To build or not to build..............
May 7th 2005, 10:26 pm
#1
Chocoholic
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2005
Location: Betchworth, Surrey.
Posts: 2,899
To build or not to build..............
Hi everyone,
Can anyone tell me if you've had experiences of buying a block of land and getting a home built on it? How easy is it? And how long does it take roughly?
I've looked through house builders websites and found a company called Clarendon Homes who build the sort of house we're after. Do you know of them and what they're like? Do they only build on their own land or will they build anywhere? Do you know of any other companies?
I spend ages on Realestate.com looking at properties for sale and there are some great ones on there, but dream of starting completely afresh
.
It could be cheaper doing it this way rather than buying one already built (maybe, hopefully, am I clutching at straws here??).
Any advice gratefully received. Thanks!
Julie
Can anyone tell me if you've had experiences of buying a block of land and getting a home built on it? How easy is it? And how long does it take roughly?
I've looked through house builders websites and found a company called Clarendon Homes who build the sort of house we're after. Do you know of them and what they're like? Do they only build on their own land or will they build anywhere? Do you know of any other companies?
I spend ages on Realestate.com looking at properties for sale and there are some great ones on there, but dream of starting completely afresh
.It could be cheaper doing it this way rather than buying one already built (maybe, hopefully, am I clutching at straws here??).
Any advice gratefully received. Thanks!
Julie
May 7th 2005, 10:29 pm
#2
Chocoholic
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2005
Location: Betchworth, Surrey.
Posts: 2,899
Re: To build or not to build..............
Originally Posted by Juliecabs
Hi everyone,
Can anyone tell me if you've had experiences of buying a block of land and getting a home built on it? How easy is it? And how long does it take roughly?
I've looked through house builders websites and found a company called Clarendon Homes who build the sort of house we're after. Do you know of them and what they're like? Do they only build on their own land or will they build anywhere? Do you know of any other companies?
I spend ages on Realestate.com looking at properties for sale and there are some great ones on there, but dream of starting completely afresh.
It could be cheaper doing it this way rather than buying one already built (maybe, hopefully, am I clutching at straws here??).
Any advice gratefully received. Thanks!
Julie
Can anyone tell me if you've had experiences of buying a block of land and getting a home built on it? How easy is it? And how long does it take roughly?
I've looked through house builders websites and found a company called Clarendon Homes who build the sort of house we're after. Do you know of them and what they're like? Do they only build on their own land or will they build anywhere? Do you know of any other companies?
I spend ages on Realestate.com looking at properties for sale and there are some great ones on there, but dream of starting completely afresh
.It could be cheaper doing it this way rather than buying one already built (maybe, hopefully, am I clutching at straws here??).
Any advice gratefully received. Thanks!
Julie
Sorry, meant to add that this is for QLD, around North Gold Coast/Beenleigh area.
May 8th 2005, 12:25 am
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: To build or not to build..............
Originally Posted by Juliecabs
Hi everyone,
Can anyone tell me if you've had experiences of buying a block of land and getting a home built on it? How easy is it? And how long does it take roughly?
I've looked through house builders websites and found a company called Clarendon Homes who build the sort of house we're after. Do you know of them and what they're like? Do they only build on their own land or will they build anywhere? Do you know of any other companies?
I spend ages on Realestate.com looking at properties for sale and there are some great ones on there, but dream of starting completely afresh.
It could be cheaper doing it this way rather than buying one already built (maybe, hopefully, am I clutching at straws here??).
Any advice gratefully received. Thanks!
Julie
Can anyone tell me if you've had experiences of buying a block of land and getting a home built on it? How easy is it? And how long does it take roughly?
I've looked through house builders websites and found a company called Clarendon Homes who build the sort of house we're after. Do you know of them and what they're like? Do they only build on their own land or will they build anywhere? Do you know of any other companies?
I spend ages on Realestate.com looking at properties for sale and there are some great ones on there, but dream of starting completely afresh
.It could be cheaper doing it this way rather than buying one already built (maybe, hopefully, am I clutching at straws here??).
