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I know a builder mate (i am a builder) who periodically works for a developer in Sydneys eastern suburbs. He receives $45 per hour. He is not using his license. The developer looks after the insurances. The advantages my mate has are
1. He knows he will be paid
2. It is 6 months of fulltime pay without too many hassles eg versus doing large amounts of unpaid work such as quotes, paperwork etc.
3. Work is close to home.Disadvantages –
1. He does not earn a profit margin.
2. He alienates other regulars – he is not too worried about this as there is heaps of work.I would say it is advantageous for a developer to hire a builder as they have enormous experience in construction and people management leaving the developer to worry about managing other things like cashflow, real estate agents, solicitors, accountants, accounts, contractors payments and council.
Hope this helps. [strum]
Check the contract. If you picked more expensive PC items eg dishwashers, tiles, taps etc. the builder is within his rights to charge the extras. Normally a builder should notify the client of the variation before they go ahead with the job and get the client to sign off as proof that you are aware of the variation.
Maybe you have rights if the builder did not notify you. It may be worth sending a legal letter. If not check the contract for dispute resolution procedures which sometimes can cheaply resolve disputes with an arbitor or similar. Commonly in these cases it is very hard to appeal decisions to a higher level (normally appeals to be heard are only successful on a point of law, not the facts as presented).
Hope this helps. Good luck.[biggrin]
Hi Islandgirl. I would get a pre purchase building and timber pest report on the building. Ask the agent for names of consultants if you are stuck and ring the consultant prior to going out to make them aware that you have not seen the property. Can they send you a report with numerous photos. Afterwards ring the consultant to clarify the more important immediate works which may need doing and those that can be priced into a maintenance program.
Also arrange a valuation for reinforcement that the property price is in the ballpark. As for the 12 month lease, it is better than nothing but nothing is guaranteed.
Good luck. [thumbsupanim]
Is your purpose to convert these rooms into habitable areas eg bedrooms. If so the Building Code of Australia requires them to be 2.4m ceiling height amoungst other things. Otherwise the rooms can be for storage only and do not require to have all the normal things people expect in habitable areas eg natural light, ventilation, dry etc. The current owners may have lodged plans for these rooms to be store areas in which case formal approvals may be forthcoming from the Council.
Good luck
Hello Rexilla99,
Despite what the builder or real estate agent will tell you i would get a final inspection done on the new building work. A Final Inspection of the works will/should identify:
  • any things which are unfinished (incomplete work)
  • problems which need fixing (defective work)
  • certification i recommend you ask the contractor to give you. This certification is proof that major parts of the work have been properly inspected.Often there can many minor issues which can be quite difficult or expensive to rectify.
Trusting the system or the contract is foolish and the reason why there are so many expensive and frustrating disputes between consumers and builders.
Good luck. [suave]
Thanks Jenny1. That sounds just what i want including with regard to durability.
Swerve[biggrin]
Thanks Jenny1. That sounds just what i want including with regard to durability.
Swerve[biggrin]
Removal of trees in close proximity to structures eg house, brick fencing etc can increase movement/cracking levels. The theroy is the large tree whilst alive is sucking up a certain volume of water. But if it is killed off water is reintroduced into the soil increasing the soils volume and lifting the house. Be careful. I would ask a structural engineer for advice prior to proceeding.
Good luck
For you to subdivide you will need to have carried out the Councils Development Application conditions of approval. In my 2 experiences on subdividing the Council wanted all main services run (under ground) and detailed to me specifically where these were to be placed eg east of original house. All councils are different. Visit yours and discuss likely requirements of the DA and budget as necessary.
For you to subdivide you will need to have carried out the Councils Development Application conditions of approval. In my 2 experiences on subdividing the Council wanted all main services run (under ground) and detailed to me specifically where these were to be placed eg east of original house. All councils are different. Visit yours and discuss likely requirements of the DA and budget as necessary.
