Sorry- forgot to respond to this.
With new 6 star energy efficient requirements, brick veneer and double brick aren't too dissimilar in price. Full timber framed can be more expensive, just…

Hi Scoofy,
Couldn't say we specialise in them, but we certainly build a lot of them. Probably around 30% of what we do.
I'm from The Rural Building Company - we build…

Does the price mention a particular type of decking? Such as treated pine/batu/merbau/jarrah?
Wider profile?
Is there balustrading?
These will all affect the price - be sure to get consistent quotes as you…

Sorry - should have written, if specified in the contract.
Some builders will operate with a standard HIA or MBA, others will do their own or modify an existing one.
At the…

Not sure where your located but Structerre (engineering firm in WA) have a really good reference card which is the size of a business card, and shows a gauge you…

As said above, it can be a bit of luck of the draw with what happens.
I assume your fear is with the builder hitting rock and passing the charges for…

Seen the stuff and have to say it's pretty impressive - i don't know how good it is though so wouldn't be able to pass comment.
in terms of finding out…

Have you read through the terms of your contract?
Generally there's no real cooling off period as that is what the time is for between PPA and contract signing.
By pulling out…

Do you know what the builders structural warranty is?
With the cracks, are they more than 100mm below the cornice?
Pending the size of the cracks, a crack that sits 100mm or…

They would be superior over the standard, but not necessarily a necessity.
For instance in WA, some builders do 100mm slabs as standard which is better than the common 80mm slab.…

I don't have any details on hand but could ask and get some names for you.
Alternatively, i'd recommend contacting the Building Commission of WA.
http://www.buildingcommission.wa.gov.au ... commission
They'll…

soakedblonde - would you consider reconfiguring the ensuite/WIR from as it stands now?
If you changed a couple of things round with the WIR and toilet, you might be able to…

If you are unsure about anything, would recommend an inspector for peace of mind.
Quality and finish issues you'll most likely be able to pick up yourself, but if it's the…

Yeh can be bigger than Ben Hur but keep in mind, your building a house!
Ask your builder if they can do a waffle…

Hi soakedblonde,
Request to Structerre to release info was sent to them yesterday, not sure what the hold up is.
All the charges were as per usual, this is what deposits usually…

Hi charmaine,
Bugger about the classification. Slope isn't everything - it's what your sitting on to begin with that counts.
The frustrating thing about clay is that it holds water, and can…

Builders definitely have room to move - the difference between your write out and acceptance margin is to allow for erosion and profit obviously. Just depends on how much margin…

Just a tip for those with the free a/c upgrade.
It's worth checking direct with the air con company or going to an air conditioning company with details of the free…

Thank you for your insightful response Kerry-Ann.
Will take your comments on board.
We build farmhouses, and we also build unique homes. Venture into our other ranges and you'll see what I…

Hi minxy,
Congratulations on your purchase of land!
All the builders you've mentioned build beautiful homes and are good operators.
Sadly no matter the builder, you'll hear a bad story so as said…

If you contact the HIA or MBA they'll be able to recommend inspectors as well.
Keep in mind you also have rights with the Builders Registration Build who can also help…

hi soakedblonde,
have answered in a PM to not clog up Kerry-ann's thread.

I agree wholeheartedly soakedblonde - 80 hours is over the top. That's what we've received though when we've asked for a fixed price as the earthworker is covering their bases.
I'm…

Kerry,
Obviously i can read between the lines with what you are saying here, and i know for soakedblonde we have a provisional sum for rock breaking. Provisional sum being that…

Hi Kerry,
Congrats on starting - hope you cracked the bubbly!
Which earth worker are you using?
jay

Island Ob,
Would recommend getting a Soil Inspection Report done. They don't cost much and worst case, if you sell your block can hand it over to the purchaser for their…

hi soakedblonde,
Might not find it in your addenda and prestart variations as it's been standard for at least a few years now.
it is mentioned in our standard spec sheet though,…

Yes for Rural Building Company please!!
Whether it's our cheapest, base model home, or the top of the list, most expensive home. Soft closers on drawers come standard on RBC homes…

I agree with you Kiwi, this thread has gone off the focus of soakedblondes build.
can start another thread or save it for another time. i think we were just bantering…

Agreed!
I'm wondering if it's worth a coffee catch up in Bedfordale to save all the typing on here.
I will say though, i appreciate the feedback and it's a great insight.