Things to remember

Below is a list of things that I feel are essential to consider during a build. They are things one can easily forget to add in the tender and can be very difficult / costly to do during / after a build. Some of these things you may be able to do during construction depending on the leniency of you site supervisor

Kitchen:

·         Check dimensions of fridge space. Increase to 1000mm or more if possible.

·         Plumbing near fridge for those with ice/chilled water dispensers. Preferably in a cupboard above or next to it.

·         Check dimensions of microwave space.

·         Consider upgrading from laminate to granite

·         Two bowl sink with filtered water tap

·         Consider provisioning for outdoor / second kitchen. You will need a gas point, water, and power point

·         Extra cupboards, especially overhead with bulkheads

·         For wooden flooring and some tiles height of kitchen appliances need to be adjusted as well as first step of stairs

·         Ask skirtings to be only tacked in so they can be easily removed for floor covering installation

Bathroom:

·         Frosted windows

·         Medicine cabinet

·         Heater/fan/light

·         Granite basin

·         Floor to ceiling tiles

Bedroom:

·         Mirrored sliding robes

·         Double glaze windows for sound and heat insulation

Garage:

·         Consider dimensions especially if you own a 4wd

·         Consider Widening for extra storage space

·         Drive through roller door can be very useful

·         Auto garage doors or at least power point provisions for future installation

·         Power points for tools. Will you need 3 phase power?

·         Power points for second fridge or dryer and ducted vacuum motor

Electrical:

·         Telephone points, TV points and double power points,

·         Power points for vacuuming

·         Cordless phones also need power points

·         Power point / light provision for garden shed

·         Provisioning for garden lighting

·         Ducted vacuuming

·         Doorbell  / video intercom and or alarm system

·         Height of power points e.g.: wall mounted TV or projector

·         Sensor lights around house

·         Check positions of power points and light switches

·         Data points. Consider Foxtel, IPTV, Internet connection in other rooms, printers, and also for streaming data.  

·         Outdoor power point or in alfresco.  Also consider outdoor gas point.

·         Low voltage floor lights / niche lights or along stairs look great

·         Consider Dimmer switches for some rooms

Other:

·         Solar power

·         Consider positions and number of fresh water / recycled taps

·         Insulation

·         Consider backyard drainage and any pipes you may have to lay

·         Recessed electrical meter box

·         Zoned ducted air conditioning with control pad for upstairs and downstairs

·         At framing stage, take photos of walls in all rooms before gyprock goes on so you know location of all studs and wooden frames