walaj

ok, so the basic price is not the real price and there are plenty of extras that are really needed (eg electric sockets) others nice to have (eg air con). What about some of these extras I have seen listed? (I'm in Sydney btw)

Insulation what rating should I go for and should it be in the external walls only or internal too (would this or something else be needed to help soundproofing within the house? (I would rather have good insulation to have a comfortable house rather than having to totally rely on air or heating to get desirable temp)

Terracotta roof tiles - any benefit over basic (eg Monier) than just being cosmetic

Are there any other extras (I know that varies from builder to builder) that are a must, rather than just cosmetic or nice to have.

lesleys

Get the right windows! www.wers.net and www.pilkington.com.au

No good insulating everywhere and having 3mm plain glass.

clougherty family

Terracotta roof tiles - any benefit over basic (eg Monier) than just being cosmetic

Our house has terracotta roof tiles - I wouldn't have even known this (it's not a new build) but a friend of mine owns a roofing company and told me. He also said they are the best tiles to have, they last longer than any others. Hope this helps.

By the way, I would definitely have air con and also gas points so you can plug a fire in.

Jo

steandleigh

We had to pay extra for the following:

(All were our choice and opposed to the 'standard inclusions')

Better roof insulation

Extra power sockets and lights - the amount they quote for is ridiculous and we'd have been living in virtual darkness if we'd gone with what they quoted

Outdoor lighting (wiring for)

Upgrade of floor and wall tiles

Floor tiles to be laid on angle, rather than straight and floor mosiac tiles inset

Roof at higher pitch

Double whirly birds, than the standard 'one' - (not applicable if you're tiling your roof)

Internal doors - the ones specified were a crap 60's stylee

Front doors - same as above

All internal and external door handles and those on the kitchen cupboards!

Wider cornices

3 x 3 metre slab outside of main bedroom

Power to corner of garden (for pool pump)

In all (from memory) it was around $25,000 for the extra bits and pieces and we didn't have granite benchtops, wall cupboards in the kitchen (which we are putting in now), anything fancy like different porcelainware for the bathrooms than specified, glass splashbacks in the kitchen or whatever.

We'll be doing it all again in a couple of years time, though with a different builder and obviously more of an idea of whats what.

Good luck with your build!

Edit - forgot these:

two towel rails in each bathroom, rather than the standard 'one' per bathroom

sliding cupboard in the laundry room

two garden taps, rather than one

Our air con was $8000 for 4 bedroom units and one big lounge unit and one smaller games room unit (thats trade price - Ste installed it all, pipe work & units himself - air con techie...)

youngy73

you mean you wont use mac homes again.weve just got a contract to wire 150 homes for them this year. they are throwing them up even quicker now. their standards are now a lot worse. did you ever meet monty the handyman? he now runs the show with the new builds. unbelievable!

Centurion

I'd allow an extra $30k for everything on top of the build price realistically for upgrades, landscaping and the like as a complete generalisation on the figure.

joho

Hey have you got an experience with windows, I a would love to install double glazed windows but havent a clue how to go about it and find a good one.

Jo

Jacque

Any new builds have to comply with the BASIX regulations now, so do yourself a favour and leave room for a rainwater tank. If you're planning a pool, go solar for heating and invest in a pool blanket (cuts water loss by abour 30%).

As far as insulation goes, I'd be ditching the double glazing windows (unless your house is on a very busy road or backing onto one) due to their expense and investing in window coverings instead that do the job of retaining heat for those chilly nights. Think shutters, curtains and blinds to do the job instead.

walaj

thanks for all the replies

would certainly prefer to leave option (& costs) for a pool for a later date, and realise condition for approval would mean a water tank.

the biggy at the moment is land cost, and a small % movement is going to affect the builder we can go with.

Went into one display house at the weekend and it had over $100k of extras and base cost was less than $200k

lesleys

Double glazing wouldn't be much use here (SE Qld). We chose this one...
http://www.pilkington.com.au/applica...s/benefits.htm
For heat and sound insulation, UV protection, security, windows don't rattle in the wind (they're heavy).