Porter Davis homes

knyght · Mar 12, 2015 7:36 pm

emily14

Porter Davis have outdone themselves. Just when I thought they had disrespected me more than humanly possible, they have reached new levels.
I spent half my day waiting around to meet a site supervisor at my home. I then had to go into Port Melbourne and wait around while my BC finished her sandwich. She ensured that no other BC could help me and therefore implied that I should be left waiting. She has definitely had her priorities right from day one..
Then I drove out to my new home this afternoon to find that the keys I have been given DO NOT work. And there is absolutely no one available to contact to rectify the issue. I did not spend $200,000 for my first home to not even be able to get in.
This is absolutely pathetic and a completely accurate reflection of the ridiculous processes PD have in place.
I would never build with PD again. And I will be making sure I tell anyone who asks exactly how horrible the experience has been!

That sounds terrible! Was this for your official handover? Agree, not a pleasant way to be welcomed "home".

emily14 · Mar 12, 2015 7:53 pm

Yep, settlement was today. I paid the final invoice when I collected the keys.
It's definitely taken the excitement out of what should have been a ridiculously happy day!

tlblhayward · Mar 12, 2015 7:57 pm

emily14

Porter Davis have outdone themselves. Just when I thought they had disrespected me more than humanly possible, they have reached new levels. I spent half my day waiting around to meet a site supervisor at my home. I then had to go into Port Melbourne and wait around while my BC finished her sandwich. She ensured that no other BC could help me and therefore implied that I should be left waiting. She has definitely had her priorities right from day one. Then I drove out to my new home this afternoon to find that the keys I have been given DO NOT work. And there is absolutely no one available to contact to rectify the issue. I did not spend $200,000 for my first home to not even be able to get in. This is absolutely pathetic and a completely accurate reflection of the ridiculous processes PD have in place. I would never build with PD again. And I will be making sure I tell anyone who asks exactly how horrible the experience has been!

I am very sorry to hear this and would have absolutely livid as well! ::angry::

tlblhayward · Mar 13, 2015 1:19 am

Some help with my Spotswood dilemma would be much appreciated...

http://bendigowaldorf.blogspot.com/2015 ... -both.html

joea · Mar 13, 2015 9:41 am

emily14

Porter Davis have outdone themselves. Just when I thought they had disrespected me more than humanly possible, they have reached new levels.
I spent half my day waiting around to meet a site supervisor at my home. I then had to go into Port Melbourne and wait around while my BC finished her sandwich. She ensured that no other BC could help me and therefore implied that I should be left waiting. She has definitely had her priorities right from day one..
Then I drove out to my new home this afternoon to find that the keys I have been given DO NOT work. And there is absolutely no one available to contact to rectify the issue. I did not spend $200,000 for my first home to not even be able to get in.
This is absolutely pathetic and a completely accurate reflection of the ridiculous processes PD have in place.
I would never build with PD again. And I will be making sure I tell anyone who asks exactly how horrible the experience has been!

emily14,

There is nothing worse than to hear a story like this when you are building with the same company. It really sucks what you have been through.

Can you please clarify some details though? I'm trying to understand

- They seriously made you wait 3-4 hrs on site and not show up?
- They then asked you to drive to Port Melbourne to pick up keys?
- Fair enough your BC was on her lunch break. What help were you after exactly? Just to pick up keys? Surely, any BC in that office could help with arranging this.
- You got the wrong keys. Have they arranged to get the actual keys to you yet?

Hope it's getting all sorted

emily14 · Mar 14, 2015 9:18 pm

joea

emily14

Porter Davis have outdone themselves. Just when I thought they had disrespected me more than humanly possible, they have reached new levels.
I spent half my day waiting around to meet a site supervisor at my home. I then had to go into Port Melbourne and wait around while my BC finished her sandwich. She ensured that no other BC could help me and therefore implied that I should be left waiting. She has definitely had her priorities right from day one..
Then I drove out to my new home this afternoon to find that the keys I have been given DO NOT work. And there is absolutely no one available to contact to rectify the issue. I did not spend $200,000 for my first home to not even be able to get in.
This is absolutely pathetic and a completely accurate reflection of the ridiculous processes PD have in place.
I would never build with PD again. And I will be making sure I tell anyone who asks exactly how horrible the experience has been!

emily14,

There is nothing worse than to hear a story like this when you are building with the same company. It really sucks what you have been through.

