[Chiba]

So, I foolishly read architecture magazines. I keep seeing these beautiful houses that look like modern art galleries. They never have prices on them. Discounting the price of a section, does anyone have any actual facts on how much something like this would cost? Anyone done it?

[Smiler]

Chiba

Those magazines are my bedtime reading! :laugh We're just putting our toe in the water and making some enquiries about building.

Companies are very reluctant to speculate unless they've drawn up plans and costings, but the rough figures they've thrown at us are between $1200 - $1800 m2 for a 250 m2 house The lower costings were given by G J Gardener/Signature and the higher cost by Diamond Homes, all in Palmy for a kitset style homes (except for the Diamond one) but without eco extra's like solar water heating etc.

However a real estate agent has just sent me this after I enquired about sections - "I asked Raiford Gardiner Architect what it would cost to build brand new in steel and glass. With double garaging and private wind free courtyards he said the top of the range was $3,000 m2 but that $2,000 m2 could be possible" - that's without any solar etc. The agent has just offered me the land for 1.5 mill! Sight unseen and without even telling me the area size :laugh

Someone who has actually had their house built will hopefully be able to give firmer figures than mine though. I hope so, because it's making my head spin!

[John Z]

Well, I haven't yet built a house in NZ, but the basic rule is:

there is no rule.

It is about image though. There are people who want a "good design" (whatever that may be) and there are people who want something that LOOKS as a good design (for whatever reason).

For me good design is not money related, it's like "making the most of now" and "most" not being money but related to the essene of life. (Would that mean I am not charging "a lot"? Helas.)

Part of a good design is a smart design. Part of a smart design is a very costworthy design.

Is it good when you can "read" the pricetag?

Cheers, John.

[Chiba]

Believe me, I know that good design and pricetags are somewhat contradictory, but the harsh reality is that I need to know if I'm living in fantasy land by wanting a house from smiler's bedtime reading, or whether we have a genuine chance at living in a unique, beautiful, modern building.

[John Z]

Basically I'd say yes you can, but I cannot see what is in your dreams.

The price of materials is the same whatever the design is, but not the way it is constructed/implemented. In a smart design, the design may be more expensive, but the construction would (should...) be better, in many ways.

From the way I see it, ad some 30% to the price of a "catalogue-house" and you'll (should be able to) have a house that is twice the quality of living/experiencing the house. Now you need to find that (local) person who can do that...

I hope that makes some sense?

Cheers, John.


(I'm sorry I can't make it more "concrete" right now.)

[Chiba]

Another take on the quality issue:

Link to BBC News story (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/south_of_scotland/7275312.stm)

Good on him, I say. :clap

[Smiler]

Another take on the quality issue:

Link to BBC News story (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/south_of_scotland/7275312.stm)

Good on him, I say. :clap

Love it! I want one too, off to 'persuade' OH. :D