COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE

Tips

Practical advice distilled from real Australian homebuilder experiences.

52 tips published

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Post-Handover & Maintenance

Vinyl plank installation gaps and finishing options

Do not accept a poor installation job; seek rectification from the installer or builder. - Sriram deleted tags

vinyl plank installationgapsscotiaskirting boardsSriram
Post-Handover & Maintenance

Vinyl plank installation gaps and finishing options

Consider skirting boards for better wall protection and a more complete finish compared to scotia. Sriram

vinyl plank installationgapsscotiaskirting boards
Pre-Start & Contract Review

Dark kitchen cabinet selection and maintenance

Prepare for regular cleaning of dark cabinets, as they tend to show marks more readily than lighter options.

kitchen designcabinet finishesmaterial selectionmaintenance considerations
Pre-Start & Contract Review

Dark kitchen cabinet selection and maintenance

Consider the placement of sinks, as wet hands can still mark island cabinets even without a sink on the island.

kitchen designcabinet finishesmaterial selectionmaintenance considerations
Pre-Start & Contract Review

Dark kitchen cabinet selection and maintenance

Opt for textured dark cabinet finishes to better hide fingerprints and marks.

kitchen designcabinet finishesmaterial selectionmaintenance considerations
Pre-Start & Contract Review

Electrical upgrade costs during pre-start

Visualise daily usage by marking desired lighting, switches, and power points on floor plans to ensure adequate placement.

electrical upgradespre-start planningcost managementsmart home wiring
Pre-Start & Contract Review

Electrical upgrade costs during pre-start

Consider deferring the installation of downlights and some feature lighting until after handover to save costs by using independent electricians.

electrical upgradespre-start planningcost managementsmart home wiring
Pre-Start & Contract Review

Electrical upgrade costs during pre-start

Prioritise essential power points and switches during pre-start, as builders often charge a premium for additional electrical items.

electrical upgradespre-start planningcost managementsmart home wiring
Pre-Start & Contract Review

Electrical upgrade costs during pre-start

Install conduits in walls and slabs during the build to allow for cheaper post-handover additions like ceiling fans, pendant lights, and smart home wiring.

electrical upgradespre-start planningcost managementsmart home wiring
Pre-Start & Contract Review

Electrical upgrade costs during pre-start

Plan your electrical needs thoroughly, including pendants, feature lights, and fans, before pre-start.

electrical upgradespre-start planningcost managementsmart home wiring