Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Jan 21, 2011 12:41 pm We have just signed with *** Homes to build our new home. As I am a bit of a grey nomad with computers I will try and work out how to do it and attach a copy of our plan. We had signed with another builder but that all went pear shape and I had better not go into that to much We noticed yesterday that we had a tap and meter installed on the block yesterday so it looks like it is all about to happen. We have allowed a lot of space alongside the garage as we have a caravan that needs to be parked on the property. I will hopefully keep you up to date if interested. As for the plan, for some reason the PDF file will not upload. Block 05/10; NEW BUILDER 23/11/10; Work draw 22/12/10; 2 Shire 17/01/11; PreStart 7/2, Council approval 11/2, 3/3 sign again, Slab 29/03, Bricks 29/4; Roof on 16/05. Plasterer 20/06. Lock up 22/06. Re: Building the Vale by *** Homes in Hocking 2Jun 15, 2011 12:27 am Hi We still have no plan on here, we will keep trying. We are very happy with the customer service we have had so far from the builder. Sales Rep (GJ) awesome from first meeting and seeing the display, and then taking the plan, which was mutilated and changed until it almost isn't the Vale anymore, and was upsized without thinking clearly (282m2) then downsized to fit the block and our lifestyle (262m2) to the upgrades and changes until we thought we had it perfect. To Pre Start Admin (JP - thank you so much) what a great lady, even last week was able to help out on a matter that may have become an issue. To Site Super (DF) who has been in contact and helpful with getting onto minor issues quickly and efficiently, this definately takes the stress out of the build process. So far so good, White set plaster commenced today, told that the glazing in by Monday 20th and lock up Wednesday 22/06/2011. We consider this lucky as final working drawings were completed on 03/03/2011. 11 weeks since pad down. Steph Block 05/10; NEW BUILDER 23/11/10; Work draw 22/12/10; 2 Shire 17/01/11; PreStart 7/2, Council approval 11/2, 3/3 sign again, Slab 29/03, Bricks 29/4; Roof on 16/05. Plasterer 20/06. Lock up 22/06. Re: Building the Vale by *** Homes in Hocking 3Jun 15, 2011 1:20 am Davesteph We had signed with another builder but that all went pear shape hi Davesteph, how far did you go with another builder if you dont mind telling me? Did you lose your deposit? The reason I asked because we also want to change our builder and need to know the implications. Re: Building the Vale by *** Homes in Hocking 4Jun 15, 2011 1:30 am Gundala Davesteph We had signed with another builder but that all went pear shape hi Davesteph, how far did you go with another builder if you dont mind telling me? Did you lose your deposit? The reason I asked because we also want to change our builder and need to know the implications. Depending on how much work the builder has done for you, you may end up owing them more than just losing your deposit. If they can prove the expenses that they have shelled out (engineers, surveyors, energy rating consultants, shire fees, etc) plus prove how many staff hours have gone into your job, they can ask for compensation to cover that amount, even if it is more than the deposit. I have known of circumstances where it has even gone legal if the client has refused to pay - and if the builder can prove the above, the client has been made to pay the additional amount. This is because by signing a PPA at the start of the work, you are telling the builder "I want you to do this work and I will pay for it". However if the builder didn't get you to sign a PPA, it would be hard for them to enforce payment of any extra expenses. Speak to your builder to find out exactly where your particular builder stands. Also you may find that they will make more of an effort to resolve any issues if they know you are thinking of pulling the pin. Re: Building the Vale by *** Homes in Hocking 5Jun 15, 2011 1:47 am Hi CA3105, i am not sure you meant by PPA here. We have not signed anything yet with the builder but we have already given them a $2000 deposit. We have received all the pre-start documents but have not signed the HIA, the schedule etc. Re: Building the Vale by *** Homes in Hocking 6Jun 15, 2011 2:25 pm Gundala, We had paid $2000 deposit to the original builder which we did not get back. We decided not to follow this up as after a LOT of negotiation with the General Manager they released the engineers and suveyers reports to our new builder which did save us some time and money. After a number