Hi guys. Just in a bit of a fix and wondering if anyone can give us some pointers.
We signed off our land contract and building contract last year, qualified for the FHOG and FHOB, etc. Land settlement went through on 1st Feb 2010. My wife and I both took a day off recently work and selected the colors and home attachments, etc. The builder sent the plans and color selections through to the Council and our estate recently, and everything got approved today.
Now we are being told that our home will start building this Friday, i.e. 05/03/10 and we need to clear the site of debris, rubbish, etc. before the building starts otherwise we stand to pay for it. Our contract states that we would be responsible for the site cleanup before the building starts, which we were aware of and agreed to it. But the contract also states that the building would commence on 19/03/10. We were expecting to get the site cleared of the rocks, rubbish, etc. sometime before this date and now we are in a bit of a fix to rush through the next couple of days and get it cleaned up. Normally this wouldn't be a biggie, but the suburb we currently live in is an hour away from our new home, and it would take us longer to get there in traffic after work.
We are a bit happy as well as upset at all this. Happy coz the building starts sooner than expected, which can only be a good thing, but also upset at the short notice we are being given. I've had a lengthy discussion with our Building Officer and have requested her to commence building as per the agreed schedule, but she said it won't happen. Their contractors WILL start work this Friday. They are booked for the next two Fridays, which I think is when they commence work.
Do you think we are being put under pressure for the Builders' convenience, or should we put our foot down and get the building started on the 19/03?