Cheers.

The block is on a hill in City Beach and has a fall from left to right and a little lower in the rear right - around 1.2 meters. There is a 70's 4 x 2 on it now.

We are at the talking to builders stage and considering having the garages and cellar recessed on the low side of the block and then buiding two stories up but the planning regs talk about natural ground and heights above it so we really need to have an accurate plot of the levels to know when the designer designs it that there are no overlooking issues etc. A 1.2 meter retaining wall has the same set backs as a second story etc.

One builder is a premium two story builder and the other is a multi award winning builder that doesnt do houses under a mil.

The difference is nothing in the scheme of things but just interested to know if I am paying a premium from the start with the more expensive builder or if I was quoted two different things.

Graham

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Arguably my Automobile is Awash with Alliteration - Subaru Sti S202

Makes a bit more sense now.

They are probably not much different. With the cost difference being that they are doing that component at cost. As a loss leader. If house is going to be a million, they wont scruple losing $500 to get the job.

The difference could also be in that the $500 mob have in house surveyors, while the other company will have to hire a 3rd party.

As for city beach. Difficulty will be hit and miss. Some nice new stuff in the area, but also some horrid areas that haven't been touched properly in years.

hope this info helps.

Thanks - it does!

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Arguably my Automobile is Awash with Alliteration - Subaru Sti S202

That’s really a great decision you have taken, hiring builders will really help you a lot. I think internet is the best place to look for good and experienced builders; you will get lot of options to choose from, be sure that you will select the best one among them.

Just wanted to share home building progress:

- Started looking for land in Sept. 2009.
- Found a block in Aubin Grove and put deposit down in Dec 2009
- House contract signed with New gen for colorado design May 2010
- Titles issued July 2010
- Final plans signed Dec 2010
- Slab down Feb 2011



Looking from front (big empty space is for garage)


Side of the house


Bathroom/toilet/laundry


Backyard


Bed 4/ games room/ alfresco (no slab)


Ensuite


Master Bedroom and Ensuite


Master Bedroom Feature Recess

ahhh I remember the excitement of finally seeing progress on my house when it was being built.
I like your choice of house plan. Who is the builder?

Cheers dude.

The builder is New Generation (Part of Summit Homes).

The design is 'The Colorado' from their display range.

The final design is slightly modified for the better, main changes to:

- Ensuite
- Theatre
- Master Bedroom WIR
- Kitchen
- Laundry

to build, you only need a feature contour survey for the builders to draft you a plan. I went with cottage survey and they charged me a decent price.

I built with New Generation as well. I was very happy with the finished product, and, the minor thing that wasn't correct on inspection, they fixed within 2 weeks. They have been good to deal with.

Wrexter, HOLY CRAP! your WIR is bigger than your spare bedrooms, thats crazy!!!

Despite the issues I had with BGC, I will be building again in the future, i love designing my own home and i know what id do different this time - mainly a different company for starters :P


Good luck with it all, hope it turns into your dream home