rounded edged laminate and we chose a gloss white marble style top. We spent some time deliberating and finally moved onto the next stage but I was not convinced. (sorry no photos, too lazy)
Kitchen was next and we had several poly colours to choose from as well as several cultured stone benchtops. I had originally thought to go with coffee cupboards again and white top, but hubby picked a grey stone benchtop and light grey cupboard. I had baulked at the grey but when they were put together, the combination was quite unique and went with our cool coloured interior wall paint. Hubby also said it would match the steel appliances. We increased the size of the fridge area to accomodate our double door fridge. Lucky I asked about the size as the 'consultant' did not even bring up the subject of fridge size. Hubby upgraded the rangehood to a canopy style and also asked for soft close drawers which were reasonably priced. The location of the microwave which was part of the upper cupboards was moved up in line with the upper cupboards. We were not too sure if this was too high and would prove a hazard but the only option given was to move it lower but then it would not align with the upper cupboards.
Then we moved to airconditioning and was most impressed by this consultant, a more experienced gentleman with a wonderful manner. He seemed to really know his stuff and gave reasons for his placement of the vents. We opted for an additional remote so we would have one remote on the top and bottom as the remotes which sit on the wall act as the thermostat.
Security, phone, tv and data points were next. This was out of my area of knowledge (and interest). I left this to hubby who added another tv point, phone point, 5 cat 6 data points! and another alarm sensor (we got 3 as standard so added another). All these upgrades were starting to add up! I only just managed to convince the hubby not to get a sound system installed as well.
By this time I was hungry and it was past 12.30 pm already. They give you lunch vouchers at the cafe but you aren't really encouraged to eat until you finish all the selections.
We had staircase next and did not upgrade anything, thank god. We got a standard round stained balustrade to match our stained 1200 mm wide front door which sits on top of the wall which gives it a nice modern look instead of the entire staircase being posts.
Lastly we had flooring. We always intended to do the flooring ourselves believing we could save a few thousand dollars this way. We also wanted tiles on the ground floor which the builder does not do, only carpet and timber flooring. We selected a carpet and flooring and got quotes for these anyway.
Finally we were then given half and hour for lunch before seeing our main consultant to confirm all our selections. Lunch was not the greatest but hey, it was free and satisfied the hunger.
Before making our way back to the main consultant, I dragged hubby back to the bathroom vanity and top selection to rethink our previous choice. We decided to forego the poly upgrade to the vanities and chose a dark grey with gloss white marble top for the ensuite and stringybark with gloss white marble top for the other bathrooms. I quite liked the stringybark laminate for a bit of texture and detail but hopefully it does not clash and look cheap once installed!
We confirmed our selections and were done by about 3pm after starting at 9am! It is a full day and an important one and you are really not given much time.
Once we left, we realised we had wanted the microwave in the island rather than above in the upper cupboards. We rang back and asked if this could be moved to the island instead but were told we had already signed our selections and decisions. Ripped! So beware, make sure you come prepared. We also told them we would not go with their flooring as we shopped around and decided we could get a better deal outside which could save a few thousand.
Also, we found all our upgrades amounted to several thousands of dollars. We were generally happy but didn't take the cost of all the little increments into consideration.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Final tender? but wait a minute ...
Well we are still waiting for plans to be submitted to council but were given the latest version of our tender with final items added etc. A couple of wins were had, we had originally asked for skinny windows of the double hung variety which were priced around $200-300 per window but changed this to awning style and now these apparently do not incur any cost which should save over $1000... additionally we substituted a larger door 1200mm for the standard door with sidelight (so no sidelight now) and we have been given credit back for this change which was unexpected. However, a big difference was that now we were being charged over $2K for the downstairs bathroom and shower!! We had asked for the shower option in the downstairs bathroom from the start and have been charged previously less than $1000 for changing the configuration and layout of the bathroom from the standard layout, so we thought we'd save that cost by reverting back to the standard layout and were given the impression that this cost would be removed. Now we see that having the standard layout is costing more!
Hubby has raised this with the sales rep who has tried to justify but in the end will ask the draftspeople about this. I have no idea how she can justify it and if they insist on charging us, we will revert back to our cheaper, non standard design! i only hope that if we revert back they do not charge us for changing the plans again as we have already finalised the plans. But we were not given warning that changing back to the standard would cost us even more than how we originally had it!!
