Porter Davis homes

mirz · Jul 24, 2015 4:54 pm

Pungentia

mirz

We were going to build Hoffman (lifestyle range), but didn't like lot of upgrades in lifestyle range. We requested if they will allow us to choose upgrades from prestige range but they refused.

We are nearly finished building our Hoffman (Lifestyle range), having started the process mid last year, and seem to have been allowed whatever upgrades we asked for - I don't recall there being any restrictions when we began, but maybe I just was asking for different things?

We have a spa, double glazing, upgraded heating, stone benchtops, cat 4 bricks.. that said, no idea what shower screens we are getting.. hopefully we will see next week!

Lights are now all in, we have a door bell, benchtops have been installed, tv antenna is on and fly screens are being fitted today. Just the last bit of waterproofing, tiling and bathroom fit out to go I think!

congrats Pungentia!! its a beautiful design. it was the very first house we fell in love at first sight

now will have to go through your blog tonight to follow your journey. love that house.

we were dealing with PD around Apr/May 2013. It must have changed after that. that is a very good decision to let customer choose what they want in their house without any such restrictions.

Jackula · Jul 24, 2015 6:32 pm

Just wanted to say something nice about Porter Davis. We already had our 3 months inspection, at our 10 months, we had 3 things break within the same week - leaky toilet, leaky kitchen sink and a garage door that had fallen off the chain.

Porter Davis responded on the same day and all of our issues were resolved within the week.

I was worried at first, but they seem to have a really good after care department

watermill · Jul 24, 2015 8:55 pm

Has anyone got a pd facade price list?

kellmac · Jul 26, 2015 12:33 am

What did you successfully negotiate out of the contract for you to do cheaper after handover? A friend does termite protection, not sure if they will let us pull this item out. Also looking at carpet, wardrobe fitout etc

joea · Jul 26, 2015 10:39 am

kellmac

What did you successfully negotiate out of the contract for you to do cheaper after handover? A friend does termite protection, not sure if they will let us pull this item out. Also looking at carpet, wardrobe fitout etc

Does that mean you have already signed the contract with those items included? I don't think they will remove them now.

We just asked for it to be removed out of the contract, drawings before we signed.

I doubt you can remove termite protection. I wouldn't want to risk the frame warranty for whatever saving you're going to get. No worth it IMHO.

Carpet and wardrobe fitout we opted to do after hand over.

FirstTimePDBuilder · Jul 26, 2015 4:00 pm

Pungentia

The first stacker doors look like the standard lifestyle range doors.. the second doors look like what we have, which is A&L stacker doors in the Boutique range (4.6m wide).

We upgraded the style and size of the doors, as the standard width wasn't that impressive from memory. That said, looking at window furnishings now I kind of wished we didn't have such huge windows and doors.. lol

We had originally priced timber sliding doors, but the boutique stacker was much cheaper and requires no annual maintenance (whereas timber will need oiling etc).

I can't be sure about glazing - but I did think ours were double glazed - I think everything of ours is double glazed except for a sliding kitchen window which couldn't be apparently for some reason.

Thanks Pungentia.

KDR Chadwick 41 Eastern Suburbs

dojrude · Jul 26, 2015 10:34 pm

Another blog update after getting up to site today to check out the rebricking;

http://buildingdownunder.blogspot.com.au

Team PD · Jul 27, 2015 4:57 pm

watermill

Has anyone got a pd facade price list?

Hi watermill, if you would like to PM me your email address and the home range you are looking at i.e. Advantage, Lifestyle etc. I can send you a façade options list one straight away. Regards, Joanne.

Team PD · Jul 27, 2015 5:01 pm

Jackula

Just wanted to say something nice about Porter Davis. We already had our 3 months inspection, at our 10 months, we had 3 things break within the same week - leaky toilet, leaky kitchen sink and a garage door that had fallen off the chain.

Porter Davis responded on the same day and all of our issues were resolved within the week.

I was worried at first, but they seem to have a really good after care department

Hi Jackula, it is lovely to hear your feedback on our New Home Care team, thank you for your comments

.

emmyawards · Jul 28, 2015 5:22 pm

FYI,

I've been told by our Porter Davis sales consultant that they are saying no to a lot of changes now even if they have been done in the past. For example, we asked for under stairs storage (we are considering the Hoffman) but they've told us no.

It's quite disappointing because we were really ready to go with them until they said that. We are now reconsidering what to do.

knyght · Jul 29, 2015 10:12 am

emmyawards

FYI,

I've been told by our Porter Davis sales consultant that they are saying no to a lot of changes now even if they have been done in the past. For example, we asked for under stairs storage (we are considering the Hoffman) but they've told us no.

It's quite disappointing because we were really ready to go with them until they said that. We are now reconsidering what to do.

I hope that isn't the case and just simply a misunderstanding between management and your PD sales consultant. If unsure I would ask for them to escalate to their manager your requests and seek clarification. We went through our contract late last year and have the Under Stair storage in our Waldorf so can't imagine such a backflip in such a short space of time. The only 'no' we ever received was for our request for a Bosch Siligranite Black sink (still really cut up about that tbh).

