belter
13th May 2008, 10:59 PM
Hi everyone. I am impressed with this great website and the supportive little community dwelling therein. I am hoping someone can guide me in the right direction re some queries I have. Found a block of land with an old house on it - no heritage overlay- the stumps seem fine but the rest needs heaps of work. Plumbing, electical, extending etc. Would it be cheaper to demolish? Do I have to get a building inspection first to say it's unliveable?
My renovating skills pretty much don't extend beyond painting. Have looked at Harkaway Homes- kit type home seems the cheapest option and they seem to be the only ones offering old-style designs although I would like to build in as much self-sustainability as possible. The only trouble with their set-up is you have to get sub-contractors in to do the various bits 'n pieces after HH have delivered the various components. Do I need a soil test before building seeing as there is already a dwelling there?
Also, what sort of surveyor do I need? I rang a land surveyor today and he said I need a building surveyor and recommended a chap. When I rang this chap he said I need a land surveyor! I assume whichever measures the depth and the width and the slope of the block and this info you give to the building company so they can design your house for appropriate orientation etc. before it is submitted to council for approval?
I would be grateful if someone could guide me through the maze of steps to buying, building/renovating and what hoops I have to jump through with the Hume City Council.
Cheers- Belter
My renovating skills pretty much don't extend beyond painting. Have looked at Harkaway Homes- kit type home seems the cheapest option and they seem to be the only ones offering old-style designs although I would like to build in as much self-sustainability as possible. The only trouble with their set-up is you have to get sub-contractors in to do the various bits 'n pieces after HH have delivered the various components. Do I need a soil test before building seeing as there is already a dwelling there?
Also, what sort of surveyor do I need? I rang a land surveyor today and he said I need a building surveyor and recommended a chap. When I rang this chap he said I need a land surveyor! I assume whichever measures the depth and the width and the slope of the block and this info you give to the building company so they can design your house for appropriate orientation etc. before it is submitted to council for approval?
I would be grateful if someone could guide me through the maze of steps to buying, building/renovating and what hoops I have to jump through with the Hume City Council.
Cheers- Belter