Monday 21 December 2015
Wednesday 25 November 2015
CONSTRUCTION - 25.11.2015 Speak of the 'angels'
Speak of the 'angels' - they wasted no time!
Slab is done today!! Cannot believe how quick it is! Organised a family morning tea this weekend to see the site prep, now we have a little surprise for the family as well.
As one of the Home One neighbours mentioned, once the ball is rolling, it is fast!
Slab is done today!! Cannot believe how quick it is! Organised a family morning tea this weekend to see the site prep, now we have a little surprise for the family as well.
As one of the Home One neighbours mentioned, once the ball is rolling, it is fast!
Tuesday 24 November 2015
CONSTRUCTION - 19.11.2015 Site Prep DONE
We got on construction list on Monday, 9th Nov. Grass were mowed on 11th Nov. MJH had 20 business days to start construction, but they wasted no time!
We were notified on Thursday, 19th Nov that site prep was completed. So we went out on the weekend to see how it is like without the grass, only expected a site cut.
But DUN DUUUUUUN! We almost have a slab! It's only Tuesday today, let's hope they are going to ask for $ this week to get the slab done!
We were notified on Thursday, 19th Nov that site prep was completed. So we went out on the weekend to see how it is like without the grass, only expected a site cut.
But DUN DUUUUUUN! We almost have a slab! It's only Tuesday today, let's hope they are going to ask for $ this week to get the slab done!
Saturday 14 November 2015
WE ARE ON THE CONSTRUCTION LIST!!!!!! - Last post for pre-construction
WE ARE ON THE CONSTRUCTION LIST!!!!!! IT WILL START WITHIN 20 DAYS!
Finally!!!!
We had couple of delays with the approvals:
- council approval, because the officer was on annual leave.....
- construction certificate (by private certifier), due to incorrect council name mentioned on the paper work..
It took 8 weeks in total (including 1 week of developer approval). Due to this, we went over the 180 days tender period for several days. If there is only to do with MJH, no additional charge will be applied.
I have been updating my own excel log, recording all events and $ during the whole process. It helps me to track both my finace and the build.
I wiped the names and $ for confidentiality reasons, but below is how it looks like. Also, I created few tab for budgets - colour, electrical, furniture and appliances to be purchased. This helps me to work out how much $ we need to save up and to cut down the items which can wait.
Similarly, there is a separate log I created for finance. Comparison of different banks who offers different rates, charge different fees, etc. As well as a timeline same to below.
Last but not least, the grass (if any) on the land needs to be at ankle height. It doesn't need to be good look, but it needs to be short.
That's all we have for pre-construction. Let's get the construction started!
Finally!!!!
We had couple of delays with the approvals:
- council approval, because the officer was on annual leave.....
- construction certificate (by private certifier), due to incorrect council name mentioned on the paper work..
It took 8 weeks in total (including 1 week of developer approval). Due to this, we went over the 180 days tender period for several days. If there is only to do with MJH, no additional charge will be applied.
I have been updating my own excel log, recording all events and $ during the whole process. It helps me to track both my finace and the build.
I wiped the names and $ for confidentiality reasons, but below is how it looks like. Also, I created few tab for budgets - colour, electrical, furniture and appliances to be purchased. This helps me to work out how much $ we need to save up and to cut down the items which can wait.
Similarly, there is a separate log I created for finance. Comparison of different banks who offers different rates, charge different fees, etc. As well as a timeline same to below.
Last but not least, the grass (if any) on the land needs to be at ankle height. It doesn't need to be good look, but it needs to be short.
 |
| before |
 |
| after |
That's all we have for pre-construction. Let's get the construction started!
Electrical
Electrical appointment is the last appointment at MJH office. MJH advised to allow 2 hours for electrical appointment. However, if you are prepared, 1 hour is more than enough.
We received the appointment right after we signed the building contract back in July and the appointment was booked for early September (earliest appointment we can get.) We tried to re-schedule one month later, but we were told the next available appointment will be on 30th September...em.....We kept what we had.
We worked based on the up-to-date house plan we had drew out on pieces of paper at the beginning - lots of arguments between us.. duh``` Below are the final decisions we agreed on.
We did the entire electrical plan with MJH, well, except the pendant lights ($55 for pre wiring). We did it out of convenience and assurance.
