Advice Needed - First Home Building Going through Architect

Lws10ws7 on 13/05/2020 - 11:59

Hello Fellow Ozbargainers,

I have a mid sized land in ACT and looking to go through the process of designing a house through an architect. I am after advice on the things below,

  • Methods to choose a good architect
  • Approximate architect charges
  • What are the must inclusions required by government? like landscape is must right, things like that
  • Normally, Would architect incorporate personal wishes for every detail of the house such as where the switch board should go, window design, light design, wardrobe and other shelf design and etc. Are they willing to work with owner to produce a design which owner satisfies most or is it like a cut copy paste with compromises ?
  • Any architect recommendations in ACT?

Thanks !!

Home & Garden

Comments

  • vinni9284 on 13/05/2020 - 12:04
    +1

    What are the must inclusions required by government? like landscape is must right, things like that

    Research this first with your local council and your Section 32; that is for any caveats on your block etc

  • AdosHouse on 13/05/2020 - 12:14
    +1

    *Check out reviews and word of mouth. I'm sure a good architect will show you some of the work he has done.
    *Depends on how good they are.
    *Read above post
    *That's why you go to an architect and not use a already planned design by from the builder. Just don't try to be too crazy on the design, hopefully the architect will know what can and can't be built correctly. I remember reading somewhere that a creative architect is a builders worst nightmare.

  • 87percent on 13/05/2020 - 12:26
    -2

    Architects do not include like PowerPoint locations. An electrician does this

  • Freitag on 13/05/2020 - 12:26

    Architects will be much more flexible with the design than a home builder would be. Either should be able to guide you through the process. Make sure the architect knows your building budget and designs to it. They should then be able to advise if you can afford all of your design choices. The more info you can provide the architect the better, but you also have to trust them as a professional designer to critique your choices and provide advice.

    Be aware that if the architect provides you with a design, then if you sign up a builder separately and there is a problem with the architects design that delays the builder, the builder will seek to recoup the delay costs from you. Same goes for design changes. Be aware of the liability you are entering into. Take to the architect and the builder about this.

  • wallet72 on 13/05/2020 - 12:43
    +7

    things I learned building my first house:

    1. don't make any assumptions. If it's not agreed in writing then it ain't happening
    2. Just because you have an architect/builder/supervisor doesn't mean you don't have to watch everything
    3. All the building material is yours, you paid for it. If you see a pallet of bricks left over ask for a refund or take them. Do not let them take your material.
    4. Don't be afraid to question everything, even if it means they have to redo things. Our final inspection found a cracked bath had been installed, and powerpoints that hadn't been connected.
    5. When it comes to signing off on the plans, if you have a question or you don't like something or you aren't sure then don't sign until it is sorted.
    6. You do not have the right to drop in on the building site any time you like. Yes, everyone does it but they don't have to let you.
    7. Beer is still the universal currency. I paid 2 cartons of beer for two extra outdoor taps.

    Look, remember to keep an eye on everything and try to enjoy the experience.

    • vinni9284 on 13/05/2020 - 12:48
      +1

      To add to @wallet72

      even if it means they have to redo things

      Redoing things, such as plan updates etc incur a fee, so ask

      Our final inspection found a cracked bath had been installed, and powerpoints that hadn't been connected.

      I highly recommend to employ an independent building inspector, for at least 3 stages of the build

      When it comes to signing off on the plans, if you have a question or you don't like something or you aren't sure then don't sign until it is sorted.

      See a building solicitor before the building process, to ensure the contract is sound.

      You do not have the right to drop in on the building site any time you like. Yes, everyone does it but they don't have to let you.

      Agree however inform the supervisor your intentions (in writing email etc or verbal/text) before entering. But then you can get the building inspector to arrange

      Beer is still the universal currency. I paid 2 cartons of beer for two extra outdoor taps.

      That is a good approach for rapport with the workers

    • purse72 on 13/05/2020 - 15:56

      Hi @wallet72

      That does sound like good advice. Can I ask where you built just so I can line it up with what I should expect?

      • wallet72 on 13/05/2020 - 16:02

        Sure,

         built two in WA and one in QLD.

The other thing I forgot is insurance. Get it all. I mate of mine lost his dream because a builder went bust half way through his build and took the money.
        • purse72 on 13/05/2020 - 17:06

          OH right!!

          You have lived a lot of places.

          What level of insurance do you need to get?

          • wallet72 on 13/05/2020 - 18:03

            @purse72: I'm not sure anymore, but there is one that is specifically for 'builder goes titsup and takes your money'

  • Almost Banned on 13/05/2020 - 13:52

    Having just completed my first new home build, and having used a broker for design and costing, I would not go the same way again.
    What I would do is:
    1. Have a very good idea of what you want
    2. Go to a lot of home opens and get ideas of who has designs you like
    3. Do your research on the builders you like.
    4 If you are keen to design your own - go to a draftsman and get a design worked out.
    5. Take your design to the builders you like and get them to price it.
    6. Haggle with your preferred builder and then sign up with them for final drawings.
    7 Build

    My experience of going through a broker meant I lost 1 year in delays over drawings then costings, and they took a commission for taking a year to provide drawings that we liked and which were close to our budget.
    While we would have done some things differently I am very happy with our build, and our builder.

  • [Deactivated] on 13/05/2020 - 16:02
    1. Making changes after a plan has been signed off on will cost you significantly more, even if the change reduces the building cost.
    2. You really only need to make sure you don't stuff up 1.
    3. You really don't want to stuff up that 1.
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