Variations

Gosh, so much happens in one week. We went through the variations line by line. It all appears to be correct except some niggly things. We questioned some costs such as the addition of doors to the WIRs - $544 each. I guess this is high but we do have 31c ceilings throughout the house. Also this included the upgraded Stanford doors. Also we wanted the floor heating to extend into the ensuite toilet however they costed for a whole new system at $445! We questioned them why the exhaust fan cost $505 rather than $376 for the other two that we added. Their response was as the energy efficiency had been completed, this vent fan has backdraft shutters. Hmmm let's remember this one when they install the fans to see if they do put the backdraft shutters in. We'll wait and see what they come back with for the other queries. We have time as the demolition is holding the construction up!

Pre-start Variations

Yayyyy received this in the mail today.

Booooo looked at the extra costs quickly and it is approximately $48k

House Valuation

The house valuers came this morning to value the house (even though it will be demolished!) He spent a grand total of 5 minutes. Looks like he had to come as a matter of procedure as the house is still there but really as this is a new build he will be looking at the plans and location to do the valuation. Let's see what he comes back with. Hopefully we can sign off on the bank documents next week so that all is in preparation to make the first draw down for the deposit!

One step forward, two steps back

Everything seems to happen when I am overseas. The prestart person called today to say that the council has faxed them to say that the building license can not be submitted until the demolition license has been submitted. So after landing in Schipol, I called the council to check what is the procedure now and they said no, same old procedure. So called the demolition company and asked them to go and submit the license tomorrow. The council also said that there is an issue with the home theathre. She said that the builder needs to show how they intent to meet the requirements for ventilation and light. I mentioned that there is a note on the drawing that addresses this but I guess that was being too cheeky.

The good news is that the variations from pre-start are ready. They are posting it so we should have them by tomorrow.

House/Block Valuation

The bank has finally organised the valuation of our block. Well the valuer wants to also go through the house even though it will be demolished in 3 weeks. Not sure of the reasoning behind that. Just waiting, waiting for the variations to come back from the prestart consultant.

Bank Documents Submitted

Went to the bank today to submit the documents for them to give unconditional approval. I would expect them to give us an answer next week. Second last day before our bank manager retires so it was good to see him as we have dealt with him for seven years now. Just owe him the council approved plans and builders insurance certificate. He also confirmed that the balance of the deposit can be the first draw down on the loan - happy with that.

Hopefully the valuation comes back more than what we had estimated otherwise we may need to rethink things.....

Prestart Changes

Major changes
1. Increase the size of the garage door
2. Added front paving including crossover
3. Added fuse box to garage
4. Added doors to WIRs
5. Added front brick fence (including letterbox)
6. Added three phase power

Minor Changes
1. Front door/door lock
2. Added lights and powerpoints
3. Added floor heating to ensuite toilet
4. Changed one double door of linen to broom cupboard
5. Added drawer under oven
6. Confirmed that drawers in kitchen to be 600mm wide
7. Changed the pantry door to swing outwards
8. Added cupboards and bulkhead above fridge
9. Added bulkhead above microve/appliance stack
10. Confirmed additional 900mm pull out drawer set in kitchen
11. Added flumed vent fan in laundry
12. Added window to opening from family to home theatre

Options requested
1. Laminex freestyle for bathroom and ensuite benchtops
2. Essa stone for the kitchen benchtop
3. Internal wall painting
4. Colorbond gutter/fascia/downpipes