Many people complained how expensive it is to get downlights through MJH. We did our calculations, too. To be honest, if you cannot get 'mate's rate', it may only save you $10 appx per light. Because there will be call-out fees, material costs,etc to be paid on top of the charge per light.
So, if you are not doing lots of them, I don't think it will save you much $, considering all the hassles you are going to meet. (purely personal opinion)
* There is one batten light in each room, including WIR, WIP, laundry, alfresco, garage and patio.
* The power points for microwave (in the island bench), dishwasher, range hood and fridge are included in our package.
* If you will like to change the batten lights ($55) to down lights ($95), you will only be paying the difference. Dimming downlights are available. Downlights come in in many colours - for the colour of the light and cover.
* There is no free fan in the bathroom/toilet which has windows. You can add a fan ($145) on as a separate unit, or pay additional $15 to combine the light and fan into one unit. (If you are not adding heat lamps, no expensive 'rings' needs to be added)
* The alarm system is Bosch, 3 motion detectors and a battery box is included in the price.This is installed by a security company later on rather than MJH.
* If you have NBN access, you may not need TV antenna ($645), as people are saying you can watch TV with NBN access.
* NBN unit is installed in the garage, in other words, your internet point and phone point will be in the garage. So if you don't want to re-set your wifi router or make phone calls in the garage. It is worth spending $130 for a phone point and $130 for a data point in the living area. (Remember to check if there is power point for the phone!)
* Fluorescent light (double) can be very handy in the garage.
* No power point in the laundry! Must add 1 or 2!
* Cooker switch is available.
* You can decide the height and distance from the wall for the lights, switches and powerpoints
* Switches are quite standard (white), but there are different colour options for extra $. We upgrade 2 switches (on the splashback) to grey colour, in order to match the splash back.
* It is a good idea to add 1 or 2 power points on the kitchen island. We added 1 on the side of the island. It can be done for waterfall bench top, but more expensive. Anyway, we paid $70 for the backing unit - safer.
* How many downlights you need? You need to consider the colour of your walls, how bright you want the place to be, if you'd like spot lights for your artworks. Google 'LED downlight calculator' for more ideas and tips.
* In our package, there is a double power point per room, excluding WIP, WIR, alfresco, hallway and laundry. We added one extra power point in the guest bedrooms as shown in the picture, so the bedhead doesn't have to be against the window side always.
* We added 2 outdoor powerpoint in the Alfresco, 1 at the joint of the glass doors at about 1 meter high (for plugging a fan in summer) and 1 just under the roof of the alfresco (for plugging fairy lights for Xmas or parties).
* Ceiling fans are quite expensive. We skipped the fan with light in the alfresco, since it will only be used several times a year for parties...if it's really hot, we would be inside with the air-con on =] However, we did add a fan with light in the master bedroom which cost us $435!! Similar item in Bunnings only cost $200 at the max. Well, at least proper wiring and switches are included.
* There might be additional charge in the end for the fuse box, depending on the total 'watts' of everything you have in the house.
* Think logically, and picture what you usually do in order in your future new house for what you want to be installed at where. For example, you just came back from grocery shopping, and parked your car in the garage at night. You would firstly turn on the light in the garage, then pick up everything to get into the house from the side door. (Therefore, a switch for the garage light and a switch for the hallway light are both needed next the internal garage door.) Then you walk to the kitchen, turn the kitchen light on and turn the hallway light off. (So your hallway light switch would be a three-way switch if you want to add another one at the front door, and the majority of switches would stay at kitchen/living - according to our floor plan).
We received the appointment right after we signed the building contract back in July and the appointment was booked for early September (earliest appointment we can get.) We tried to re-schedule one month later, but we were told the next available appointment will be on 30th September...em.....We kept what we had.
We worked based on the up-to-date house plan we had drew out on pieces of paper at the beginning - lots of arguments between us.. duh``` Below are the final decisions we agreed on.
We did the entire electrical plan with MJH, well, except the pendant lights ($55 for pre wiring). We did it out of convenience and assurance.
Many people complained how expensive it is to get downlights through MJH. We did our calculations, too. To be honest, if you cannot get 'mate's rate', it may only save you $10 appx per light. Because there will be call-out fees, material costs,etc to be paid on top of the charge per light.
