We now have a perimeter fence, that must have taken them all of about an hour to put in place. Apparently you need to allocate a week for this, because nothing else has happened.
Lets hope for some movement next week.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Benching
There was activity in our street Wednesday, we had trucks and tractors lining our street. It was lunch, and the guys had just finished benching another Wisdom home across the road, and at the time had the tractors parked next to our block while conducting some surveying. So I drove past Thursday lunchtime to check out the results, and nothing!!! Not even anyone around. It left us wondering why they didn't do both on the same day?
So we checked again on Friday lunch and they were back, this time in full swing on our block. We dropped in this morning (Saturday) to take some pictures of the end result:
Looking across to the front high side corner, the natural height of the land measures 20.80. So with the benching at 19.50, we have a 1.3 metre cut which falls away to about a 0.5 metre cut left of picture.We'll need a retaining wall here, but hopefully not 1.3 metres high once the slab and landscaping is done. I'm wondering if the toilet will survive some wandering teenage kids tonight haha!
So we checked again on Friday lunch and they were back, this time in full swing on our block. We dropped in this morning (Saturday) to take some pictures of the end result:
Front view, you would think the block is flat from this view, not so!
Here we have the step down. The top level is benched at 19.50, the bottom level benched at 19.15. This is looking towards the front low side (where the cut is meant to be 0.11 metres). It looks alot more than this, especially the temporary vehicle access. We hope this is far from what the actual driveway will be (the garage floor will finish at 19.80, with the front street at 19.88, so we are expecting a relatively flat driveway.
This is the back right 0.55 metre fill, looking back towards the front left. The back already falls away to the drain, the fill makes the fall even greater. So we are already thinking about our landscaping options here.
In the background of this picture is another Wisdom home under construction. This site was benched Wednesday and this morning (3 days later) they were drilling the pier holes. Pending weather, there is no reason why ours won't be done next week?
Thursday, June 10, 2010
The loo has arrived
Our block sits up on a hill, which can be seen from a road we often travel. And yesterday we spotted objects! A quick u-turn into the estate identified the portaloo had arrived, Wisdom Homes signage, and we think the sediment control fence (in this corner, the land will be filled by 550mm).
We are 6 days (weekdays) into the communicated 5-10 working days for the benching to occur, but last week was virtually a write-off with heavy rain, so we are expecting a slight delay. Fingers crossed for next week after the long weekend.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
We have pegs
The first sign of progress (how exicting), 4 red pegs. We took these photos on Saturday, apparently they were done on Monday. The front 2 are marked "3M TO INT (PORCH)". The back 2 are marked "3M TO WALL" which is referring to the retaining wall at the perimeter of our block. Not sure what the go is with 3 metres, on our plans it seems to fall in line with the sediment control fence at the back, and the temporary security fence at the front.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
The story so far
Well, we are a little late in starting this blog, with building about to start. The site was pegged last week (apparently, we are about to head out today for a look), with the benching to be done in the next 5-10 working days. It's very exciting to be starting. Let us provide you with the details of our journey to date, it feels like it has been a long one already.
Build or not to build?
We are a family of 4, with 2 boys aged 4 and 2. We lived in a small 3 bedroom house, but found space was becoming a problem. We browsed for established homes, but just couldnt find the right place for us. For the price, there was always something not quite right, either the location or something that needed changing. At the same time, we walked through 100's of display homes, and began a dream of building our own place.
It was the Wisdom Impression 38 MkII on display at The Ponds that we loved over all others (with Eden Brae and Metricon close behind).
We liked:
* The study and home theatre (in place of the more traditional formal lounge and dining that rarely gets used).
* The open entertaining areas (leisure, family, kitchen, alfresco).
* The colours, carpet and tiles.
* Standard inclusions over other builders.
There were only a few minor dislikes, which we will get into later.
We had not heard of Wisdom before, and wanted to know more about them. We did some research online, thanks to others who have blogged with their experiences. But it wasn't until we drove past a house that was just completed, and the owner was out the front doing some work, so we stopped and chatted for a while. It was the 3rd time he had built and it was his best building experience. He had nothing but compliments, with only some minor issues along the way. That was the moment that gave us the confidence to proceed with Wisdom.
The land:
We had been circling a new estate for some time, and quickly moved to secure one of the last blocks in the current release. It was effectively off the plan (long grass and no roads), we secured it on the 11th October 2009, knowing it wasnt to be registered until April 2010. This gave us the time to sell up and move in with the parents. Over the months we watched the landscape transform into this (our block).
