How to build a house – step three

OH DEAR: Going to the Disputes Tribunal is a lengthy and stressful process, but it isnt expensive. So if things do go horribly wrong and you get advice that youve not had a fair deal, dont let the threat of 'court action' scare you from standing up for your rights.

This weekly installment is your chance to joina family of fouras they experience the highs and lows of building a home for the first time.

This week it's all about how to choose that all important 'plan' - custom designed or a design and build package?

How to pick your design team

This piece should be titled how not to pick your design team. In fact, if our story was a reality TV show, the producers would be rubbing their hands in glee at the drama. Seriously. It got so bad we ended up at the Disputes Tribunal with our first architect.

I'd love to say I know why we got it so wrong when we picked him, but I'm still not sure. However I now know what to do if it goes completely pear-shaped.

Design and Build

Of course, you don't have to get an architect at all as design and build firms can do it all in one package. Most of the big group home builders, and even some of the smaller prefab firms, provide a design package where you can chose a home you like and build it, just like that. Fewer design fees and, at least in theory, less stress.

If you choose to modify their design you will be charged for the changes, and if it is a smaller firm be aware that you may end up paying for some of the design process because they haven't spread that cost out yet (it happened to a friend of ours).

If you make significant changes, they can incur significant cost. Still, even if there are costs involved, planning should be a straightforward process.

See the article here:
How to build a house - step three