of phone calls, and offers of some inclusions from the original builder we still decided not to build through them. This may of been silly but we had lost confidence in the company and did not think we would be able to still deal with them. We have not had any second thoughts with changing builder and at the moment everything is travelling along very well with our new builder. The Supervisor keeps in touch with us and advisers us the progress with the house (even though we currently live just up the road from our new home) even to the point that after I asked the question yesterday about a possible completion date he has given us that as well. This was due to us needing to place our current home on the market for sale, once we box everything up and give it a good clean. I think we are starting to run out of time as he has given us an approximate time frame of 10 weeks from lockup which is due next week. Block 05/10; NEW BUILDER 23/11/10; Work draw 22/12/10; 2 Shire 17/01/11; PreStart 7/2, Council approval 11/2, 3/3 sign again, Slab 29/03, Bricks 29/4; Roof on 16/05. Plasterer 20/06. Lock up 22/06. Re: Building the Vale by *** Homes in Hocking 7Jun 15, 2011 10:03 pm Gundala Hi CA3105, i am not sure you meant by PPA here. We have not signed anything yet with the builder but we have already given them a $2000 deposit. We have received all the pre-start documents but have not signed the HIA, the schedule etc. A PPA is a Preparation of Plans Agreement, or I think it may now be called a PA (Preliminary Agreement). This is an HIA form that you would usually sign at the same time as paying your initial deposit, before any work is started. If your builder hasn't gotten you to sign anything but have started work after receiving a deposit only, I believe they would not be able to charge you more than the deposit that you have paid if you were to pull out of building with them. Re: Building the Vale by *** Homes in Hocking 8Jun 15, 2011 10:32 pm Hi CA3105, No, we have not signed an HIA form. We were not asked to sign any form when we paid the $2K deposit. I have never heard that at this early stage anybody have to sign an HIA form. I thought you wouldn sign it during a pre-start meeting? Anyway, sorry Davesteph. I do not want to hijack your thread with changing the builder thing. I realise we will lose our deposit if we change the builder. Davesteph, please carry on with your plan. Re: Building the Vale by *** Homes in Hocking 9Nov 26, 2011 2:26 am HI, Been a long time since updating our thread. We got our keys today. 367 days from the day I sat with the Sales Rep at a display home and draw up a new plan. Since June we have had a lot of problems and delays. Considering it was only going to be ten weeks from the 15th June, (approx 31 August) we are actually deeply disappointed with CH and the finishes on the installations. Check the roof timbers... not fitting them to new 2010 standard regulations. It seems that their standards are lower We never even considered only that only 4 sides/edges of a door would be painted as we were told how good the trades were. Once a bigger problem raised its head, a big "C*ck up** by their own tradespeople's words...the company closed ranks and we were left floundering and in too far to really do anything about it, except fix ourselves after the handover. The cost of delays out weighing the cost of fixing it ourselves. Word of warning.. don't rely on anything except precise written wording... and drawings that are completely detailed if you change a design plan at all to exactly how you expect it to look like, builder's take the option that best suit them, if there is a difference between the two. Will hopefully stop a fellow builder from making same mistake. find a builder who will follow through with what sales rep sells you. The quality builder is out there, I spoke to fellow from N&B he was astonished with what I told him. Don't settle, go for the best. Block 05/10; NEW BUILDER 23/11/10; Work draw 22/12/10; 2 Shire 17/01/11; PreStart 7/2, Council approval 11/2, 3/3 sign again, Slab 29/03, Bricks 29/4; Roof on 16/05. Plasterer 20/06. Lock up 22/06. Ask for references and speak to them. If they are defensive or try to avoid the request, walk. 1 77414 I would never build with Fowler homes. I built with them in 2021 and till date maintenance issues are pending. All their existing trades and businesses don't work with… 14 107961 Hi there! Putting the feelers out there for those who have (or almost) built with Arli homes! Interested in your experiences who've built from their stock home designs… 0 25775 |