First unexpected cost:
When we placed the original holding deposit down on the land, we went straight over to the display centre with a draft contour report. At a glance, they pretty much said we would be up for an additional 20K, for additional earth works (cut and fill) and structural additions to the home. The block sloped by a total of 2 metres from front/right to back/left, so it was never something we thought would cost so much extra (naive maybe). So for any first timers reading this, we would recommend you get your builder to give you a rough estimate of additional site costs (if you can, before you commit on the land), its definitely something you need to factor into your budget.
Tender process:
We added quite a few extras. Without fail, the lifestyle sale and the kitchen package are must haves. The rest went on ducted air, doors (upgraded internals, extra stacker, cavity doors), electrical additions (security reed switches, down lights, additional tv and power points) and the biggest surprise to us was the kitchen (all overhead cupboards & microwave shelf were extra, even with the kitchen package... who would have thought? Although I see they now include the overheads in the new lifestyle package).
We went with the Advanti facade (extra). Not for the views as we are on the low side of the street. But it is a cul-de-sac, hence it will be good to watchover the kids on their bikes with a coffee, paper and the morning sun in future years.
After tossing up various cut and fill options, we settled on a 700mm cut front right and a 340mm step-down opening out to the dining/family room, which left a 550mm fill back left. It took a couple of goes for the guys to draw it up, but we got there in the end.
The only other structural changes made was within the ensuite, deleting the column and deleting the study nook in the upper lounge giving a little more space in the ensuite. We moved some air conditioning ducts around to give more space in the built in robes.
Probably the only thing we struggled with was the kitchen pantry. I'm sure everyone who has seen the display home would agree its a shocker. We looked at several options, but in the end through indecision, we left it as standard. We will probably regret not coming up with something, we have deleted the wire shelving and will do the shelves ourselves when we move in.
The tender process was a little frustrating going back and forward several times with constant mistakes. One one occasion our requested changes were missing, while things we never asked for suddenly appeared. You do need to double check everything!
Bricks
The standard range of bricks are good if you are planning to render them. The bricks you will end up choosing will be an upgrade. This was no surprise, as we had budgetted for this up front. We probably changed our minds on the bricks about 5 times, in the end we went with Blackheath from Boral (picking up a sample on the way to the colour appointment). They were an "A" range upgrade (1st upgrade level of 4), so well within our budget. Get a list of houses from the brick place, seeing the brick built is the only way. Watch out for the off-white mortar which is extra.
Colours
The colour appointment went well, with the colour & design manager providing good guidance. Taking our ideas and tweaking them, largely reassuring what would and wouldn't work. After the appointment, we still looked around the streets for inspiration, but pretty much stuck to the colours selected in the appointment.
Council plans and construction certificate
Plans were lodged to council 21/4 and approved 13/5. We monitored the progress on the councils DA website everyday and contacted Wisdom as soon as it was approved to find out what was next. We can still see others in the street that have been waiting for over 6 weeks already, so it was fantastic to be out in 3!!
We then went through a very frustrating period with Wisdom head office.
(1) We received an unexpected phone call from the kitchen place requesting an appointment. We were not advised that this would be part of the process, as far as we were concerned the kitchen was done as per the tender. In the end we didnt need the appointment (after some run around), we only had to sign off on the kitchen layout.
(2) Next we were sent an electrical plan, which specific instructions to mark anything new in red, and any changes in black. The problem was, it wasnt a standard plan nor ours, so we didnt know where we were up to, and started to worry that they had missed things from our tender. We found it very odd that this was not done over an appointment, and when we finally questioned this (because another friend was building and just completed his electrical appointment), they said they do do appointments if the customer asks. By this stage, we had it all done ourselves.
(3) Next we were told we need to build a retaining wall before they commence with the slab. We always knew we needed one, but we had visions of doing it once the house was finished. So we started looking at our options, and about a week later we questioned it. Turns out it wasnt a council requirement, the construction manager at Wisdom ordered it. Upon questioning, it turned out to be fine to leave it until after construction. While it might be easier to put the wall in now, we dont really want to deal with any of the landscaping until we move in. We learnt that the only issue is we are liable for any damage to neighbour fencing/property, which at the moment is a vacant block of land with no plans in at council as yet.
(4) Next we asked about stamped concrete to the alfresco (instead of stenciled). It took 2 weeks and follow up to get a response that due to the slope on the driveway, it wasnt an option. We never asked about the driveway, so asked again about the alfresco. The response was something along the lines of 'no, not an option' via email.
