Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Jan 31, 2010 2:36 pm Here is a list we compiled of the MAJOR mistakes, it doesn't include small things that were fixed.
Would you do something about such incompetent builders and is there something we should/could be doing??? All of these mistakes have been picked up by us (the owners) not our SS or the builder. It is causing our build to be an awful experience! PLUMMING IN WRONG LOCATION Plumbing to the island bench was plumbed into the dining room not to the correct location of the kitchen. We picked this up and made all attempts to have it corrected before the slab was poured over them. However no effort was made to correct this problem until the slab had been laid. This caused the slab to need to be dug into and the incorrect pipes capped. The plumbing was fixed, however later the electrician needed to cut into the slab once more to lay electrical work to the island bench. SITE START We paid $3000 which guaranteed a site start of September the 30th 2009. However we did not have a site start until 12th October 2009. Our land had settled and was ready in time on the 18th September 2009. This caused us to be rejected for the boost of 14K to our first home owner bonus. PORTICO TIMBER POLES AND BEAMS As per our signed contract all timbers to the portico are meant to be of stain grade and stained in English Walnut. However non-stain grade timber was ordered and installed without prior communication or permission. We are now stuck having to paint these timbers. ALFRESCO TIMBER POLES AND BEAMS As per our signed contract all timbers to the alfresco are meant to be of stain grade and stained in English Walnut. However non-stain grade timber was ordered and installed without prior communication or permission. We are now stuck having to paint these timbers. CABINETRY COLOURS TO ENSUIT AND BATHROOM Completely the wrong colour cabinetry has been installed to both the ensuit and bathroom. Work has still gone ahead installing taps, plumbing, basins and tiling to these cabinets despite the fact they need to be replaced. OUTDOOR LIGHTS All of the outdoor lights were installed as single lights. Double lights then needed to be installed upon our instruction. OUTDOOR LIGHTING POSITION The feature lights on the façade of our house are at two different heights. The two on the left are at a significantly higher height than the two on the right. The two on the right need to be moved up to match the two on the left. LIGHTING IN ALFRESCO A single baton light is meant to be installed in the alfresco ceiling as per standard. This light is not installed or wired. 2 DOWNPIPES AT BACK LEFT CORNER OF HOUSE INCORRECT LOCATION In accordance with our final drawings the downpipe on the alfresco is on the wrong side and the downpipe outside BR4 should be between the bathroom and BR3. DOUBLE POWERPOINT MISSING There should be a double power point between the bathroom and BR3 POWERPOINT AT BACK OF HOUSE IN THE WRONG LOCATION The power point at the back of the house outside BR4 should be at the very back of the house not half way between the back and BR3. FRONT DOOR SIZE We were quoted a front door size of 920x2107mm, as per email with Ashley Moran. Also the front door size is quoted as 920x2107mm in post contract variation 1 point 1-2 The front door is actually 920x2040mm which is too short. The plans show the frame size to be 920x2107mm however the frame size is 1020x2107mm also wrong. WRONG POORER QUALITY UNDERLAY THROUGHOUT HOUSE As per our contract page 7 of 10, Cat3 ‘supreme’ green underlay was chosen and paid for. Cat2’delux’ yellow underlay has been installed BATHROOM TILED SPLASH INSTALLED There is no bathroom tiled splash selected or drawn in our drawings. The mirror goes to the top of the cabinetry. However tiles were installed. Removal has caused severe damage to the wall. BR1 ELECTRICALS POSITIONED INCORRECTLY BR1 back wall power point, closest to the window, too far into the centre of the room. BR1 TV point too close to the window it should be in the centre of the wall KITCHEN/DINING LIGHT SWITCH POSITIONED INCORRECTLY The 6switch light switch should be on the pillar next the fridge, however it is around the corner into the hallway. PLASTER IN ENTRANCE HALL Is constantly being poorly repair as the front door handle keeps going through the plaster. ETIQUETTE Tradesmen are using our toilets. Tradesmen are smoking inside the house. Tradesmen are eating a drinking inside the house, constantly leaving rubbish. Black coffee has been spilt on our white unsealed grout in the kitchen. SMALLER WORKMANSHIP ERRORS E.g., paint, plaster, tiling, door/shelving finishes etc Still to be discussed at PCI. HELP PLEASE Re: What would you do / what can we do SO MANY MISTAKES!!! 