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    Abbott or Gillard...?

    Actually, you might be surprised to hear that a number of academic studies in both Australia and the US have suggested that betting markets are a more accurate predictor of election outcomes than opinion polls. "In Australia, election-eve betting markets correctly predicted that the Coalition...
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    Selling with a DA

    I've found a property that I'd like to buy, as I think I could get a development approval to change its land use and then on-sell for a profit. I'm not really in a position to do the development itself, but feel this could still be a winner. Has anybody had any experience in doing this? I...
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    Glass splashback in kitchen

    Can anyone recommend a company in Brisbane who supply and install glass splashbacks? Have heard a few nightmare stories about splashbacks cracking etc., so looking for recommendations from those who've had good experiences.
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    A $25,000 retaining wall

    Is that the case even if the wall is included as a PS item in the contract?
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    A $25,000 retaining wall

    Thanks ozperp, that's pretty much exactly the conclusion we've come to. We can't really afford to get the builder completely offside at this early stage of the process, and have him trying to pick up savings along the way. I've expressed our (serious) concern about having this massive extra...
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    A $25,000 retaining wall

    Thanks Rockstar! I don't have the exact measurements but I would estimate the wall is about 30 metres long. It's about 2.5 metres tall at the front of the block, gradually scaling down to about 0.5 metres. A considerable section of the wall would be higher than 1 metre. And yes, it did require...
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    A $25,000 retaining wall

    Thanks for the responses. I don't think we have much resort in the contract itself. The wall was a PC item and there was plenty of scope for variation in the document itself, sadly. But as Skater says, such a large variation from the quote still seems unacceptable. I'm not really looking...
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    A $25,000 retaining wall

    Hi, We're building a new house and our builder had allocated $2000 for a retaining wall needed along one of our boundaries. It's now built and it actually cost $25,000! He says the draftsman's plans weren't accurate as to how large the wall would need to be. But he was familiar with the...
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    Short-term or executive rentals

    Where do investors advertise short-term rental properties or executive rentals? The reason I'm asking is I'm looking for a rental property for about 3 months from mid-December in Brisbane, as we're in the process of building a new house. Having lots of trouble finding any such advertising...
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    Best home building/renovation shops in Brisbane

    Hi folks, I know there have been plenty of posts before about where to buy specific items, appliances etc. But wouldn't it be great to have a central list of everyone's favourite shops for everything from kitchens and appliances to timber, tiles and taps? Well, I think it would be...
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    Calculating cash flow position on a rental

    Hmm, maybe I posted this in the wrong section of the forum. I guess it's too late to move it to the general area now though…
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    Calculating cash flow position on a rental

    Hi all, Is there a relatively simple way to calculate the likely cash flow result of a rental property? (I may be looking to rent out my current PPOR soon.) I know there's software out there like PIA but I guess I'm looking for a free alternative. I have had a look at the SS Spreadsheet...
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    Feedback wanted on building plans

    Battler, I'm guessing you're joking but actually you could say there are two lounge rooms! You could call the "family" room a lounge room, and the "rumpus" a second lounge! Aaarghhh, yes, the quote does include landscaping, although I suspect the build is going to end up over the $400,000 mark...
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    Feedback wanted on building plans

    The block faces north-north-east at the front, so the back is south-south-west. And it overlooks parkland at the back. Yes, we're half thinking we should extend the kitchen a little, perhaps at the expense of some dining space... We would maybe bring the benches around the corner and along...
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    Feedback wanted on building plans

    Hi vbplease, Thanks for the reply. I'm not sure whether the cut and fill has been considered, but I think it has as there's to be a retaining wall towards the front on the left-hand side of the block. Regarding the "main" deck, I'm a bit confused. There are two decks – one on each level...
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    Feedback wanted on building plans

    There seems to be a small broom closet between the bathroom and laundry downstairs. Maybe not optimal when kitchen and living is upstairs... Not sure about the exhaust fans, but that's something I hadn't thought to check on - thanks! Builders seem to be talking in the $400,000 range. Does...
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    Feedback wanted on building plans

    Hi, I've been a long-time reader of the forum but this is my first post. My wife and I are looking at building a house (to live in) on a small lot in Brisbane and I'd love to get some feedback on the DA-approved plans that would come with the purchase of the block. We haven't really...
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