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When having a house built
Right, when you're deciding upon which house you want and discussing your
requirements with your builder, is it the done thing to barter for a better deal? Obviously if you're looking at a house which has already been constructed, you make an offer, usually less than the asking price. Do you do the same if you're having a house built or do you just go along with what the builder tells you it will cost? Cheers Steve |
Re: When having a house built
I guess that as it is the construction industry, always haggle!
TD |
Re: When having a house built
In building you do get what you pay for though.
I had a few builder clients and they were not in the running when it came to quoting but I know who I would want to build my house. The big builders will throw in extras I think rather than reduce money. The big thing about building is the building contract and its prudent to get this looked over by a solicitor, it might cost you, but it might also save you in the end. Things to look at are time limits if there is no time limit you might be last in the queue and take months. However at the moment with building downturn you should be able to make some headway. |
Re: When having a house built
Originally Posted by Petals
(Post 7249084)
In building you do get what you pay for though.
I had a few builder clients and they were not in the running when it came to quoting but I know who I would want to build my house. The big builders will throw in extras I think rather than reduce money. The big thing about building is the building contract and its prudent to get this looked over by a solicitor, it might cost you, but it might also save you in the end. Things to look at are time limits if there is no time limit you might be last in the queue and take months. However at the moment with building downturn you should be able to make some headway. I would decide on basic off the plan design you want, make sure you take control of the discussion and get them to cost in any changes you definitely want and have a list of items on your wish list and then try to get some things included for free. In my experience it is things like tiling upgrade, stone worktops, tap upgrade and cosmetic things they add in. Get prices for everthing beforehand though as in my experience they just apportion the cost of the free items over those you are paying for! Also see if you can talk to other customers at the same stage as you, I did this and found out I was being overcharged for some items compared to others and as a result got these included for free (eg.changing windows to sliding doors). It may be worth getting ideas for some items which maybe included such as aircon. They often over value it and we removed our aircon from our contract ($7,800 price reduction) and had the same make fitted but with a bigger evap unit with more outlets for $4,800 after key handover. Same for the alarm and carpets, blinds etc if they offer to include them. As the OP said, with the building downturn you have more likelihood of getting a better deal now. Just ask nicely, nothing ventured, nothing gained and our builder took no offence. They just got back at us with a shoddy build of the entire house so we wouldn't go with them again!!!! |
Re: When having a house built
Originally Posted by FiP
(Post 7250893)
Agree with the above. Absolutely you can and now several people building who have done just that!
I would decide on basic off the plan design you want, make sure you take control of the discussion and get them to cost in any changes you definitely want and have a list of items on your wish list and then try to get some things included for free. In my experience it is things like tiling upgrade, stone worktops, tap upgrade and cosmetic things they add in. Get prices for everthing beforehand though as in my experience they just apportion the cost of the free items over those you are paying for! Also see if you can talk to other customers at the same stage as you, I did this and found out I was being overcharged for some items compared to others and as a result got these included for free (eg.changing windows to sliding doors). It may be worth getting ideas for some items which maybe included such as aircon. They often over value it and we removed our aircon from our contract ($7,800 price reduction) and had the same make fitted but with a bigger evap unit with more outlets for $4,800 after key handover. Same for the alarm and carpets, blinds etc if they offer to include them. As the OP said, with the building downturn you have more likelihood of getting a better deal now. Just ask nicely, nothing ventured, nothing gained and our builder took no offence. They just got back at us with a shoddy build of the entire house so we wouldn't go with them again!!!! We're considering National Homes, but haven't heard anything good or bad about them. |
Re: When having a house built
Originally Posted by geordiebloke
(Post 7251007)
If you don't mind me asking, who did you go with?
We're considering National Homes, but haven't heard anything good or bad about them. |
Re: When having a house built
Originally Posted by FiP
(Post 7251359)
Will PM you with builder info
Does anybody know where you can find independant info/reviews on the different building companies? Steve |
Re: When having a house built
Originally Posted by geordiebloke
(Post 7251460)
Does anybody know where you can find independant info/reviews on the different building companies?
Steve http://forum.homeone.com.au/index.php |
Re: When having a house built
Get enough power points...! Builders never seem to allow enough...
If you decide to arrange some extras yourself, make sure your builder will allow trades directly engaged by you onto site during construction... some don't, and for something like aircon this can be a real problem if you want hidden bulkheads, etc... Check out their cost plus percentage too... |
Re: When having a house built
Originally Posted by geordiebloke
(Post 7251460)
Thanks for that :thumbup:
Does anybody know where you can find independant info/reviews on the different building companies? Steve Have PM'd you with this link http://www.productreview.com.au/cate...hp?cat_id=1943 Fiona |
Re: When having a house built
Many thanks for the info. guys :thumbup:
Steve |
Re: When having a house built
Originally Posted by DrWho
(Post 7253226)
Get enough power points...! Builders never seem to allow enough...
If you decide to arrange some extras yourself, make sure your builder will allow trades directly engaged by you onto site during construction... some don't, and for something like aircon this can be a real problem if you want hidden bulkheads, etc... Check out their cost plus percentage too... John |
Re: When having a house built
Originally Posted by DrWho
(Post 7253226)
Get enough power points...! Builders never seem to allow enough...
If you decide to arrange some extras yourself, make sure your builder will allow trades directly engaged by you onto site during construction... some don't, and for something like aircon this can be a real problem if you want hidden bulkheads, etc... Check out their cost plus percentage too... |
Re: When having a house built
Cos all "builders" love to throw a curve ball with all the cash extras:thumbdown:
|
Re: When having a house built
Originally Posted by FiP
(Post 7251359)
Will PM you with builder info
|
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