SIGNED

The Big Day

I almost forgot to write this post because today was a Significant Day. I have SIGNED with a builder.

“At last!” I hear several regular, if slightly exasperated, readers sigh. The day you were beginning to suspect might never happen has arrived. Today I signed on the dotted line with a local builder who was able to give me a tender for my project WITHIN BUDGET.

Signed! (AI image)

Now, this is not the actual building contract, but a “pre construction phase” agreement. The purpose of this phase is to iron out the final material selections, and for the builder to convert our architectural drawings into construction drawings.

Then, when we have a final final FINAL figure, we can sign a building contract and actually get the show on the road.

Perhaps, like me, you thought this would be a matter of find builder, get price, sign contract. But no, in an effort to reach a contract figure which is as absolutely accurate as possible, this is the detailed process. And a lot of work it is too.

Introducing the Builder

The builder is Sarelle Homes, based on Sydney’s upper North Shore, with an office at Waitara. They have been around for many years, operating in different market areas and under a variety of names. I came across them during my tiny home phase—they do quite a brisk business in building granny flats and tiny homes. Under the name New South Homes they established a residential building offering, winning a few awards along the way. Recently, they decided to raise their offering to a slightly more bougie level, and renamed their residential building business Sarelle Homes.

In fact, by signing with them today, I became the first client for the newly-named Sarelle Homes. That has to be auspicious, right?

Inspecting their work

Although Sarelle doesn’t operate like a project builder with off-the-shelf designs, they do have a few locations where prospective clients may inspect their work. A few days ago I visited two or three of their display houses, focusing on those features that are on my wish list for my place: a fireplace, mud room joinery, open pantry, terrazzo, high ceilings. I found they could tick all the boxes on these.

Terrazzo - tick

Mud room joinery - tick

High ceilings - tick

Pantry - tick

Celebrations

Right now, I’m off to open the bubbly and celebrate this Significant Moment in the How To Downsize journey. Raise a glass with me—and watch this space.