Browse Forums Building A New House Re: McDonald Jones Homes - The new thread 13851Aug 22, 2016 10:08 pm Hello everybody, We have just started off with the construction of Santorini Manor at Oran Park (the slab stage has just completed). I have been mainly a passive follower of this wonderful thread, but thought I should post some updates of our build! The experience with MJH so far for us has been 'mixed'. - We signed up with MJH almost 1.5 years back, and have been waiting for the land rego since then. When we were looking for a builder, it really came down to MJH vs Eden Brae, and we went ahead with MJH as my partner really liked their designs. - The colour & electrical appointments were great, really liked the whole experience - Once land got registered, getting the approvals via CDC was quickly completed by MJH, so we were super happy with that - The slab supervisor called up one fine morning saying, "we are going to be piering today, in like next 2 hours". I found it odd that that we would be given a notice of 2 hours. I was then surprised to read that someone else in this thread also had a similar experience of given a short notice. - The slab was laid on a rainy day, and I haven't been super happy with the finishing to be honest. Attaching a photo for example, there are places where there seems to be a hollow hole below the slab, and somehow doesn't look right (photo attached). I tried calling the slab supervisor to discuss this, but after an initial call, he just doesn't want to take my calls anymore, or answer my messages (sigh). I tried talking to the CLO, but she just forwarded my mail to the slab supervisor, and it has been 2 weeks and there are no updates or action on the same. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ This is my first build, and I might be getting unnecessarily worried, but the fact that you are being given a cold shoulder..well, does make me wonder what was the whole point going to a supposedly good builder if this is the level of professionalism. This experience in the very few weeks of the build start, has made me contact a building inspector, and plan to make use of his services henceforth. Anyway fingers crossed everything else goes ahead smoothly, will keep you busy updated Re: McDonald Jones Homes - The new thread 13852Aug 23, 2016 6:54 am MrMattBob Jenny70 MrMattBob This is the fireplace we decided on. We are also putting in a fireplace, did you get yours through MJH ? If so was the price reasonable compared to outside quotes ? Our colours appointment is at the end of Sept so its getting exciting now Hi Jenny, the fireplace wasn't cheap but was only a little more than market value. The one in the picture cost us $22K but $16k was the unit itself plus all the frames, flue, gas connection and power. I checked this price against the manufacturer and it was spot on. The stone work was $8K in sure I could have got this for around $6K and MJH offered to do all the frame work in preparation for the stone but I just wanted it done so I paid the price. Thankyou so much for your quick reply, I expected the price to be around that figure and pleased that MJH was reasonable compared with independent quotes. I want our fireplace to be the centrepiece of the house and have factored that into our budget. Thanks again and I look forward to your progress pics Re: McDonald Jones Homes - The new thread 13853Aug 23, 2016 8:45 am sydney_estima Hello everybody, We have just started off with the construction of Santorini Manor at Oran Park (the slab stage has just completed). I have been mainly a passive follower of this wonderful thread, but thought I should post some updates of our build! The experience with MJH so far for us has been 'mixed'. - We signed up with MJH almost 1.5 years back, and have been waiting for the land rego since then. When we were looking for a builder, it really came down to MJH vs Eden Brae, and we went ahead with MJH as my partner really liked their designs. - The colour & electrical appointments were great, really liked the whole experience - Once land got registered, getting the approvals via CDC was quickly completed by MJH, so we were super happy with that - The slab supervisor called up one fine morning saying, "we are going to be piering today, in like next 2 hours". I found it odd that that we would be given a notice of 2 hours. I was then surprised to read that someone else in this thread also had a similar experience of given a short notice. - The slab was laid on a rainy day, and I haven't been super happy with the finishing to be honest. Attaching a photo for example, there are places where there seems to be a hollow hole below the slab, and somehow doesn't look right (photo attached). I tried calling the slab supervisor to discuss this, but after an initial call, he just doesn't want to take my calls anymore, or answer my messages (sigh). I tried talking to the CLO, but she just forwarded my mail to the slab supervisor, and it has been 2 weeks and there are no updates or action on the same. