Builder Recommendations - SE Suburbs Melbourne

G'day all,

I've just bought my first house - a 20's California Bungalow in Murrumbeena. It's pretty tired and is going to need a fair bit of work. I am reasonably handy and have 'tooled up' for a fair bit for the work. I've only had possession since Dec 5th, and have already removed all of the faux brick cladding, had it restumped and done a fair bit of demolition (de-plastered 3 walls in preperation for removal, took out a chimney ect) - yep, there is still plenty of enthusiasm.

I am now in a position to get started with some construction. This basically involves:

• Construction of 1 new room of about 15m2 with new gabled roof
• Build 2 x bathrooms from scratch
• Install all new windows and bi/tri fold doors in the rear
• Posibly full replaster
• Removal of 3 load bearing walls and installation of replacement beams

It's by no means a massive job, but too big to do myself with current work commitments (and skill!).

All of the plans are drawn up and I've started looking for a builder. I've been though the building commission site in the hope of getting someone local, but it hasn't truned naything much up. A couple of bloke shave come and had a look, but there is a lot of the too busy, too small, too big yadd, yadda, yadda responses.

Word of mouth is the best advertising you can get, so I'm hoping some of you blokes might have a recommendation or two (although not likely because you would all just as soon DIY!) I'd rather not resort to the yellow pages if I can help it.

Good luck..... as you've found it sounds too small for most builders (read 'decent builders') to consider given the current level of building activity. If you do find someone, be diligent about the contract and documenting agreements for all variations or you'll liekly end up deeper in muck than a werribee duck. Too often with such jobs people get what they come to accept, not what they expect.

Another line of investigation is the Master Builders association or the HIA - both have databases they can search for you.

hi Ben and a Big WELCOME o the forum - your project is near to my heart as a 1920 Calif. Bungalow (in Coburg) was my very first home, and building project. I would be happy to take a call to discuss the extent of the work with you - I know a who works and lives in your area though have no idea how busy he is. I don't do any building work myself but may be able to help you locate some of the materials and products you might wish to use - My main area of expertise is: Australian Colonial, to Californian bungalow era homes. Just send me a private message if you're interested.

Either way, have fun!

you can see some of my work at www.geocities.com/seriph1 but be warned, it is a very old website, in poorly written code that I did to teach myself HTML. it is all one page so will take a while to load if you're using dialup, but the wait may be worthwhile for you as it does show a CalaBunga done up.

oooh, I grew up in Murrumbeena. Went to Murrumbeena state too. :) Mum still lives there.

Land of many frogs. (that's what murrumbeena means - it's aboriginal)

Hi, Ben;
I'm in East Bentleigh and I know (at least) three local builders whom I would recommend. If you don't find anyone PM me (or I think you can e-mail me from my user profile) and I'll word them up.

Regards,
Rusty.

P.S. Actually the smart thing would be for me to PM you. Which I'll do in just a bit.

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Originally Posted by seriph1

you can see some of my work at www.geocities.com/seriph1

.

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Steve, just had a look at your site. facinating stuf, you have done and achieved alot. well done:D

thanks for the comments - looks like a few folks have tried to access it and it's gone over its download limits. I will post the individual addresses of the relevant pics in the morning

apologies

Quote:

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Originally Posted by seriph1

hi Ben and a Big WELCOME o the forum - your project is near to my heart as a 1920 Calif. Bungalow (in Coburg) was my very first I would be happy to take a call to discuss the extent of the work with you - I know a who works and lives in your area though have no idea how busy he is.

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Very generous of you Steve. I just might do that! BTW - some of your work is amazing! Thanks for the reply.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rusty

I'm in East Bentleigh and I know (at least) three local builders whom I would recommend.

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Thanks Rusty - all (good!) names will be graciously accepted. PM on it's way...