Looking for home designer in Sydney

Getting to the point of needing to find a design service for a knock-down rebuild of our PPOR in Lidcombe, one that doesn't create designs with build costs of $3.5k to $5k per sqm like one I looked at . We're looking to rebuild as detached dual occupancy (on a corner block), for which I can't find any remotely-suitable existing designs. A service that assists with the council submission process and builder selection would also be helpful.

There are a couple of neighbours with recently-built houses, including one who is something of a friend of my wife, and we'll try to find out who they used, but otherwise I've just been searching online and have nothing to go on but a few scant reviews (and I've found with building services in general, nearly all reviews are either 5-star raves or 1-star run-for-your-lifes, with almost nothing in between).

Anyway, I've found a few drafting places online, and before I contact any of them, I was wondering if anyone here has had any experience with them - especially any sort of run-for-your-life experience. The places are:

• Actron Design
• Superdraft
• House Plan

Alternatively, if you have someone you could recommend, particularly with experience of the (former) Auburn council LEP and DCP, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

GP

 

Design Concepts did the plans for my PPOR back in 2013. They specialise in plans for builders in Western Sydney. Domenic worked as a sub-contractor for my builder but I was in direct e-mail communication with him during the planning process.

Design Concepts Sydney - About | Facebook

They might be able to suggest some builders for you too that cover that part of Sydney.

 

Thanks @wombat777. I'll check them out.

GP

 

I can assist with the design and documentation if you're wanting, just shoot me a PM. I've got quite a bit of experience in residential design and approvals being an architect Would you be looking to subdivide as well?

 

Thanks @RenegadeDom. I've sent you a PM (at least I hope that's what I've done...).

Regarding subdivision, yes strata subdivision. The land is too small for torrens.

GP

 

Superdraft are very expensive. Not sure if worth it

 

Thanks for the feedback @Speede. I saw one or two unfavourable reviews for them too, but then even the best of anything always gets a few bad reviews.

Wayne

 

Hi Wayne
My best friend is a builder in Adelaide and Sydney.

She owns her own company, does a fabulous job but is choosy with who she works with. Will not lowball, she knows what she is worth.

Will on pm you her details, may be worth a chat to see if there is any synergy there.

 

Thanks, @Xenia.