So, if you are not doing lots of them, I don't think it will save you much $, considering all the hassles you are going to meet. (purely personal opinion)
* There is one batten light in each room, including WIR, WIP, laundry, alfresco, garage and patio.
* The power points for microwave (in the island bench), dishwasher, range hood and fridge are included in our package.
* If you will like to change the batten lights ($55) to down lights ($95), you will only be paying the difference. Dimming downlights are available. Downlights come in in many colours - for the colour of the light and cover.
* There is no free fan in the bathroom/toilet which has windows. You can add a fan ($145) on as a separate unit, or pay additional $15 to combine the light and fan into one unit. (If you are not adding heat lamps, no expensive 'rings' needs to be added)
* The alarm system is Bosch, 3 motion detectors and a battery box is included in the price.This is installed by a security company later on rather than MJH.
* If you have NBN access, you may not need TV antenna ($645), as people are saying you can watch TV with NBN access.
* NBN unit is installed in the garage, in other words, your internet point and phone point will be in the garage. So if you don't want to re-set your wifi router or make phone calls in the garage. It is worth spending $130 for a phone point and $130 for a data point in the living area. (Remember to check if there is power point for the phone!)
* Fluorescent light (double) can be very handy in the garage.
* No power point in the laundry! Must add 1 or 2!
* Cooker switch is available.
* You can decide the height and distance from the wall for the lights, switches and powerpoints
* Switches are quite standard (white), but there are different colour options for extra $. We upgrade 2 switches (on the splashback) to grey colour, in order to match the splash back.
* It is a good idea to add 1 or 2 power points on the kitchen island. We added 1 on the side of the island. It can be done for waterfall bench top, but more expensive. Anyway, we paid $70 for the backing unit - safer.
* How many downlights you need? You need to consider the colour of your walls, how bright you want the place to be, if you'd like spot lights for your artworks. Google 'LED downlight calculator' for more ideas and tips.
* In our package, there is a double power point per room, excluding WIP, WIR, alfresco, hallway and laundry. We added one extra power point in the guest bedrooms as shown in the picture, so the bedhead doesn't have to be against the window side always.
* We added 2 outdoor powerpoint in the Alfresco, 1 at the joint of the glass doors at about 1 meter high (for plugging a fan in summer) and 1 just under the roof of the alfresco (for plugging fairy lights for Xmas or parties).
* Ceiling fans are quite expensive. We skipped the fan with light in the alfresco, since it will only be used several times a year for parties...if it's really hot, we would be inside with the air-con on =] However, we did add a fan with light in the master bedroom which cost us $435!! Similar item in Bunnings only cost $200 at the max. Well, at least proper wiring and switches are included.
* There might be additional charge in the end for the fuse box, depending on the total 'watts' of everything you have in the house.
* Think logically, and picture what you usually do in order in your future new house for what you want to be installed at where. For example, you just came back from grocery shopping, and parked your car in the garage at night. You would firstly turn on the light in the garage, then pick up everything to get into the house from the side door. (Therefore, a switch for the garage light and a switch for the hallway light are both needed next the internal garage door.) Then you walk to the kitchen, turn the kitchen light on and turn the hallway light off. (So your hallway light switch would be a three-way switch if you want to add another one at the front door, and the majority of switches would stay at kitchen/living - according to our floor plan).
 |
| Final plan made at MJH with additional Phone and Data points |
Sunday 13 September 2015
Colour Selection - Interior - Bedroom/Living Room/Dining Room
Finally, the room, where we spend most of the time in and cost the least.
- Floor covering is included in our package (excluding Alfresco), which makes our live a lot easier. We have choices of tiles/carpet/plastic flooring. Future hubby and I are wooden floor fans,we love the texture, the look and the warm and earthy feeling it brings into the house. But the maintenance and cost can be a big headache. We thought about timber look tiles, but unfortunately they are not yet approved by MJH (for warrantee) and it's price is as high as porcelain. After a lot reaching, we found Gerflor. It has wooden texture, no glue, no grout, easy to maintain and quiet. It is easy to install as well, but still got charge $150 for installation even this is included in my package. =/
*Doors
- THE most expensive item.. DOOR. upgrade is EXPENSIVE. It cost up $2,200 for all doors, including linen and pantry, $150 on average! Why it only cost $55 in bunnings?!