Can you please clarify some details though? I'm trying to understand

- They seriously made you wait 3-4 hrs on site and not show up?
- They then asked you to drive to Port Melbourne to pick up keys?
- Fair enough your BC was on her lunch break. What help were you after exactly? Just to pick up keys? Surely, any BC in that office could help with arranging this.
- You got the wrong keys. Have they arranged to get the actual keys to you yet?

Hope it's getting all sorted :([

/quote]

Hi Joea,

Thanks for your reply and sorry for the confusion!!

Basically the way it works with settlement is: (1) you meet your supervisor on site to sign a form from the final inspection with details of items to be fixed then (2) you head to Port Melbourne (or whichever office you attended for your contract) to meet your BC, sign a couple more forms and collect your keys.

My meeting with the supervisor on site was scheduled for 1pm, so although they didn't actually make me wait (they were on time) I had to take a day of annual leave and I wasn't even able to access my house or do anything productive till very late at night, by which time it was actually to late to do anything anyway.

Definitely fair enough that my BC was on lunch, it was more her approach that was the issue. I had emailed her previously to confirm that I could basically walk in, be there for 10 minutes, hand over my final cheque and walk out with my keys. She assured me that if for any reason she was busy, any other BC would be able to do this for me.
I asked for her when I arrived. The receptionist went and told her I was there and she said she would be 'a few minutes'. After around ten minutes of me waiting passed, the receptionist asked me if I wanted her to get another BC for me (obviously she also recognised that my BC was being unreasonable). I said yes, so she went and told my BC that she would ask someone else, to which my BC responded that this was unnecessary and she would be out soon. That soon was another ten minutes.. Although twenty minutes of waiting may not sound like a lot of time, it was more the frustration that anyone could have done this, and she intentionally made me wait.

In relation to the keys, luckily I managed to get onto a construction supervisor who organised an after-hours locksmith to cut keys that actually fit. Although this was an okay outcome, it meant I had to drive out to my place for the third time that day. By this time, I was completely frustrated, upset, stressed and outright angry that such a stuff up could have occurred.

The way I see it, their processes are completely faulty. The supervisor should meet you out on site, you pay him the cheque, and he hands over the keys. Then he would be able to ensure immediately that the keys are correct.

Unfortunately this is not where the issues have stopped. I am about to post some further details about issues that have arisen over the last 48 hours since receiving my keys.

In spite of what has happened, I would hope that I am in the minority. Overall, they seem to build a good quality home for a lot of people. And providing you have a BC and SS who is switched on and actually takes pride in their work, I can't imagine many (if any) of these issues would arise. Unfortunately, I was very unlucky with both my BC and SS.

emily14 · Mar 14, 2015 9:25 pm

Just to add to my problems:
On Friday I noticed that turning the toilet light on tripped the safety switch on the power. Electricians were called out to tell me that the exhaust fan was faulty but they 'don't carry them around' so would go back to the factory and tell them.. They have removed the exhaust fan, so the light works but I have no exhaust fan (or window!). No further word on rectifying the issue.
Then I noticed the ensuite toilet was leaking. A plumber was called out and found that the seals were broken. However he couldn't fix it because another plumber had siliconed the toilet to the wall. The toilet has been ripped off the wall and I have massive holes in the plaster. The toilet is sitting on my ensuite floor in pieces.
Then I noticed the hot water service has been installed in a completely unsafe and unstable position. It is not upright - it is leaning against my bricks. The concrete pad it is sitting on is already cracking is several spots. Once that concrete pad breaks in half, that hot water service is going to cause a lot of damage to my house. It has also been placed on copper pieces which is dangerous. And the seals are broken which means it is leaking profusely!
I'd like to know how any of this could possibly pass an 'independent' inspection!
I should not have to be dealing with a single one of these issues and the plethora of incompetent tradies that you hire, especially given the horrible service I received before and during the build. Lift your game Porter Davis, this is an absolute joke!

mirz · Mar 14, 2015 9:34 pm

That's one horrible experience Emily. I'm very sorry to read all about this situation you going through.

