22nd July 2013
So far from 3rd May until 22 July, not much progress occurred in the paperwork side of things. Our land did,
however get registered on 21st May and after 2 stressful weeks we managed to
settle on time! This enabled us to receive a 10k cash back that was promoted by
the developer. We were very happy. It was all thanks to my excellent
conveyancer and no help of the bank that enabled us to settle on time.
However, the paperwork side of things continued to drag along. There were some slight communication
problems with our CLO. Originally we had been told that our plans would be
approved by housing code (comply and development), however because we were
affected by bushfire, housing code required a Bal certificate. So MJH sent out
a variation with a fee of $750 just for this certificate. I thought this fee
was ludicrous, and contacted the council
who were able to do the exact certificate for $350. So I paid my fee and
awaited for the certificate. A week and a half went by and I had not heard
anything from MJH, my frustration got the better of me and I contacted them
once again to get an update. During this conversation the CLO happened to
mention that I am no longer getting plans approved by housing code, but rather
the council, who don't need the Bal certificate. I was fuming as no one informed
me of this change, after I had told MJH I have arranged to get the Bal
certificate. So now I had paid for a certificate that I did not require. I
quickly contacted council and luckily enough they hadn't started the certificate
and I was able to get a refund. Thanks MJH!
Throughout this process I
was trying to remain positive. I didnt have any other building experience to compare our
experience with, so I went along with it all and didn't kick up a fuss. Meanwhile
my partner was livid, and was convinced we were being stuffed around on purpose
given our young ages, 1st home builders and both being female.
Eventually we received an
invitation to attend our electrical appointment, which occurred on 22 July. The
excitement started to kick in now as we began to progress through the paper work. I attended the appointment and knew we didn't need to spend too much, due to my brother being an electrician.
Things like down lights, extra power points, fancy lights, fans, and ducted
air, we had planned to do after hand over. So the appointment was very quick and
cheap, only costing us $85 for upgraded power points on our glass splash back.
We were then told that plans would be submitted to council and upon being
approved our build would commence! Yahoo! So close to starting!
