Just Not Sure

Beginner · #1 08-08-2011, 01:19 PM

Hi everyone, Iam as my name says a beginner in this reno -deco stuff
We purchased our very own three acres of paradise this year and are trying unsuccessfully to decide whether to build, relocate a house on our block. There are so many things to consider and so many hidden costs with each.We love old things so i am finding it hard to believe we will be able to build something that looks old .All a bit scary so if anyone has any valuable knowledge on either area for this novice it would be greatly appreciated.

Julie-Ann · #2 08-08-2011, 01:53 PM

HI Beginner it is lovely to meet you. Welcome to the Decorating Forum

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We built a traditional style house from scratch 7 years ago. I do think it can cost more, as what makes a home traditional is often the details. So having higher ceilings, bigger skirtings, ceiling roses - all these cost more. But we too love living in a period style home so for us it was worth it. We went with a project builder and did have a hard time trying to explain what we wanted with some of the traditional items - like corbels being different to rosettes. I would just be sure the builder understands the style of home you are wanting to create.

Eli · #3 13-08-2011, 05:26 PM

Oooo I just noticed Beginner that you were from Gippsland, can I ask which part of beautiful Gippsland?? We are in Traralgon.

rosierose · #4 14-08-2011, 07:06 AM

We r building a californian bungalow in Melbourne. It is more expensive and very difficult to get information. Unless you have $$ and a good architect/project manager it is not the stuff for novices. My husband is a wiz at this stuff and I am very dedicated to design............it is a long hard road.

On the other hand there are some building companies that do the whole lot with a "country" but not necessarily "period" feel.

When u say "old" is there are style or picture of what you are after that you mean by "old"..

Heartfire At Home · #5 14-08-2011, 07:29 AM

Hi Beginner and Welcome!!

My mum and dad bought a house in Melbourne and relocated it about 4 hours away in a little town near Horsham many years ago. It's certainly a VERY cheap way of doing it. If you do go that way you just need to make sure you get a reputable company and someone who knows what they're doing.

The ones my mum and dad used seemed to be ok, but the house actually fell off the truck along the way (one half of it) and was left in the rain for quite a while whilst they tried to remedy the situation.

Mum and dad had to go to court for compensation. They won their case, but that didn't help the many hours of extra work (I'm talking every weekend over a year) my dad had to put in to remedy the faults that had occured because of it until he was happy. My dad was very handy and could do anything so he did it all himself, but it was very time consuming, exhausting and stressful for them.

On the other hand, they ended up with a lovely house on a gorgeous block of land overlooking a lake in a middle sized country town for around $20,000 (if I remember rightly, but I could be a bit off). A tiny part of what it was worth once it was done.

I've often thought of going the relocated way myself.... great opportunities if you get it right.

There's another relocated house just outside Ballan (where I used to work) near Ballarat. It is a massive, beautiful, stunning old weatherboard Victorian house on a large block. It is about the most gorgeous thing I have ever seen. They built a barn/shed to match, have a huge play area with swings etc, ponies, willow trees... the whole thing is like a scene out of some delightful book. If I had to wish for a house, that would be it. It's now considered THE house to lust after in Ballan!

It will be interesting to see which way you go!!

Linda. xo

rosierose · #6 14-08-2011, 01:43 PM

Sounds great Linda..............wow 20K for a house............but how much do you charge for your own time?

We r still (that is Mr RR) spending hours upon hours at "Rome".....still over budget and if we added in his $$ rate it would be very exp..

Still it very good to have someone handy, handy...rofl

Eli · #7 14-08-2011, 04:11 PM

Can't get relocated houses now for anywhere under $100K, the shift alone is usually worth $50K (for 20sq), then the roof and the joining costs.

Heartfire At Home · #8 14-08-2011, 06:47 PM

Oh rats!! This was many years ago as I said!! I think it was probably more than 20 years ago, so lots has changed since then! I think it only cost them $4,000 or so to move it at the time, but once again I could be off there. It was a great saver for them at the time, and they got a house they could not have afforded otherwise (the block of land was a steal at around $1000 I think!!). Not much point in me looking into it now then - lol.