Any advice gratefully received. Thanks!
Julie
We decided against it due to the time factor (quoted 9 months to build), but with hindsight, I feel we should have rented for 9 months, and got the exact house we wanted, rather than get something close but not quite
May 8th 2005, 6:11 am
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: To build or not to build..............
Originally Posted by Juliecabs
Hi everyone,
Can anyone tell me if you've had experiences of buying a block of land and getting a home built on it? How easy is it? And how long does it take roughly?
I've looked through house builders websites and found a company called Clarendon Homes who build the sort of house we're after. Do you know of them and what they're like? Do they only build on their own land or will they build anywhere? Do you know of any other companies?
I spend ages on Realestate.com looking at properties for sale and there are some great ones on there, but dream of starting completely afresh.
It could be cheaper doing it this way rather than buying one already built (maybe, hopefully, am I clutching at straws here??).
Any advice gratefully received. Thanks!
Julie
Can anyone tell me if you've had experiences of buying a block of land and getting a home built on it? How easy is it? And how long does it take roughly?
I've looked through house builders websites and found a company called Clarendon Homes who build the sort of house we're after. Do you know of them and what they're like? Do they only build on their own land or will they build anywhere? Do you know of any other companies?
I spend ages on Realestate.com looking at properties for sale and there are some great ones on there, but dream of starting completely afresh
.It could be cheaper doing it this way rather than buying one already built (maybe, hopefully, am I clutching at straws here??).
Any advice gratefully received. Thanks!
Julie
If you don't have the reader ,just type adobe reader into your websearch & you will be able to download it free.Hope this helps .Regards ,Pete.
May 8th 2005, 6:53 am
#5
Superfreak!!
Joined: Jan 2004
Location: Thornlie, Perth, W.A.
Posts: 1,177
Re: To build or not to build..............
[QUOTE=superam74]I also want to buy 1 of these plots & build my own house(money permitting) as I'm a qualified bricklayer.QUOTE]
I`ve always been curious.... just what kind of markup do the house builders make on an average property??? UK or Oz.... 50% ???
I`ve always been curious.... just what kind of markup do the house builders make on an average property??? UK or Oz.... 50% ???
May 8th 2005, 8:55 am
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: To build or not to build..............
Hi there,
Don't come on here much due to the fact we are in the final stages of our house build here in WA, so feel qualified to share our experience with you and hopefully offer some advice:
You can build on any sound piece of land which is for sale. The best is level block, with no need for retaining walls which puts the groundworks price up. Other factors to consider are, is power easily accessible? water? gas?. What is the land made from? What cost allocation does the builder allow for this ? If you have a good builder he will give enough allowance, but you can be stung, read on:
We had a great level sandy block (like most of WA LOL), but a member of our family thought they had the same. Unfortunatley for them they had a limestone seam running under it and it put their groundworks price up by $35K !!!!
Pick a builder that you have watched construct a house. The times can vary enormously from 9 months to 2 years plus. I watched three houses go up by our builder before we decided. try and pick someone who doesn't over stretch themselves, some of the ones here just leave you in a queue.
A big factor in the wait is how 'young' your land release is. We bought a block in an established area which had been sat on for investment. We didn't pay over the odds for it and it mean't we had the title deeds almost immediately. Most new block don't have the titles released for months and I have just heard of one lady who has been waiting for 18 months !! So check it out, may be different in your State.
However with a new block you usually get fencing, reticulation and your front garden done if you are lucky. So it depends on what you want and what you are prepared to wait for. Of course how much money you have to spend and whether you have soemwhere to live in the meantime is a big issue to consider.
I bought our block before Warren was even here, but before I signed anything I got two builders (who are family) to check out the block, I checked land plans for the previous use of the land and asked around. I even got the project builder to come out and see it, before I signed a thing.
