Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Mar 02, 2009 12:23 pm Do you think it is fair for the builder not to entertain any more changes during construction?
We have just completed our frame stage and below are the changes we are requesting.. 1. upgrade skirting 2. change the splashback color 3. provide a door to one of the open room.. I view the above request as minor and would not really impact much on the construction. However, my builder is saying that they are no longer allowing further changes after contracts are signed and all the products have been ordered. I know that they have all rights to say "no" with all our request as contract have been signed.. but can they just be flexible at times? Re: Post Contract Variation - Is this fair? 2Mar 02, 2009 12:43 pm I think they are entitled to not allow variations. Like the builder said, they have ordered all the products already. I know how frustrated you must be, but i can also see why the builder is not allowing it.
Sorry, but i'm of no help really. Re: Post Contract Variation - Is this fair? 3Mar 02, 2009 1:01 pm funny thing is, I knew some people who are able to do this sort of stuff and their changes are even more complicated than mine. One of them even able to do it for the same builder that I am using..
I was just wondering now.. if this is depending on the administrator you are assigned with? Our building process have been so far smoothly runing.. as I have not really requested much from them... Maybe I was just expecting some tolerance level on their part.. It is also one of the reason, why I opted to build with them as the feedback I have gathered before is that they are accomodating based on some testimonials.. I guess that is not entirely true at all.. Re: Post Contract Variation - Is this fair? 4Mar 02, 2009 1:03 pm The splashback shoulnt be a problem as they are all measured once your kitchen has been fitted so push the issue on that one Re: Post Contract Variation - Is this fair? 5Mar 02, 2009 1:04 pm The problem is that volume builders order in batches. So that skirting and splashback is probably waiting to go. So if you change it suddenly they have stuff they dont need...
As for the doorway, that seems a little harsh to be honest, its extending a frame and putting in a bit more plaster at most, costs they can pass to you. When my parents owner built MANY years ago they added a door where a wall was on the tradies advice, but then again most of the tradies were well known to them. Re: Post Contract Variation - Is this fair? 6Mar 02, 2009 1:05 pm if you know someone who has made a change with the same builder - I'd get all the facts (when the change was made, specific changes) - before you ask to speak with someone in mgmt about it.
for example - I can imagine that at frame stage - changing your paint colour might be easy. After 4 years - we're in! Re: Post Contract Variation - Is this fair? 7Mar 02, 2009 1:07 pm The builder's argument is that they order everything once your file goes to construction. The door I can understand - they would consider that structural, and I know once our drawings had been signed off, PD would absolutely NOT allow any structural variations.
You could certainly argue your case for the splashback, as they will have to measure it once the kitchen is in, and you could possibly argue for the skirting, too. Good luck! Solidarity, not solidity.......The Lexicon of Life Re: Post Contract Variation - Is this fair? 8Mar 02, 2009 1:31 pm yeah, as for the door.. i can still understand that it might be a little difficult.. but before I have requested this we have spoken first to our site supervisor and he says that he can possibly do that.. he just needed to check with the office... but maybe it wasn't easy as I thought..
but as for the skirting and splashback.. this is the part that I cant understand... not really sure, If I really wanted to raise these concern to mgmt.. as I must admit I am in the wrong side here and I find this a minor issue.. that we could have settle very quickly... I guess, its my fault after all.. not having to think everything at once before signing on the dotted line.. guess its one of the lesson you learn along the way...being a first homeowner here in Australia can sometimes be very overwhelming.. anyway, thanks everybody for the feedback.. Re: Post Contract Variation - Is this fair? 9Mar 03, 2009 10:09 pm I understand where you are coming from. I have asked if I could change my cornices. We are building a 2 storey home in WA and are only at first brick height.
I have been advised that it is too late at this stage to make such a big change. I asked again, and explained we are only at first brick height, but no joy. They are within their rights to refuse, but it's a shame. I even asked if they could leave it out and I would get it done after handover. But again advised it is too late and there would be no cost saving. Lessons we learn along the way Hi, we live in an area where the black soil is prone to a lot of movement. We have an old 50's house with masonite everywhere and nails popping out, warping, rusted etc.… 0 4510 It seems very clear to me that your contract states that a security account does NOT need to be established so the answer to the builder is NO. If in doubt find a contract… 1 8510 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 15277 |