Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Dec 07, 2010 7:49 pm Had a pre-start just now. Atmosphere was a bit cold. No warmth. Nothing to say how it will be done. Straight away first page - "any changes"? A couple of hiccups - being a first time builder, was never really advise on what we should take note off prior to this. But I can tolerate this. Everytime when queried about items to add, was told that all can be sorted out during pre-start. And did highlight the two things below are critical to building my dream home. Now at pre-start and found they could not do a couple of supposably common installation. Worst, no advise for alternatives. - Fireplace Gyprock wall could not be done. They don't do Gyprock board. Will need to get someone else later. I can tolerate this. - Ceramic basin. Their carpenter don't do that! I can't tolerate that. Everything stop now until they can get their carpenter okay if this is possible after I do not budge from this requirement. Credit back amount too little to go with someone else. Contract and document were partly signed. What a let down. If they don't say yes to the sink, I will walk. Now just getting ready with plan B - other builder and design if they don't call me back with a yes. BTW, I went for a pre-start although title not issue yet. They want to charge me an extra $500 for changing my option from Colorbond to Tile roof. Fee for resubmission!! Although I did speak to the sales guy about changing that after signing the pre-contract, I was told that there was no proof. I don't mind changing to tile but as a matter of principle, I am *** off by the attitude. Not a good start. Re: Pre-Start did not go too well ......... all stop 3Dec 09, 2010 5:50 pm I agree, if there are dramas straight up and you are feeling uneasy about it DON'T DO IT. I had a funny feeling from my initial meetings but ignored them because I was so excited by 'the dream' and now we are regretting it BIG TIME. I hope you get your yes though and you don't have the extra stress of finding a new builder etc. Re: Pre-Start did not go too well ......... all stop 4Dec 09, 2010 9:31 pm Number 1 - you do not have titles so therefore they shouldn't have submitted plans to council!!! Was your prestart only couple of hours long? We spent all day and we had pretty much made up our minds on choices before we got there - its just things were clearly explained and every little thing was spoken about and checked off on the list. That sounds really disappointing what you got. Surely they could get a quote for your fireplace from the ceiling co. Surely if a cabinet maker is qualified they could do your ceramic sink - why do you want that? All you can do is ask for their most experienced prestart consultant and tell them you need some issues cleared up before you sign off everything. Re: Pre-Start did not go too well ......... all stop 5Dec 11, 2010 7:57 pm Hi Our prestart was just under 4 hours. She reckoned no point continuing because I was insistent on the sink and she could not get the answer at that point (though there was an initial "no"). It was my dream kitchen. Disappointing also because the selection we made before the pre-start was different on offer on that day. We were told to visit Laminex showroom to select the kitchen cabinet color and model. On the pre-start day, it was a different maker and different color. We had to choose as close as possible on the spot. (We actually visited the showroom 3 times prior to that. What a waste of time). Thing is, it did not make it easier with the girl (I don't think I can call her a consultant), was rushing us as if she got other "plans". I already got a quote from a fireplace cavity installer. So I am not too concern about that. But i want my ceramic sink! It's possible but a soak well is usually much larger. Your 'soak well' only holds 424 litres when full. What is your soil type? Soak wells need sandy soils. 10 6185 Finally got the Soakwell at my house sucked out. Now I’m looking for ideas on how to hide it as it’s a bit of an eye sore. I’m thinking I’d like to turf over the… 0 1561 We've had the offer of a short term tenant whilst waiting for CDC/DA home approval and demolition for our knock down rebuild. It would achieve a pretty low rent as it's… 0 9880 |