- Privacy locks for bathrooms and toilet for $40 each
- Door handles are updated to nicer looking Leverset, $400 package - one step up.
- Key locks are like $140 each.
*Shelving
- $850 package price for upgrading to Melamine, including pantry and linen. but we still had to pay $130 on top of that for the weight supportings in the walk in robe,as we requested double hanging. =/ double hanging cannot be done in the wardrobe (not walk in) because they are not able to add supporting panel. Height of the hangings can be customised.
-Customised drawer units for the walk in robe are a bit pricy. So we have the long side as double hanging, the short side as single hanging but we will place a tall chest of drawer (which we already have) there for extra storage.
Colour Selection - Interior - Kitchen
It has been a while since last update. I have been busy, and future hubby has been lazy..lolz
Our plan has been submitted to the council for a week now. We went through the electrical appointment a few days ago. And now all appointments are completed, just waiting for the council approval for construction.
Let's continue with internal colour selection, didn't upgrade much.
Kitchen can be another pricy room. The window splashback as shown below in the display home costs $2,000.00 and needs to be added in the first tender! That's a structural change and need to tell the salesperson to add this in at the very beginning.
It allows more light coming into the room and it just look awesome. It is non-openable, as no windows are allowed near gas stoves. However, I love cooking, the grease from cooking will damage the rubbers of the window/wall joints in the long run; and it needs a lot work to keep the window clean.
 |
| MJH display home |
*Benchtop
- We chose white shimmer Caesarstone, to give a bit shine in the open area and hopefully can hide some bread crumbs he leaves on the kitchen bench
- We chose SMEG build-in gas stove and oven. Although the build-in over is smaller than the free-standing, there will be no gap between the stove and the bench, meaning no food crumbs/grease and no cockroach. And there is an extra drawer for storage.
- Free standing stove has 2 styles. One is with leges, the other is with kickboard a the bottom to over the leges.
- 20mm stone benchtop thickness is standard and there is limited range of Caesarstone come in free of charge with the impression upgrade. Marble (engineered) benchtop costs $5K (not 100% sure)extra. 40mm cost $2.5K and waterfall is another $2.5K, as what I heard from other people (depending on the size of the bench, of course)
- I requested sink to be shifted to one side, so I can have more bench space to work on.
- We chose the most popular sink - Clark Monaco undermount double sink with accessory. This is the deepest sink in the impression upgrade and it comes with accessories (chopping board and basket drainer).
* Cupboards
- Default cupboards are in matte finish, gloss finishes cost extra, sorry didn't ask the price. And the wooden look finish goes horizontal, and vertical cost extra depending on length of the cupboards. We got white matte finish to match the white shimmer benchtop, and to make the area brighter.
- Soft close cost extra per drawer, all I remember now is 'it isn't cheap'.
- Our kitchen bench has 3 cupboards on each side of the stove as standard. they can be upgraded to 2 pot drawers on each side. Each pot drawer costs $250. We only did 1 pot drawer on each side, no soft close (it takes extra space on the side of the drawers) and the consultant helped us to re-sized the pot drawers so we can fit in 2 skinnier cupboards (with doors) at the ends.
- There are 3 wall cupboards on each side of the rangehood as standard - with handles or with overhang lips (without handles), we chose the no handle option
- If you'd like LED lights underneath the wall cupboards, you'll need to upgrade the bottom of the cupboards to a thicker version $350 in total and another $75appx for each cupboard light. Emmmmm.... let's skip it..
- All cupboards can be re-allocated free of charge, which we did after rearranging the sink position.
- There are few choices for fridge overhead cupboards, as far as I remember, they are:
Regular cupboards (our choice)
Half cupboard and half wine rack
Full wine rack
- For people who has a big island bench like below, please note the cupboards on the chair side are not standard.
- BTW build-in rubbish bin cupboard is available for $500 appx. Yes, $500, I'm not adding extra zeros. I'll pay $5 to add some quality hooks in the sink cupbard, Yes, $5, I'm not missing any zero.
*Ducted exhaust
Last upgrade item we have on the list, expensive but necessary for me. I love cooking, but hate the grease smell on clothes or furniture, $790 is worth spending. The outlet is on the back of the kitchen, and it looks something like below, if I understood the consultant correctly.