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ This is my first build, and I might be getting unnecessarily worried, but the fact that you are being given a cold shoulder..well, does make me wonder what was the whole point going to a supposedly good builder if this is the level of professionalism. This experience in the very few weeks of the build start, has made me contact a building inspector, and plan to make use of his services henceforth. Anyway fingers crossed everything else goes ahead smoothly, will keep you busy updated Hi, i am building in Oran park too . I almost had similar scenario with slab supervisor. Luckily i called him the week before pouring slab so i knew early. I am sure its the same supervisor. If the rain comes just after pouring slab its actually good and thats the best cure process. After slab you will get a new construction supervisor. I got a really good one who updates me every fortnight. No complaints at all. If you are not getting any reply, you should contact the supervisor who manages all CLOs. I am sure the supervisor will call you. Good luck. Re: McDonald Jones Homes - The new thread 13854Aug 23, 2016 9:05 am Jenny70 MrMattBob Jenny70 [quote="MrMattBob"] This is the fireplace we decided on. We are also putting in a fireplace, did you get yours through MJH ? If so was the price reasonable compared to outside quotes ? Our colours appointment is at the end of Sept so its getting exciting now Hi Jenny, the fireplace wasn't cheap but was only a little more than market value. The one in the picture cost us $22K but $16k was the unit itself plus all the frames, flue, gas connection and power. I checked this price against the manufacturer and it was spot on. The stone work was $8K in sure I could have got this for around $6K and MJH offered to do all the frame work in preparation for the stone but I just wanted it done so I paid the price. Thankyou so much for your quick reply, I expected the price to be around that figure and pleased that MJH was reasonable compared with independent quotes. I want our fireplace to be the centrepiece of the house and have factored that into our budget. Thanks again and I look forward to your progress pics [/quote] Hi Jenny, Happy to help. I will most defiantly post pictures during the build. I am off to our electrical appointment now. Will be good to finally have it all finalized so we can relax a bit and more importantly stop spending money. Re: McDonald Jones Homes - The new thread 13855Aug 23, 2016 9:06 am Jazz926 Roof tiles started this morning, swing by the house about 4pm and it's pretty much done. Can't complain! SS called me when I just got to the block for my weekly update and asked whether we want to keep the left over bricks. Looks like we got about a pallet left. Told him we will keep it for landscaping purposes. Our SS have been sensational!! The roof looks fabulous Jazz! Congrats! We have also got left over bricks for mail box and other landscaping purpose Regards, Shobnom Cordova Two with McDonald Jones : http://Cordova2withMJH.blogspot.com.au/ Deposit:11'Dec-Contract:7'Apr-CDC:25'May-Slab:23'Jun-Frames:8'Jul-Bricks:5'Aug-Roof:12'Aug-LockUp:12'Sep-PCI:17'Nov-Handover:24'Nov Re: McDonald Jones Homes - The new thread 13856Aug 23, 2016 9:07 am ZerinShobnom Jazz926 Roof tiles started this morning, swing by the house about 4pm and it's pretty much done. Can't complain! SS called me when I just got to the block for my weekly update and asked whether we want to keep the left over bricks. Looks like we got about a pallet left. Told him we will keep it for landscaping purposes. Our SS have been sensational!! The roof looks fabulous Jazz! Congrats! We have also got left over bricks for mail box and other landscaping purpose Looks awesome. Re: McDonald Jones Homes - The new thread 13857Aug 23, 2016 9:17 am innamakannu sydney_estima Hello everybody, We have just started off with the construction of Santorini Manor at Oran Park (the slab stage has just completed). I have been mainly a passive follower of this wonderful thread, but thought I should post some updates of our build! The experience with MJH so far for us has been 'mixed'. - We signed up with MJH almost 1.5 years back, and have been waiting for the land rego since then. When we were looking for a builder, it really came down to MJH vs Eden Brae, and we went ahead with MJH as my partner really liked their designs. - The colour & electrical appointments were great, really liked the whole experience - Once land got registered, getting the approvals via CDC was quickly completed by MJH, so we were super happy with that - The slab supervisor called up one fine morning saying, "we are going to be piering today, in like next 2 hours". I found it odd that that we would be given a notice of 2 hours. I was then surprised to read that someone else in this thread also had a similar experience of given a short notice. - The slab was laid on a rainy day, and I haven't been super happy with the finishing to be honest. Attaching a photo for example, there are places where there seems to be a hollow hole below the slab, and somehow doesn't look right (photo attached). I tried calling the slab supervisor to discuss this, but after an initial call, he just doesn't want to take my calls anymore, or answer my messages (sigh). I tried talking to the CLO, but she just forwarded my mail to the slab supervisor, and it has been 2 weeks and there are no updates or action on the same. