Spot on Dazzling. The problem once you reach the top of that ladder is, if it is not to your liking and another ladder is more appealing, often you have to start from the bottom rung again. Most people are not willing to take that plunge in seniority or salary and are willing to continue pursuing a career that they donot actually like.

I went to Uni straight out of High School which is something I probably would not do now. At 18 many people have absolutely no idea of what they want to do (now 32 and starting to get an idea!) 20/20 hindsight!!

What gets me is a paedophile was sentenced yesterday to 12 months in prison (off in 4 months!!)here in Australia but Schapelle got 20 years in Indo for drugs.

Personally, I think Australia could learn a thing or two about sending a clear message.

Hey Coops,

I guess the first things that spring to mind are the following:

• lack of flexibility. Very difficult to change layout after the place is built.
• Lack of flexibility in construction phase. You have to absolutely certain when you design that thats what you really want. Once you pourt concrete, it is really expensive to change.
• Lack of flexibility with internal fittings. If you want to move a powerpoint you have to have the conduits in place unless you have an internal false wall.
• Maybe issues with heating / cooling although I am unsure of the thermal properties. What I mean is that it may stay cold in winter and hot in summer, although I am not sure.

On the positives:

• certainly can be cost effective if done right.
• The house is not likely to go anywhere if built correctly. You can huff and puff all you like!

This style of construction is extremely common in industrial / warehouse style structures as it is robust and quick to build.

Just a few thoughts!

Hey Candy,

My only concern with managing this part yourself is that, because you are a fair distance away, you are reliant on tenants to honestly report on maintenance issues and what needs to be done. You are also reliant on the trades people that supply quotes to only fix what is necessary. I am assuming that you will not be able to travel to WA on a regular basis to check on these things.

I am a strong advocate of not spending money if you can do it yourself but how are you go to manage the tyranny of distance?

Hear hear Neo, time to drop the subject I think!

Hey MJ,

I am personally a big fan of the sloping block mainly because you simply cannot buy and install a view!

You mentioned a fall of 6m however what is the distance of the fall? If it is 6m over 200m it is easier to build on than say 6m in 50m! This will predominantly determine the overall cost of levelling if you want to go that way.

On that note, do you have to level much at all. I love the Queenslander style of home either stumped or on poles and, if this is a bush environment, maybe suitable. There are companies out there that specialise in this although wouldn’t know about Queensland.

Just some food for thought.

I suspect that, as a client to a major residential builder, you will probably have a heap of trouble trying to change their “standard” contract. In WA at the moment, residential contruction is still booming and they can really take the work that they want. I would think the moment someone wants to change the contract so it isn’t as biased towards the builder they will take the stance that “this is our standard contract” and cannot be changed.

Of course this is utter rubbish and every contract can be changed by simply ruling a line through a clause or writing a new line in.

Dr X, in terms of what wording to use, logic should dictate. I read contracts every day and find it extremely frustrating when some clever lawyer leads you around in circles. They really should be simple and fair to both parties. Noting below someones contract with delay penalties of $20 per day, you really need a value that covers your costs if delay actually occurs. That might include rent or loss of rent, interest charges, etc.

As for when these are applicable, usually they are applied when the delay is not within their control. Typically with larger contracts, labour is within their control and materials sometimes is and sometimes isn’t. Really, the only viable delay is an “act of god”, union action or inclement weather. In larger contracts they also have to apply for an extension of time, however don’t think this really applies to the smaller jobs.

In the end what it comes down to is that, unless you are confident that you know what they mean, get a contract read and interpretted by a legal or experienced person. You can always go to other builders who will be flexible if this one is not.

Enough waffle from me, good luck!

I think you got most of the info from those above but a few further points and questions to those in the know.

I believe if new development is to take place, the existing tanks have to be removed and disposed of prior to new development.

Most of the environmental issues is due to leaching of the fuels into the ground predominantly from leaking fuel tanks, not usually from spillage. My question is though, what are the legal ramifications from neighbouring properties? Say you have a petrol station which has been leaching nasties into the ground for 20 years and naturally leaches into the neighbours ground. In time to come, the neighbours want to develop but discover their ground is contaminated due to the old petrol station. Who is now liable for the remediation of their land? You, being the current owner, them, for knowingly buying next to a petrol station, or the previous owner of the petrol station?

Not wanting to sound like a doomsayer, but be careful when dealing with issues like this. The ramifications could potentially be huge. Get legal and geotechnical advice before committing!

cheers

Jan

Basenji’s are kind of the cats of the dog world! A bit aloof and up themselves, but are very intelligent, not like my retrievers…hey look at that, foods in my bowl again, how did that get there? Oh well, who cares! Damn, its empty again, oh well, might take a nap then.

I remember when I was a tenant and had to break the lease myself that I had to pay for advertising to get new tenants and then get them to talk to the RE and pass their checks. Could the reverse work here where the landlord has to find the tenants suitable alternative accommodation? If they were reasonable tenants of course.
Other opportunity bearing in mind that your PM is good maybe to talk to him first and see if he/she has any alternative properties and discuss with your tenant directly.
May not be an option, but is a thought!