Clau2000 our manufacturer was in Melbourne, supplier in Canberra. Despite being happy with the product we really struggled with the level of service from the supplier. Quite frankly the business owner was rude, uncommunicative and very difficult to deal with and I would hesitate to recommend her business to anyone. At one point we contacted the manufacturer but he insisted we had to go through his ACT supplier and could not order directly from him (either us or our builder). Our first set of windows were installed on a westerly facing wall & get direct sunlight for the hottest part of the summer afternoon, they have been installed for 4 years and are showing no sign of deterioration. We went with E10 glass, double glazed and they do an amazing job of blocking the summer heat.

just look up a window manufacture anyone of them will be able to make that and install it and you need a plasterer doesn't anyone use yellow pages anymore ,i know that houzz has suggestions but no one has come forward

When I first wrote in August 2017 we got a lot of great suggestions and comments. At the time we had accepted the limitations of the block (easements, tree, solar access etc). It is now one year later and I can tell you we found a way to move the garage to the south-west corner. This allowed us to move Beds 2 and 3 and the bathroom to the northern side. Pantry and laundry between garage and kitchen/living/dining. I think it was all of the comments and suggestions that encouraged us to look at it again from different angles, rather than just accepting the limitations. Thanks to everyone for their generosity! The solution involved working around a lovely tree (it is nice, just in the wrong spot). It is still in the way (council said we couldn't remove it) but we've opted for a long, curving driveway that starts on the other side of the block and weaves its way around the treeline to the garage entry. Not ideal, because a large portion of the front setback will now be a hard surface, instead of a garden. But if there is one thing that designing teaches you - its all about compromises. Thanks everyone. MB Design & Drafting Shara C Nik Star girlguides oklouise siriuskey genkii saragraham76 Andy Pat brizcs Mel N 3D Home Concepts suancol Caro

executing Owner Builder projects these days really is consolidated to projects that can be self funded - banks and building surveyors are becoming increasingly cautious when it comes to owner builder projects and fair enough too...... Experience/knowledge aside, unless you are retired, on long service leave or have a passive income and have money in the bank, it's questionable whether you'll overall save money when you factor your own time and risk into it.....after helping several clients with owner builds, and doing a couple of my own, (& I know what I'm doing) my opinion of this approach has shifted significantly over the past 15 years or so..........as a general pattern, it starts off as exciting, but the projects are harder to finish, and when the money runs out there's a big risk of being caught in no man's land where you've spend more than anticipated, the jobs unfinished but you need more money to finish it properly to either re-finance of release funds somehow...... My advice (for mental health!) is to approach these projects and engaged with this industry as professionally as possible with clear packaged proposals. Sure build some flexibility into the contract say for choices on finishes etc, but I'd now confidently advise people the best approach for construction projects, to minimise risk and for a most smooth process, is to "front end" investment in comprehensive design, documentation & specification that can then be clearly packaged/presented to a (reputable) builder who can then fix the quote and execute the construction stage far more effectively and efficiently than someone "having a go piecing it all together for the first time", regardless of whether you may have some close industry contacts as support.... Best of luck! Cheers PD :)