Did you hire your own independent inspector for PCI?

sounds like Tradies are turning up just to have a peek. They should carry some routine parts to at least keep you going until all parts would be delivered and installed.

Are they delivering a portaloo as temporary alternative? What a shame...

tlblhayward · Mar 15, 2015 12:19 am

emily14

Just to add to my problems:
On Friday I noticed that turning the toilet light on tripped the safety switch on the power. Electricians were called out to tell me that the exhaust fan was faulty but they 'don't carry them around' so would go back to the factory and tell them.. They have removed the exhaust fan, so the light works but I have no exhaust fan (or window!). No further word on rectifying the issue.
Then I noticed the ensuite toilet was leaking. A plumber was called out and found that the seals were broken. However he couldn't fix it because another plumber had siliconed the toilet to the wall. The toilet has been ripped off the wall and I have massive holes in the plaster. The toilet is sitting on my ensuite floor in pieces.
Then I noticed the hot water service has been installed in a completely unsafe and unstable position. It is not upright - it is leaning against my bricks. The concrete pad it is sitting on is already cracking is several spots. Once that concrete pad breaks in half, that hot water service is going to cause a lot of damage to my house. It has also been placed on copper pieces which is dangerous. And the seals are broken which means it is leaking profusely!
I'd like to know how any of this could possibly pass an 'independent' inspection!
I should not have to be dealing with a single one of these issues and the plethora of incompetent tradies that you hire, especially given the horrible service I received before and during the build. Lift your game Porter Davis, this is an absolute joke!

It makes me sad, angry and frustrated just reading this! ::cry::

joea · Mar 15, 2015 10:44 am

emily14

Hi Joea,

Thanks for your reply and sorry for the confusion!!

Basically the way it works with settlement is: (1) you meet your supervisor on site to sign a form from the final inspection with details of items to be fixed then (2) you head to Port Melbourne (or whichever office you attended for your contract) to meet your BC, sign a couple more forms and collect your keys.

My meeting with the supervisor on site was scheduled for 1pm, so although they didn't actually make me wait (they were on time) I had to take a day of annual leave and I wasn't even able to access my house or do anything productive till very late at night, by which time it was actually to late to do anything anyway.

Definitely fair enough that my BC was on lunch, it was more her approach that was the issue. I had emailed her previously to confirm that I could basically walk in, be there for 10 minutes, hand over my final cheque and walk out with my keys. She assured me that if for any reason she was busy, any other BC would be able to do this for me.
I asked for her when I arrived. The receptionist went and told her I was there and she said she would be 'a few minutes'. After around ten minutes of me waiting passed, the receptionist asked me if I wanted her to get another BC for me (obviously she also recognised that my BC was being unreasonable). I said yes, so she went and told my BC that she would ask someone else, to which my BC responded that this was unnecessary and she would be out soon. That soon was another ten minutes.. Although twenty minutes of waiting may not sound like a lot of time, it was more the frustration that anyone could have done this, and she intentionally made me wait.

In relation to the keys, luckily I managed to get onto a construction supervisor who organised an after-hours locksmith to cut keys that actually fit. Although this was an okay outcome, it meant I had to drive out to my place for the third time that day. By this time, I was completely frustrated, upset, stressed and outright angry that such a stuff up could have occurred.

The way I see it, their processes are completely faulty. The supervisor should meet you out on site, you pay him the cheque, and he hands over the keys. Then he would be able to ensure immediately that the keys are correct.

Unfortunately this is not where the issues have stopped. I am about to post some further details about issues that have arisen over the last 48 hours since receiving my keys.

