To everyone out there:
Make sure you ask for everything BEFORE you sign anything!
We have just entered into a pre-contract. We made all the variations and changes we are going to be making. (The only changes now are if we upgrade tap handles etc at pre start)
The first breakdown of the variations we were interested in was quite vague, written in pen and had bits whited out here and there. (NOT Good)
We advised we required a fully broken down, typed up (Not hand written where it can be whited out/amended) list of the variations and the costs for all of these before we would sign anything.
Make sure you also ask for the addenda. This is a breakdown for ALL the specs you get in the standard price. It specifies everything in every room. We were advised this was not a standard document prior to signing the pre-contract. We advised this wasn't sufficient for us - if you are signing up for something so big and so expensive, you want to know, and have the right to know about what will and will not be included. We were subsequently and promptly provided with one.
We are a young couple, building our first home. We made sure we researched everything and knew exactly what to ask for when it came down to it.
At this early stage we know exactly what we will be spending. We have come under budget and have allowed a little extra for prestart, although we expect this to be very minimal as we have already made the majority of our upgrades and variations.
I would never sign a pre contract and hand over $1000/$2000 deposit prior to getting all this done with anyone if I wasn't sure I would enter into a building contract. Its a waste of time and money.
We looked around at many companies before we chose our design. Some salesmen can be pushy and can also think they can rip you off as you are young and have no experience.
Our salesman realised that we weren't young & stupid, we knew what we wanted and we weren't going to sign anything until we got everything we wanted and and were happy with it.
Salesmen work off commissions. If they want their commission, and what's best for you, they will provide all of the above and more before anything is signed. Don't be pressured into signing anything. Do your research. Ask around. Have a think about it. Sleep on it. Its YOUR money, not the salesmen's. Don't be scared you'll hurt their feelings or you'll miss out on something if you dont sign up on the spot. Companies always have special deals/attractions. Don't let this pressure you. They will have something else on offer when you are ready to sign.
Make sure they are asking what they can do for YOU.