Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Oct 08, 2008 3:41 pm Hello folks,
I am thinking of building with Simonds Homes in Melbourne West. The land I've bought is settling in early Jan09. I've been in contact with Simonds and received a quote from them which looks OK to me but still not satisfied with the customer service I've received. But we like the design very much and just can't decide whether to stick with simonds (as i've heard some bad feedback about them) or try searching for another builder (as I've also heard people saying all builers are the same). I would really appreciate if I can get any feedback from someone who has builld recently with simonds or someone they know who has build with simonds. Also if anyone has build Mahogany it would be great to share few things. Cheers Mihir Re: Building with Simonds - Mahogany 2Oct 09, 2008 12:08 am I am currently building the millbank 2900 with them, almost done, due for final inspecton next week, we have had lovely service all the way through, and if small problems have happened, or we notice something is wrong at the house our site sup is always more than happy to fix it straight away.
cant recommend them enough. Re: Building with Simonds - Mahogany 3Oct 09, 2008 12:11 am A friend of mine built with them last year. They had a major problem with Simonds' customer service. Kept calling simonds but never really got a call back. Now that they've moved in well over 6 months, they are still waiting on certain things to be fixed as discussed in their 3 month maintenance inspection. Also, apparently their upgrades/extras are very overpriced.
I've not had any dealings with Simonds, i'm basically just going off what my friend told me. But then again, arent all big builders the same? If you really like the design, i say go for it. If you are willing to work through the problems of the build,ing process, you should be alright. One year of headaches, but look at how many years you will enjoy in your dream house? Re: Building with Simonds - Mahogany 4Oct 09, 2008 8:52 am We are at the latter stages of building with Simonds. I want to be diplomatic and say within any company, who you deal with has a great impact on your experience. Maybe that is true, maybe we have jut had 4 cso's, 4 site supervisors and 2 managers who couldn't give a crap and the people assigned your house will be much better.... Anyway Simonds do have good floorplans and good prices so have a read through my thread (building our flagstone) and you decide. Thanks 5Oct 09, 2008 8:59 am Wonderland,
Thanks for your comments. Well we too felt the same about customer service. But what we have been doing is, we just don't wait for their email or call and keep following up until we get what we want. It is stressfull but it has worked so far. In terms of design, we really like it as it is exactly like what we have been thinking of as our dream home and that is what making us to think about sticking with simonds. As you mentioned, i think its just matter of us being proactive and handling all situations and problems properly. Well, lets just hope for the best. Thanks you very much for your response. I will really appreciate if you can share any more information regarding building process you have (as this is our first home) to be careful of. Cheers Mihir Thanks Sharee 6Oct 09, 2008 9:09 am Sharee,
Thanks for your comments. As you mentioned, the reason we went to simonds was because of the good floorplans and good prices. Also the design we choose (Mahogany2400) is the one we liked a lot after doing a lot of research with other builders. The only problem we have is the customer service and them not being cooperative enough in certain things like making changes to design(but i assume, all builders are the same in that case). But as you said the price is good so as the inclusions and the promo I've been offered. And I can just hope that the people assigned to our house would be good. Lets hope for the best. Well I was actually reading through your thread when you posted this message. Hmm its a big thread but going to read it all today. Thanks for that. Cheers Re: Building with Simonds - Mahogany 7Oct 09, 2008 3:44 pm The construction of my house is about to start, properly I can give you more details down the track
But for the admin process, it is slow.. it took me 6 whole months (from initial deposit till contract signing).. But surely they don’t always return your call or email… my first CSR never.. the second one (the current one) not replying at the beginning.. But one day, I gave her a 20+ calls with voicemail, now she start returning my call… heheeee I am inpatient too, if I want to know something, I want to know it now.. so I tend to call them and find out things rather than wait for the call.. or sometime I go straight to their South Melbourne office (drop off or pick up letters/PCV/etc rather than wait for posting)… I have a luxury to do that since I am working in the city… I go with them is because of the house design and their price, and also have friend built with them too But also one thing I am not sure if other notices, they have some display opened since 2002, quite a long time and they have not sold those display… I love it because that help me to make decision as well… I go to these displays nearly every weekend to check on the house, doors, windows…etc, try to open and bang it (without their knowledge) … Unlike some display, you can see some problems after a year or 2… but these homes stand still quite well… Blog - http://clageonewhouse.blogspot.com/ Building Thread - viewtopic.php?f=31&t=10886&hilit=milan I am in, with my husband and my beautiful bunny Thanks for your reply. I will just wait and see I guess. Trying to get some more information from our builder. 9 30235 go upvc window frames ensure insulation under colorbond. not just sarking, lighter color roof also not sure if you have seen this viewtopic.php?t=5823 last couple of pages… 4 110524 |