Important Information - FAQ
As at 1.6.08
Q 1: Glen Crest Homes?
Glen Crest Homes has operated on the east coast of Australia since 1974. The owner of the company, Marek F. Weiler, is a Registered Building Practitioner in Victoria (DB-U 4569) and Builder-Open Licence in Queensland (1068619).
Q 2: Does Glen Crest Homes build?
Yes, in certain geographical regions Glen Crest Homes may build for you. Glen Crest Homes, a well respected name in the building industry since 1974, offer to erect the frame, trusses and install windows and external door frames or build to partial lock-up stage or partial completion in certain areas.
Q 3: We like higher ceilings; how high can we go?
Our standard internal and external wall is 2.7m (9ft). Options are to raise the ceiling height to 3m (10ft) and the external walls to 3m or 3.6m with our exclusive Period High-Wall system. Remember, the higher the external wall height the more authentic will be the appearance.
Q 4: Can you explain what lock-up means?
As an owner-builder project manager, you will arrange for the slab/footings/flooring to be laid. Glen Crest Homes can supply a flooring kit (stage 4) on request. After the laying of the slab/flooring, your carpenter erects the frames, truss & bracing, & installs the windows & external doors. Your registered plumber will then install the fascia, gutter and roofing. You or your carpenter can then install the insulation wrap and external cladding or you would engage a bricklayer if you have selected the brick option. That’s about it for the lock-up stage.
Note: We supply steel roofing battens not timber in the Prestige Lock-up Kit. These are installed by your registered roofing plumber or carpenter.
Q 5: Are we allowed to make changes to the plans?
Sure, we are here to help you with any one of our standard plans, most of which we have built for clients over the last 30+ years or you may make changes to them. All internal and external walls can be moved due to our using a fully trussed roofing system.
Q 6: We like this floor plan, but can we have a double or triple pavilion roofline?
Yes, so called Olde Worlde rooflines can be used on a variety of floor plans, so do not feel restricted. We have toured Australian cities, towns and boroughs from Western Australia to Queensland and Tasmania to bring you authentic reproduction designs, facades & rooflines.
Q 7: Can we have French doors to formal rooms and a café bi-fold to the rear deck?
Yes, you can mix and match any window or door and can also add hi-lights, leadlights and port-holes.
Q 8: How is payment made for the lock-up kit?
(a). Upon your signing our Preliminary Agreement for copyright and payment of $1,100 (including GST) you will receive our standard floor scale with room sizes for the design selected. This design is subject to copyright as are all our plans and intellectual property. You can then note on the plan any variations and return the plan for price confirmation to Glen Crest Homes.
(b). Once all items have been clarified we move on to the contract stage for the supply of the building materials package (kit). At this stage you will be required to pay 15% of the quoted/contract price (less the preliminary payment as indicated in Q8-1 already paid for the preview floor plan) to produce working drawings.
(c). When working drawings are completed ready for your signing, we then require 40% of the contract price to be paid to commence the manufacturing of the package components.
(d). Balance of 45% to be paid prior to despatch.
(e). NOTE: Items c & d progress payments can be varied to work in with lender/builder Work In Progress claims.
Q 9: What is the time frame for delivery from when we order the kit for our new home?
Generally you can expect a 6-8 week turn-around time for 1st delivery of your building materials package.
Q 10: How long do you reckon it would take to build the house?
Generally for a floor plan of 186m2 (20sq). Stumps, bearers-joists and flooring: 5 days for 2 men;
Stand the termite resistant pre-fabricated frames & trusses and bracing: 6 days for 2 men.
At this stage you would call for a frame inspection.
Install the windows & external door frames: 1 day for 2 men; Install all the cladding: 5-7 days for 2 men.
NOTE: The fascia, gutter and roofing should be installed before the cladding as the roofer’s fall-safe scaffolding, if required hangs over the top plate and is braced against the studs)
Q 11: How do we work out the sequence for materials and trades to turn up?
We supply you with a Schedule showing the suggested order to work with.
Q 12: How much will overall construction cost?
As each and every project has a different set of circumstances, costs will vary from one job to another. Therefore, we will walk you through the process. However, as a very rough guide multiply the Stages 1 & 2 building materials package price x 2.5. Some of the larger more complex plans may go up to x 3 to arrive at a ball park build price.
This is on an owner managed basis when you register as an owner builder. Some kit home companies suggest you simply multiply the lock-up kit x 1.5. As a registered builder myself, I can advise you with authority this is way too low. If it can be done as cheaply as they say, get them to build it. Of course they won’t, as they are not registered builders. Don't believe everything the sales person tells you, as more often than not they are likely to tell you what they want you to hear.
Q 13: What about 'after sales' help?
With our qualified and registered team members and associates, we offer professional assistance to you and/or your sub-trades. I assure you of this and I welcome you to call me direct on 0412 322 546.
I trust the above assists you in making an informed decision to select Glen Crest Homes as your supplier of a quality building materials' package for your new home and to build it with confidence.
You will get what you have paid for. As a registered builder in the states of Queensland and Victoria, I personally guarantee it.
Happy building.
MAREK F. WEILER
Director and Registered Builder
VIC: DB-U 4569 QLD: Open Licence 1068619