So I've ground to a halt even before I got started. Peter, the architect, was not really interested in designing for my little suburban block. Actually he was very apologetic, but decided that he actually was too busy.
It has taken me this long to find another architect who seems to have the right qualifications to suit my build. Mind you having just received his quote I might have to check out what they usually charge, just to make sure I'm not about to be ripped off.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Slow, slow, slow progress
Since my last post I have attended a full day seminar at Home Base in Subiaco for potential, "Owner Builders". To be honest it was a bit of a wakeup call to hear all that building a house entails and whilst not completely frightened off, I certainly have even more reservations than I did before.
Still as they say nothing ventured nothing gained.
Late yesterday afternoon I caught up with architect/structural engineer, Peter Auer, who is a complete environmentalist...so much so he used his bike to get to my place. That doesn't seem too extreme, except he lives at least a 40 minute ride away and left my place quite late. I didn't envy him his ride home.
Still I look forward to seeing what he envisages for my small suburban block, quite a far cry from the wind farm he has recently been involved in constructing down in the South West corner of our State.
Still as they say nothing ventured nothing gained.
Late yesterday afternoon I caught up with architect/structural engineer, Peter Auer, who is a complete environmentalist...so much so he used his bike to get to my place. That doesn't seem too extreme, except he lives at least a 40 minute ride away and left my place quite late. I didn't envy him his ride home.
Still I look forward to seeing what he envisages for my small suburban block, quite a far cry from the wind farm he has recently been involved in constructing down in the South West corner of our State.
Monday, April 25, 2011
A pleasant couple
It's a while since I wrote on this blog, but that's how this project is progressing........very slowly.
I have at least rented out the duplex on a short term lease, though even that was not without associated stresses. One guy, a truckie, was pretty desperate to move into my little duplex, but I wasn't convinced that was all that was on his mind, so I shied away from his application.
Then I had to make a choice between a well spoken middle aged couple, who seemed to be exactly what I was looking for or a young Japanese lady with two young children. I was torn between the need of the young woman who was leaving her husband, or the couple I thought would be ideal.
I have to confess, mainly due to the problems I'd had with my previous tenant that I went with what I thought was the safer option; the couple. But the adage, 'Don't judge a book by its cover," came back to haunt me when I discovered they weren't very financial and had, as they put it, "a temporary short term cash flow problem". Ho hum here we go I thought, pardon the cynicism, but I have been there before.
Anyway. we have come to an agreement and touch wood all seems to be working out. Hopefully I don't have cause to rewrite this.
I have at least rented out the duplex on a short term lease, though even that was not without associated stresses. One guy, a truckie, was pretty desperate to move into my little duplex, but I wasn't convinced that was all that was on his mind, so I shied away from his application.
Then I had to make a choice between a well spoken middle aged couple, who seemed to be exactly what I was looking for or a young Japanese lady with two young children. I was torn between the need of the young woman who was leaving her husband, or the couple I thought would be ideal.
I have to confess, mainly due to the problems I'd had with my previous tenant that I went with what I thought was the safer option; the couple. But the adage, 'Don't judge a book by its cover," came back to haunt me when I discovered they weren't very financial and had, as they put it, "a temporary short term cash flow problem". Ho hum here we go I thought, pardon the cynicism, but I have been there before.
Anyway. we have come to an agreement and touch wood all seems to be working out. Hopefully I don't have cause to rewrite this.
Monday, March 14, 2011
In the Meantime
While I am in the planning process I have decided to re-let the duplex on a short lease. For those who are not sure what a duplex is, it's what the Brits call a semi-detached house, or in this case, a semi-detached bungalow.
A friend suggested I book in to a place called, 'Home Base' a company that run courses for potential Owner Builders. These courses not only outline the steps that need to be followed, as well as give the names of local authorities that have to be consulted but apparently have many tips and suggestions, all aimed at making building ones own home a much easier process.
Something else to follow up in the not too distant future.
A friend suggested I book in to a place called, 'Home Base' a company that run courses for potential Owner Builders. These courses not only outline the steps that need to be followed, as well as give the names of local authorities that have to be consulted but apparently have many tips and suggestions, all aimed at making building ones own home a much easier process.
Something else to follow up in the not too distant future.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
An Idea.......or madness?
Owner builders are a breed of people who think they might be able to save a few dollars by project managing the building of their own homes.
From all accounts it can actually save a massive amount, but and it is a big BUT, the associated stresses that go with contracting all the contractors, getting them on site at the right time and ensuring the work is up to standard can try the patience of the even the most placid of people and one of those, I have to admit, I'm not.
Last year I had a surveyor, divide the duplex block I own. This will allow me to demolish one half of the existing duplex and have it rebuilt on its own piece of land. That first step took around six to eight months before the final paper work was through.
The next step, as I see it, is to get a decent design. The block size is quite small at 430 sq m. added to that it is a corner site, part of which is truncated. Also I want the house to be as energy efficient as possible, so I realise I have a lot of research to carry out if I want to achieve a truly solar passive home.
From all accounts it can actually save a massive amount, but and it is a big BUT, the associated stresses that go with contracting all the contractors, getting them on site at the right time and ensuring the work is up to standard can try the patience of the even the most placid of people and one of those, I have to admit, I'm not.
Last year I had a surveyor, divide the duplex block I own. This will allow me to demolish one half of the existing duplex and have it rebuilt on its own piece of land. That first step took around six to eight months before the final paper work was through.
The next step, as I see it, is to get a decent design. The block size is quite small at 430 sq m. added to that it is a corner site, part of which is truncated. Also I want the house to be as energy efficient as possible, so I realise I have a lot of research to carry out if I want to achieve a truly solar passive home.
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