My Porter Davis Build Blog

The standard included ducted heating system (can't remember which model) is insufficient for a 48 square house. We've upgraded to the Brivis MX35i for ~$14k.  There's also the option to upgrade to the HX35i which is the high efficiency model for an extra $852. As we've max'd out our budget for the house, we've downgraded to just the MX35i but will probably ask them to put it back up to the HX model as it should pay itself off over the long run. (I tried to get some stats on how long it would take to pay off but couldn't find any useful comparisons. One forum poster said 30% more efficient and pays off in 1.5 years.. I'll be more conservative and say 3 years which is still pretty good return. Good for the budget and good for the environment) This is the add-on airconditioner. We've only ever had evaporative air conditioning in the past and there's no way I'm putting evaporative into a new house. It's fine when it is <30 ...

This is our customised floorplan... Ground Floor: Some of the major changes are marked up in the picture... Added a door to close off the study for some privacy Added walls to close off the Dining. With the enclosed rear option, a lot of people complained about that plumbing stack in the middle of nowhere so we've put in a wall with a big void in the middle to section it off a bit better Added shower to the powder room. This is in case anyone is sleeping staying downstairs or can't walk upstairs for any reason, they can use the shower downstairs.  Added manhole to the garage. Easier for tradies to get up there and do stuff. No idea what yet though. lol Garage is now 6m wide instead of the standard 5.5m The internal access door in the garage has been widened to 920mm (to fit all the shopping bags through). All the door ways and bulkheads have been made higher to 2340mm, except for the theartre bulkheads. Apparently they need them lower to fit in the plumbing...