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ This is my first build, and I might be getting unnecessarily worried, but the fact that you are being given a cold shoulder..well, does make me wonder what was the whole point going to a supposedly good builder if this is the level of professionalism. This experience in the very few weeks of the build start, has made me contact a building inspector, and plan to make use of his services henceforth. Anyway fingers crossed everything else goes ahead smoothly, will keep you busy updated Hi, i am building in Oran park too . I almost had similar scenario with slab supervisor. Luckily i called him the week before pouring slab so i knew early. I am sure its the same supervisor. If the rain comes just after pouring slab its actually good and thats the best cure process. After slab you will get a new construction supervisor. I got a really good one who updates me every fortnight. No complaints at all. If you are not getting any reply, you should contact the supervisor who manages all CLOs. I am sure the supervisor will call you. Good luck. Thanks for the reply mate. Yes fingers crossed everything else goes ahead smoothly. Let's see Re: McDonald Jones Homes - The new thread 13858Aug 23, 2016 5:22 pm Had our electrical appointment today and only went over budget by $230.00 all though I had done a lot of home work early on so knew what we were in for. It's a relief to know that all the sections are done except for the on site stuff for the audio electrical. Just need the council to pull their finger out so we can start. Re: McDonald Jones Homes - The new thread 13859Aug 24, 2016 9:55 am Hi MattBob, Even though this is my first post on here, I've been following this thread since late last year !! Have been doing a lot of research as have most people . Thought I'd jump in, and contribute some info. I checked out your electrical plans, and it looks like you've got everything well and truly sorted. However I notice in the Audio/data Theatre package that the HDMI cable they are supplying you is Version HDMI V1.4. Just want to make you aware we asked for ( and paid more for ) V2.0 cable cause this makes it compatible with the latest TV's on the Market.. ie Ultra HD TVs. V1.4 will not work ( Its to do with higher video bandwidth capabilities that V2.0 provide ) keeping in mind that V2.0 cables work for both normal HD TV's and Ultra HD. For the data cables I notice you upgraded from Cat5E to Cat6E.. So you have that covered at least. On a side note, we've just been put on the construction list earlier this month so are hoping for a smooth run throughout the build. We are building a slightly modified Miami Executive Elite down Sth Coast at Burrill Lakes. ( What a beautiful location ) Re: McDonald Jones Homes - The new thread 13860Aug 24, 2016 10:01 am Daves8 Hi MattBob, Even though this is my first post on here, I've been following this thread since late last year !! Have been doing a lot of research as have most people . Thought I'd jump in, and contribute some info. I checked out your electrical plans, and it looks like you've got everything well and truly sorted. However I notice in the Audio/data Theatre package that the HDMI cable they are supplying you is Version HDMI V1.4. Just want to make you aware we asked for ( and paid more for ) V2.0 cable cause this makes it compatible with the latest TV's on the Market.. ie Ultra HD TVs. V1.4 will not work ( Its to do with higher video bandwidth capabilities that V2.0 provide ) keeping in mind that V2.0 cables work for both normal HD TV's and Ultra HD. For the data cables I notice you upgraded from Cat5E to Cat6E.. So you have that covered at least. On a side note, we've just been put on the construction list earlier this month so are hoping for a smooth run throughout the build. We are building a slightly modified Miami Executive Elite down Sth Coast at Burrill Lakes. ( What a beautiful location ) Daves8 Thanks for the info I wasn't aware of this. I will speak to the audio people onsite about changing it when I meet them to sort out my speakers and home hub locations. I agree with you about Burrill lakes it's a great location, we had a coast house at lake Tabourie for years but have since moved down to Bawley point. Good luck with your build. Regards Matt. Hi AKG, We had a base tender of $592 for 31 squares from MC Donald Jones. It looks relatively cheaper than other builders. But I assume there are many hidden things that… 1 16871 Hi, Apologies - I know there is plenty out there on this but struggling to put together the puzzle. We're planning our garage/external laundry to master bedroom and… 0 11156 Hi there! 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