Tender

Tender Results

Today we had a lengthy discussion with the estimator going through all the details of the contract. No surprises really, except a few things that were cleared up after further discussion. These two things were the staircase and storm water PA's (provisional allowances).

The crazy thing about Rawson, is that all staircases in their display homes are non-standard, and in one case, in violation of building & safety standards. When we asked several times about their standard staircase we were told "We don't have one on display" and eventually after multiple requests we were emailed a rather ordinary photograph of a standard, carpeted staircase. It seems that when it comes to staircase design there are multiple options, and Rawson prefer not to fix the price of it.

Storm water, on the other hand is a little more understandable. Hydraulic engineers are only engaged during the planning phase (after contract signing). We will only find out the requirements for the drainage once the experts are employed. Having had issues with storm water and sub soil drainage at our previous home, I will certainly contact the consultants to ensure there is additional surface and subsoil drainage. Call me paranoid, but water is extremely damaging when uncontrolled and untamed.

During the course of the tender presentation, two allowances were removed from the quoted figure, and we were eventually presented with 'Tender B'.  Demolition PA was removed, as we have chosen to outsource this, and our 'Envy' package was gifted. 'Version B' of the contract was drawn up, and we signed.

So now we are officially in pre-construction phase.
Next step to be done within the next month is to decide on exterior colours.
Bricks, gutters, downpipes, facade, facia, doors...

Pictures to come.

Tender Progress

Tender Presentation

We are booked in for Monday 16th. An exciting and scary time for us on our wedding annivesary. Lets hope there is not a massive deviation with site costs and our initial budget numbers.
Soil testing and contour surveying were completed early this week, so the final numbers are being calculated ready to be presented to us on Monday. 
Our sales consultant has promised a verbal walk through of the pricing before our meeting with the estimator. We should know all of the costing by Saturday. At least this way, we can revise/discuss any variations etc. before the dreaded 'sign here' and we'll give you a free upgrade valued at $XXXXX' sales pitch.

Preparations 

Demolition progress so far has been discussions with numerous contractors who responded to our serviceseeking.com.au request. Several tyre kickers in the vicinity of our preferred contractor. Only one has gone to site to inspect. A few more quotes from contractors working in the local area will be approached so that hopefully we know exactly who will be leveling the land before the end of February.