house plan

[phillip30]

Hi All,

Currently loooking at building a house on a section that is quite small. The A1 AK106 fits ideally though does not maximise the view that would be located on the side of the master bedroom and louge. Where there a minimal amount of window space. The design is very economical in regard to space being only 10.4 x 3.6. Does anyone know if these kits are easy to modify or know of any other kits with around these dimesions that service the wellington area. I'm also exploring a purpose designed home thought think the costs may start escalating.

Any adive is greatily appreicated,
Phillip

[alhoon]

Hi Phillip,

As with all the big building companies, they make most of their money from extras.
I think G.J Gardeners charge about an extra $20k if you change anything on their standard plan. Even minor things like extra power points are normally twice the price.
I have had a close look at a few A1 homes and in Auckland anyway they are one of the better building companies.
So basically if you want it cheap you have to have a standard plan.
I couldn’t find AK106 I assume this is want you meant www.a1homes.co.nz/plana106.html

Other thing to ask about is the new register, this could add a lot of value to you property in the next couple of years if you builder is registered.

Good luck with your project
Allan

[whitt]

I think G.J Gardeners charge about an extra $20k if you change anything on their standard plan. Even minor things like extra power points are normally twice the price.

I built one place with GJ extra work was charged out plus 30% builders margin. So not double as stated above.

[alhoon]

We built in a new subdivision a few years ago where there was a few G.J’s. one of the customers was charged $90 per extra power point and both lots were charged $4000 for an extra soak hole which cost me $1500 to get the same thing done.
I think G.J’s is a franchise so it would be different in some areas.
I was not bagging G.J’s, I was trying to point out than you need to double check what you are getting for your money and check where they may charge extra before you start.

Allan

[whitt]

Yes I have advised another person whom I knew was building to make sure they try and include everthing in the initial contract.

These types of companies compensate themselves well for extras.

[phillip30]

Hi Alhoon and Whitt,

thanks for your suggestions - the link is the correct one. Have checked and they estimate a deck will be about 4k though will need to see what the deck would look like.

Cheers

Phillip

[toby]

I've built two AK101s starting my third and am just in the process of doing two GJs.

Firstly I would say that I don't believe it's to hard to get changes done on AKs.

On the GJ front, I understand that you can do some of the work yourself if you believe you can do it for less or better.
To put things in perspective, I was told it's the price plus 20%.
So if extras come in at $20k then I pay $2k extra to receive no phone calls, chase no trades people and pay one bill and not have an issue of holding up the building process and creating slipage and at some $800 a week (holding costs) it doesn't take long for the savings to turn into losses.

As with any building the key is understanding your strengths and taking advantage of others strengths when it's your weakness.
I couldn't build for what these guys charge.

[cube]

So if extras come in at $20k then I pay $2k extra

That'll be $4K

[toby]

yet again my math catches me out,. Still $4k hell that's nothing on a $550,000 home.

[phillip30]

thanks

Hi Toby,

Thanks for your adivce and ideas. As you state it may be worth paying a bit extra if it means less hassle.

Cheers

Phillip

[NESW]

Tread carefully, being in the throes of obtaining quotes from NZ builders for our replacement build, its been interesting to receive warnings about various franchise builders, with each one having a different name for the workmanship that the overall Company reflects.

I must say as its come from more than one source, I am leaning towards employing a small private builder, whose liveihood relies on word of mouth, rather than a national one....who can hide franchised mistakes...

[deejay]

We are looking to build a replacement home in Palmerston North and one of the companies we are considering is Jennian Homes so we would appreciate any feedback on Jennian. Alot of the companies offer optional extras for a certain sum eg heat pumps but I think you can organise these extras at a cheaper price yourself. Also how do you start a new thread on Propertytalk?
Thanks

[phillip30]

Tread carefully, being in the throes of obtaining quotes from NZ builders for our replacement build, its been interesting to receive warnings about various franchise builders, with each one having a different name for the workmanship that the overall Company reflects.

I must say as its come from more than one source, I am leaning towards employing a small private builder, whose liveihood relies on word of mouth, rather than a national one....who can hide franchised mistakes...

Thanks NESW I will check this out and keep in mind.

Cheers

Phillip

[revdev]

Also how do you start a new thread on Propertytalk?
Thanks

Click on the 'Forums' link, on the Main Menu top left of page
Select a Sub-forum (e.g. Property Investment NZ)
Click on 'New Thread' button, on top left.
Knock the top off a cold one.
Get the peanuts
Start typing

All the best
G

[toby]

Whilst they are franchise co. I agree each outfit has it's own little differences.
Here in Rodney I have talked to four different people each saying they were fantastic where as Jennian not so hot.
Can I suggest you go to a subdivision and do some door knocking that way no party influences the feedback.