Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Nov 24, 2009 9:33 am Hi all, Just a quick one - went out to site yesterday for frame inspection - Yey! plumber was there saying that they would have to move some plumbing wastes that were in the wrong areas -groan... anyway got to talking and asked if he had put the extra cold water point next to washing machine taps to be plumbed to tank - he looked at me blankly - looked at construction drawings which were the wrong ones! Talked to admin who said that the washing point itself would be plumbed to the tank?? not what we clearly asked for. Got home and sure enough on the new construction drawings there is a distinct stand alone cold water point. Emailed her and spoke to her today, she said it would cost around $100 to add the point as it was not on the final variation list that I should have (that I have not signed off on!) - all emails are very clear that there was to be an extra point and for heavens sake it is $100 - they sure made it up on us by upping all the variations by not booking us in to hopetoun sooner!!! Am unsure whether to stand my ground and say the intention was very clear and we have paid for the variation even though their estimator stuffed up! what do others think??? Thanks!!!!! PD Marina 42 Mariposa Contract signed 20 July 2009 Permits in 2 Oct 2009 Construction start 22 Oct 2009 www.broquemansion.blogspot.com Re: PD Query - Should I pay?? 2Nov 24, 2009 7:07 pm If its on the plan, they legally have to install it. I am not sure whether they would actually connect the tap to the rainwater tank unless you pay them, legally if they just connect it to the mains I think they are covered. Is it in your selection book? They stuffed up, but in my experience builders are very stubborn and you have to learn which battles to pick.... I dont know if you will win this one. Re: PD Query - Should I pay?? 3Nov 24, 2009 7:46 pm This was one of my beefs with PD. The way the contract has to be signed on the spot and the fact that the people doing the variations stuff up on a regular basis (thats what happens when you hire based on appearance). If something gets missed or written incorrectly they take no respnsibility whatsoever even if it is obviously their mistake. Another annoying thing is that they seem to think that the contract should take presidence over the drawings and are very lazy about ensuring the client signs the drawings or that the drawings should match the contract. As a draftsman myself I find this very unprofessional on their behalf. Another thing I found unbelieveable is that they regularly supplied me with updated drawings prior to site start with no explanation of what had changed or even revision numbers. I had to go through and find the changes myself (like where's Wally) and sometimes they would be things they just decided to change and weren't given authority over (for example making the garage gutter run inboard when this was not asked for, needed or wanted). My case in point was a window that was drawn correctly but described wrongly on the variation list. I ended up having to pay $450 to have them correct it despite the fact I had proof that they had made a mistake. They simply wouldn't admit fault. I'd say you are out of luck on this one - lucky for you its only $100. Re: PD Query - Should I pay?? 4Nov 25, 2009 4:22 pm Thanks so much guys for responding! I sent an email today saying we did not think we had to pay as it was clearly stated by us exactly what we asked for but we were open to discussion - they sent an email back saying that they would take a hit - so am pleasantly surprised! Mozzie I feel your pain - Kek gave me the advice of having everything in writing and I think that has helped immensely - your lucky to have the variation list! I have not had a construction letter or final variation list - actually got the variation list today finally so am shuddering as I don't think it is all correct. Up until now we have had numerous variations of issues all benefiting PD so I am happy with a small win (hoping that does not set us up for a loss). They certainly need to start to update their construction drawings with rev numbers - that was a problem as the SS had the wrong ones and difficult to pick up when they did not have a date - you can imagine the SS stating something and the Admin agreeing even though she was looking at the updated ones with different wording - it took me to pick up! Oh well I have been assured he has the correct ones now. Best get looking at the list groan.... PD Marina 42 Mariposa Contract signed 20 July 2009 Permits in 2 Oct 2009 Construction start 22 Oct 2009 www.broquemansion.blogspot.com 2 7209 There is no reason why building contract reconciliation cannot be done prior to handover, if the builder won't do it get someone to do it for you. Why would you pay for… 3 6690 Hi Mofflepop, I would recommend finding a building designer to prepare plans, they should design to your specified budget. The benefit is you can tender the project out… 9 20432 |