It's not easy, but if you get yourself organised, ask as many questions as you can think of and don't sign anything until you know exactly what the price is, then it can be emmense fun. However knowing what the price is can be the tricky part!!
With a good builder the Sales guy will draw up provisional plans and let you change them as many times as you like. If they ask for deposits before then, tell 'em to get stuffed. Our Sales guy was great and we have a very good relationship, even though I changed the plans 7 times.
I then asked for a list of all their suppliers for fixtures and fittings and went to check them out, some companies won't let you do this. It was invaluable !! because what their trick is, is to get you to the pre-start meeting and you end up chosing everything from a brochure or small sample. You then have no idea of the quality, the feel, the look and how light effects the clour scheme you have chosen.
When we were totally ready, then we signed. This however does not fix the price ! You can get some dodgy ones out there, read the contract, sideways, back to front, recite it backwards.
What ever the initial build cost is add an extra $50K at least - BUT don't guess at this, go round and get quotes (I'll explain that later). We have added $100K to the original price, but we knew this and we are having a pool and the garden landscaped and everything finished before we move in - hopefully !!!!
You should expect to pay extra for:
Power points (there is NEVER enough)
Outside power point
Skirting
Coving
Bricking up any open plan areas
Extra phone points (you'll need at least two remember for the Net !!)
Tiling - they charge extra for the way it's laid and if you have borders
Some decorating - walls may not be included
3 phase electrics (if you want a reverse cycle aircon hot and cold)
Extra wiring for cinema stuff (if you want one of course)
Extra paving - usually only include your drive (not the crossover) and one path.
And any other extras like, plumbing to a fridge (ice maker), making rooms bigger, adding cupboards, the list goes on and on...........
And our builder has alot more than most included.
Now on top of that you must get yourself quotes for the following: (It's no good buliding the house of your dreams and you find your can't afford to put flooring in)
Carpets - bedrooms?
Flooring in living areas (wet areas should be included)
Light points (as power points)
Air con
Garden
Reticulation
Paving
Alarm
Lights (they leave you lovely plastic cones)
Fencing if not included.
Blinds a must
Curtains, optional
Security fly screens
Extra furniture - you'll need it believe me.
GET THREE QUOTES FOR EVERYTHING AND BARTER
Beware you can always be stung if contractors get a pay rise. Also keep an eye on what tradesmen are in demand. At the moment, it's pretty much evryone, but the problem areas in WA are brickies, roofers and tilers! the main ones really.
Having said all this we signed our contract and two weeks later our slab went down, 3 weeks after our bricks where delivered (I had pre-booked a slot) We had brickies on site a week later and apart from a 5 week delay 'cos our roofer broke his leg, we have been delighted with our build and are looking to be in end June, beginning July. (9 month build)
I have an excellent relationship with our Site Manager and we speak daily. I don't pester him, we just a have an honest and professional manner of dealing with each other, and a little banter. Our lock up is in two weeks and the plastering is finished next week. They have been great as we are having af ew extras which are not part of the build and they have been fine about letting them on site, some are not.
I hope this helps - I am now off to write my book !!
Good luck
Jill
Don't come on here much due to the fact we are in the final stages of our house build here in WA, so feel qualified to share our experience with you and hopefully offer some advice:
You can build on any sound piece of land which is for sale. The best is level block, with no need for retaining walls which puts the groundworks price up. Other factors to consider are, is power easily accessible? water? gas?. What is the land made from? What cost allocation does the builder allow for this ? If you have a good builder he will give enough allowance, but you can be stung, read on:
We had a great level sandy block (like most of WA LOL), but a member of our family thought they had the same. Unfortunatley for them they had a limestone seam running under it and it put their groundworks price up by $35K !!!!
Pick a builder that you have watched construct a house. The times can vary enormously from 9 months to 2 years plus. I watched three houses go up by our builder before we decided. try and pick someone who doesn't over stretch themselves, some of the ones here just leave you in a queue.
