Thanks Lisa, thats fantastic information!!

Are you planning on doing it all over again or just a one off?

Well done!

No probs, after thinking further, Titch’s explanation may be more probable as you can do concrete slab construction on sloping ground except you need a fair amount of excavation and possible split levels. On really sloping blocks, pole construction is more likely.

Would guess here that it is the look they are after. Why not give the Queensland…[Read more]

Hi Emmjay79,

A stump home as far as I am aware is a house which is built on stumps or piers, ie brick columns supporting the floor as opposed to concrete slab construction which is a concrete slab on ground with structure built on top. Other type would be pole house but don’t think this classifies as a stump house.

Reasons why they specify…[Read more]

Hey Leila,

One project that I was proud of was doing up a little fibro dump in Sydney a few years back. Most was paint, polishing the floors, new bathroom etc but my fave was the kitchen.

Funds were limited so what we did was get some perforated plywood sheeting (polished plywood with little holes), cut it to the shape of the door and drawer…[Read more]

Must admit that I frowned when I first read that small part of the book. Reading on, I noted that Steve pointed out it was his book and he could write anything he felt applicable which you have to respect. If you don’t like, drop the book and go back to whatever you were doing.

I will offer the following possibility which may be appropriate.…[Read more]

Sorry, clarification. Was not suggesting you are biased and possibly misinformed PK, thats just me!!

Cheers

Jan

A few other comments on the area:

Not wanting to sound snobby but the tenants you may get in Midland maybe less than desireable. That info only comes from working close to the area and certainly not from experience so, PK correct me if I am wrong.
On a positive, Midland Gate shopping centre is currently under construction which may help the area…[Read more]

I don’t like making things anymore difficult than they need to be I know there are a few more things in between!!

What does the surveyor actually do in the process? Sorry for asking stupid questions, but being an Engineer, I like to know exactly how things work! It sounds from what you are saying they almost Project Manage the process. Is…[Read more]

Been on many a holiday to Bermagui when I was a kid. Remember the sailing was great and beaches beautiful.

It is like many of the coastal towns along the NSW / Vic Coast and almost equi-distant from Melb and Sydney which makes it a hike for weekenders.

Hold the phone Aussierouge, I may have already won! They told me in the last letter I received!

Thanks ActToday, thats what I needed! Have you done a few of these or was that the first?

So I take it the procedure would be (assuming you already owned the block and the numbers stack up):
Approach council to determine if land is suitable for subdivision.
Submit necessary docs for subdividion approval.
Carry out site survey for strata or green…[Read more]

Carr,

You also see these a fair bit with government and defence housing contracts. Have seen many 3x3x3 leases but also do get 5x5x5. Commercial is more common though!

Hey Jaime,

Don’t know a hellavlot about trusts but with respects to equal amounts, I would think that the amount each of you put in is more a function of what each of you can afford. Splitting spoils in terms of financial input is a simple calculation of percentages.

The more difficult side would be how you apportion the time aspect and what…[Read more]

Thanks for the replies Rick and Dazzling,

I actually spent a bit of time with a few RE agents and driving the suburbs I am interested in yesterday to get a better feel. Inow have a copy of the R code requirements for different zoning which goes into minimum land size, frontage and useable land. Next stop council to have a chat!

I think Rick…[Read more]

Congratulations Michael and Kay! Well done on the 1st anniversary and the wedding sounded fantastic!Very much as we have in mind!

Congrats again!

My partner is an event / function manager who’s pet name for brides is “Bridezillas”. Something to do with having a wedding party of 26 (bridesmaids and groomsmen), a couple a required Birds Of Paridise and showers of exotic rose petals while the speechs are on! I think she does tend to exagerate!

We are getting married in January on the beach…[Read more]

My parents always did say I could be Prime Minister one day if I wanted to, they just didn’t say what Age!!

Jules,

As Alistair points out, an architect will prepare the docs if necessary and this can also be done in NSW with DA’s. Obviously the cost of this can add up with the preperation and correspondence, so many prefer to do it themselves once they have the plans drawn up.

I would simply ask the town planner what the council requirements are for…[Read more]

Hi Jules,

DA stands for development application and the requirements vary from council to council. Standard things that would be required are plans of the proposed additions / work, elevations (side views), structural design if necessary, the environmental ramifications if any etc. You can usually get the DA standard forms and brochures through…[Read more]

Sounds like WA in many respects!! Just add the following:

Its 9pm on any weekday and the only place to buy milk is the petrol station. – learn’t that the hard way!
Sunday beers need to be planned and bought on Saturday as most bottleshops cannot open on Sundays – learn’t that the hard way too!!