Project builders - Melbourne

Anyone recommend any project builders that do duplexs/triplexs and happy to build to custom designs?

Have recommendations in Sydney and Brisbane neither operate in Melbourne.

Generally whats the building costs in melbourne - low to med spec double storey brick veneer duplex? (Like in Sydney its around $2k per m2 while in Brisbane seem to get away at around 1500-1600)

 

Costas constructions in BURWOOD East, VIC

 

Have you used them before and how was your experience

Seems more like a project management firm than just builder (all in one service?)

 

Yes I have built a 3 pack with them. They handled the deign, town planning and construction - although I am sure if you took approved plans to them they would build it.

Experience was very good. A neighbour a few doors down is currently building with them.

 

Are they knock down builders like metricon or will they do a battle axe ie keeping the existing and building at the back

 

Hi Hamish
How big was your units and how much was the total costs
Will appreciate your answer

 

Hey sorry for the late reply
but as above would love to know what the general costs were for the size

 

Here are some basic prices from volume builders and 'custom' builder that I have recieved for a knock down rebuild dual occ, the designs are pretty much all the same, same size, same layout etc.. Some are higher spec and better built than others, having seen some finished properties, have to say Metricon is the worst quality wise of the lot.

Metricon - $880k+ (Worst quality build, lazy designs)
Thomas Archer - $780k+ (These were the best quality wise + really good standard inclusions)
Lowe Design - $1M+ (This is including landscaping/fencing/driveways etc. Quality wise it was ok, but would of expected better)

These prices are just the build not including demo, council costs etc...

If you can find someone that can do it for under $850k complete with all other costs included, let me know please!

 

I have looked at Metricon dual occupancies and there rubbish - There smaller single houses are probably better designed and potentially a better suit to be converted into a duplex

Will look the other builders but those prices are too high. In saying that I believe your quoting on quiet large builds (Metricon ones I saw were pretty big)

I know a builder that could possible do one (I have a contract sitting here for $375k for 300m2 2x4/2/1 in Sydney - there base price in Melbourne is same but is single storey and low spec)

Mind you I believe turn key with them is 420k and they have a double storey design (280m2 combined) which could be done 500kish. They are low spec but still decent for suburbs were medium prices are around 5-600k.

 

@sash
Being the king of H+L packages in Melbourne
Who do you recommend out of the volume builders

I know you don't do dual and multiple occupancies but for single houses anyway (I'm sure a few do dual/multis too)

 

Where is it....and is it in a established suburb?

 

Just in general - Your experience with Melbourne volume builders
Did you actually find much differences with same builders but in different estates

 

Yes...you are correct about Metricon....absolutely useless and same with Simonds.

Be careful with these guys.... they will use what is in the contract against you. Metricon has been caught out doing swifties. Avoid the very large volume builders...Metricon is like CBA they get very legalese and pretty useless in delivering a quality service.

Stick to guys who are building 200-400 homes. They are much better.

 

Cheers for the feedback

is there anyone you recommend?

 

Where are you building? This is important not all the guys will build everywhere...

 

Haven't yet sourced land but as a rough idea north (craigieburn/epping) or northwest (st albans)

 

Source first...

 

Doing research at the moment prior to sourcing

Last time I followed that rule took me 2 years to find a suitable builder

 

Anyone dealt/heard of New Home Shop
Reviews seem quiet good
Website seems to appear there quiet flexible
Don't seem to large
I have seen advertising of 170k for turnkey 14 sq 3/2/1 which seems quiet reasonable

 

@sash

Sorry to tag your name without your prior approval, but you sound very knowledgeable

I got planning permit for a duplex in Maribyrnong already, 1 x 35sq, 1 x 32sq. Do you recommend any builders in this area?