Thanks xdrew that's a great idea. They hadn't even crossed my mind – I used them a number of years back  for a property inspection and I too found the guy they sent out professional and competent.

I just want an independent report stating that the walls are not load bearing and if s/he has any recommendations regarding the way those two walls spans need to be addressed that would be great as well. Then I can go to my builder and tell him I need ABC done and set out clear parameters for the job from an informed position.

Thanks JacM – I've been looking at all those links and now discovered more.

I think my strategy will be the key driver as to what suburbs will suit me.

Hi All,

Thank you all for the great advice – it's been of immense help in pointing me towards the right areas of research and clarification of strategy.

I'll be engaging with a town planner and project manger without question – my biggest concern is ensuring the construction costs don't blow out – I want that contract to be as tight as possible. I feel that's the area where the most could go wrong and the area I'm least confident about. I've got great lawyer who has helped me in the past with other property deals (including a win against the State Gov regarding stamp duty ) so i'll be running everything past him as well.

Ballerina, no – but 70K sounds a lot more than I had thought. I'll make those calls and report back – I'm assuming it varies from council to council? 

Primeproperty – thanks for the advice – i couldn't agree more. I will definitely keep you all posted.

Hi All,

Thank you very much for the information – you've been very helpful in clarifying some of my decisions.

Richard, I'll do exactly that  – I'll be well below 80%. The rest (about 100K) I'll set aside for getting the DA and some more in reserve for the next stages.

Shahin I have a PM who will oversee the construction phase. He's offered to get me to DA for an additional fee – but I'm exploring coordinating the DA stage myself as I felt his fee was too high. I'm looking at engaging a town planner to coordinate through to DA.

Thanks,

Aloha

Thanks all for the input. Just a question Qlds007 – I never claimed the first home buyers grant as I brought my first property pre-buyers grant – this one i live in is my second purchase. Is my partner still able to access the first home buyers grant? our PPoR is in my name only.