Browse Forums Building A New House 1 May 08, 2007 5:37 pm I've signed up to the forum with a desperate plea for help. We are having a nightmare run with a builder and they have not even started building yet . As heartbreaking as it is to consider losing our deposit and four months of our time PLUS the house we REALLY wanted - we will probably have to change builders. Can anyone recommend a builder that they were happy with? Anyone in Qld who we shouldn't go with? Anyone who actually had a GOOD experience with this builde that could convince us to stick with them? Is there a website that openly lists people's experiences with particular builders inc. photos of finished work? If I started a website would people submit photos for use?
I'd appreciate any help anyone can offer - everything is very stressful at the moment, I've been in an accident and can't work and the longer the builder delays the longer we are trying to rent and pay a mortgage on one income. Re: 4 months & $2,500 = NIL +++PLEASE HELP ANYONE 2May 08, 2007 6:05 pm Hi bmp,
As someone who is also renting and paying mortgage on 1 income at the same time, I do sympathise with you. What is the reason for the builder delaying the site start? IHave you asked them the question? If your building contract is the standard HIA contract, then it should have some indication as to when the 'building period' commences and when it ends. It should also state that if the house is not completed when this period ends, the builder is obliged to compensate you some money. You should be able to seek advice from someone, in Vic we have BACV - there should be an equivalent in QLD? Hope this helps, Jazz Re: 4 months & $2,500 = NIL +++PLEASE HELP ANYONE 3May 08, 2007 6:33 pm It's delayed because they keep getting the prelim contract wrong. First our house was sited the wrong way on the plan then when they resubmitted it they included a $13,000 facade that we didn't ask for. We are still waiting on a contract and it has been 4 months since we paid our deposit.
We have just received some good news though - Adenbrook is offering us a good deal to change to them. And they will guarantee to finish the house before Christmas. Re: 4 months & $2,500 = NIL +++PLEASE HELP ANYONE 4May 08, 2007 7:19 pm bmp It's delayed because they keep getting the prelim contract wrong. First our house was sited the wrong way on the plan then when they resubmitted it they included a $13,000 facade that we didn't ask for. We are still waiting on a contract and it has been 4 months since we paid our deposit. We have just received some good news though - Adenbrook is offering us a good deal to change to them. And they will guarantee to finish the house before Christmas. I dont actually think that the construction can start before signing the contract. Our process looked like that: - signing the commitment -working on plans -lodging the plans to the private certifier -colour and product selection -mortgage confirmation from the bank I remember there was 14 days to start building construction after signing the contract and confirming the money. Adenbrook sounds ok, middle range prices and good looking houses. cheers kate Re: 4 months & $2,500 = NIL +++PLEASE HELP ANYONE 5May 08, 2007 8:08 pm bmp….what a nightmare for you!!!
This is the sort of thing that gets the hair up on my back. Isn’t their somewhere in Queensland that complaints can be made? I’d be threatening to slander the builders name all over the place, legally of course!! ………Sorry, but I have a nick name for builders like this one…..Cow Boy!!! Rough and ready, and to bugger with every thing else. Honesty though, if this is what your putting up with now, I’m cringing at what is going to happen THROUGH the building stage! Get rid of him, and I wish you all the best in finding someone eager to jump in on the project! Internal and External Building and Colour Consultant Online - Worldwide http://www.denovoconcepts.com Re: 4 months & $2,500 = NIL +++PLEASE HELP ANYONE 6May 09, 2007 9:59 am I know you are probably desperate to extracate yourself from the first builder and get your house underway, but please consider very, very carefully before you accept the offer from the second builder you have mentioned. We are having a hell time with them at the moment !!! PM me if you need further details. Good luck. Re: 4 months & $2,500 = NIL +++PLEASE HELP ANYONE 7May 09, 2007 2:14 pm Standard fare if you ask me. Screw up, redo, screwup elsewhere, redo.
Seems to be real problems with communication at most building companys. Also seems to take an age to make a minor change even though they made it. Persue, persist and try destress and you should get there eventually. Jumping ship gives you no real guarantee. good luck 3xb Re: 4 months & $2,500 = NIL +++PLEASE HELP ANYONE 8May 11, 2007 11:33 am As mentioned before, we have had no problems at all dealing with Adenbrook Coomera Springs. No problems, lovely people. Everything is going great (so far LOL).
They seem to be a great builder. Re: 4 months & $2,500 = NIL +++PLEASE HELP ANYONE 9May 15, 2007 10:55 pm Yes, sounds like you are having an issue with poor customer service.
Unfortunately I agree with an earlier post, as you are in the prelim contract phase, you are still a bit off actually signing contracts or even starting on site. Ensure that the area of your contract where it indicates liquidated damages (where the builder goes over time) indicates an adequate $$$ amount as some will default to $120 p/w which is quite low. In some cases it can be better the devil you know (if thinking of swiching builders). Rule of thumb is that if you haven't started on site within 20 weeks from deposit, somethings up and don't expect the timeframes to get any better - regardless of builder. You can threaten to go to consumer affairs but that can compound the issue should you continue to build with them. I found that building a new home certainly places pressure on your personal relationships and finances. I know it's hard, but try to focus on the positves - the famly x-mas's, BBQs etc... all in your new home. Good luck. Staircases and sausages. Should thou wish to keep thy palate sweet for sausages, avert thine eyes from their crafting. 14 4543 This certainly doesn't look good. I would be engaging with an independent inspector to have a look at this. As for the unscheduled site visits, most builders are quite… 1 28285 Thankyou so much 😀 I've decided on White on white for doors and trims, White on white 50% on ceiling and Mt buller for walls. Fingers crossed it will look OK 😀 2 7138 |