Anyway, we'll wait and see what happens, but most unfair if we end up paying more.
Oh we also got charged over $3K for a hydraulic charge system for the sewer which is a new cost but was indicated on previous tender so I guess we will have to wear it.
(Sarcastic) I love how you sign on with builders and then all the little costs come out of the woodwork. By that time you have spent so much time and effort with them that you are compelled to keep going rather than start all over again with a new builder. I'm sure everyone knows its a bit of a rort and that there should be more governance on this.
Hubby has raised this with the sales rep who has tried to justify but in the end will ask the draftspeople about this. I have no idea how she can justify it and if they insist on charging us, we will revert back to our cheaper, non standard design! i only hope that if we revert back they do not charge us for changing the plans again as we have already finalised the plans. But we were not given warning that changing back to the standard would cost us even more than how we originally had it!!
Anyway, we'll wait and see what happens, but most unfair if we end up paying more.
Oh we also got charged over $3K for a hydraulic charge system for the sewer which is a new cost but was indicated on previous tender so I guess we will have to wear it.
(Sarcastic) I love how you sign on with builders and then all the little costs come out of the woodwork. By that time you have spent so much time and effort with them that you are compelled to keep going rather than start all over again with a new builder. I'm sure everyone knows its a bit of a rort and that there should be more governance on this.
Style appointment for Hank
Our colour selection appointment has been scheduled for this Wednesday so I am looking forward to this but also am expecting some decisions to be tough, particularly tiling.
We already have an idea of internal wall colours so that should be ok. Not sure if colour selection will involve kitchen materials like cupboard and benchtop but hopefully it will as we have to take a day off to pick all these as they don't have appointments on weekends.
We already have an idea of internal wall colours so that should be ok. Not sure if colour selection will involve kitchen materials like cupboard and benchtop but hopefully it will as we have to take a day off to pick all these as they don't have appointments on weekends.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Hank, waiting patiently
Well we have been told it will take another 3 weeks before we present Hank to council. Not sure why but its been over a month since we signed off on the final design and landscape.
On another note, we requested pricing on having shower recesses in the two showers on the second floor as well as getting silver gloss window frames ... prices came back as the silver gloss colour being free but the two recesses came in around $900! kind of evened itself out but we really want them as they are neater and look cool... so we're thinking of cutting down on fancy tiling for the bathroom... we still havent decided on tiling for bathroom in terms of feature tiles or mosaic on the tubs but i think we can get away without too much cost as these tiles and the laying of the fancy tiles cost extra.
Hopefully with some nice accessories the bathrooms can look modern still, will have to go to display homes and see what kind of layout and design looks ok but still reasonably priced.
oh and Hank's neighbour is apparently for sale too which hopefully might mean they won't complain too much about Hank when they get notified by council. we really need to look at the fencing on that side as it is wooden and slanting towards us already but i haven't really committed myself to changing it yet... would want the neighbours to share in the cost.
First day of spring!
On another note, we requested pricing on having shower recesses in the two showers on the second floor as well as getting silver gloss window frames ... prices came back as the silver gloss colour being free but the two recesses came in around $900! kind of evened itself out but we really want them as they are neater and look cool... so we're thinking of cutting down on fancy tiling for the bathroom... we still havent decided on tiling for bathroom in terms of feature tiles or mosaic on the tubs but i think we can get away without too much cost as these tiles and the laying of the fancy tiles cost extra.
Hopefully with some nice accessories the bathrooms can look modern still, will have to go to display homes and see what kind of layout and design looks ok but still reasonably priced.
oh and Hank's neighbour is apparently for sale too which hopefully might mean they won't complain too much about Hank when they get notified by council. we really need to look at the fencing on that side as it is wooden and slanting towards us already but i haven't really committed myself to changing it yet... would want the neighbours to share in the cost.
First day of spring!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
I see trees of green
Well our sales rep at Masterton has come back and found a landscaper for us so we have forwarded some rough sketches we had of what we wanted our gardens to look like... the cost of the plans is a bit cheaper than the original quote so that is something i suppose, oh and we were also told we won't be needing a flood report (did I already mention that?)
Hank looks so big and spacious but when we look at Nora, she seems quite small and tiny but i have read other blogs saying the same thing.
we're really just waiting now for the final drafts to be done and sent to the council.. so hopefully it should be sometime soon. I am assuming that building will not commence until late December or early next year.
