Design queries
Steven Rawlins
7 years ago
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Gallifrey
7 years agoSarah Tarlinton
7 years agoRelated Discussions
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Comments (36)Hi again, Jessica. I'm not sure anyone completely understands or is adequately prepared for the construction process unless they are in the industry. The way to learn is to jump in; you will learn as you go along. Ask your builder questions when you don't understand something or need clarification, and monitor the build because mistakes can and do happen (they are usually minor and easily rectified when caught in time). We have built four times, the last two were custom and we caught mistakes in each one of those at various stages of the build. In my experience, builders generally prefer the clients not to access the site without their permission; this point is usually stipulated in the contract. The time to address access (with the builder) is when the contract is ready for you to read and sign. Anyone who is building a house is going to access the site to monitor the progress, but it's better to do so when tradesmen are not working, for everyone's safety, and because then you can take your time. Be sure to read the contract through thoroughly, check that the specifications and inclusions are correct, and resolve any queries before signing. And check that the completion date is specified and it is to your satisfaction. Completion date should never be left open-ended. I'm sure everyone's experiences are different, but this is a good opportunity to learn and what you learn will help prepare you for any future builds....See MoreSix DIY Interior Design Tips to Style up the Perfect Room
Comments (11)Hi Luke Perhaps we could offer another viewpoint? Paul is right in that the professionals here have both experience and qualifications behind their comments and outlook. That doesn't mean only pro's can offer an opinion, however it does mean that the DIY homeowners aren't always aware of regulatory, structural or spatial reasons behind the way Pro's do things. Most of the DIY'er's here understand this and by and large the interaction between the Pro's and homeowners is respectful and educational to all. There will always be someone who becomes offended or catty about something but then that is just life.... That said, I can see Pauls point made across many posts. Some of the designs offered up by the DIY'ers are amazingly talented whilst others are amateur. Again, this is not life and death, however the issue appears to be the gradual 'us and them' attitude becoming prevalent in this forum. This is only an anonymous forum for the amateur DIY'er. The Pro's have their company names and reputations out there and give of their time and advice freely. As Paul says, it is what the forum needs in order to attract DIY'ers or people looking for advice. It is worth pointing out that there have been some BLATANTLY illegal things offered up here by DIY'ers as ways of going about works. Whilst that is a rarity, the fact remains that the Pro's have an understanding of the regulatory requirements and put more than our opinions on the line when working in this industry. There will always be dodgy tradies, just as there are many homeowners not paying their bills, gaming the system, performing illegal (and dangerous) works etc Paul consistently stands up for his industry and beliefs as a Pro. Some of the DIY'ers here would do well to consider that you don't gain the qualifications without time and hard work out in the real world. Whilst we respect everyone's right to contribute, respect is a two way street. Cheers...See MoreSuspended Slab Query
Comments (1)i would do anything to avoid a potential leak and my unqualified opinion is to agree with the builders and predict that unless you have extended periods of super hot or cold weather that the difference would not justify the cost or risk of a leak but only a professional passive solar designer could answer accurately by doing a detailed computer simulation but their report would be a small cost for peace of mind in such a big investment...look forward to learning what you discover, best of luck...See MoreDesign my new kitchen
Comments (24)I'm having trouble working everything out here , looking at the bigger picture , and by the questions that have been asked , so is everyone else . Its an unusual shape , and then you said it is 4 rooms and 100 sq mtr . Then the plan shows 3 bedrooms , 2 bathrooms , a kitchen and a living area and dining . So is it 4 rooms , 4 bedrooms -- I can't understand sorry . No laundry ? Then I can't work out why you have 2 bathrooms , but neither are accessible from a bedroom -- a full ensuite or a connecting door . Personally , I would have wanted the bathroom on the same side as the 3 bedrooms to be either between the Master and Bed 2 , or an ensuite for the Master . And I'll echo siriuskeys query -- unless you are buying shell-only , I've never heard of a place where you 'supply' the kitchen , and even slightly stranger , you say the developer is supplying tiles . I would have thought either you choose and supply everything , or they do . And even if they supply , surely there would be adjustments to the price -- if you want genuine marble and they normally supply $5 Bunnings ones , you'd think they'd be a bit flexible , and say 'certainly , that will be $7k more or $3k less or whatever ? See why a lot of us are confused ?...See MoreSteven Rawlins
7 years agoVy
7 years agoSteven Rawlins
7 years agoVy
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agojmm1837
7 years agoVy
7 years agoSteven Rawlins
7 years agoVy
7 years agoVy
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoVy
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoSteven Rawlins
7 years agoVy
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7 years agoManias Associates Building Designers
7 years ago
Manias Associates Building Designers