Could this be the one...

So after a few false starts, we potentially find the spot where our dream house could be built. The first few opportunities were small vacant blocks. We looked at the neighbourhood, house values, street features and the opportunity to bargain. The first was a vacant block of tiny dimensions we are talking 420sqm, the only option here was to build a two storey home. At this stage, even though I was anti-multi-level homes, I was starting to become comfortable in our little townhouse that we had rented. I had a dislike for stairs, and I was starting to get used to it, as one of our daughters would repeatedly complain about noise after dark. now that the floors were separated in the living arrangement the complaints reduced and we had a feeling we could work with a two storey home. This option would end up being our best option as we were looking to house 4 children. So we needed a 5 bedroom house.

So after not going ahead with the small block, we soon looked at the option of a knock-down build. Where we would consider an existing home, that we would have demolished and build anew. We found a home close by but it was for auction. We attended the auction and was quickly surprised by the number of interests. It all started slowly but quickly escalated after the low bidders (including us) were weeded out. It was interesting to be part of an auction.

After several weeks of looking a place close to our old home became available. It was in a great neighbourhood, but this time we would not demolish. This would be a renovation. We placed and offer and the seller signed after some negotiations with the price. We organised a building and pest inspection only to be somewhat disappointed with the outcome, we determined that there would be some amount of work to do with the fencing and retaining wall but what really concerned us was the previous termite breach in the house. It has since been treated, but the uncertainty was enough for us to pull out and consider another property.

Not long after the previous offer fell through (coincidentally through the same agent that sold our home), we found another newish house. It turns out that a friend of a friend was selling it. Through some telephone conversations it was determined that it was too late to take it off the market. This home was about the same age as the one we just sold. Two storey with the right number of room, but also had a built in granny flat down stairs, which could be rented out to make some money if we wanted. We placed an offer, which was rejected, as we placed an offer before it actually went to market and since they were paying agent fees, they thought they would test the market but keep our offer as a backup. Since we knew we were the safety net, we declined and officially pulled out.

After weeks and weeks of inspection, we decided to look at a potential knock-down and build project. On the 28th of October we attended an inspection of a house, but didn't even inspect the house, we had a look at the block and reviewed the dimensions and said, we will get in contact with you with an offer that day. The agent gave us the forms and we considered our options. The block was slopey, but still workable. It wasn't sure if we'd be able to find an ideal block (flat, large, cheap and in the school catchment). So we gave it a shot. We wanted to be reasonable but low enough to work with, as it would require considerable retaining to make flat. It seems I'd be destined for retaining, after having experience from the last place we had. After the weekend for the seller to consider (and they were not fast to make the decision), we got the verbal approval. Now it was up to us to organise the solicitor and finance so that the transaction would be as smooth as possible, of course after everything was officially signed.

Now the hard part was ahead of us... deciding on a house plan and builder.