(cue air punches)
13 weeks after submitting an amendment on our original development application - it's finally through.
We knew it could take up to 40 working days (8 weeks) but council requested some extra info on the driveway for the 2 properties and the clock had to be stopped. Extra info supplied (and an extra 21 days to comment on the said info) and here we are. Now it's time for the construction certificate.
Just to give you an idea, here are some of the costs associated with a project like this:
Lodgement of Section 96 with council $600
Detailed survey of land for the CC $1150
Preparation of CC for submission to council $5000
Sydney water section 73 certificate $860
Project management of works to be carried out $3000
Actual cost of works...yet to be determined.
Unfortunately, apart from the project management fee, there's little room for cutting costs. There are many aspects of this project that we have done and will do to minimise costs (e.g.landscaping, demolition, painting...you name it, we'll try it) but there are some aspects we realise that are best carried out by professionals, for a professional (and timely) result. It's also important to note that the development application actually stipulates that many of the conditions must be formalised, therefore there is no option for DIYing.
At the moment it feels like it's all money and no action, but with the CC going in this week and the house movers ready to roll in 3 weeks, things are definitely about to change...
Monday, 20 September 2010
Saturday, 29 May 2010
moving ahead (slowly)
Well, we're still in the process of pulling all of the elements of the Section 96 together - the criteria is enormous! A BIG shout out to my dad (structural engineer genius) and sister-in-law Rachel (council planning whiz)- we couldn't have got to this stage without their help...or at least without a whole lot of confusion and $$$.
We should have the Section 96 submitted next early week. From there, council take (up to) 40 days and then (fingers crossed) we can get moving...literally! At the same time we'll be lodging the CC to get the construction requirements in place.
Been busy checking out homes to fit on the new block. Unfortunately it's a little trickier than expected due to the odd shape of the block and 9m set-back from the road. Looks like it will be a custom job as nothing off the plan is going to fit - seems crazy considering it's a 700+ square block! We're going through the process of deciding our needs and wants...needs: good sized kitchen, wants: sunken spa in deck off parent's retreat.
We should have the Section 96 submitted next early week. From there, council take (up to) 40 days and then (fingers crossed) we can get moving...literally! At the same time we'll be lodging the CC to get the construction requirements in place.
Been busy checking out homes to fit on the new block. Unfortunately it's a little trickier than expected due to the odd shape of the block and 9m set-back from the road. Looks like it will be a custom job as nothing off the plan is going to fit - seems crazy considering it's a 700+ square block! We're going through the process of deciding our needs and wants...needs: good sized kitchen, wants: sunken spa in deck off parent's retreat.
Thursday, 29 April 2010
why this path?
Why move the house? Why not just 'doze it and build 2 new ones in it's place? Or even sell a vacant block so the new owner can build what they like in a house?? Believe me, we've thought about it - it would be soooo much easier!
Apart from the fact that our existing house (though 6 metres too far forward on the block) is structurally sound, features high ceilings with amazing cornices, uber-wide floor boards, a massive kitchen, is newly painted and carpeted, and contains the original 50's bathroom (including shiny black retro tiling)...it feels like such a waste to knock it down!
Moving it back on the block places the house in the correct position for the existing D.A's building parcel and allows us to sell the house and land (as opposed to just the land), and if our estimates are correct (fingers and toes crossed!), we should make a lot more on the sale than just a blank parcel of land.
Moving the house also means that we don't have to put up with building noise from our new neighbours (even though they'll have to put up with ours - sorry future owners!).
One teeny tiny detail: the D.A doesn't allow us to relocate the house - just demolish it. This is why we're lodging a Section 96 to amend the original D.A.
So why all the rushing around? We needed to activate the D.A enough to stop it from expiring (with only 7 days before it was to run out), without actually demolishing the house we want to move. The end goal is a new house on a smaller (but still a great size in Sydney's standards) block. Our goal is Christmas 2011 - 20 months and counting...
Apart from the fact that our existing house (though 6 metres too far forward on the block) is structurally sound, features high ceilings with amazing cornices, uber-wide floor boards, a massive kitchen, is newly painted and carpeted, and contains the original 50's bathroom (including shiny black retro tiling)...it feels like such a waste to knock it down!
Moving it back on the block places the house in the correct position for the existing D.A's building parcel and allows us to sell the house and land (as opposed to just the land), and if our estimates are correct (fingers and toes crossed!), we should make a lot more on the sale than just a blank parcel of land.
Moving the house also means that we don't have to put up with building noise from our new neighbours (even though they'll have to put up with ours - sorry future owners!).
One teeny tiny detail: the D.A doesn't allow us to relocate the house - just demolish it. This is why we're lodging a Section 96 to amend the original D.A.
So why all the rushing around? We needed to activate the D.A enough to stop it from expiring (with only 7 days before it was to run out), without actually demolishing the house we want to move. The end goal is a new house on a smaller (but still a great size in Sydney's standards) block. Our goal is Christmas 2011 - 20 months and counting...
Sunday, 25 April 2010
development application secured
Woo hoo! After months of worry, we've finally activated the Development Application on our land (this means that it's not going to run out anytime soon) and we can concentrate on amending the Development Application (DA) with a Section 96 and start on a Construction Certificate(CC). Sound easy enough?
If you've ever thought about moving your house, subdividing your land or building a new house, this blog may help (or help on what not to do!). I don't proclaim to be an expert - far from it, but as I've found it incredibly difficult to find relevant information on the subject, I thought I could at least share what we've learnt...or maybe just keep mum and dad up to date on how we're going.
If you've ever thought about moving your house, subdividing your land or building a new house, this blog may help (or help on what not to do!). I don't proclaim to be an expert - far from it, but as I've found it incredibly difficult to find relevant information on the subject, I thought I could at least share what we've learnt...or maybe just keep mum and dad up to date on how we're going.
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