Meanwhile, there needs to be some major cleanup to make space for the outlaws!
On a personal note, i start full time work next week... my boy has started childcare last week for 2 days a week and let's just say that this week has been really rough emotionally and physically for him and for me! i'm in his bad books at the moment for leaving him in the care of strangers so am feeling outcast and depressed.
Hank looks so big and spacious but when we look at Nora, she seems quite small and tiny but i have read other blogs saying the same thing.
we're really just waiting now for the final drafts to be done and sent to the council.. so hopefully it should be sometime soon. I am assuming that building will not commence until late December or early next year.
Meanwhile, there needs to be some major cleanup to make space for the outlaws!
On a personal note, i start full time work next week... my boy has started childcare last week for 2 days a week and let's just say that this week has been really rough emotionally and physically for him and for me! i'm in his bad books at the moment for leaving him in the care of strangers so am feeling outcast and depressed.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
the Out-laws!
Well its finally happened, the outlaws have found a buyer for their home so they will be moving in around 6 weeks time when settlement is due. While it is a blessing as we have been trying to get them to live closer for years, there will be some frustrating times ahead trying to sort through the stuff they have gathered from years of hoarding. Plus we will also have to trim our own pile of knickknacks and dust collectors to make space for them.
All I can say is I hope they like Hank and that we will need Hank to be up and ready for us all asap!
The outlaws are greenthumbs so Nora should be pleased with the attention she will be getting.
now to start planning my vegie patch and herb garden!
All I can say is I hope they like Hank and that we will need Hank to be up and ready for us all asap!
The outlaws are greenthumbs so Nora should be pleased with the attention she will be getting.
now to start planning my vegie patch and herb garden!
Lock it in ...
Well we have had another meeting with our CSR to finalise details and this will be our last chance for any variations before council submission. Thankfully, we've been told we don't need a flood report so there is one cost we won't have to wear. We're generally happy with the pre-final plans now and waiting on some quotes for getting Hank a bigger door (we have asked for the XS26?) its 1200mm and will be wood with rectangular frosted glass panels or something and we've also asked how much to upgrade to gloss silver window frames... we figure it will make Hank a little more unique and will complement his planned white plantation shutters and vertical blinds... we prefer to keep him looking neat and trim with blinds instead of curtains... still have to decide what dressing we will use for his alfresco doors...
Also, it appears their landscape designer has emigrated so they may be submitting the landscape design for us hopefully without cost! we are going to provide a draft plan of what we want which they will use as a starting point...
on another note, just came back from a weekend at the snows, Perisher and Thredbo and it was beaut weather with fresh snow falling every day! am sore but content from my two days of boarding...
Also, it appears their landscape designer has emigrated so they may be submitting the landscape design for us hopefully without cost! we are going to provide a draft plan of what we want which they will use as a starting point...
on another note, just came back from a weekend at the snows, Perisher and Thredbo and it was beaut weather with fresh snow falling every day! am sore but content from my two days of boarding...
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tender loving Hank
We've received our final tender most of which we are happy with but we need to check a few things and will remove some variations we asked for. Hank is shaping up rather nicely now. Allcastle came back to us to ask how we went with their tender to which we told them we had gone with our current builder as they were cheaper and we felt their design was more modern. The sales rep at Allcastle was surprised to hear they were more expensive and offered to renegotiate but we passed as their quote was higher and they hadn't even added the double handing and traffic control cost yet (which was again more than what our current builder quoted). At any rate, we are happy at the moment and don't want to delay much further as we figure each week of delay is costing us now that Nora has joined the family and isn't able to earn her keep!
So hopefully in the next few weeks we will sort out the details, sign and submit to council.
Next weekend we are off to the snows!
So hopefully in the next few weeks we will sort out the details, sign and submit to council.
Next weekend we are off to the snows!
... introducing Nora and Hank
Well today settlement for our land was finalised, so we are now proud owners of a little rectangular patch of dirt. Here she is:
I've decided that its a 'she' since she's a slim little thing and have decided to call her 'Nora' for no particular reason. As you can see, she's wearing very little! And just to be fair, the house can be a 'he' whom I'll call 'Hank' in reference to David Duchovny's character in Californication cos I'm a bit of a fan of his.
oh and while i'm posting pictures, here's our ground floor plan:
Its based on the Fernleigh design from Masterton but with only 1 garage due to council restriction and with shower option on ground floor. The study has replaced the dining room to become more of a 5th bedroom with a built in too. Hank is a social butterfly and likes to entertain so we've added an alfresco area out the back with stacker doors. The top floor is pretty much the same, we havent changed much at all there so no photo provided.