*Kitchen splashback
- Glass splashback is included in the impression package, but lowest range with normal glasses. White colour glass looks like minty blue rather than white. It cost about $800 to upgrade to better glass, where white looks white.. and more $ for metallic finish, which looks super cool. But we are happy with the standard grey colours and it matches rest of the home. Hope it will look as nice as this, which the kitchen is finished.
That's pretty much it for the kitchen.
Saturday 11 July 2015
Colour Selection - Interior - Bathrooms
There are hundreds of upgrades we can chose from. But we only upgraded the one we really want and the ones which will be hard to change later on.
As part of our package, we got this Impression Upgrade included. Therefore, we have a few things we do not need to upgrade anymore.
Bathroom upgrade prices are not that shocking, comparing to the living/dining upgrades. Probably because we have done enough research to keep our budget under control...
* Shower screen frames
Standard shower screen hight is about 1.85M. But if you have a partner who's more than 1.9M tall... then it's better to spend $350 per shower to raise frames to 2M to keep the splash in the shower. This is not a upgrade, this is more like a special request. 2M is the highest it can go up to. You see how guys can be pricing sometimes as well.
$250 shower upgrade is something everybody will get, I assume, to upgrade from white plastic base and frame to nice chrome. That's one step up. More upgrades available for semi frameless and frameless shower frames.
* Accessories
- basic bathroom accessories are single towel rail and toilet holder. That's right, NO hand towel ring!
- $50 for matching hand towel ring
- $60 to instal an extra single towel rail or $70 to upgrade from single towel rail to double
* Vanity - drawers
As part of our package, we got this Impression Upgrade included. Therefore, we have a few things we do not need to upgrade anymore.
Bathroom upgrade prices are not that shocking, comparing to the living/dining upgrades. Probably because we have done enough research to keep our budget under control...
* Shower screen frames
Standard shower screen hight is about 1.85M. But if you have a partner who's more than 1.9M tall... then it's better to spend $350 per shower to raise frames to 2M to keep the splash in the shower. This is not a upgrade, this is more like a special request. 2M is the highest it can go up to. You see how guys can be pricing sometimes as well.
$250 shower upgrade is something everybody will get, I assume, to upgrade from white plastic base and frame to nice chrome. That's one step up. More upgrades available for semi frameless and frameless shower frames.
* Accessories
- basic bathroom accessories are single towel rail and toilet holder. That's right, NO hand towel ring!
- $50 for matching hand towel ring
- $60 to instal an extra single towel rail or $70 to upgrade from single towel rail to double
* Vanity - drawers
- standard vanity is a two-door cupboard matte finish
- adding 3-drawers bank cost $250 each
- vanity moved to the wall side (against the wall), to avoid the awkward gaps
 |
| Main bathroom - MJH display home |
* Shower head
Yes.. we spent $790 on top of the upgraded shower head on this awesome looking Caroma Essence wall rail shower with overhead wels chrome. and for both of the bathrooms!
Well... it started with the discussion of upgrading the toilets. The upgraded toilets requires 1.2M wall tiles because the back of the toilet is fixed onto the wall. S didn't want to spend thousands of $ on tiles and fancy toilet.. so I suggested to go for a smaller upgrade like the showerheads....
There is nothing wrong with the shower head in the Impression package. It was just me wanting something nicer looking ..... emmm... and somehow I won... and yes, that's how women shop..
Originally I'd like free standing bath, which cost $1,200 appx, and it seems MJH only has one free standing bath option. But it can be a pain to clean the dust stuck on the joint of the floor. Plus it leaves too much gap everywhere, where can be used as bench space if it is built in.
Well... it started with the discussion of upgrading the toilets. The upgraded toilets requires 1.2M wall tiles because the back of the toilet is fixed onto the wall. S didn't want to spend thousands of $ on tiles and fancy toilet.. so I suggested to go for a smaller upgrade like the showerheads....
There is nothing wrong with the shower head in the Impression package. It was just me wanting something nicer looking ..... emmm... and somehow I won... and yes, that's how women shop..
Originally I'd like free standing bath, which cost $1,200 appx, and it seems MJH only has one free standing bath option. But it can be a pain to clean the dust stuck on the joint of the floor. Plus it leaves too much gap everywhere, where can be used as bench space if it is built in.
