Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Apr 01, 2009 3:57 pm Hi all, I'm after a spot of advice... We have just received a letter from our builder saying that they are getting out of the business, selling it but transferring builds in the interim. They are wanting to transfer us to the next nearest franchisee in the franchise they are part of. We are thinking we probably do not wish to do this. Let's say we went with an unrelated builder altogether. What is the procedure? We have paid the deposit and they have done a soil test, a full set of drawings almost complete (within the next week or two), the energy rating and, I think, a site contour survey (probably a prerequisite for the drawings). They are about to go to council. What I am thinking is we should say, hold it right there! Don't submit it to council. Show us receipts for everything you have done and refund us the deposit minus the total of those receipts. Hand over drawings, soil test results, survey results and energy rating report and see you later. Then, approach alternative builders with what we have, the old contract and inclusions list and ask them to quote on completing the job. Perhaps they would wish to make minor alterations etc to the plans hence us not wasting time putting the current ones through council. (In fact given an opportunity there might be a minor alteration we would ourselves like to make.) From an intellectual property point of view, the floor plan is our own design, based on one of the franchise's plans but altered in a major way. How does all of the above sound? Any advice on problems with this approach, suggested alternatives, likely hiccups etc would be greatly appreciated! "Now, supposing a house to have a southern aspect, sunshine during winter will steal in under the verandah, but in summer, when the sun traverses a path right over our heads, the roof will afford an agreeable shade, will it not?" -- Socrates, ca. 400 BC Re: Changing builders 2Apr 01, 2009 4:05 pm The drawings will be the hard part, they may not want to part with them, or may not be able to Re: Changing builders 3Apr 01, 2009 7:09 pm Hellman109 The drawings will be the hard part, they may not want to part with them, or may not be able to That's a worry. Can they charge us for getting the drawings done if they're not willing to give them to us ?? "Now, supposing a house to have a southern aspect, sunshine during winter will steal in under the verandah, but in summer, when the sun traverses a path right over our heads, the roof will afford an agreeable shade, will it not?" -- Socrates, ca. 400 BC Re: Changing builders 4Apr 01, 2009 7:17 pm russell Hellman109 The drawings will be the hard part, they may not want to part with them, or may not be able to That's a worry. Can they charge us for getting the drawings done if they're not willing to give them to us ?? Yeah they can. If they are based on their plan, no matter how modified, I don't like your chances of getting them. I'm sorry to hear about your situation Russell. You may be able to come to some type of arrangement with them concerning the plans. It seems strange that they'd take on your business if they knew they were pulling out. Seems particularly unfair on you. I leave you to fend for yourself, figure things out yourself. Terrence Malick Re: Changing builders 5Apr 01, 2009 7:43 pm joles It seems strange that they'd take on your business if they knew they were pulling out. Seems particularly unfair on you. Oh I doubt they knew they were pulling out and I think they look to be doing their best to minimise any convenience their decision will cause. They were keen as mustard when we signed up late last year but are now wanting to make "serious life choices". A lot of people in this area have made "serious life choices" since Feb 7th 2009, it certainly put a new perspective on things for people . "Now, supposing a house to have a southern aspect, sunshine during winter will steal in under the verandah, but in summer, when the sun traverses a path right over our heads, the roof will afford an agreeable shade, will it not?" -- Socrates, ca. 400 BC How much are you ahead in payments compared to where the build is at? Have you fully drawn down the loan? 5 11932 Hi All, I'm new here! I'm in a block of 4 apartments (Waverley council) and looking to change a window to a sliding door. The window faces an enclosed garden (with a… 0 5539 Hi all, I've received the unwelcome news that our certifier (BCA Certifiers) has merged into the McKenzie Group. A quick Google revealed McKenzie is the mob that… 0 4243 |