How soon to buy? Few questions...

[portlaunay]

Has anyone used an architect?

We're keen to commission one to design and build something with very specific requirements and we'll be challenging them to find materials and construction methods that really drive down the costs and the environmental footprint to allow us to build two or maybe three properties.

 

We are a long way off yet but we like the loofa of what these guys are doing;

http://coda-studio.com/project/house-w/

 

Also, are there restrictions on where you can build? We see land for sale advertised as being 'zoned' for a specific use. Does this restrict whether you can and what you can build on it?

 

Does anyone know whether there are similar laws as the UK with regards to 'temporary' structures such as mobile homes and limited usage that don't require planning?

[Guest guest9824]

Has anyone used an architect?

We're keen to commission one to design and build something with very specific requirements and we'll be challenging them to find materials and construction methods that really drive down the costs and the environmental footprint to allow us to build two or maybe three properties.

 

We are a long way off yet but we like the loofa of what these guys are doing;

http://coda-studio.com/project/house-w/

 

Also, are there restrictions on where you can build? We see land for sale advertised as being 'zoned' for a specific use. Does this restrict whether you can and what you can build on it?

 

Does anyone know whether there are similar laws as the UK with regards to 'temporary' structures such as mobile homes and limited usage that don't require planning?

 

We have zoning in kala it restricts the plot sizes, and varies as to whether you are attached to sewers etc. r zoning can change and ours might soon, even though we are classed as semi rural and the block sizes can't be less than 1500 sqm. If the zoning changes and you are on the sewers then the block can be carved up a lot smaller.

[verystormy]

We looked at similar things, but we found it not practical. Be aware that even timber homes that are architect designed can be VERY epensive. You would also need to appoint a project manager with experience in that type of build or appoint the architect as it - but that can be very expensive. It is unlikely to prove cheaper than a norml build

 

Zoning is what the council says can and can not be built and what building can be used for.

 

There are a lot of restrictions on what you can build in particular areas and even what materials can be used - for example, our area can only have double brick builds and they most be of a minimum size. There are also restrictive covenants that are put in place by land owners and developers and sometimes councils to force compliance on certain things. For example, in our suburb we have a covenant that means boundary wall must be limestone walls and colourbond fences are not permitted.

 

There are similar things in the UK though not zoning. But areas will have restrictions and covenants exist and there can be some awkward ones. There are also issues in the UK regarding temporry structures as some areas they are not allowed and others it is the only way of getting around a planning limitiation.

 

In the UK there are planning regs and planning guidance that the council will follow for particular areas - though you cn lodge an application contrary to them if you can estblish a case and reason as to why the guides should not be applied.

[verystormy]

We have just completed pre-start so thought I would give an update.

 

Once contracts are signed, you get a massive folder with all your selections. Go through this in detail and get out to the suppliers to look at things and get color scheme ideas.

 

Paint samples are tiny, but if you contact dulux they will send out A4 sized ones which are much better.

 

Before you sign a contract be very thorough with the builder about what is included and what's not. For example, check what tiling is included as it's very expensive to increase it. Some of the cheaper builders only tile showers to 1.6 meters. Not high enough for a normal hight shower!

 

Be prepared to budget for electrics. We had a lot more included than normal, but the extra power points and things still cost over $2k.

 

If stone bench tops are not included, be aware they are very expensive. Ours is included to the kitchen, but to add it to the on-suite was going to be $1300 for a small one

 

Be prepared for pre-start budget as anything you add you have to pay for on the day either in cash or credit card. We were lucky that most of the things we might have wanted to upgrade to were included, but we still spent $3500 on the day.