* Tiles
- bathroom floor tiles in the bathrooms does not go up as skirting - in the bathrooms, if it is different from the wall tile. So there is no ugly two tone joint in the shower
- wall tiles are used for the skirtings in the bathrooms and on the side of the built in bath tub
- skirting in the laundry and separate toilet is the same as the floor
* Mirror
- $350 to upgrade to the wall mirror in the main bathroom, same as the display homes
- standard mirror has metal frame around it, and it costs $100 to have a frameless and polished edge
There is nothing upgraded for the laundry, as we are planning to make customised simple shelves after handover. There will only be a sink like this.
- $350 to upgrade to the wall mirror in the main bathroom, same as the display homes
- standard mirror has metal frame around it, and it costs $100 to have a frameless and polished edge
There is nothing upgraded for the laundry, as we are planning to make customised simple shelves after handover. There will only be a sink like this.
 |
| laundry sink - MJH display home |
Friday 10 July 2015
Colour Selection - Exterior
Let's go through the details bit by bit.
This is the summary of external colour selections.
There were some little 'surprises', for example, we did not expect an extra charge on the bag and paint, nor paying extra for translucent glasses of the front door.
In the photo of our facade - Chase, there are 2 paint colours and the wall around the garage door is brick. However, for any extra colour (more than one) will cost $300 per colour. Because it is a different mix, not just a paint colour.
Again, driveway, fly screen windows, window locks, upgraded facade, patio tiles, letter box and mount, water tank, upgraded external laundry door and cloth line are all included in our package.
*Bricks
- reviews of Everyday Life bricks are fairly good. It is longer wearing, and the colour does not fade as quick as some of the other fancy bricks. Upgrading to a nicer colour brick outside Everyday Life range varies from hundreds to thousands.
- pay attention to the brick type - exposed or general.
*Roof
We love windspray!
 |
| Gutters, fascia, eaves and downpipe |
 |
| windspray roof and surfmist bag and paint |
*Window/sliding door frames
We chose white frames and assumed it will come with white handles. But NO! The default colour is black! If black colour is allowed in our estate, we would have black window frames and some a lot money on matching handles. In memory, it was like $110 for white sliding door handles and $40appx for white window lock and handles. So.. NO! I found this photo online, black and white mismatch looks totally fine for awning windows.
 |
| white window frames with black handles |
 |
| back handle on external sliding doors - MJH display home |
*Fly screen
Originally we liked to add couple of security screen door at the back and in the front - with MJH. The quotes we got are between $500-800 (incl installation ) depending on the size of the doors. But... MJH charge $1,100 for crimsafe fly screen doors like this.
 |
| security fly screen door lock we like |
But if you are happy with diamond security doors like this. Then it only cost $350appx, which is a reasonable price.
 |
| diamond shape security screen door |
So we only picked matching fly screens window frames (white frame with black mesh) as part of our package.
Importantly, the tracks for the rear sliding doors has extra track included for future fly screen door installation! Love this little detail from MJH. Not sure if other builder provide little convenience like this. But at least we won't have any nasty surprises when doing the fly screen doors after handover!
 |
| white fly screen frame with black mesh |
*Garage door
Heritage short panels - without the black windows
 |
| Heritage - short panels - single garage |
*Front door
We can get upgraded Nexus range. It comes with clear glass and cost $150 to change the glass to translucent.
 |
| Front door |
 |
| translucent glass |
* External laundry door
We are happy with clear glass on JST1, save a few bucks and get more light in.
 |
| external laundry door with dead lock and JST1door in standard white colour - MJH display homes |
That's pretty much it for external. Need to spend few hours writing up the details for internal selections..
Wednesday 8 July 2015
Colour Selection Day
Today we had our colour selection. We started from 9am and made all our choices before noon; signed the contract after lunch break (free lunch provided by MJH) and wrapped up by 1PM.
The consultant is very helpful with matching the colours and styles. He also gave genuine advice to help us make few decisions which we hadn't thought of. We did a lot reseach and read many blogs, so we knew exactly what we were going to choose within our budget (except the floor coverings which we decided to have a closer look at on the day). A big Thank You to people from HomeOne forum and MJH bloggers!
