What do you do if you need to provide some stability by building a home for four boys and a husband at university?

What do you do if you need to provide some stability by building a home for four boys and a husband at university? Usually it means going without, scraping the pennies together and building something less than what you`d like. Sometimes a single wage doesn`t go as far as you want.

Adele Coleman, of Bendigo in Victoria, was faced with the above scenario, after buying the “land of their dreams”. Practical Owner & Builder were able to speak to Adele about her dilemma and how she went about maximizing the home she could build for herself, Graeme, Zachary, Jacob, Ethan and Malachi.

“I realised very early in the piece that I could not just walk into a builder and say I`ll take that house thank you. I just didn`t have the dollars to spend.” In fact with her husband studying full time and working two part time jobs to try and make ends meet. Adele told us, “building a new home seemed out of the question.”

Research
Adele looked around the usual places before deciding to be an owner builder, display villages, local builders, checked the “specials” in the paper. “I was really frustrated in the end,” says Adele, “The advertising said build for $5,000 a square, come to us, we`ll build to your budget. But when you added it all up the cost always blows out to over the budget.” When I told them how much I had to spend on a home, they all said “sorry we can’t help you.”

Adele started to think about owner building seriously, after speaking with a friend who had just finished building. “She did the project as an owner builder, but she mentioned she had some help. She told me of a local company who had a total building system, which outlined the process step by step, arranged inspections and helped her stay in control of the project. I said, what’s the number!

Home Building System
Home Building System was developed as a system to empower novice owner builders or renovators to control their own projects and have the home they really wanted, and pocket the savings. Practical Owner & Builder spoke to Darren Phegan of Home Building System about Adele Coleman.

“When Adele came to us she was really worried about not having any experience in the building process and unsure on how to move forward. We sat down with Adele and went through the system. We were able to show her how to go about getting the result she needed for herself and her family.”

“Once we ascertained the budget and the plans, we were able to help Adele get started. While she did not need them, we were able to show Adele over 100 different house plans and arrange specialised owner builder finance, even a lo doc loan if she needed. Home Building System then provided a series of manuals, outlining how to cost the project, specify materials and products and advised her on planning and building permit issues.”

Adele, by this time was starting to feel a little better about having a go at owner building. “I was nervous at first, but after I read the information and studied the manuals I was feeling at ease about the whole process. “I had a lot of questions of which Darren was able to help clarify, then I was ready to go.”

“And when I did go, was that a revelation. Everything went smoothly, as long as I followed the manuals. Shortcuts just didn`t work. I finished the house in15 weeks! Can you believe that! I`ve never built a thing in my life. I could not believe how smoothly everything fell into place” Continues Adele, “The Building Inspector couldn`t believe it either, he was amazed at the speed and quality of construction. That`s another thing about Home Building System, quality inspections above the mandatory council inspections are a part of the system and add to the budget reports, estimating, trade buying power and a trade & contractor network. It`s hard to go wrong. Just follow the system.”

Savings
How much did Adele save? “At least $50,000, and that was after paying Home Building System. The system saved me real dollars. I put the savings into improvements. I really wanted a quality kitchen, bathroom and double hung windows. Home building System showed me how to get the lot. People were coming up to me and asking who I was building with. My friends just could not believe the time frame in which it went up.

“Would I recommend someone to look at Home Building System? Absolutely. Tell them to go ahead. I handled it much better knowing I had a fall back and I felt empowered to deal with the trades, they were fantastic, I learnt new skills and I saved real money. I will do it again, with Home Building system, of course.”

After completing her home, Adele was offered a position with HBS and is now working for them. So if you would like to speak with Adele about the Home Building System and how you too can save, call 0439 317 215.

Insurance
Another benefit of using Home Building Systems are the preferred supplier discounts negotiated with companies who are leaders in their field. BuildSafe Building Insurances are an insurance brokerage specialising in the building industry. BuildSafe Building Insurances are able to arrange all the necessary cover before you start the project and offer a free advice line on 1800 019 233 or visit the website at www.buildsafe.com.au