We just had our first call with our building coordinator yesterday. Spent about 40 minutes on the phone with her. She was very nice and didn’t rush or push things, patiently explaining the process and making sure that we understand what is required of us.
Told her that we plan on making changes to the facade at the tender (at this stage scheduled on October 8th), as well as quite a number of structural changes.
She told me that it was a good thing that I’m telling her now because these major changes cannot be costed up at tender. As a result, the tender would have to be rescheduled and everything that follows will be pushed back.
A few things that we planned on changing are:
- Facade change to Hampton facade with Hampton Grand Lounge and Study with Vaulted Ceiling. Possibly without the Grand Lounge and Study depending on the cost.
- There is a $6999 charge for Hebel upgrade in the quote. Is there Hebel on the Hampton facade?
- At the original quote, we requested a fairly large change to the master bedroom design. If that works out to be too expensive, then we’ll revert to original floor plan for master bedroom with Grand Dressing and Alternate master ensuite.
- Feng Shui staircase without the wall, just the platform… This should hopefully open up the area and make it look a bit more spacious.
- Enclosed Terrace only (with balustrades to the void), but do not enclose the alfresco.
- Removal of the post between the sliding doors to the alfresco. Apparently this will require engineering to review, but she didn’t say that it wasn’t possible.
- Underfloor hydronic heating. Again, needs review. We may forgo this if it works out too expensive.
- Under stair storage (access from pantry for extra storage) – at the moment, there is no under stair storage… it’s completely enclosed. I think that’s a waste of space.
- Fridge space cavity to fit fridge with 1787mm height, 915mm width, 739mm depth, while having the tap and power point behind the cabinet above the fridge – I just picked the largest fridge I could find to ensure that the cavity space is large enough for it in case we decided to go for it.
- 2 x 60cm wall ovens to be placed in what looks like fridge space in the galley with cabinets above and below it. The separating wall should not protrude past the bench.
- Largest possible windows to the upstairs study (where the terrace used to be)
- Double glazing to void windows, sliding doors to alfresco, sliding door to guest bedroom, galley window and dining room window
- Cavity sliding doors to all ensuites including guest bedroom
- Re-instate the WIR in the guest bedroom downstairs.
- Remove solar panels and powerwall – apparently it’s cheaper to do this post handover.
- Remove all wardrobes so we can custom build them post handover. Each recess should be 600mm deep for future wardrobes.
- Increase ceiling height downstairs to 3m if it’s not too expensive
She mentioned that she will try to get us some preliminary costing by the end of the week so we can make our decisions prior to tender. Getting very nervous and excited at the same time to get that costing.
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