Hi all…

I’ve just finished writing an article from a Gen-Yers perspective (a bit big for a forum post, but still only a few hundred words!)

Take a look at http://www.digitalfish.com.au/property and let me know what you think! [suave2]

1. Bingo
2. Kind of… But it also comes down to the fact that on a townhouse (or any architecturally-designed building) we’re constructing from scratch, and each day has new unknowns. Materials actually cost more, because there isn’t the buying power, nor the economies of scale of making, say 20 sets of identical frames and trusses.
3. Again,…[Read more]

G’Day Rakesh,

There’s a couple of reasons that single story homes are cheaper to build than multiple storey:

i) Less engineering involved. You can pretty much just slap up your frames and trusses over a concrete slab with single storeys – the engineer’s don’t have to think much at all [biggrin]
ii) No scaffolding needed. Scaffolding costs a…[Read more]

Hi there,

As a “master” builder, as opposed to a project builder, I come across this sort of situation quite regularly. It’s hard to escape the marketing of the project builders and their price tags, yet custom builders avoid advertising as much as they can. For the good ones, we just have no need for it, as there is usually not a shortage of…[Read more]

The state governing agencies also have “plain english” contracts which are OK to use (and also have liq. damages clauses).

However I agree with Michael. Go with a builder who’s a member with HIA or MBA, and they will almost definitely use their chosen agency’s contract.

Steer well clear of any other contracts IMHO.

What contracts do your builders want to use?

Pretty much every contract I’ve seen has had a liquidated damages clause in it…

You may also want to consider adding a bonus for the builder if they complete the work in advance. Seems to work better than penalties if they finish in arrears [biggrin]

Hi there,

It sounds like you may be getting a bit shafted. I would seek advice from your state governing body (we have dept. of fair trading here, not sure who it is in WA). But you need to check a few things first. Namely, check when the contract period started. For HIA contracts, this is 4 weeks after all paperwork (ie. proof of capacity to…[Read more]

Originally posted by MichaelYardney:
I agreee with the majority of posters here.

As I said in a previous post we are currently involved in project managing 85 developments for clients from all over Australia.

I also own my own building company but use outside builders for the projects we manage for clients.

If you take the all up cost including…[Read more]

Hi Saleish,

This is my first post on the forum. You guys have an excellent discussion platform here.

I just felt that I should maybe warn you against a $730/m2 price on duplexes. Firstly, I openly state that I have no idea what arrangements you may have with your builder. I also state that I am a builder, and we specialise in building…[Read more]