Build Blog 15
House build attempt 3. After having a couple of significant changes to circumstances and ending up with a prohibitively expensive design we have chosen to not go ahead with our previous design and are now moving onto design 3. With our previous design we had ended up going down a path of using some pretty specialized products that most builders were not familiar with. Read more
Build Blog 14
1 step forward 2 steps back. Currently our design is still with council but a lot has happened in the back ground in the last month or so. The outfit who designed our house plans were also to build it – after the complications of our first design dealing with architect/builder/engineer we were keen for a ‘one stop shop’. However the outfit have essentially ceased new business and their build arm decided around Christmas that they would not be available for our build. Read more
Build Blog 13
By the print of this column our plans should be with council and I’ll be updating shortly on the time and process of dealing with our council. Read more
Build Blog 12
Build update: Our designers have just about completed the working drawings so we are close to submitting for council approval. Based on a similar house we are hoping for council confirmation in 3 months and commencing the build in January. Read more
Build Blog 11
So this is the design we have currently opted to run with and working drawings are currently being done. We have had a couple of sessions on materials etc. so far for the house. Currently we are cladding the house in cedar, which everyone seems to recommend. Read more
Build Blog 10
It’s been a while since I’ve last added to this but we have spent the last few months in a holding pattern. Just prior to Xmas we did a round of pricing prior to getting working drawings done. Unfortunately the pricing came in 50% over budget. I asked a QS to look at cost saving options but realistically did not feel we would be able to get that design where we wanted the price to be. At this time I had also been working with a couple of clients who had gone through design & build companies with pretty attractive pricing. Read more
Build Blog 8
Timeframes. In the back of our minds we were working on being in the house by winter 2014, we have now been told Xmas 2014 would be a great result. Read more
Build Blog 7
The Finances. We are now waiting for the engineer to go over the plans and means we have a slight wait before anything else can progress. It’s probably timely to refer to the funding/finances. Read more
Build Blog 5
Second house design has come in. This time it’s a single level design with the carport/garage attached to but not part of the house. My wife is a big fan but I’m struggling with it a bit. At this point it is in 2d plans and I cannot really envision it. Overall the layout does seem a big smoother. Floor size has stayed the same but house is probably simpler (hopefully cheaper ) and we can likely start with a carport and turn it into a garage if and when needed. Read more