A quick post today! I had a builder come and visit today. Lovely guy, very friendly and talkative. He thought the plans were good (great start!). He thought that there were a few things that could be changed to make the build cheaper (even better because we agree!). As we talked about the build, I learnt a few things:
- freeform stone work would cost around $250 per square metre (ouch! That's gone!!)
- already knew louvres were the most expensive kind of window, but 3 grand for one set! Double ouch!
Overall, his advice aligned with many of my thoughts on saving money so I am pretty happy and will look forward to the quote being finished.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Monday, July 4, 2011
The New House Design
After buying our block of land in October 2009 we have been in the throws of designing our future house. To put it bluntly, over the last twelve months we have completely stuffed it up. After many months of working through house plans and a DA approval we were confronted with builders quotes that we could not afford. What to do??
Start again.
With a new building designer on board, the preliminary design has been developed at a very fast pace in comparison to last year. The preliminary plans are off to a series of builders for estimates so that we don't make the same mistake as last time. Exciting times? I'm not so sure. I have remained hesitant, pessimistic and unsure.
The new design is so different to the DA approved plans that a comparison can not be drawn. Think Hamptons style contempoary cottage and now try and switch to pavillion style modern contemporary. The picture below is a preliminary image of the front facade.
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Overall, I like to new design. I love the floorplan but I think that the outside needs some personalising and perhaps some privacy. Working in my new found love for modern mixed with vintage will also be a challenge and one that will require some changes in the exterior design of the house. A little less contemporary, a little more rustic.
For the moment, I am just trying to hold on to the dream. One foot after the other and we may just get there.
Start again.
With a new building designer on board, the preliminary design has been developed at a very fast pace in comparison to last year. The preliminary plans are off to a series of builders for estimates so that we don't make the same mistake as last time. Exciting times? I'm not so sure. I have remained hesitant, pessimistic and unsure.
The new design is so different to the DA approved plans that a comparison can not be drawn. Think Hamptons style contempoary cottage and now try and switch to pavillion style modern contemporary. The picture below is a preliminary image of the front facade.
Overall, I like to new design. I love the floorplan but I think that the outside needs some personalising and perhaps some privacy. Working in my new found love for modern mixed with vintage will also be a challenge and one that will require some changes in the exterior design of the house. A little less contemporary, a little more rustic.
For the moment, I am just trying to hold on to the dream. One foot after the other and we may just get there.
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