Browse Forums Building A New House Re: Has anyone used 'Ravlich & Clent' Builder 13Aug 31, 2013 7:28 pm chameau Cons: ... Ask if they still use the same drafting company You must keep on checking that what you ask for is been done/priced/ordered/communicated to the subies - their admin is a bit flaky...... I couldn't agree more about the drafting company - their attention to detail is abysmal. I know that the admin person there has changed in the last couple of months and no doubt there was some teething trouble with the handover but I reckon it is much better now than it was before. Re: Has anyone used 'Ravlich & Clent' Builder 14Sep 04, 2013 11:11 pm My partner and I don't have the goolies to try designing anything ourselves. We've been through a few designers and have found that they're all rather clever in their own special way but we haven't been completely happy with any of their designs. There was always some thing not quite right, something that they just couldn't fix to our satisfaction. And I didn't think we were being unreasonable - I mean who wants a WIR where a section is virtually inaccessible? We're using R&C's designer and he seems pretty good. He's using our basic idea and has come up with a very workable design. There's still a bit to fine tune but the layout is good. Re: Has anyone used 'Ravlich & Clent' Builder 15Sep 05, 2013 1:43 am tyli My partner and I don't have the goolies to try designing anything ourselves. We've been through a few designers and have found that they're all rather clever in their own special way but we haven't been completely happy with any of their designs. There was always some thing not quite right, something that they just couldn't fix to our satisfaction. And I didn't think we were being unreasonable - I mean who wants a WIR where a section is virtually inaccessible? We're using R&C's designer and he seems pretty good. He's using our basic idea and has come up with a very workable design. There's still a bit to fine tune but the layout is good. I'm sorry to hear you had no satisfaction with designers.. I hope they were only initial sketches before you paid any money... tyli We're using R&C's designer and he seems pretty good. He's using our basic idea and has come up with a very workable design. There's still a bit to fine tune but the layout is good. That's good to hear. Is that an in-house designer at there offices in Basendean? or a third party at an other location? Are you still at the concept design stage (the free bit before you have to commit to and pay for a PPA)? If you have a copy, could you upload your plan? We lost quite a lot of time over the past few weeks due to rain, but the roof carpentry is finally finished and today the plumber put up the gutters and various flashing. Weather permitting, the roof could be done by the end of the week. Re: Has anyone used 'Ravlich & Clent' Builder 16Sep 05, 2013 1:11 pm They were initial sketches. We paid a bit but I think it was just for the site survey. We didn't sign up with anyone - we just weren't entirely happy with their work. We're still at concept stage but it's been good. The designer's easy to talk to and has provided some very good ideas. I think R&C subcontracts him. I met him at R&C's office but I googled him and he seems to work elsewhere too. I've got to work out picture uploading (I know it can't be that hard - just have to find the time) and will upload the floor plan for opinions. Re: Has anyone used 'Ravlich & Clent' Builder 17Nov 22, 2013 1:23 am tyli We're still at concept stage but it's been good. The designer's easy to talk to and has provided some very good ideas. I think R&C subcontracts him. I met him at R&C's office but I googled him and he seems to work elsewhere too. Hi Tyli, Its been a few months since your last post, have you signed the contract yet? or are you still considering other builders? Our build is finally at lock-up - its been a long sometimes bumpy road. but we got there eventually. Due to the Christmas break, we may not get the keys till after February! Re: Has anyone used 'Ravlich & Clent' Builder 18May 06, 2014 3:25 pm chameau tyli We're still at concept stage but it's been good. The designer's easy to talk to and has provided some very good ideas. I think R&C subcontracts him. I met him at R&C's office but I googled him and he seems to work elsewhere too. Hi Tyli, Its been a few months since your last post, have you signed the contract yet? or are you still considering other builders? Our build is finally at lock-up - its been a long sometimes bumpy road. but we got there eventually. Due to the Christmas break, we may not get the keys till after February! Hi Chameau, have you been handed the keys? How happy are you with the overall build? I'm currently building with Ravlich and Clent and would like to know what to look our for in case they stuff things up. Re: Has anyone used 'Ravlich & Clent' Builder 19Jun 14, 2014 10:21 pm How are you finding them Upperwestside? Would you recommend them? Re: Has anyone used 'Ravlich & Clent' Builder 20Jun 15, 2014 2:56 am Quote: I'm currently building with Ravlich and Clent and would like to know what to look our for in case they stuff things up. Hi Upperwestside, We finally got the keys. It took more than double the contract time (400+ days), but after all that we're reasonably happy with the over-all finish product, but it was painful at times. However from what I read in various other posts from people building with main-street builders (all the well known names) R&C are not that bad! at least if there is a problem, they try to fix it (or at least patch it). Our project started in mid 2012, so I can only hope that their systems have improved, if not there are some of the issues we had: 1) The plan: We presented them with our own plans. Our plan consisted of fully dimensioned floor plan, 4 external elevations and some 3D computer generated images. all they had to do was generate working drawing (cross-section, details, engineering, etc). There were lots of problem with the plans - detail on elevation was different than floor plan, not enough dimensions - trades had to second guess, 1/3 of windows were replaced because they were the wrong size, there were different version of plans floating around, etc.. My recommendation: If you using your own plan, supply ALL the working drawing and engineering. If you using there design, check that the plan has all the detail listed and they are what you want. 2) If you want anything more than a basic kitchen, Do not use there default cabinet maker - they lack finesse! (uneven filler, metal draw side height build up with melamine board. 4 doors cabinet build with mullion in staid of 2 x 2 doors cabinet, etc..) do not leave any detail to the cabinet maker - be as specific as possible about every detail. 3) The solid plaster are VERY messy, all the windows and sliding door frames are full of mortar and contrary to builders assurances, The mortar does not fully clean off (or the cleaners are no good). The cleaners had 3 goes at it, and my frames are still not clean and the sliding door tracks have still mortar in them. Insist they (the solid plaster or renders) clean of their mess before it dries. 4) Lack of supervision! Most of the problem could have been prevented with proper supervision. Their style of supervision is 'Reactive' They get to it when an issue has happen. In staid it should be 'Proactive' they should be there to prevent an issue arising. 5) Their 'admin' is flaky, they forget things, they ask for various details that you communicated to them earlier on. etc.. Hope this helps and good luck with your build. there is only 20% difference in concrete strength between 20 mpa and 25 mpa, so check with your engineer first if it fits his calculation tolerances. There are ways to… 6 18542 As title suggests, looking at using the interlocking Pentablock stacked stone products to replace failing timber retaining… 0 18607 I work with owner, he/she is my man on the ground and I instruct them when to visit the site and take photos and I have other tools in the bag. 4 15867 |