A big factor in the wait is how 'young' your land release is. We bought a block in an established area which had been sat on for investment. We didn't pay over the odds for it and it mean't we had the title deeds almost immediately. Most new block don't have the titles released for months and I have just heard of one lady who has been waiting for 18 months !! So check it out, may be different in your State.
However with a new block you usually get fencing, reticulation and your front garden done if you are lucky. So it depends on what you want and what you are prepared to wait for. Of course how much money you have to spend and whether you have soemwhere to live in the meantime is a big issue to consider.
I bought our block before Warren was even here, but before I signed anything I got two builders (who are family) to check out the block, I checked land plans for the previous use of the land and asked around. I even got the project builder to come out and see it, before I signed a thing.
It's not easy, but if you get yourself organised, ask as many questions as you can think of and don't sign anything until you know exactly what the price is, then it can be emmense fun. However knowing what the price is can be the tricky part!!
With a good builder the Sales guy will draw up provisional plans and let you change them as many times as you like. If they ask for deposits before then, tell 'em to get stuffed. Our Sales guy was great and we have a very good relationship, even though I changed the plans 7 times.
I then asked for a list of all their suppliers for fixtures and fittings and went to check them out, some companies won't let you do this. It was invaluable !! because what their trick is, is to get you to the pre-start meeting and you end up chosing everything from a brochure or small sample. You then have no idea of the quality, the feel, the look and how light effects the clour scheme you have chosen.
When we were totally ready, then we signed. This however does not fix the price ! You can get some dodgy ones out there, read the contract, sideways, back to front, recite it backwards.
What ever the initial build cost is add an extra $50K at least - BUT don't guess at this, go round and get quotes (I'll explain that later). We have added $100K to the original price, but we knew this and we are having a pool and the garden landscaped and everything finished before we move in - hopefully !!!!
You should expect to pay extra for:
Power points (there is NEVER enough)
Outside power point
Skirting
Coving
Bricking up any open plan areas
Extra phone points (you'll need at least two remember for the Net !!)
Tiling - they charge extra for the way it's laid and if you have borders
Some decorating - walls may not be included
3 phase electrics (if you want a reverse cycle aircon hot and cold)
Extra wiring for cinema stuff (if you want one of course)
Extra paving - usually only include your drive (not the crossover) and one path.
And any other extras like, plumbing to a fridge (ice maker), making rooms bigger, adding cupboards, the list goes on and on...........
And our builder has alot more than most included.
Now on top of that you must get yourself quotes for the following: (It's no good buliding the house of your dreams and you find your can't afford to put flooring in)
Carpets - bedrooms?
Flooring in living areas (wet areas should be included)
Light points (as power points)
Air con
Garden
Reticulation
Paving
Alarm
Lights (they leave you lovely plastic cones)
Fencing if not included.
Blinds a must
Curtains, optional
Security fly screens
Extra furniture - you'll need it believe me.
GET THREE QUOTES FOR EVERYTHING AND BARTER
Beware you can always be stung if contractors get a pay rise. Also keep an eye on what tradesmen are in demand. At the moment, it's pretty much evryone, but the problem areas in WA are brickies, roofers and tilers! the main ones really.
Having said all this we signed our contract and two weeks later our slab went down, 3 weeks after our bricks where delivered (I had pre-booked a slot) We had brickies on site a week later and apart from a 5 week delay 'cos our roofer broke his leg, we have been delighted with our build and are looking to be in end June, beginning July. (9 month build)
I have an excellent relationship with our Site Manager and we speak daily. I don't pester him, we just a have an honest and professional manner of dealing with each other, and a little banter. Our lock up is in two weeks and the plastering is finished next week. They have been great as we are having af ew extras which are not part of the build and they have been fine about letting them on site, some are not.
I hope this helps - I am now off to write my book !!
Good luck
Jill
May 8th 2005, 9:01 am
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: To build or not to build..............