2Jan 31, 2010 2:45 pm Hi kateypink, Who on earth are you building with, this story is just deplorable. I would be bypassing the SS and contacting the head office (if it's a volume builder). Failing that contact the relevant authority in your state and make a formal complaint. You certainly have the right to compensation for the mistakes that cannot be rectified, such as the feature timbers, and the last site start. I know it's often costly, but it may even be worthwhile getting some legal advice here. Hopefully everything will get sorted in the end kateypink Re: What would you do / what can we do SO MANY MISTAKES!!! 3Jan 31, 2010 2:49 pm Oh gosh, sounds like a nightmare... sorry no suggestions other than going higher and stomping feet very loudly!! Good luck! Hope nothing else goes wrong... *fingers crossed!* Re: What would you do / what can we do SO MANY MISTAKES!!! 4Jan 31, 2010 2:51 pm Whst stage is your house at?? My comments are in blue... kateypink PLUMMING IN WRONG LOCATION It has been rectified, even if through a stupid process SITE START Any reason given? Clauses to this? PORTICO TIMBER POLES AND BEAMS Demand they are fixed as per contract ALFRESCO TIMBER POLES AND BEAMS Demand they are fixed as per contract CABINETRY COLOURS TO ENSUIT AND BATHROOM Demand they are fixed as per contract OUTDOOR LIGHTS Has been rectified All of the outdoor lights were installed as single lights. Double lights then needed to be installed upon our instruction. OUTDOOR LIGHTING POSITION Demand they are fixed as per contract LIGHTING IN ALFRESCO Demand they are fixed as per contract 2 DOWNPIPES AT BACK LEFT CORNER OF HOUSE INCORRECT LOCATION Demand they are fixed as per contract if it bothers you? DOUBLE POWERPOINT MISSING Demand they are fixed as per contract POWERPOINT AT BACK OF HOUSE IN THE WRONG LOCATION Demand they are fixed as per contract FRONT DOOR SIZE Demand they are fixed as per contract WRONG POORER QUALITY UNDERLAY THROUGHOUT HOUSE Demand they are fixed as per contract BATHROOM TILED SPLASH INSTALLED Fix the wall and instal the correct length mirror BR1 ELECTRICALS POSITIONED INCORRECTLY Demand they are fixed as per contract KITCHEN/DINING LIGHT SWITCH POSITIONED INCORRECTLY Demand they are fixed as per contract if no legitimate reason given ETIQUETTE Speak to your SS and put up a sign at the entry points to your use asking them not to do the following (although, I think toilets are generally used once the house is at lock-up and the portable is taken away? SMALLER WORKMANSHIP ERRORS Note in your inspection, or to your SS and get them fixed Custom European Cabinets - Melbourne Kitchen Specialist PM for business details as website currently being updated! Our Crazy Owner Builder Journey! Re: What would you do / what can we do SO MANY MISTAKES!!! 5Jan 31, 2010 2:55 pm I agree with everything Bam said. Insist everything that is not as per your contract, be fixed, so it is as per your contract. Your builder MUST finish the job as per the contract, if not, most definately seek legal advice. Re: What would you do / what can we do SO MANY MISTAKES!!! 6Jan 31, 2010 3:01 pm Hi kateypink, If you want legal advice, the company I work for deals with this sort of stuff. Feel free to get in touch. Re: What would you do / what can we do SO MANY MISTAKES!!! 7Jan 31, 2010 3:02 pm Thanks everyone, yes I think the expense of seeking legal advise just to our options maybe a good one. BTW we are almost at completion however most of these issues are still outstanding. And yes we are with a volume builder in Melb, supposedly with a fantastic rep. BAM... PLUMMING IN WRONG LOCATION It has been rectified, even if through a stupid process SITE START Any reason given? Clauses to this? NOPE no reason and builder blows off any Qs in regards to it PORTICO TIMBER POLES AND BEAMS Demand they are fixed as per contract Seeking compensation - VERY slow process ALFRESCO TIMBER POLES AND BEAMS Demand they are fixed as per contractSeeking compensation - VERY slow process CABINETRY COLOURS TO ENSUIT AND BATHROOM Demand they are fixed as per contract Meant to be being fixed, has been mths and no sign of it happening OUTDOOR LIGHTS Has been rectified All of the outdoor lights were installed as single lights. Double lights then needed to be installed upon our instruction. OUTDOOR LIGHTING POSITION Demand they are fixed as per contract Yep! Trying LIGHTING IN ALFRESCO Demand they are fixed as per contractYep! Trying 2 DOWNPIPES AT BACK LEFT CORNER OF HOUSE INCORRECT LOCATION Demand they are fixed as per contract if it bothers you? DOUBLE POWERPOINT MISSING Demand they are fixed as per contract Yep! Trying POWERPOINT AT BACK OF HOUSE IN THE WRONG LOCATION Demand they are fixed as per contract FRONT DOOR SIZE Demand they are fixed as per contract Not paying - as far as we are concerned builder wont answer WRONG POORER QUALITY UNDERLAY THROUGHOUT HOUSE Demand they are fixed as per contract Yep! Havent mentioned YET going in to stomp our feet very loudly this is the final straw thats just been broken 2days ago BATHROOM TILED SPLASH INSTALLED Fix the wall and instal