Foxtel are currently running ads for an Australian version of Grand Designs where they are looking for people to register if they'd feel they have a house suitable for the…

The builders maybe trying to maintain their profits. If the number of builds decreases, the obvious (perhaps naive way) to maintain their profits is to increase prices.
Don't believe that all…

Don't know much about the paint odour - i'll have the same problem but i'll be having security screens installed straight after handover, and leave the windows open for as…

Depending on what type of modem / internet access you will have, it maybe wise to have two points in your house. One for the phones, one for your modem…

Hi All,
Sorry if this has already been discussed previously (I'm sure it has been), but I couldn't find what I was after.
I'm building in Brisbane & approaching handover stage. The…

Let us know how you go joan.

I'm only a week or so from practical completion.
To be honest, I don't think my builders know what a quality inspection is.
There are so many glaring errors. I would hope…

Wow, going to ask for a whole new frame?
I think you should not have gone with timber for your framing. I mean, look at the crappy timber the frames are…

And then there's the whole other issue of the 'bounce' of the floor

We'll that adds to the intrigue of the formula. We're we are building the blocks cost us under $200K and houses are selling at around $600K.
I think the 2x formula…

Hi Jet,
It looks like you situation sucks having to deal with both councils & the builders.
But unfortunately I don't think there's much that you can do to speed things along…

I think a lot of people are spending more than the land price on their house (with landscaping, retaining walls, etc).
Lets say in QLD the average block costs around $200,000.
$200K…

Stonecutter...the 2x land thing that you mention is really interesting. Has anyone else heard of this before?
I knew that there was a point where spending too much on your house…

There you go nzfiona.... Does that make your 18K feel like a bargain

Yeah, we built on acreage with convenant requirements which needed to be met by the builders - hence the advertised base price was alot less than our final price. I…

LOL... I thought it was just me....
In theory the CSR is suppose to be your main point of contact to the builders. Whilst contact with the BS is preferred, there's…

Wow, siteworks starting early. Who'd have thought it.
Perhaps you should ask them "since you started early does that mean you'll finish early".
Personally I don't see a problem with them…

LOL Delibeybi,
A lot of people are treated fantastic pre-tender.
Sign your tender, get construction started on-site, and see how your CSO scoring go when things stop going to according to plan…

3.5/10

natbut,
check your contract then check the house. What constitutes "2nd fix"? If the work is done, then they aren't asking for it early. Yes, it's a pain in the…

I disagree Casa.
They would have already covered their costs in the previous payments, and the final payment would be made up of mostly or all profit on the project.
If they…

Liquidated damages should actually be set at an amount that acts as a deterent to the builders for running over schedule.
For example, builders 'should' be made to work overtime of…

Taylor,
What the builders need to realise is that the HIA contract states payment within 7 days. The major banks can take up to 10 days (& longer some times) to…

Termites eat timber. Termites do not eat steel.
Hope that helps

Casa,
The initial question was whether this method was common place / accepted in WA - The answer is yes.
Is it Structural sound? That's a different matter

Ausdesign,
You can't compare what is acceptable in the eastern states to WA. Their method of construction is different to the rest of us.
If you're still concerned arc, get an…

Gotta love that concrete!
Did the builder suggest an alternative to using the vast amount of concrete - say a timber or steel framed floor on stumps with either a timber…

Hi folks,
Just wanted to know some of the tricks that are played so your builder avoids paying any liqudated damages. This doesn't include the obvious ones like rain delays, etc.
*…

Hi,
Unfortunately this is common place in roofing built in WA - WA houses are built completely different to the rest of Australia.
Your best to talk to your builder about it,…

Steve,
I'm going to try and do what you say. That is, see if the bank will give me a cheque to take to final inspection. My builder is really starting…