Spend less on fittings and fixtures

Typical issues include reduced functionality, shorter service life, and difficulty finding replacement parts a few years down the track – all of which may cost you more in the long run.

Another option is to use fewer fittings, or to wire/plumb for future fittings but defer installation where they are not critical.

Cheap bathroom and kitchen joinery should be treated with caution. Apart from durability issues, cheap mass home builder’s flat-pack-style fittings can make a poor impression.

As with glazing, there is a growing trend towards directly sourcing cheap but good quality fittings and fixtures offshore, but much the same risks apply.

You can’t leave out anything critical.

If you have not completed the work and obtained a code compliance certificate by the time your consent expires, your work in progress may be deemed an unconsented structure that you are not legally entitled to occupy, and you may struggle to insure or sell it.

You will face a potentially expensive and frustrating process to try to demonstrate code compliance and have the building accepted after the fact. the pros, or at least getting good professional input early on.