We have a winner.
The best shower base is ... drum roll ... tiled floor (that is, not preformed shower base).
It looks better, is cheaper and easier to clean. No downside,…

My inexpert opinion
If your neighbour’s garage is on the boundary, then you don't want anything on your side but a smooth clean wall. I assume the council is asking for…

This is a scam already discussed elsewhere in this forum.
I bet your contract says that if you delay the start by more than 45 days then the price can be…

Dobly,
Don't give up on your open roof mirror idea. With clerestory windows you can let the light in without opening the rooof and the council will have no objection. No…

Dobly,
A few months ago I purchased a property with a view to the south. Like you, I want to exploit the view and have a passive solar house.
A south facing…

Hey TBL,
Great to have you on board. Legal advice/guidance is very wanted.
This forum is really coming together. We have expertise in just about every area now.
Way to go.

For those wanting a dimmable compact fluorescent downlight, the Megaman GU10 11 Watt Dimmable Bulb will be available late March 2007.
Visit www.neco.com.au/product.asp?pID=638
$36.95 each and they run…

archangel,
Yes, I certainly would like the address of any completed custom-builder homes.
If anyone else knows a custom-builder home that has been completed, or is near completion, I'd like the address.
Cheers,
Casa

Groovy_chix,
Thanks for the information. The $1100 - $1200 figure sounds about right and is good value if you're getting a fair amount of upgrades.
Following on from hearing about Urbanstyle Homes…

mek, thanks, yes I will be contacting builders and asking for references (10 in fact from which I will randomly select 3), but the problem is that these are not…

mek,
Yes we want quality. But it doesn't (or shouldn't) cost all that much extra. To change from a cheap plastic cistern toilet to a brand name vitreous china will double…

Hi everyone,
I'm refreshing this topic in the hope that there is someone who has built, or knows someone that has built, with any of the custom design builders in Sydney…

The whole building business is a treacherous journey.
Builders want to build their customer’s dream home and see a smile on their face once it’s complete. And hopefully recommend the builder…

Groovy_chix,
$750/sqm sounds like a very good price.
Is this for a custom design? Also, does it include site costs, council fees, etc? When you speak…

Many thanks Terry. The Fair Trading site is interesting.

Hi Groovy_chix,
The first I've heard of Urbanstyle Homes is from you. I checked out their website and noted that they are having the Grand Opening of their display home this…

Groovy_chix,
How long have Urbanstyle Homes been in business?
Cheers,
Casa

archangel,
Thanks for thr feedback. We should keep in touch and compare notes. I'll let you know if I get any PMs.
Great to hear that someone you know has built with…

My opinion:
1) Unless the contract says that variations are allowed, they are at the builder’s discretion
2) I thought builders loved variations as they normally remove the items at wholesale prices…

althebuilder,
I've recently built my first water level and, as for most things, it was easy once you know how.
I got the details from a web page, but basically you need…

I though that standard building contracts have a liquidated damages clause (that is, if they run late, there's a cost to the builder). If are constantly running late, wouldn't…

First_Timer_Ray,
You've come a long way in five days, as have we all. Thanks for posting such an interesting topic.
Cheers,
Casa

Helen,
Thanks for the heads up. I haven't heard of Canterbury Windows, but now I know to be careful.
Cheers,
Casa

Vlad,
I'm interested in hearing more about screw in piers. Are these piers that are screwed into the slab? Or is it steel reinforcement that links the pier to the slab?…

Mick,
You mentioned that you were thinking of moving some outside walls and getting rid of the existing deck. If you want to keep costs down, I think the existing deck…

Michelle,
I've been watching the arguments and counterarguments on this issue and I'm glad to see a definitive answer from someone with relavent experience. As has often been said before, Michelle,…

I personally like the ideas of tiles. As you mentioned they are easier to keep clean. A second reason is that for some reason, every time I've seen pavers, some…

hellieinperth,
Your predicament brings up many thoughts. I can see both sides of the argument. The carpet layers were booked and if they only had 24 hours warning, it would be…

I’m in the market for a custom home builder in Sydney. By custom builders I mean builders who will work off your design. Most have a design service, but are…

builda,
Sounds like you've got access to some interesting information.
Best Builder,
What’s your legal advice on getting people to rate builders?
Moderators,
We need a mechanism for being able to discuss individual builders. We…