Monday, July 21, 2008
The tide has turned, let the flooding begin...
The builder has told us that council require a flood report so we're waiting on the costings for that. Hopefully it should be too expensive? I am anticipating numerous incidental costs occurring so hopefully the ride isn't too bumpy. On another note, went to check out boral bricks in Castle Hill (the only boral bricks site open on a sunday) and finally picked our brick. Its Desert Sage, i know you were on the edge of your seat waiting anxiously to know. We also went round to a house that had this brick in Bella Vista (bella indeed and also grande) and this brick looked a'ight! With some lovely assistance from the lady at Boral we also went with ironstone guttering and fascia, paperbark downpipe, ironstone equivalent color for window frames, barramundi roof tiles and bushland garage. It sounds like it was a simple decision but there was lots of flip flopping. I always thought the downpipes would be same as guttering but hubs said its good to have guttering to match the brick so you don't notice it... And I guess the eaves will match the brick color as most houses seem to match.
stuck at the desk for lunch today, anyone watch ramsay last night? he made a nice looking steamed black bream. Am thinking of trying my hand at salmon carpaccio later in the week. But this is an entree style dish, what to have for main? hmmnnnnn
stuck at the desk for lunch today, anyone watch ramsay last night? he made a nice looking steamed black bream. Am thinking of trying my hand at salmon carpaccio later in the week. But this is an entree style dish, what to have for main? hmmnnnnn
How much is that landscape designer in the window?
Well I rang a couple (ok two) landscape designers to see what their price was like compared to what Masterton were offering with their landscaper. Both claimed that minimum cost would be around $800 from scratch without seeing anything or getting site plans etc. But if they could work with the draftsperson from the builder, then it could be something like $450 instead as the draftsperson would have drawn up part of the requirements already. This price is already fairly close to Masterton's quoted price so we have decided to just go with theirs rather than organise the landscaper to meet with Masterton etc. So this seems like a reasonable quoted cost. Masterton's designer also does not charge for any amendments if required by council though I'm not sure if that happens a lot or whether that is the norm for most landscapers anyway, but I'll let you know.
on another note, another busy day at work, my desk buddy just asked what cinderella's horse and buggy turns into at night, better get our noses back to the grindstone!
its a pumpkin btw!
on another note, another busy day at work, my desk buddy just asked what cinderella's horse and buggy turns into at night, better get our noses back to the grindstone!
its a pumpkin btw!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Bricks, glorious bricks...
Now that we have decided on our builder, it was time to take a look at their product range. We will be given just one day to decide on all the details so its best to have some idea prior to this day. And just as well!! we went to the PGH brick yard first and saw the roofing tiles, pipes and the bricks in the range. Choosing a colour for the roof seems easy enough so we're not too worried there, we'll prob go for either Caper or Barramundi Traditional tile (we have the mansion package option with masterton). However the bricks were another story! We have always like white plantation shutters and possible white venetians for a cheaper option so had expected that we would go with the white window frames. We flipped and flopped over brick colours quite a bit, I kept going back to a darker brick for contrast but then back to lighter colours as this was a more safer option. Generally we wanted a flat smooth face brick so there was not too much to choose from and I am trying not to upgrade every option there is. Anyway, after a lot of deliberation, we changed our mind (again!) to currently have the dark grey window frame (although we've asked the price for silver) with white shutters, Desert Sage brick from boral (nuvo pastel range), dark piping and roof tile that is a bit lighter than the piping. (i expect this is likely to change again as we have not seen this brick in real life).
At least my baby boy had a terrific time in the brick yards!
Tiling was a bit of a disappointment. There weren't many tiles that we liked in the builders range and there were costs here and there to upgrade the tiles and also the labour for the upgraded tiles! mosaics were the nicest. Floor tiles had a lot of options but kitchen splashbacks were limited but we decided this would have to be upgraded as the splashback is important and the tiles for the bathtub in the ensuite would also be upgraded. The addition of border tiles would also require upgrading.
