Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Dec 17, 2009 9:06 pm Hello all, I am a long time viewer first time poster... It has been great to watch the progress of everyone elses homes over the past few months as we were getting ready for our own build to start. We have learnt a number of things to prepare us for our first build from tyhe forum and are now asking for some further help... A quick run down we are building a custom design home from a small builder is SE Qld for our difficult block about 4 meters of fall across the building envelope with the dimension of 20 x 30m but for the price of the block and views made the fall worth while. We are hoping the home to be had at the other end will be worth it. We signed all of 'fixed price' contracts in Sept with a site start in late november and we were told roof on by Christmas. Since our pre start site meeting things have seemed to be rolling down hill. With the sales company who turned out not the same as the building company, we found this out after we signed the contract that the sales team were in fact only contracting us to a different company. The original sales team hadn't passed on any other information to the sub contractors as promised for our colour selections so had to make our choices again with the cabinet maker. We also asked for quotes regarding a few things like downgraded water tanks and light fittings but never signed these variations and supported this with an email stating which variations we would agree to take and which quotes weren't accepted. We have now been told that due to the following reasons that the builder will be enforcing the latent contract variation: 1. The plumber was not able to find the sewage line despite this being clearly visible as a white pipe protruding from behind the retaining wall and as per the plans 2. Our plans which were custom designed by the sales team to suit the block won't allow the normal footings to be placed at the front of the deck to these encroaching on the front retaing wall and in turn a cantilever design by the engineer will need to be used for the support 3. The builder used an 8 ton excavator and broke the the rock breaker on some 'granite floaters' where the footing were to be dug To top this off our builders drott has decided to send an invoice for >$1000 Ex Gst for for removing and stacking the tree stumps. Funnily enough I was there from before the time the machine was turned on and left after the stumps had been removed. In total max time to remove the stumps was 2 hours. One of the resources shows to hire this size drott and laser bucket is only ~$130/hour ex GST. My partner and I aren't sure about what the variations in costs are going to be in total and whether we should have to fit the bill for anything other perhaps the footings (and additional concrete) which were still nearly dug as per the engineer plans within per day. The exception here is the footing width has exceeded the 600mm diameter as per the plans. If anyone is still reading this sorry for the rant in my first post on the homeone forum. I didn't exactly plan it to be this way but the builder has asked that we organise a meeting tomorrow to discuss these matters and I am just wondering if there is any advice out from others in 'similiar' circumstances (I hope you aren't...) or from those in the industry. Thanks for all your help in advance. Re: Our Challenging Build 2Dec 17, 2009 9:41 pm Sorry to hear you have got off to a bad start. We are also building on a slopping block at it can have some challenges, but do not talk to you builder by calling it a difficult site. They took on the contract even though it was throught a 3rd party they new what they where building on. You need to check your contract carefully our contract states a builders margin, so when our excavation allowance went over it was the cost plus the builders margin we where provided with a copy on the invoice from the earthmovers as proof of the expence. You need to keep to the facts when talking to your builder and put everything in writing, I would be going though you contract with your builder and all correspondence that you have had with the 3rd party sales team. Keep in mind the builder is probably just as frustrated with the sales team as you are. Good Luck Cheers Lou http://take2-customdesigndownslope.blogspot.com 07-10-09 omg they have cut the block 14-05-10 we finally have the keys Re: Our Challenging Build 3Dec 17, 2009 10:15 pm Sorry to hear that your build is causing you pain so early....things can only get better Which contract did you sign? As for the drott cost, >$1,000 is excessive. I agree with your assessment of $130/hr is reasonable. Our builder charged $55/tree to knock them over and push them to the side which is probably in line with your hourly rate assessment. I don't see how they can justify the plumber's inability to find a pipe as a latent condition. Thank you so much everyone. This all makes a lot of sense. I guess when you talk to a builder who butters up everything to look very polished, you get to start believing… 7 17618 of course there are legal avenues. You've already mentioned it. Sue them. I find it odd that lawyers wouldnt be willing to take on the case, given CCT evidence and… 1 23784 "Losers" "humanity" "off time" "your" "top notch" "love symbol" Sounds like ponzo is done using other people's toilets 36 23917 |