In spite of what has happened, I would hope that I am in the minority. Overall, they seem to build a good quality home for a lot of people. And providing you have a BC and SS who is switched on and actually takes pride in their work, I can't imagine many (if any) of these issues would arise. Unfortunately, I was very unlucky with both my BC and SS.

Hi Emily14,

No need to apologies, I just wanted to fully understand what happened.

Good to hear that the Site Supervisor was on time but it seems that it all went south from there....

I really get annoyed and concerned when I hear these stories of bad experiences with PD. They have made a few mistakes with us but really nothing like what you have described.

I also read your other post and it sounds like handover day was not the end of your issues. As Mirz asked, did you have an (your own) independent inspector walk through with you during PCI? If so, he/she should have picked up most of these issues!

Hope PD are attentive to the issues you have raised!

Cheers

joea · Mar 15, 2015 4:34 pm

Our framing material has been delivered! Super exciting to see progress.

http://www.dunedin29.blogspot.com.au/20 ... vered.html

Sandy45 · Mar 16, 2015 12:44 pm

emily14

Just to add to my problems:
On Friday I noticed that turning the toilet light on tripped the safety switch on the power. Electricians were called out to tell me that the exhaust fan was faulty but they 'don't carry them around' so would go back to the factory and tell them.. They have removed the exhaust fan, so the light works but I have no exhaust fan (or window!). No further word on rectifying the issue.
Then I noticed the ensuite toilet was leaking. A plumber was called out and found that the seals were broken. However he couldn't fix it because another plumber had siliconed the toilet to the wall. The toilet has been ripped off the wall and I have massive holes in the plaster. The toilet is sitting on my ensuite floor in pieces.
Then I noticed the hot water service has been installed in a completely unsafe and unstable position. It is not upright - it is leaning against my bricks. The concrete pad it is sitting on is already cracking is several spots. Once that concrete pad breaks in half, that hot water service is going to cause a lot of damage to my house. It has also been placed on copper pieces which is dangerous. And the seals are broken which means it is leaking profusely!
I'd like to know how any of this could possibly pass an 'independent' inspection!
I should not have to be dealing with a single one of these issues and the plethora of incompetent tradies that you hire, especially given the horrible service I received before and during the build. Lift your game Porter Davis, this is an absolute joke!

I hope this week is a better week for you and all resolutions happen fast without too much further impact to you.

Sandy45 · Mar 16, 2015 12:50 pm

For those who are building a 2 storey home, how long from plaster starting to all the next stages or finish (if no big delays)? They are mentioning July finish for us despite September being initial finish date.
Any tips on things to look out for at plaster and cabinetry installation stages?
I like our SS but still feel the need to keep a track of everything at each stage so nothing is missed.
Yesterday they put our front door lock so high I have to stand on tippee toes to reach it! Hence our door now needs replacing as they can just fill and move lock. Our SS is 6"4 so he had a laugh and understands it doesn't work and not at regulation height.

thewoodies · Mar 16, 2015 1:34 pm

Could I get some idea of how long it took before finishing up with the sales consultant and having your BC get in touch? We had our "mega appointment" on 16 Feb and were told we'd get a call in a couple of weeks but still haven't heard anything more. We have made a few minor structural changes since then - a couple of internal cavity sliders, a change to a window, and there was some confusion re their finance company (basically we're going with our own but our sales consultant insisted we talk to their guy as well) but I can't imagine that could be holding things up. We're not really in a hurry as our land won't title until June-ish but we're still keen to move on to our colours appointment so we can get a firmer idea of pricing on a number of items. Basically, I'm impatient and in for a rough time over the next year I think

In the meantime, I'm moodboarding on Pinterest - we fell in love with their Scandi world of style display home and I'm just putting my own touch on it. Now we just need to win lotto.

Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅
Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅

joea · Mar 16, 2015 3:02 pm

thewoodies

Could I get some idea of how long it took before finishing up with the sales consultant and having your BC get in touch? We had our "mega appointment" on 16 Feb and were told we'd get a call in a couple of weeks but still haven't heard anything more. We have made a few minor structural changes since then - a couple of internal cavity sliders, a change to a window, and there was some confusion re their finance company (basically we're going with our own but our sales consultant insisted we talk to their guy as well) but I can't imagine that could be holding things up. We're not really in a hurry as our land won't title until June-ish but we're still keen to move on to our colours appointment so we can get a firmer idea of pricing on a number of items. Basically, I'm impatient and in for a rough time over the next year I think

From my experience the sales period was the least stressful and most exciting! Time between initial deposit and BC contact was about 3-4 weeks. I have heard 5+ weeks to happen too, it just depends on the workload and/or 'laziness' of the BC.

Finance will not hold up the process. If you are going to title June (most likely will be delayd...sorry but that's what happens most of the time) then I would be trying to get your Tender, colours, electrical, tiles done sooner rather than later.

We paid the initial deposit in 24/05/2014. Tender was 23/07/2014. Selections (colour, electrical) 15/09/2014. Contract 29/09/2014.

Hope that helps.

Team PD · Mar 16, 2015 3:52 pm

emily14

Just to add to my problems:
On Friday I noticed that turning the toilet light on tripped the safety switch on the power. Electricians were called out to tell me that the exhaust fan was faulty but they 'don't carry them around' so would go back to the factory and tell them.. They have removed the exhaust fan, so the light works but I have no exhaust fan (or window!). No further word on rectifying the issue.
Then I noticed the ensuite toilet was leaking. A plumber was called out and found that the seals were broken. However he couldn't fix it because another plumber had siliconed the toilet to the wall. The toilet has been ripped off the wall and I have massive holes in the plaster. The toilet is sitting on my ensuite floor in pieces.
Then I noticed the hot water service has been installed in a completely unsafe and unstable position. It is not upright - it is leaning against my bricks. The concrete pad it is sitting on is already cracking is several spots. Once that concrete pad breaks in half, that hot water service is going to cause a lot of damage to my house. It has also been placed on copper pieces which is dangerous. And the seals are broken which means it is leaking profusely!
I'd like to know how any of this could possibly pass an 'independent' inspection!
I should not have to be dealing with a single one of these issues and the plethora of incompetent tradies that you hire, especially given the horrible service I received before and during the build. Lift your game Porter Davis, this is an absolute joke!

Hi Emily14,

We are very concerned to hear about the issues you have had with your build. The Regional Manager has been made aware of your situation, the Construction Manager has also been notified and he will be calling you today to look into having this situation rectified ASAP.

Regards, Joanne

Pungentia · Mar 17, 2015 9:53 am

Hi All,

Blog has been updated (with more pictures) and slab is down!! Independent inspection yesterday - a couple of issues to be rectified, but nothing major I gather.

A few small hairline cracks to be monitored, a bit of crumbling at the edge in places and a few minor holes to be patched near the edge too.

We visited site yesterday and it was awesome to see the rooms marked out in red one the slab. Timber was (re) delivered yesterday (now that it is the correct month) and framers are on site this morning getting started.

joea · Mar 17, 2015 10:12 am

Pungentia

Hi All,

Blog has been updated (with more pictures) and slab is down!! Independent inspection yesterday - a couple of issues to be rectified, but nothing major I gather.

A few small hairline cracks to be monitored, a bit of crumbling at the edge in places and a few minor holes to be patched near the edge too.

We visited site yesterday and it was awesome to see the rooms marked out in red one the slab. Timber was (re) delivered yesterday (now that it is the correct month) and framers are on site this morning getting started.

Good news on the progress!

Yes, make sure you stay on-top of those slab issues as they very easily get 'forgotten' as they progress with the build.

withlove · Mar 17, 2015 1:13 pm

For anyone who has gotten a recessed cable thing for behind their TV, where did you put your powerpoint? Behind the TV or down near the floor?

tlblhayward · Mar 17, 2015 11:49 pm

FYI... the Victorian Building Authority has published a media release about water proofing and water resistance of wet areas...

http://bendigowaldorf.blogspot.com.au/2 ... ng-is.html