PS..... I'm not so sure it's cheaper to build, but you get the house you want, however they recon you don't get it right until your 7th build :scared:
Jill
Jill
May 8th 2005, 9:07 am
#8
Prisoner of Her Majesty
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Chapel Hill, Brisbane
Posts: 838
Re: To build or not to build..............
Originally Posted by Juliecabs
Hi everyone,
Can anyone tell me if you've had experiences of buying a block of land and getting a home built on it? How easy is it? And how long does it take roughly?
I've looked through house builders websites and found a company called Clarendon Homes who build the sort of house we're after. Do you know of them and what they're like? Do they only build on their own land or will they build anywhere? Do you know of any other companies?
I spend ages on Realestate.com looking at properties for sale and there are some great ones on there, but dream of starting completely afresh.
It could be cheaper doing it this way rather than buying one already built (maybe, hopefully, am I clutching at straws here??).
Any advice gratefully received. Thanks!
Julie
Can anyone tell me if you've had experiences of buying a block of land and getting a home built on it? How easy is it? And how long does it take roughly?
I've looked through house builders websites and found a company called Clarendon Homes who build the sort of house we're after. Do you know of them and what they're like? Do they only build on their own land or will they build anywhere? Do you know of any other companies?
I spend ages on Realestate.com looking at properties for sale and there are some great ones on there, but dream of starting completely afresh
.It could be cheaper doing it this way rather than buying one already built (maybe, hopefully, am I clutching at straws here??).
Any advice gratefully received. Thanks!
Julie
We're buying a clarendon Park Lane42. The prices of second-hand homes has gone up loads and for pretty much the same price we decided to build new.
Clarendon won't build on acreage but will build on any other land you find within a certain radius (pretty much from southern Sunshine Coast down to norther Gold Coast and then inland to Beaudesert, etc.
I'd highly recommend talking to Park First Home loans for some mortgage advice. We did and made us feel more at ease buying land then home. Just been looking for land today and have found some decent plots - 930m sq for $215,000. Sorry - won't tell you where cos only a couple left!!!
Will be happy to pm name and number for the guy we spoke to at Park First Home Loans.
Rob
May 8th 2005, 9:18 am
#9
Prisoner of Her Majesty
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Chapel Hill, Brisbane
Posts: 838
Re: To build or not to build..............
Originally Posted by samnrob2
Hi there,
We're buying a clarendon Park Lane42. The prices of second-hand homes has gone up loads and for pretty much the same price we decided to build new.
Clarendon won't build on acreage but will build on any other land you find within a certain radius (pretty much from southern Sunshine Coast down to norther Gold Coast and then inland to Beaudesert, etc.
I'd highly recommend talking to Park First Home loans for some mortgage advice. We did and made us feel more at ease buying land then home. Just been looking for land today and have found some decent plots - 930m sq for $215,000. Sorry - won't tell you where cos only a couple left!!!
Will be happy to pm name and number for the guy we spoke to at Park First Home Loans.
Rob
We're buying a clarendon Park Lane42. The prices of second-hand homes has gone up loads and for pretty much the same price we decided to build new.
Clarendon won't build on acreage but will build on any other land you find within a certain radius (pretty much from southern Sunshine Coast down to norther Gold Coast and then inland to Beaudesert, etc.
I'd highly recommend talking to Park First Home loans for some mortgage advice. We did and made us feel more at ease buying land then home. Just been looking for land today and have found some decent plots - 930m sq for $215,000. Sorry - won't tell you where cos only a couple left!!!
Will be happy to pm name and number for the guy we spoke to at Park First Home Loans.
Rob
If you are keen on Clarendon Homes, you should go and see a guy called Warren at the Clarendon display village near Calamvale - nice bloke.
Rob
May 8th 2005, 9:18 am
#10
?????????
Joined: May 2003
Location: Gold Coast
Posts: 1,974
Re: To build or not to build..............
Go bananas
That is probably the best post I,ve read on BE to-date, well done and thank you, K sent.