At any rate, I highly recommend at least one trip out to inspect bricks and tiles prior to actual selection. Bricks look completely different from brochures or computer screens. We also found out selection can only occur on a weekday so we would both have to take a day off work to do this.
ps settlement for our land is due at end of july (only just took pictures of our land on the weekend)
At least my baby boy had a terrific time in the brick yards!
Tiling was a bit of a disappointment. There weren't many tiles that we liked in the builders range and there were costs here and there to upgrade the tiles and also the labour for the upgraded tiles! mosaics were the nicest. Floor tiles had a lot of options but kitchen splashbacks were limited but we decided this would have to be upgraded as the splashback is important and the tiles for the bathtub in the ensuite would also be upgraded. The addition of border tiles would also require upgrading.
At any rate, I highly recommend at least one trip out to inspect bricks and tiles prior to actual selection. Bricks look completely different from brochures or computer screens. We also found out selection can only occur on a weekday so we would both have to take a day off work to do this.
ps settlement for our land is due at end of july (only just took pictures of our land on the weekend)
Ready, set, go!
Off we went to Masterton to further press our requirements and get more answers to our question. I must say that the salesperson has been very pleasant and accommodating throughout. We have requested again that they consider allowing us to have a 900mm stove top and rangehood which this time they said should be possible at least with the stove top which i suppose is the least we want. They were not able to give us the same deal on the air conditioning but still gave a reasonable price.
I spent most of the time trying to amuse our son whilst the hubby went over the details but all in all, we are happier with Masterton's design, quote and service. So we have put down the deposit to continue on with the tender and submission to council.
In case I haven't specified yet, we are going with the Fernleigh design with Vogue facade but for a single garage given that our frontage is only 11.6 metres wide and due to council restrictions. Strangely enough, the Fernleigh appears to be identical to their Villina design but the Villina is more expensive. We have also opted for the alfresco at the back but will probably handle our flooring and alfresco deck ourselves.
So now we are waiting on the tender to be redesigned and a contour survey to be drawn. Will take a few weeks still prior to council submission.
I spent most of the time trying to amuse our son whilst the hubby went over the details but all in all, we are happier with Masterton's design, quote and service. So we have put down the deposit to continue on with the tender and submission to council.
In case I haven't specified yet, we are going with the Fernleigh design with Vogue facade but for a single garage given that our frontage is only 11.6 metres wide and due to council restrictions. Strangely enough, the Fernleigh appears to be identical to their Villina design but the Villina is more expensive. We have also opted for the alfresco at the back but will probably handle our flooring and alfresco deck ourselves.
So now we are waiting on the tender to be redesigned and a contour survey to be drawn. Will take a few weeks still prior to council submission.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Allcastle tender... burnt to a crisp!
Well we received our tender from Allcastle and really didn't have too much to say as the saleswoman went through the details. I think we were thinking that it was a lot more expensive to Masterton's quote.
Fixed site costs were about 5K but provisional site costs came out to 41K! compared to about 6K provisional site costs from Masterton. The alfresco area attracted the most cost, with the whole thing costing about 20K compared to Masterton's quote of about 8-10K. It was really hard to compare the two tenders as the two companies had different suggestions for ways of doing the alfresco and storm water etc so it made it difficult in the end to decide which company's recommendation was the best.
Additionally, we were concerned about double handling and traffic control as our land is on the main road with no stopping in front. We reminded the Allcastle sales rep who said it shouldn't be a problem although there was a clause to say they could charge if it turned out to cost something. So we asked her to chase it up again as it was costing us several thousand from Masterton for double handling.
Other additional costs from Allcastle were squaring off the rounded corners of the dining area as our council has privacy issues with windows facing neighbours. The quote for squaring off the top and bottom came to more than 10K as well as another 12K for 2.7 metre ceiling height to top and bottom as required by council. Masterton only gave us quote for the bottom at about 5K so i imagine it will turn out less than Allcastle's quote plus the Masterton design does not need any squaring off the corners.
At this point we are heavily leaning to Masterton as the price seems cheaper and includes alfresco plus the inclusions in the Mansion package are also pretty good. They also knocked 5K off the price when we complained about the high site costs. They offered us a deal on airconditioning but as our tender has past the two week due date, they are reconsidering this. Our only drawback with Masterton is they have two kitchen options only, the entertainer or conniseur design. We wanted to have 900mm cooktop and rangehood but this is only available on the conniseur package but we don't want to upgrade totally to this package. We will see on our next meeting whether we can push for this still.