the correct length mirror Making them fix BR1 ELECTRICALS POSITIONED INCORRECTLY Demand they are fixed as per contract Yep! Trying KITCHEN/DINING LIGHT SWITCH POSITIONED INCORRECTLY Demand they are fixed as per contract if no legitimate reason given No reason, dont want the patch job they will do so we are leaving as is ETIQUETTE Speak to your SS and put up a sign at the entry points to your use asking them not to do the following (although, I think toilets are generally used once the house is at lock-up and the portable is taken away? Signs hung everywhere, I would hate using the porta loo (that is still onsite) but at least flush/clean the skiddies!!! SMALLER WORKMANSHIP ERRORS Note in your inspection, or to your SS and get them fixed PCI coming up, we have a long list already Re: What would you do / what can we do SO MANY MISTAKES!!! 8Jan 31, 2010 3:16 pm Definitely seek legal advice - it need not be a major expense; all you need to do at this point is have an initial consultation, which can't cost the earth. Then if they believe you have a case, you can make the call on whether to proceed. Missing out on $14k of government grants - especially after paying an additional $3k to ensure you qualified - is reason enough to pursue legal action, let alone all the other errors. If they receive a letter from a solicitor, it may prompt a sudden change of heart. Sometimes that's all it takes... Re: What would you do / what can we do SO MANY MISTAKES!!! 9Jan 31, 2010 3:21 pm kek Missing out on $14k of government grants - especially after paying an additional $3k to ensure you qualified - is reason enough to pursue legal action, let alone all the other errors. Sorry should mention to everyone here that we did go through the long stressful task of getting letters from the builder and land co and applied for an extension which we received (not that we have told our idiot builders) Re: What would you do / what can we do SO MANY MISTAKES!!! 10Jan 31, 2010 3:21 pm I know somebody who had the plumbing placed in the wrong place in a house, so badly wrong that it could not be fixed at all. She demanded compensation from them after all their attempts to fix the plumbing didn't work and she ended up getting a nice sum of money from them, which was all fair and nice except that she still had to look at their mistakes every day which drove her insane. Legal advice definately. I'd go them for suffering also. Re: What would you do / what can we do SO MANY MISTAKES!!! 11Jan 31, 2010 3:33 pm building1 Legal advice definately. I'd go them for suffering also. YES!!!! I am 30weeks pregnant and all of this has gone on through my pregnancy, I swear this baby will be born a crazy as I have been so stressed throughout! Re: What would you do / what can we do SO MANY MISTAKES!!! 12Jan 31, 2010 5:30 pm Yes I would do something about it, I can't stand poor conduct or workmanship but because your problems relate to the non-performance of your contract, it's a contractual dispute and needs to be dealt with differently to a building defect. The contract should say something about non-performance and a procedure that you need to follow. Although I must add that I've never read a buildng contract, still they can't be that much different to other agreements but it might be vague and possibly useless. Have you communicated with your builder in writing? If it has all been verbal, then it is very hard to prove later on that you noticed a problem and had previously pointed this out to the builder. Assume they are stupid and need reminding and every communication must be in writing, even if it is just a confirmation of a verbal conversation. Do you keep a diary relating to the build or can you draft a timeline detailing everything that you have noticed and when you brought it to the attention of the ss? If I were you, I would (1) phone reception at the building company and tell them you want to put a complaint in writing and want to know who to address to, (2) write a lengthy letter detailing all your complaints, if you can include a timeline all the better and request a meeting to resolve within a certain time pointing out that the property is almost finished and time is of the essence, try to keep the letter as unemotional as possible, just stick to the facts, (3) in the event this doesn't produce the desired result or appears to be taking too long, visit a solicitor, they'll be able to provide advice on further steps you can take. All the diary notes, timeline, photographs and copies of letters will be used to defend your argument and should speed up a resolution. I'd write first and see a solicitor second because you might be able to resolve this by escalation but I wouldn't tell the ss about it first, if the company is large they'll have a procedure in place to deal with disputes/greivances and I think you've spent enough time dealing directly with the people involved already. Re: What would you do / what can we do SO MANY MISTAKES!!! 