(5) Next we were advised that we need to pay another $400 for stenciled concrete to the alfresco area. From day 1, we observed the area was 23.8m square, but the allowance was 15m square. We questioned this, and while promised at the display centre that the concreted area would cover the entire area, we asked for it to be written into the tender. They wouldnt do this, (can't remember the reason why), we didnt think anything more of it until we were asked to pay more! The explanation was that 15m is standard for all their homes, but the Impression 38 is bigger than standard. This was very mis-leading!!! In the end we had no option but to accept the additional cost.
(6) Next we received a final variation with 3 changes to sign with no explanation. After a phone call, we learnt we were up for an additional $400 for frosted windows on upstairs bathrooms (that were missed from council approved plans). You would think these days that frosted glass in bathrooms is a standard council requirement and should be in the standard inclusions of the house builder. We also had 2 windows with different codes (note only). One of these windows was for the kitchen, which we deleted from day 1. After discussion, turned out it was actually for the walk in robe in the main bedroom. The window codes in the tender were different to the ones submitted to council. We had to change the windows in the tender to the ones that had been approved. In the end, no big deal, one window is slightly bigger, the other slightly smaller.
(7) Next we learnt that they had mis-counted the reed switches (only because we added upstairs as well and came back with an unusual cost). It would help if they put the units and unit price into the tender so the customer has the ability to check it (which they promise they do now).
So as you can see, a very frustrating period. Maybe this is something every customer goes through at wrap up (no matter which builder you are with). We can say that overall, they have always made themselves available via phone and email and have always been responsive. But only when you as the customer initiates the contact. Otherwise they come across as being happy to be left alone with minimal contact.
So that is the story so far. Fingers cross for smooth sailing and good weather. We'll get some photos up as soon as we see movement.
Build or not to build?
We are a family of 4, with 2 boys aged 4 and 2. We lived in a small 3 bedroom house, but found space was becoming a problem. We browsed for established homes, but just couldnt find the right place for us. For the price, there was always something not quite right, either the location or something that needed changing. At the same time, we walked through 100's of display homes, and began a dream of building our own place.
It was the Wisdom Impression 38 MkII on display at The Ponds that we loved over all others (with Eden Brae and Metricon close behind).
We liked:
* The study and home theatre (in place of the more traditional formal lounge and dining that rarely gets used).
* The open entertaining areas (leisure, family, kitchen, alfresco).
* The colours, carpet and tiles.
* Standard inclusions over other builders.
There were only a few minor dislikes, which we will get into later.
We had not heard of Wisdom before, and wanted to know more about them. We did some research online, thanks to others who have blogged with their experiences. But it wasn't until we drove past a house that was just completed, and the owner was out the front doing some work, so we stopped and chatted for a while. It was the 3rd time he had built and it was his best building experience. He had nothing but compliments, with only some minor issues along the way. That was the moment that gave us the confidence to proceed with Wisdom.
The land:
We had been circling a new estate for some time, and quickly moved to secure one of the last blocks in the current release. It was effectively off the plan (long grass and no roads), we secured it on the 11th October 2009, knowing it wasnt to be registered until April 2010. This gave us the time to sell up and move in with the parents. Over the months we watched the landscape transform into this (our block).
First unexpected cost:
When we placed the original holding deposit down on the land, we went straight over to the display centre with a draft contour report. At a glance, they pretty much said we would be up for an additional 20K, for additional earth works (cut and fill) and structural additions to the home. The block sloped by a total of 2 metres from front/right to back/left, so it was never something we thought would cost so much extra (naive maybe). So for any first timers reading this, we would recommend you get your builder to give you a rough estimate of additional site costs (if you can, before you commit on the land), its definitely something you need to factor into your budget.
Tender process:
We added quite a few extras. Without fail, the lifestyle sale and the kitchen package are must haves. The rest went on ducted air, doors (upgraded internals, extra stacker, cavity doors), electrical additions (security reed switches, down lights, additional tv and power points) and the biggest surprise to us was the kitchen (all overhead cupboards & microwave shelf were extra, even with the kitchen package... who would have thought? Although I see they now include the overheads in the new lifestyle package).
We went with the Advanti facade (extra). Not for the views as we are on the low side of the street. But it is a cul-de-sac, hence it will be good to watchover the kids on their bikes with a coffee, paper and the morning sun in future years.
After tossing up various cut and fill options, we settled on a 700mm cut front right and a 340mm step-down opening out to the dining/family room, which left a 550mm fill back left. It took a couple of goes for the guys to draw it up, but we got there in the end.
The only other structural changes made was within the ensuite, deleting the column and deleting the study nook in the upper lounge giving a little more space in the ensuite. We moved some air conditioning ducts around to give more space in the built in robes.