Fixed site costs were about 5K but provisional site costs came out to 41K! compared to about 6K provisional site costs from Masterton. The alfresco area attracted the most cost, with the whole thing costing about 20K compared to Masterton's quote of about 8-10K. It was really hard to compare the two tenders as the two companies had different suggestions for ways of doing the alfresco and storm water etc so it made it difficult in the end to decide which company's recommendation was the best.
Additionally, we were concerned about double handling and traffic control as our land is on the main road with no stopping in front. We reminded the Allcastle sales rep who said it shouldn't be a problem although there was a clause to say they could charge if it turned out to cost something. So we asked her to chase it up again as it was costing us several thousand from Masterton for double handling.
Other additional costs from Allcastle were squaring off the rounded corners of the dining area as our council has privacy issues with windows facing neighbours. The quote for squaring off the top and bottom came to more than 10K as well as another 12K for 2.7 metre ceiling height to top and bottom as required by council. Masterton only gave us quote for the bottom at about 5K so i imagine it will turn out less than Allcastle's quote plus the Masterton design does not need any squaring off the corners.
At this point we are heavily leaning to Masterton as the price seems cheaper and includes alfresco plus the inclusions in the Mansion package are also pretty good. They also knocked 5K off the price when we complained about the high site costs. They offered us a deal on airconditioning but as our tender has past the two week due date, they are reconsidering this. Our only drawback with Masterton is they have two kitchen options only, the entertainer or conniseur design. We wanted to have 900mm cooktop and rangehood but this is only available on the conniseur package but we don't want to upgrade totally to this package. We will see on our next meeting whether we can push for this still.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Masterton tender, more like overdone...
Masterton came back to us with their tender after about 10 days. Site cost estimates came to almost 50K! after reading about site costs being about 20-30K, this came as a bit of a shock.
Traffic control and double handling was estimated at just under 10K. Fair enough the block is on the main road where there is no stopping and it is right near traffic lights but still, it was a bit of a blow. They would have to deliver the material round the corner (which thankfully isn't too far as its a narrow block and then move them from there to our site). Alfresco area came back as about 8-10K which i guess isn't too bad as it includes concrete patio, piering and roofing but the costs are just adding up.
We will also need to submit landscape plans to council too so I better ring around for some quotes. Masterton have their landscaper at $490 or so with free amendments if council requires so I will try to beat this... at the rate the costs are adding up, i'm sure little savings here and there will also add up.
We're still waiting on the tender from Allcastle, I'm mainly interested in the site costs. Masterton's design (Fernleigh design btw) seems more modern with style and inclusions compared to Allcastle's Kensington but I"ll wait and see what Allcastle come up with.
Our main requirements are:
Room and shower at ground floor (for convenience for inlaws who have trouble with stairs in old age), 4 BR, lounge area on 1st floor (for when we want to get away from inlaws who are stuck at ground level!) and single garage. We would like double but due to council requirements, garage can't take up more than 50% of frontage so we had to change designs to 1 garage. This has reduced base price from Masterton by just under 3K.
Hubby is wanting a nice decked alfresco outside so we have also asked Allcastle for a quote. He may undertake the decking himself as he thinks of himself as a bit of a handyman. Well, he is... a a bit...
settlement on our land is due at end of July so we still have a few weeks to deliberate on plans and take the contract to a lawyer prior to signing.
Traffic control and double handling was estimated at just under 10K. Fair enough the block is on the main road where there is no stopping and it is right near traffic lights but still, it was a bit of a blow. They would have to deliver the material round the corner (which thankfully isn't too far as its a narrow block and then move them from there to our site). Alfresco area came back as about 8-10K which i guess isn't too bad as it includes concrete patio, piering and roofing but the costs are just adding up.
We will also need to submit landscape plans to council too so I better ring around for some quotes. Masterton have their landscaper at $490 or so with free amendments if council requires so I will try to beat this... at the rate the costs are adding up, i'm sure little savings here and there will also add up.
We're still waiting on the tender from Allcastle, I'm mainly interested in the site costs. Masterton's design (Fernleigh design btw) seems more modern with style and inclusions compared to Allcastle's Kensington but I"ll wait and see what Allcastle come up with.
Our main requirements are:
Room and shower at ground floor (for convenience for inlaws who have trouble with stairs in old age), 4 BR, lounge area on 1st floor (for when we want to get away from inlaws who are stuck at ground level!) and single garage. We would like double but due to council requirements, garage can't take up more than 50% of frontage so we had to change designs to 1 garage. This has reduced base price from Masterton by just under 3K.
