The benefit of talking to others

In the process of deciding what home to build, which builder to choose, and what features of a home to wish for, we found a treasure trove of information and personal experiences online from which we could learn.

This blog was intended as a way to pay that forward; pass on our knowledge to the next pair of suckers who decide to drop their life savings (and then some) on their dream McMansion.

I hope that all my posts thus far have contained something that people can take and use.

But if there is one piece of advice that I’d like to share it’s this: Speak to as many people as you can to get their perspective and advice.

You simply do not know where words of profound wisdom will come from.

For example:

– The solution to my stormwater problems was put forward to me by Michael at Eco Demolitions (https://www.housedemolition.sydney ; info@econsw.com.au). He advised me to push for a hydraulic system that drains directly to my street frontage as there is substantial fall to that side of the block, and my hydraulics engineered ultimately agreed.

– Speak to your friends who have either built their own home or have renovated. While just shooting the breeze with my friend Tanya, she suggested an elegant solution to winter heating: in-floor heating. This is despite not having the experience of building a house herself. I’ve been obsessed with in-floor heating ever since, and now just need to convince Annie that it’s worth the money.

– Consult the opinions of experts. James Treble was incredibly helpful. It is worthwhile to engage an interior designer to help you for a few hours during your selections, especially when you consider the cost of your build vs the consulting fees.

– Don’t be afraid to ask various people at your builder the same question – you’d be surprised how often the answers differ. No one can be an expert at everything, so don’t get frustrated.

– Speak often to friends who are down to earth, or frugal – whatever phrase you prefer. They will keep you grounded through the process as the budget starts to creep out of control.

– Speak to your parents. They’re not just old, sometimes they’re wise too.

– Consult the blogosphere. But remember, ultimately, these are often people who are as clueless as you so take the advice with a healthy pinch of salt.