Probably the only thing we struggled with was the kitchen pantry. I'm sure everyone who has seen the display home would agree its a shocker. We looked at several options, but in the end through indecision, we left it as standard. We will probably regret not coming up with something, we have deleted the wire shelving and will do the shelves ourselves when we move in.
The tender process was a little frustrating going back and forward several times with constant mistakes. One one occasion our requested changes were missing, while things we never asked for suddenly appeared. You do need to double check everything!
Bricks
The standard range of bricks are good if you are planning to render them. The bricks you will end up choosing will be an upgrade. This was no surprise, as we had budgetted for this up front. We probably changed our minds on the bricks about 5 times, in the end we went with Blackheath from Boral (picking up a sample on the way to the colour appointment). They were an "A" range upgrade (1st upgrade level of 4), so well within our budget. Get a list of houses from the brick place, seeing the brick built is the only way. Watch out for the off-white mortar which is extra.
Colours
The colour appointment went well, with the colour & design manager providing good guidance. Taking our ideas and tweaking them, largely reassuring what would and wouldn't work. After the appointment, we still looked around the streets for inspiration, but pretty much stuck to the colours selected in the appointment.
Council plans and construction certificate
Plans were lodged to council 21/4 and approved 13/5. We monitored the progress on the councils DA website everyday and contacted Wisdom as soon as it was approved to find out what was next. We can still see others in the street that have been waiting for over 6 weeks already, so it was fantastic to be out in 3!!
We then went through a very frustrating period with Wisdom head office.
(1) We received an unexpected phone call from the kitchen place requesting an appointment. We were not advised that this would be part of the process, as far as we were concerned the kitchen was done as per the tender. In the end we didnt need the appointment (after some run around), we only had to sign off on the kitchen layout.
(2) Next we were sent an electrical plan, which specific instructions to mark anything new in red, and any changes in black. The problem was, it wasnt a standard plan nor ours, so we didnt know where we were up to, and started to worry that they had missed things from our tender. We found it very odd that this was not done over an appointment, and when we finally questioned this (because another friend was building and just completed his electrical appointment), they said they do do appointments if the customer asks. By this stage, we had it all done ourselves.
(3) Next we were told we need to build a retaining wall before they commence with the slab. We always knew we needed one, but we had visions of doing it once the house was finished. So we started looking at our options, and about a week later we questioned it. Turns out it wasnt a council requirement, the construction manager at Wisdom ordered it. Upon questioning, it turned out to be fine to leave it until after construction. While it might be easier to put the wall in now, we dont really want to deal with any of the landscaping until we move in. We learnt that the only issue is we are liable for any damage to neighbour fencing/property, which at the moment is a vacant block of land with no plans in at council as yet.
(4) Next we asked about stamped concrete to the alfresco (instead of stenciled). It took 2 weeks and follow up to get a response that due to the slope on the driveway, it wasnt an option. We never asked about the driveway, so asked again about the alfresco. The response was something along the lines of 'no, not an option' via email.
(5) Next we were advised that we need to pay another $400 for stenciled concrete to the alfresco area. From day 1, we observed the area was 23.8m square, but the allowance was 15m square. We questioned this, and while promised at the display centre that the concreted area would cover the entire area, we asked for it to be written into the tender. They wouldnt do this, (can't remember the reason why), we didnt think anything more of it until we were asked to pay more! The explanation was that 15m is standard for all their homes, but the Impression 38 is bigger than standard. This was very mis-leading!!! In the end we had no option but to accept the additional cost.
(6) Next we received a final variation with 3 changes to sign with no explanation. After a phone call, we learnt we were up for an additional $400 for frosted windows on upstairs bathrooms (that were missed from council approved plans). You would think these days that frosted glass in bathrooms is a standard council requirement and should be in the standard inclusions of the house builder. We also had 2 windows with different codes (note only). One of these windows was for the kitchen, which we deleted from day 1. After discussion, turned out it was actually for the walk in robe in the main bedroom. The window codes in the tender were different to the ones submitted to council. We had to change the windows in the tender to the ones that had been approved. In the end, no big deal, one window is slightly bigger, the other slightly smaller.
(7) Next we learnt that they had mis-counted the reed switches (only because we added upstairs as well and came back with an unusual cost). It would help if they put the units and unit price into the tender so the customer has the ability to check it (which they promise they do now).
So as you can see, a very frustrating period. Maybe this is something every customer goes through at wrap up (no matter which builder you are with). We can say that overall, they have always made themselves available via phone and email and have always been responsive. But only when you as the customer initiates the contact. Otherwise they come across as being happy to be left alone with minimal contact.
So that is the story so far. Fingers cross for smooth sailing and good weather. We'll get some photos up as soon as we see movement.
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