Before we go through all the upgrades and details. Below are the main colours we have chosen.
External Colours
Our colour theme is grey, lots of grey, but less than 50 shades of grey lolz
- Driveway, letter box, patio tiles, bag and paint are included in our package
- Paid extra $300 to have a 2nd colour of bag and paint
Interior Colours
- Glass splashback, stone benchtops are floor coverings are included in our package
- Upgraded carpet from $50 appx/sqm (standard) to $65/sqm, thicker and softer
- Choosing the Gerflor cost us $500 extra for labour - we thought everything was included in the package =/
Sunday 5 July 2015
Land Rego - in the queue!
We were notified on 26th June that our lot has been passed on to LPI (Land and Property Information Authority). It will be registered in 2-5 weeks, then 14 days for settlement.
Sunday 28 June 2015
Catching up
A little bit background about our build.
We put deposit on our place on 2nd May 2015. Back then, we didn't know much about anything except the location of the land. We didn't even have our mortgage pre-approved..... yea.....
We did a lot research and reading, ran around to different banks, tried to push everything going, so we can start building as soon as the land is registered.
So far, we've gone through the pre-colour and plan presentation stages. There has also been multiple meetings, phone calls with MJH, solicitor and mortgage broker with paper work that seems to go on for days.
Here are our timeline until today.
Coming up: Colour selection on Wednesday, 8 July 2015!!
We put deposit on our place on 2nd May 2015. Back then, we didn't know much about anything except the location of the land. We didn't even have our mortgage pre-approved..... yea.....
We did a lot research and reading, ran around to different banks, tried to push everything going, so we can start building as soon as the land is registered.
So far, we've gone through the pre-colour and plan presentation stages. There has also been multiple meetings, phone calls with MJH, solicitor and mortgage broker with paper work that seems to go on for days.
Here are our timeline until today.
| Date | Event |
| Saturday, 2 May 2015 | Deposit |
| Tuesday, 5 May 2015 | Quotation received |
| Saturday, 9 May 2015 | Deposit - no more structure change allowed |
| Wednesday, 13 May 2015 | 5% Deposit on land |
| Friday, 15 May 2015 | Deposit Variation received - adding window to dining room at rear |
| Tuesday, 19 May 2015 | Consolidated Tender received |
| Friday, 22 May 2015 | Land contract received from solicitor |
| Monday, 1 June 2015 | pre-colour selection -1hr |
| Tuesday, 2 June 2015 | prelim plans received |
| Wednesday, 17 June 2015 | Plan presentation - 40mins |
Coming up: Colour selection on Wednesday, 8 July 2015!!
Fell in love with Hamilton Three
We fell in love with the Hamilton Three at first sight when we were wandering around in display homes. But we gave up on building this house due to many many reasons and we thought we will never be able to build our own house..
One day we walked in MHJ display house again, dreaming. AND we found an affordable H&L package which was released on that day, with Hamilton Three!!
We loved the design, nice, simple, smart and practical. I was undecided on the three-door area (bathroom, laundry and separate toilet) and though it is space wasting, until we listed pros and cons as below:
These are just what we think and how we'd like it to be.
I love the facade look called Executive B (below), but we are happy with Chase as part of the package.
Our H&L package also includes all site costs, air-con, driveways, fly screens, floor covering etc. Less headaches!
One day we walked in MHJ display house again, dreaming. AND we found an affordable H&L package which was released on that day, with Hamilton Three!!
We loved the design, nice, simple, smart and practical. I was undecided on the three-door area (bathroom, laundry and separate toilet) and though it is space wasting, until we listed pros and cons as below:
| Cons | Pros |
| too many doors in a small area | perfect place for air con return vent |
| no window in toilet | more practical for additional family members |
| wasted 1 sqm | toilet is further away from living/dinning - no one hears the flush |
| big money saved on changing plans and re-measuring/drawing | |
| the laundry is right next to the toilet (in case bathroom is being used) | |
| adding re-sell value by adding 0.5 bathroom |
These are just what we think and how we'd like it to be.
I love the facade look called Executive B (below), but we are happy with Chase as part of the package.
Our H&L package also includes all site costs, air-con, driveways, fly screens, floor covering etc. Less headaches!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)