Hubby is wanting a nice decked alfresco outside so we have also asked Allcastle for a quote. He may undertake the decking himself as he thinks of himself as a bit of a handyman. Well, he is... a a bit...
settlement on our land is due at end of July so we still have a few weeks to deliberate on plans and take the contract to a lawyer prior to signing.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Melancholy Musings...
have been reading a few blogs from homeone and getting short of depressed. Well maybe i should be more optimistic and say i'm becoming better informed. I had originally given a period of about a year to go through council and building and thought that this even had some buffer for delays but noooo.... I think it will be incredible if it does get completed within a year.
More often than not, home building blogs start well enough. Happy visions are expressed of dream homes, fantastic colour schemes and dazzling pictures of the display house of their choice. Then reality hits as council regulation after council regulation knocks them down a notch or two. After several submissions and reports required by council, finally! An approval to build is received. Then much waiting occurs for the all important slab. I'll admit, this is a point to get excited about and I will do much the same when my turn comes along! 1 step forward, 3 steps back, we get to some sort of structure being erected and the finish line seems achievable. For those with attention to detail, many pictures of the stages of their home are provided as well as minor flaws and deviations from the plan. These are much appreciated for myself as armed with this knowledge, I too intend to check that every nook and cranny is as it should be. I paid for it dammit! At this point, some blogs trail off, never to return, at which point I assume that the authors are either living the dream now or have written woeful scripts of endless phone tags and playing the waiting game for issues to be resolved.
I digress, I will go on in this quest and reign supreme! Because like everyone else, I've already bought the land and got no choice now!
More often than not, home building blogs start well enough. Happy visions are expressed of dream homes, fantastic colour schemes and dazzling pictures of the display house of their choice. Then reality hits as council regulation after council regulation knocks them down a notch or two. After several submissions and reports required by council, finally! An approval to build is received. Then much waiting occurs for the all important slab. I'll admit, this is a point to get excited about and I will do much the same when my turn comes along! 1 step forward, 3 steps back, we get to some sort of structure being erected and the finish line seems achievable. For those with attention to detail, many pictures of the stages of their home are provided as well as minor flaws and deviations from the plan. These are much appreciated for myself as armed with this knowledge, I too intend to check that every nook and cranny is as it should be. I paid for it dammit! At this point, some blogs trail off, never to return, at which point I assume that the authors are either living the dream now or have written woeful scripts of endless phone tags and playing the waiting game for issues to be resolved.
I digress, I will go on in this quest and reign supreme! Because like everyone else, I've already bought the land and got no choice now!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Welcome!
Hi,
This is my first blog entry so please be patient. After seeing several other blogs on people's experience with home building i was inspired to write my own. Hopefully I can keep it up!
Anyway at this stage we have exchanged contracts for a narrow piece of land so we are committed to building. No turning back now?!
We have also requested site inspections from Masterton and Allcastle. Masterton claimed to give free site inspections but upon further conversation, this 'free' inspection does not include a contour survey which will cost $650 later on! Allcastle site inspection cost $500 but does include a contour survey.
My advice:
If you think you will want to get a few site inspections from several builders, purchase a contour survey of your own that is of a standard that can be supplied with a DA to council and give copies of this to the home builder otherwise you could be paying a number of builders to obtain their own contour survey which they may not hand over to you. I rang around two places and the prices i got was $900 and $1300 so do shop around.
au revoir!
This is my first blog entry so please be patient. After seeing several other blogs on people's experience with home building i was inspired to write my own. Hopefully I can keep it up!
Anyway at this stage we have exchanged contracts for a narrow piece of land so we are committed to building. No turning back now?!
We have also requested site inspections from Masterton and Allcastle. Masterton claimed to give free site inspections but upon further conversation, this 'free' inspection does not include a contour survey which will cost $650 later on! Allcastle site inspection cost $500 but does include a contour survey.
My advice:
If you think you will want to get a few site inspections from several builders, purchase a contour survey of your own that is of a standard that can be supplied with a DA to council and give copies of this to the home builder otherwise you could be paying a number of builders to obtain their own contour survey which they may not hand over to you. I rang around two places and the prices i got was $900 and $1300 so do shop around.
au revoir!
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