First Stage - House

The first stage of the house construction was done yesterday. Now the contractors will work on the foundation and the walls.

Construction is moving very fast. The builders are determined to finish by mid December. Now we have to look for a good joiner to do the "extra" furnishing that we want :)

Life has become sooo hectic!!! And the worries... Despite having contractors to do the damn thing I am having sleepless nights... Worrying about everything!!!

Read More

My House

Ground Breaking for construction of our house was last week on 10th September 2008. The actual planning has been one long project and until it is completed we cannot have any peace. Now here are some of the things that I'll be going for.

1. Pine Decking at the Back for those lazy afternoons and b.b.q's
2. Small pond for lotus, fish and water plants
3. Big Bulk under the decking for storage
4. A closed off cook's garden for the vegetables and herbs
5. A greenhouse for the plants.
6. Going Solar for all my lighting needs. Plan are to go completely solar but this move is heavily dependent on cash flow so most likely will go in installments.
7. Have solar A/C 's in all rooms.

We are trying to go green with our house and somethings of note are:
1. Growing own vegetables
2. Go Solar (Lighting/A/C's)
3. Have compost bins
4. Collect all water (rain) for all gardening and washing purposes.
5. Practice the 3 R's (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)

These are the plans anyway.

Read More

House- Update

Its been a while since my I last posted anything... I really didn't upto it :( After nearly 2-3 weeks of running around with the banks (they can be such a pain) my application for a loan got submitted!!! I know...I know... by now it should have been approved... but today all my papers were deemed satisfactory by the bank.... So now the waiting period starts!!!

So July 15, 2008 - final submission done!!!

Read More

Contractor - House

Finally decided on the Contractor who will build the house. Design & Builders - quite good company and very professional. Initial meeting went really well. Prior to arranging a meeting my parents had requested to see some works-in-progress and completed works. Only after being satisfied by the visual references they arranged for a meeting...

The first meeting took place yesterday. Things discussed were:

• the house plans,
  
• a few changes to the house plans,
• finishing,
  
• payment terms and conditions
• Legal agreement
  

As I said initial meeting went well.

We are targeting July end or August beginning to kick start construction.

The next step is to talk to the bank.

Point to Note:

I'm really happy with my Dads enthusiasm for this "Project". He is taking alot of interest and wants things done his way. We are having long long discussions at night!!!

Read More

Finance- House

After alot of discussions and research (regarding loans) we finally came to some good conclusions. I'm getting partial loan from bank and partial from my Parents and the remainder from my savings. Obviously all three are considered loans and have different interest rates attached to it... And I have a time frame of repaying all of them...

I had tried a number of scenarios and this is by far the best...

Read More

House

Getting Finance for Home Construction

I have been asking around (banks especially) on their home loans. The response I'm getting is not very good. Everyone is ready to give loans but gosh if you look at the package in detail its like you are being ripped off!!

Here is one example of what I mean (I have used a figure to illustrate my bewilderment) :

Loan Amount: $80k
Term Period: 25 years
Repayment : $750 - $800 per month

In this case by just using simple maths: after 25 years the amount paid would be $225k - $240k!!! And this is just for $80k.

I have developed a severe headache because of this!!!

Read More

Main Aim - 2008

One of my Goals, towards which I am working really hard, is: A House

I have decided that this year either I'll build or will buy a House.

I bought some land in 2006 in partnership with my brother. Here are the steps involved in buying land in Fiji.

1. Find a suitable land to purchase
2. Put a deposit of 20% if one doesn't have 100% payment.
3. Sign alot of papers
• Legal Papers
• Contract
• Mortgage Papers
• Medical Reports - have to get it from Doctors
• Full credit report
  
4. Start payments on
   
5. If investment is substantial have to have a Will. To protect your investment
6. Start working on House Plans.
7. Decide on a design
8. Contact an Architect or Certified Civil Engineer to get drawing drawn up
9. Sign up for water/power/city rates
10. Submit house plans to City Council for vetting and approval
11. Give approved plans to contractors for quotes
12. Select Contractor
13. Start Building
14. House has to be inspected by Civil / Structural Engineers at every stage
15. After final inspection of completed house as per Plan - Move In.

At present I am at Stage 10 - Give for Quotes

This is supposed to be a present for my parents.

So the complete design of the house was in my Mum's hands. I did so much research getting information and house plans in but the final decision was theirs. I had never thought that I'll be back to live with them. I had given up on believing that dreams can come true. :) Anyways the plans had been vetted by the Council before I even knew that I'll be moving and it was kinda late to make any changes.

Anyway I told Mum and Dad that the next House Plan will be as per my wishes :)

This is one major major reason why I was so much into buying a camera. I want to record the entire building process, the various stages... So hopefully I'll get my camera by 18th June and just keeping my fingers crossed on getting at least a couple of quotes by then....

Read More