Select Your PC Items Early

As your building or renovation plans near completion, it is time for you to focus on the list of items you have to select to complete your home. The reason for starting this process early is the substantial impact your choices could have on your budget. Generally speaking, most of the external selections (eg external wall finishes, roofing, fencing, landscaping) will be made when reviewing the plans for your home.

However, early attention also needs to be given to selecting the internal PC items. Windows/Doors have been included in this list. Shopping around, exploring the net and taking advantage of DirectBuild’s supplier contacts can lead to material savings and may enable you to reduce your budget or go for better quality items without blowing your budget.

Take careful note of the brand name and detailed model/make numbers of all items you select to assist in obtaining check prices.

The bigger cost areas are:

• Kitchen
  
  Depending upon size, quality and brand preferences, cost of kitchens can range from $8K plus.  Decisions are needed on a host of items including oven, stove, range hood, dishwasher, microwave, frig/freezer, island bench, cabinets, pantry, bench tops, sink, tap ware, splash backs and lighting.
  
  
• Bathrooms
  
  Depending upon size, quality and brand preference, the cost of bathrooms can be expected to range from $6K plus; with the Australian Institute of Architects suggesting a figure of $9K for an average bathroom with standard fittings. Decisions are needed on bath/spa bath, shower, toilets/cisterns, vanities, basins, mirrors, floor and wall tiles, tap ware, drain covers, heated towel rails, under floor heating, exhaust fans, lighting or combination of overhead heating/lighting/exhaust systems.
  
  
• Laundry
  
  Decisions are needed on sink, vanities/cabinets, washing machine, floor and wall tiles, tap ware, drain covers and storage cupboard (eg for ironing board)
  
  
• Floor Coverings
  
  The choices include timber flooring (floating or hardwood), tiles, carpets, polished concrete, parquetry, linoleum or cork.
  
  
• Staircase
  
  If a timber staircase is proposed, choices need to be made regarding the design of posts, handrails, stair covering (if any), position of landing and colour finish.
  
  
• Air Conditioning
  
  The decision needed is whether split systems are required or is ducted air conditioning to be installed. If ducted system is proposed, the number of phases required.
  
  
• Lighting
  
  The decision needed is whether to use down lights or pennant lights or a mix of both.
  Dimmer switches may be preferred in bedrooms/dining/living rooms.
  
  
• Windows/Doors
  
  Decisions include whether to use timber, aluminium or pvc windows and balcony/patio doors. There is an extensive range of doors, windows and locks/handles to choose from so allow a reasonable amount of time to make your selection on what best suits your home and your budget.