Maybe we were a little ambitious thinking we'd be further ahead. Council and Sydney Water have taken their sweet time approving the Construction Certificate. We should have it out of council by next week (the week before Christmas). Thinking we were going to get the slab down before Christmas may have been a little ambitious too...
We've signed the contract with the builder now - 9 months after the initial contract was drawn. Getting in by our deadline of April next year seems slim but not impossible. The house designer / project manager has subcontracted the builder (hence we've just signed with them now) who will (as of next week) use the CC to get moving.
Luckily for us, they're not taking the whole of January off. We should start making some real progress soon. Look out for pix to come!
Friday, 14 December 2012
Monday, 17 September 2012
D.A through!
Woo Hoo!! The D.A is through, so now we're onto the C.C. Looks like we could get he slab down before Christmas!
(In case the acronyms are too much, the D.A is the Development Application - the planning side of the build lodged to council. The C.C is the Construction Certificate - the detail and specifications behind the build, also lodged to council for approval. Both take weeks to approve, but the D.A is the big one and stipulates all the overall conditions that must be adhered to - hence our celebration!)
Luckily there were no objections (thanks to our neighbours) and our special request of a fence was approved. So it's back to Bunnings and specialty build stores to start picking tiles / floors / doors / skirting / colours / finishes...here we go again!
(In case the acronyms are too much, the D.A is the Development Application - the planning side of the build lodged to council. The C.C is the Construction Certificate - the detail and specifications behind the build, also lodged to council for approval. Both take weeks to approve, but the D.A is the big one and stipulates all the overall conditions that must be adhered to - hence our celebration!)
Luckily there were no objections (thanks to our neighbours) and our special request of a fence was approved. So it's back to Bunnings and specialty build stores to start picking tiles / floors / doors / skirting / colours / finishes...here we go again!
Tuesday, 21 August 2012
...building a new one..
Yes, we're finally up to this part!
Over the last 4 months (since selling) we've been engaging with building companies, finalising what kind of house we could afford and what kind of house will fit on the new block. It hasn't been easy: sorting out the 'final' cost of the house varies across companies. I'm still wondering how a 'finished' house doesn't include flooring??? That's an 'extra' or 'upgrade' apparently...
Buzz words aside, we decided to go with a building company outside of the major ones with show homes and abysmal decor. This company were happy to work with our brief (3-4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2 living areas) and design a house that not only works on our block but suits our tastes and budget. We started with a list of wants / needs (scullery, room for a large bath, extra insulation, extra large garage for a workshop) and whittled down what was really important to us versus the $$$ it would cost. Overall, we've come up with a house design that we feel good about, with builders and designers we are excited to work with.
We've paid two installments so far. One to start the design process (after several early sketches), and the other to submit to council. So here we sit, waiting for any objections (if any) to come back from council and a full set of drawings to start moving (...make that digging). It's nice not to be dealing with council this time.
There's just one little thing...one little deadline...we've got 8 months to build and move in, or we're going to have to move out of this house and stay somewhere (???) until the new house is finished. I'm really hoping we don't have to move twice. Couple that with an expanding family, we've got lots going on again this year. We don't seem to do things by halves...
Over the last 4 months (since selling) we've been engaging with building companies, finalising what kind of house we could afford and what kind of house will fit on the new block. It hasn't been easy: sorting out the 'final' cost of the house varies across companies. I'm still wondering how a 'finished' house doesn't include flooring??? That's an 'extra' or 'upgrade' apparently...
Buzz words aside, we decided to go with a building company outside of the major ones with show homes and abysmal decor. This company were happy to work with our brief (3-4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2 living areas) and design a house that not only works on our block but suits our tastes and budget. We started with a list of wants / needs (scullery, room for a large bath, extra insulation, extra large garage for a workshop) and whittled down what was really important to us versus the $$$ it would cost. Overall, we've come up with a house design that we feel good about, with builders and designers we are excited to work with.
We've paid two installments so far. One to start the design process (after several early sketches), and the other to submit to council. So here we sit, waiting for any objections (if any) to come back from council and a full set of drawings to start moving (...make that digging). It's nice not to be dealing with council this time.
There's just one little thing...one little deadline...we've got 8 months to build and move in, or we're going to have to move out of this house and stay somewhere (???) until the new house is finished. I'm really hoping we don't have to move twice. Couple that with an expanding family, we've got lots going on again this year. We don't seem to do things by halves...
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
SOLD!!!!
We've sold, sold, sold, sold, sold , sold, sold, sold, sold, sold (cue happy dance and air punching), sold, sold, sold, sold, sold, sold, sold, sold, sold (phew, getting tired now...let's just get the champagne out). Sold, sold, sold, sold, sold, sold...(this is never getting old!)...sold, sold, sold, sold...
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
this time last year
02/11
02/12
I know which one I prefer living in!
How's the house sale going I hear you ask? I don't want to jinx anything but hopefully we'll have something to report on in the next week...
02/12
I know which one I prefer living in!
How's the house sale going I hear you ask? I don't want to jinx anything but hopefully we'll have something to report on in the next week...
Saturday, 7 January 2012
new year, new challenges
We've started looking at house designs for the new block. Taking sun aspects, established trees, council setbacks and our budget into account - this isn't an easy task. The easy part is that my husband and I are fairly agreeable when it comes to designs / layout / building materials. It's just a shame that the more environmentally sound you try to be when designing a house, the more expensive it becomes...crazy!
We've considered standard show homes, kit homes, modular homes and now we're looking into a couple of builders (though I think this may be the most expensive option yet, once we incorporate architectural costs, etc). Keep you posted.
The new year has brought new buyers to the real estate market. We've had 4 viewings booked and over 200 hits on the real estate website in the last 3 days. The couples we've had through have made offers on other houses and seem to be serious. Fingers crossed.
We've considered standard show homes, kit homes, modular homes and now we're looking into a couple of builders (though I think this may be the most expensive option yet, once we incorporate architectural costs, etc). Keep you posted.
The new year has brought new buyers to the real estate market. We've had 4 viewings booked and over 200 hits on the real estate website in the last 3 days. The couples we've had through have made offers on other houses and seem to be serious. Fingers crossed.
Monday, 2 January 2012
wishing and hoping
Sorry for the extended pause. It's been over 2 months since the house went on the market and still no sale. I've thought about updating the blog to talk about the current stall in the housing market / cautious buyers / unsteady economy, but in truth it's all a little... disappointing.
We've had a lot of people through to look at the house. Their comments have all been positive. I believe we've got a great agent working for us who's been timely with updates and feedback. We've tried online, print and signage to advertise, along with several strategies to attract new and different buyers in the market. We're not overpriced (and this isn't just my opinion!). The house is immaculate. Still no sale.
Unfortunately buyer confidence has dropped in the market and we're copping it. Oh well, guess it's back to vacuuming and moping, wishing and hoping, dusting and tidying...waiting for someone to fall in love with our house.
We've had a lot of people through to look at the house. Their comments have all been positive. I believe we've got a great agent working for us who's been timely with updates and feedback. We've tried online, print and signage to advertise, along with several strategies to attract new and different buyers in the market. We're not overpriced (and this isn't just my opinion!). The house is immaculate. Still no sale.
Unfortunately buyer confidence has dropped in the market and we're copping it. Oh well, guess it's back to vacuuming and moping, wishing and hoping, dusting and tidying...waiting for someone to fall in love with our house.
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