termite protection
SS has not done anything about the exposed termite protection between garage walls. Please refer to the first photo. Firstly, it was not installed properly since 'no one can fit into 20cm gap'. Secondly it's in place but will NOT work because the gap wasn't cleaned and is covered by mortar. Chemical won't go through mortar, let alone having the pipe so high up on the ground(as admitted by the termite management company). SS said that 'there's not much that can be done' so I asked him to at least clean the mortar out. but it was a no show on thursday.
locks
my keys can't open the garage doors(not the roller door but the other ones). no show for the locksmith as well on thursday. I'm also concerned about whether the builders copy stopped working after I'd put my keys in. On one occasion, workers somehow got in to install things after I've used my keys...
water meter
Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅
The water meter is in the driveway. Can I ask my builder to move it out of the way? My neighbour paid a plumber to move his, but then I was thinking shouldn't that be done by my builder?
bricks
from the back: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅
the first arrow points at the bricks that aren't aligned properly,
2nd and 3rd arrows point at chipped bricks
I only saw them after handover. Will play with rendering see how it turnes out.
a hole in the wall in the cupboard
http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z252/sunbj135/publ/DSC_0469.jpg
I noticed it after handover but I thought it was there for the rangehood. But it turned out to be random. this is yet to be fixed. Hope my SS would turn up next time.
extra tiles
I had leftover tiles(lots), carpet, bricks etc after handover. My SS said he wanted to pick up the tiles??? Can he do that?
miscellaneous
there are minor paint, chipped skirting issues. At handover, SS said he would send painters over when the appliances are installed. no surprise for me that no one showed up. I've decided to let them go. My advice for you would be, be as stringent as possible, because my SS did fix things prior to me paying my final installment.
I have been patient and polite throughout my build, but that does not seem to be appreciated by my builder. My last straw would be to complain to 'Team PD' on homeone see if they can make things happen.
By the way I am now laughing at my SS's words at handover to the effect of this: 'I'm sure you've heard of all the horror stories about other builders not fixing anything after handover. We are not like that '
Handover is finally done,
My SS has done a great job at fixing most of the defects from CPI, and here are the concerns/highlights:
(Some photos are large, may take a while to load so take your time )
1. Termite Protection
Prior to CPI, my private inspector discovered that there was no termite protection running along my garage wall. Now that it's in place but exposed.
SS says its okay but PI tells me that its unacceptable... anyone's got any ideas?
Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅
2. Downpipes/Pipes
They got installed, buried and lowered. Again termite protection pipes seem to be poking out here and there. not sure if it'd become an issue one day.
http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z252/sunbj135/publ/contrast4.jpg
3.Bricks
I've posted the horrific look of my bricks earlier. Thank you goes to those who offered advice, my bricks turn out to be fine after wash.
http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z252/sunbj135/publ/2.jpg
4.Door frame
The chipped one got replaced. Very happy with the new one.
http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z252/sunbj135/publ/contrast3.jpg
5.Door gaps
All sealed, inc. laundry door.
http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z252/sunbj135/publ/contrast5.jpg
6.Porch light
They'd forgotten about it as of CPI, it's now installed.
http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z252/sunbj135/publ/contrast7.jpg
7.Above the door in the garage
Missing brick on the top right hand corner got filled. SS put up a plaster board because the alignment didn't look very crash hot from inside.
http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z252/sunbj135/publ/1.jpg
Got the Hamper from the office after completing handover. It has a cookbook and some cooking utensils in it.
Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅
Porter Davis apron lol:
Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅
What my house really looks like:
Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅
Conclusion of my journey:
If you had come across my posts from earlier, you would know that I didn't go through a very smooth process.
It took 4 Customer Service Coordinators and 2 Site Supervisors to build my house. (My next door neighbour only had 1 of each.)
My latest CSC does not communicate very much. Often I didn't get called back or email replies. I was not even sent any mails regarding settlement procedure etc, and had to call to get the relevant information.
That was rather disappointing and gave me doubts on the quality of my build, so I hired a private inspector.
From that point onwards, things seem to go according to plan.
I'm relatively satisfied with my house as at handover. SS did well at fixing most of the defects, or it could be me having the least expectation .
The build has gone over time and due to the poor customer service, I decided to press for the compensation. Glad that my private inspection was paid for.
At handover, my SS sounded defensive when I raised my questions. He also appeared unease about me taking photos and was asking whethere I was going to send them to my PI. In the end, I concluded that he's done a decent job. But my CSC's lack of communication made this journey less enjoyable than it could've been. So I was 'undecided' when asked whether I'd recommend PD to other people.
I'd also like to mention CHOICE home loan. Similar to my building experience, I had to deal with about 4 Customer Service people throughtout my build. Despite the annoyance this high turnover of staff has caused me, I highly recommend them. They offer consistent customer service and excellent communication. On several occasions, I found them more friendly and helpful than the bank. Because they actually return my calls with solutions, the building experience of a first home owner was made less problematic and more enjoyable.
Cheers everybody,
I wish you all a fantastic build!