Design Variations – DD2

After getting the first set of design variations costed with both builders, we’ve decided to stick with the current one as it looks like it may be more cost-effective in the end. Today, we met again with Ken to discuss the variations. We still have some outstanding questions for the builder, mostly to clarify that he hasn’t misunderstood some things. We don’t need to decide on most of the variations right now as most of them are superficial changes, but some of them are structural so we need to make up our minds soon. The ones we need to sort out are:

• Bulkhead changes – what to keep and what to ditch. This was a fairly big expense and we don’t think we need all of them. However, it appears that the bulkheads were quoted as being corniced instead of square set, and the square set is one of the main reasons I wanted them in the first place. I swear that we discussed this ages ago but it appears not. So we need to get some requoting done. If they’re going to be corniced, I’d rather go without. This sticking point is driving me nuts!
• Windows for the guest bedroom. The changes cost extra and I didn’t think it added any real value, so we’ve reverted to the original windows, but making the front ones taller. They will also be easier to dress this way.
• Entry portico. I wasn’t happy with the general look and once again stated what I wanted, only to be told that there were structural issues which, while not insurmountable, would add to the cost. He’s going to talk to the builder and try and figure something out. This is another sticking point, as the current design doesn’t achieve the look I want and compromises in the areas that count. I *know* it’s not impossible as I’ve seen plenty of real-life examples – in fact I saw one just this morning on my way to work, so I took a photo and emailed it to him!

We also made a start on the lighting plan, which I’d drafted up weeks ago, so it was good to get that out of the way too.