That is probably the best post I,ve read on BE to-date, well done and thank you, K sent.
May 8th 2005, 9:49 am
#11
Chocoholic
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2005
Location: Betchworth, Surrey.
Posts: 2,899
Re: To build or not to build..............
Originally Posted by Go Banana's !!
PS..... I'm not so sure it's cheaper to build, but you get the house you want, however they recon you don't get it right until your 7th build :scared:
Jill
Jill
May 8th 2005, 9:51 am
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: To build or not to build..............
Originally Posted by Juliecabs
Wow, took me ages to read this, but thanks very much for the info. Really useful. Hope to stop at just one build though!
Jill
May 8th 2005, 9:58 am
#13
Chocoholic
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2005
Location: Betchworth, Surrey.
Posts: 2,899
Re: To build or not to build..............
Originally Posted by samnrob2
Sorry, forgot to mention - you might want to check out Ownit Homes. They specialise in two-storey (if that's your poison) and the finish is pretty good. We've been weighing them up and discounted them marginally over Clarendon.
If you are keen on Clarendon Homes, you should go and see a guy called Warren at the Clarendon display village near Calamvale - nice bloke.
Rob
If you are keen on Clarendon Homes, you should go and see a guy called Warren at the Clarendon display village near Calamvale - nice bloke.
Rob
Don't worry, I won't ask where you are buying!
We are still at the waiting for the assessment stage here, so won't be in Oz until next year, but it pays to be prepared for these things. How long is the building process etc with Clarendon? We're hoping to rent for up to a year when we first arrive. Do you reckon this is long enough to find land, build etc?
Sorry for all the questions, but it's either sit here and talk to you guys, or do the housework! Hmmm, tough decision!!!
May 8th 2005, 10:02 am
#14
Chocoholic
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2005
Location: Betchworth, Surrey.
Posts: 2,899
Re: To build or not to build..............
Originally Posted by Go Banana's !!
Glad you appreciate it, 'cos it took me bloody ages to write it !!
Jill
Jill
I do, I do!!
May 8th 2005, 10:51 am
#15
Prisoner of Her Majesty
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Chapel Hill, Brisbane
Posts: 838
Re: To build or not to build..............
Originally Posted by Juliecabs
Hi there, and thanks for all this.
Don't worry, I won't ask where you are buying! We are still at the waiting for the assessment stage here, so won't be in Oz until next year, but it pays to be prepared for these things.
How long is the building process etc with Clarendon? We're hoping to rent for up to a year when we first arrive. Do you reckon this is long enough to find land, build etc?
Sorry for all the questions, but it's either sit here and talk to you guys, or do the housework! Hmmm, tough decision!!!
Don't worry, I won't ask where you are buying!
We are still at the waiting for the assessment stage here, so won't be in Oz until next year, but it pays to be prepared for these things. How long is the building process etc with Clarendon? We're hoping to rent for up to a year when we first arrive. Do you reckon this is long enough to find land, build etc?
Sorry for all the questions, but it's either sit here and talk to you guys, or do the housework! Hmmm, tough decision!!!
Clarendon reckon they can build inside of 6 months from getting access to the land. We've earmarked next April sort of time to get it all done. In the meantime, we're going to be renting.
Clarendon are currently doing a package deal (a lot of builders we've seen will do similar things). They are including a lot of extras (too many to list).
Also being first time buyers on Oz we'll get a first home buyers grant which should cover solicitors and stamp duty (or most of it) - which is a bonus.
One thing we'd recommend is to find the house you like and then look for the land. There's plenty of land but you need to make sure the dimensions are right for the house. Most decent sized homes need at least a 20 metre frontage. Some good sized blocks (1000m sq>) seem cheap but then you can't build a house on them because they're at strange angles, etc.
Be prepared to laugh when salesmen tell you the price of houses/land, etc - we can't believe how cheap it is!!! We're swapping a cramped 3 bed detached in Ibstock for a 4 bed mansion with pool - yipppeee!!!
R