We are early days with our proposed development. Best scenario is that we get the DA approved and build four townhouses ourselves. We do have the option of getting the DA and selling the middle block with the DA. We will do well out of this, but not as much as if we go ahead with the build.
I've heard horror stories about "mum and dad developers" which is what we are. We know our way around a renovation, but developing and/or building from scratch is unknown, hence a bit (a lot) scary.
I'm doing my homework but am very keen to hear from those who have developed as to what sorts of things generally go wrong, cause delays, cause cost or time blowouts?
I know some of the "issues" of our particular block - extra cost to get footings through some fill, extra cost to make ceilings in the living area a little higher than normal to create a more spacious feeling, retaining walls required due to slope, having to move both existing houses to create a big enough middle block.
I've read MichaelW's Mona Vale thread, but will re-read again to brush up on what things popped up to create time slippage and stress. I keep thinking of that thread and I also know (via another friend) of someone who built townhouses behind their own house and had problem after problem. I don't know them personally, so cannot easily ask questions like "what went wrong?" or "what do I need to avoid"?
What should we look out for? What should we avoid?
Eg. When we first looked at this (under a different city plan) I was advised not to draw living areas under the house that will be shifted and raised, as that would take up valuable GFA that we need for the townhouses.
When I put this to the town planner, he said this is not the case (new city plan?) and that it comes down to density (or something else). I cannot remember the reason because I just was relieved to hear we could save money down the track and get the downstairs of the lifted house draw up now.
Our DA is to be lodged within a month. We are just waiting on a few things to be finalised. We have had a pre-lodgement meeting which indicated we should get approval, and if so, we will need all the hints and advice we can get.
Fire away
I've heard horror stories about "mum and dad developers" which is what we are. We know our way around a renovation, but developing and/or building from scratch is unknown, hence a bit (a lot) scary.
I'm doing my homework but am very keen to hear from those who have developed as to what sorts of things generally go wrong, cause delays, cause cost or time blowouts?
I know some of the "issues" of our particular block - extra cost to get footings through some fill, extra cost to make ceilings in the living area a little higher than normal to create a more spacious feeling, retaining walls required due to slope, having to move both existing houses to create a big enough middle block.
I've read MichaelW's Mona Vale thread, but will re-read again to brush up on what things popped up to create time slippage and stress. I keep thinking of that thread and I also know (via another friend) of someone who built townhouses behind their own house and had problem after problem. I don't know them personally, so cannot easily ask questions like "what went wrong?" or "what do I need to avoid"?
What should we look out for? What should we avoid?
Eg. When we first looked at this (under a different city plan) I was advised not to draw living areas under the house that will be shifted and raised, as that would take up valuable GFA that we need for the townhouses.
When I put this to the town planner, he said this is not the case (new city plan?) and that it comes down to density (or something else). I cannot remember the reason because I just was relieved to hear we could save money down the track and get the downstairs of the lifted house draw up now.
Our DA is to be lodged within a month. We are just waiting on a few things to be finalised. We have had a pre-lodgement meeting which indicated we should get approval, and if so, we will need all the hints and advice we can get.
Fire away