we just paid our initial 4% deposit today, so i guess things will start rolling soon! how long after you pay this deposit do they go on site and begin work?

Had a very welcome call this morning. Bill himself rang to discuss our earlier issues with our SS. I couldn't be more happy that he had the time ring himself. Shows they do read these forums.
Now I hope my happy day continues when I have my site walk today

Soil test and all that land stuff.
Colour appointment
Council approval
Then 20 days for construction.

Doesn't your SS call you weekly to keep you up to date?

No. We were told that in the sales stage but Bill said they have dropped back to fortnightly contact due to customers saying it was too much weekly. Personally I would prefer to just get an update each time a trade starts and finishes. That way you know where it's up to. Myself I have relied on visiting most days to see where and what up to due to infrequency of updates. But I would like to think that the SS is too busy making sure everything is spot on with our build rather than sitting down typing out a text.
Just frustrating when you are a hands on/ like to know type person and this type of build is out of your control

They would start work within the fortnight depending on the weather. Good Luck

I check almost daily on the progress of the house, probably a bit much, but I can pick up issues and get something done.

Weekly updates are great. I can't believe people don't want them that often, maybe give people the option on frequency.

Communication between SS/builder and owner makes a huge difference.

I know with us it has eased some of the delay issues and decreased the stress.

i know i would happily get annoyed daily in regards to SS contact! lol

WOW thanks! Cant believe we are so close now! its been a short 6 months since we paid our $3000 deposit!

its good to hear that Mr McDonald has his finger on the pulse most large companies would just get someone lower down to sort it out ...if at all

I like the fact Bill reads these forums. It's good to know that he is looking after the customers.

Bill if your reading can I get a BBQ for my alfresco? (joking, but will happily accept it)

dropped by the block today not expecting much ,well termite barrier is down frame was being delivered then got a call saying the frame is booked for Monday if its not raining fingers crossed . P.S. Bill a dishwasher would be nice

Starting to feel pretty upset with our build so far we seem to have one drama after another. What doesn't help is that so many people in our town are watching this build as many have never heard of McDonald Jones Homes and are really interested to see how it turns out. They are all seeing what's happening and all have comments, but most just hope that the end result is worth all the stress. We don't want a BBQ or dishwasher we just want a stress free build, for our ss to get on top of things and improve his communication not only with us , but his contractors and a beautiful new home at the end...here's hoping

I hate to say it but stress free and building a house don't go together. I hope it all works out for you and things start working out.

Arghh contractors are a funny breed. Trying to get fence and driveway quotes, only half bother to turn up etc...

Good luck, hope it all works out well

Hey banksia
I know what you mean. No communication gives you no confidence with what you have put a lot of money and soul into to try and make a home. But I hope you stick with it and dont let it get on top of you. I found contact your clo and discuss the matter with them and see of they can help. Hopefully you have good readies that do a top job and it's worth it in the end. Hopefully the others aren't seeing the build as you are though!

hi banksia, any date given to you for handover?

Well I must say we have had a stress free build and things are just moving along nicely. Can't complain at all.

Painters should be beack next week to finish painting where there were inconsistencies in the gyprocking as the gyprockers have fixed that up.

Benchtops are booked in and driveway for next Thursday. Shower screens are being made so guess fittings the week after for electrical and bathrooms/kitchen. Then the tilers back to finish the main living areas. Not long now.

CamKat is MDJ doing your driveway? Congrats on your progress, we are probably going to be finishing around the same time. Our painters were due to finish this week and splash back and fittings going in next week but I think the painters are a bit behind and wednesday being Anzac day not much will happen but I hope I'm pleasently surprised.

28parrot yes they are doing our driveway and grass. Yes not sure if it will happen Thursday with ANZAC day on Wednesday.

CamKat, when is the expected handover date?