13Jan 31, 2010 6:30 pm Iam just frothing reading this ! I realise we cannot name /names on this forum ! but how about I put it this way which state are you ? If its a melbourne based company and PD or CH or even a big M or simmonds or any of these big volume builders . I would be knocking on the CEOs office demanding action and believe me they do have a dispute process to handle these sort of things or look at the building commission handbook http://www.buildingcommission.com.au/re ... IDE_07.pdf good luck Re: What would you do / what can we do SO MANY MISTAKES!!! 14Jan 31, 2010 6:36 pm andy ::angry:: If its a melbourne based company and PD or CH or even a big M or simmonds or any of these big volume builders . Yes it is one of the mentioned popular builders Thanks for the link. Hubby is ringing the builder tomorrow to find out complaint process and organise a meeting with our SS his manager and our CS persons manager. Re: What would you do / what can we do SO MANY MISTAKES!!! 15Jan 31, 2010 6:39 pm KatiePink! How frustrating for you. You have a legal right to have your house as per your contract, if they want to vary it they need to do a builders variation and you can agree or disagree with it. Contracts are legally binding for both parties not just you. Look through your contract and find the section(s) that relate to disputes and variations. This will also guide what you need to do and what the builder legally has to do also. Never argue with an idiot they drag you down to their level & then beat you with experience - Dilbert View Thread: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=19733 Contract signed 14Sept Slab 30Sept Bricks laid 1Dec Lock up 26Feb Keys 10Jun Re: What would you do / what can we do SO MANY MISTAKES!!! 16Jan 31, 2010 7:14 pm How awful kateypink I think Leane has given some good advice, make sure everything is in writing (keeping it clear and concise) and follow them up with phonecalls and if necessary write another email. Definitely speak to a solicitor - it seems like this ethically-compromised company isn't willing to make any moves to fulfil their end of the contract. Good luck to your DH with his phone call tomorrow Re: What would you do / what can we do SO MANY MISTAKES!!! 17Jan 31, 2010 9:49 pm I know who Ashley Moran works for so I know which builder it is. We built with them aswell and had several issues at PCI and handover. It was escalated to a Construction Manager shortly after and just about everything has since been fixed up. My suggestion it to write a letter to the CM outlining all the issues as stated in your opening post. If you do not receive a satisfactory outcome then commence legal action. Also look at lodging a complaint through VCAT. DO NOT hand over the final payment until you are totally happy with the house. Good luck Blog: http://bluemistkids.blogspot.com "Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, and professionals built the Titanic." Re: What would you do / what can we do SO MANY MISTAKES!!! 18Feb 01, 2010 7:29 pm The builder in question has had some major issues recently and I have heard some very bad comments ,even from a timber floor merchant I visited recently.Obviously bad news travels fast . Hels love your post ,noticed you used new home inspections .Iam planning on calling them as well .How many inspections did you have ? and did they give you value for money? Re: What would you do / what can we do SO MANY MISTAKES!!! 19Feb 01, 2010 9:15 pm andy The builder in question has had some major issues recently and I have heard some very bad comments ,even from a timber floor merchant I visited recently.Obviously bad news travels fast . Hels love your post ,noticed you used new home inspections .Iam planning on calling them as well .How many inspections did you have ? and did they give you value for money? We only used them for PCI and were not impressed. I do believe there are better companies to use Blog: http://bluemistkids.blogspot.com "Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, and professionals built the Titanic." Re: What would you do / what can we do SO MANY MISTAKES!!! 20Feb 02, 2010 11:46 am Hels I know who Ashley Moran works for so I know which builder it is. For those wanting to know, google is your friend. Im disapointed to hear which builder it is, I am thinking to sign my life away with them shortly Bought in Nov 21 at the height of the market (classic). Good area, atrocious floor plan. BUT has land out to the left-hand side that we can extend out on (see second… 0 8781 Thanks mate. Yeah good points! Leaning towards Option 3 to get a bit extra space in the cabinets but not going too crazy high (and expensive). Would require a mini… 13 39741 Hi It came to my attention after the handover that - The facade cladding on the face and the side are not straight. -The face tapers down by 50mm from left to right and… 0 2471 |