Try escalating and see how you go.

Jackula · Jul 29, 2015 11:02 am

knyght

Bosch Siligranite Black sink

Nice kitchen sink! What was their justification?

Pungentia · Jul 29, 2015 3:12 pm

emmyawards

FYI,

I've been told by our Porter Davis sales consultant that they are saying no to a lot of changes now even if they have been done in the past. For example, we asked for under stairs storage (we are considering the Hoffman) but they've told us no.

It's quite disappointing because we were really ready to go with them until they said that. We are now reconsidering what to do.

That's disappointing to hear. I do have a work mate who was having issues putting in an understairs cupboard for some reason.. different medium volume builder, but they were saying there was some regulatory issue about height.. Sounds odd to me..

Our alterations have included moving walls and wardrobes to fit a spa, enlarging the shower to make it a double shower (blocking of the dressing area) and making ensuite toilet separate, adding in under stair storage cupboard, adding a plaster projection and brickwork outside for late installation of a gas log fireplace, changing kitchen fit out to move the fridge to the main kitchen area and put the dishwasher in the galley.

Work continues on our site, but seems to be slowing down as all the scheduled stuff finishes up.

I was lucky enough to catch the waterproofer this morning - they were back for the third or fourth time, but still hadn't got it right or completed the job. He still hadn't been told to completely waterproof our master ensuite (i.e. the spa hob). He was happy to do it at my request though, so that will save us a bit of time. We've also run into a bit of an issue with the placement of taps on our master ensuite.. hopefully that will be painlessly resolved.

Also hoping to get some answers on proposed schedule, rough plan for when PCI/handover may be - things are still quite ahead of contracted finish date - based on the start more than a month after planned start date.

I've asked three times over the last fortnight and neither BC nor SS have answered. Last we heard was about 3-4 weeks back, which was "around the 2nd week in August". That's now 2 weeks away and we haven't heard anything.. hmmm - guess that isn't happening.

knyght · Jul 29, 2015 10:32 pm

Pungentia

emmyawards

FYI,

I've been told by our Porter Davis sales consultant that they are saying no to a lot of changes now even if they have been done in the past. For example, we asked for under stairs storage (we are considering the Hoffman) but they've told us no.

It's quite disappointing because we were really ready to go with them until they said that. We are now reconsidering what to do.

That's disappointing to hear. I do have a work mate who was having issues putting in an understairs cupboard for some reason.. different medium volume builder, but they were saying there was some regulatory issue about height.. Sounds odd to me..

Our alterations have included moving walls and wardrobes to fit a spa, enlarging the shower to make it a double shower (blocking of the dressing area) and making ensuite toilet separate, adding in under stair storage cupboard, adding a plaster projection and brickwork outside for late installation of a gas log fireplace, changing kitchen fit out to move the fridge to the main kitchen area and put the dishwasher in the galley.

Work continues on our site, but seems to be slowing down as all the scheduled stuff finishes up.

I was lucky enough to catch the waterproofer this morning - they were back for the third or fourth time, but still hadn't got it right or completed the job. He still hadn't been told to completely waterproof our master ensuite (i.e. the spa hob). He was happy to do it at my request though, so that will save us a bit of time. We've also run into a bit of an issue with the placement of taps on our master ensuite.. hopefully that will be painlessly resolved.

Also hoping to get some answers on proposed schedule, rough plan for when PCI/handover may be - things are still quite ahead of contracted finish date - based on the start more than a month after planned start date.

I've asked three times over the last fortnight and neither BC nor SS have answered. Last we heard was about 3-4 weeks back, which was "around the 2nd week in August". That's now 2 weeks away and we haven't heard anything.. hmmm - guess that isn't happening.

Hey Pungentia, I had issues getting a PCI date from my BC and SS and was told by my SS he wouldn't commit to a date until the tilers started. True to his word, when they started all the official PCI things came rolling through (first was Comms from the SS).

We are behind a couple of weeks but given the size of the house and quality I have demanded I'm happy to let it take as long as required to deliver a quality home. My SS knows this and has really respected my home.

I'll be sure to give him a hugely positive review and email to his manager. He is an absolute gun and is an asset to PD.

Illibug · Jul 30, 2015 12:17 pm

emmyawards

FYI,

I've been told by our Porter Davis sales consultant that they are saying no to a lot of changes now even if they have been done in the past. For example, we asked for under stairs storage (we are considering the Hoffman) but they've told us no.

It's quite disappointing because we were really ready to go with them until they said that. We are now reconsidering what to do.

That seems odd. We're building the Charlton 33 with the grand family, laundry and galley option and they have quoted us for under stair storage access from the galley. Perhaps it's something specific about the Hoffman that doesn't allow them to do it. But I would be pushing for more information. We've found PD to be very accommodating for all the changes we want to make... for a price of course :wink:

emmyawards · Jul 30, 2015 2:31 pm

knyght

I hope that isn't the case and just simply a misunderstanding between management and your PD sales consultant. If unsure I would ask for them to escalate to their manager your requests and seek clarification. We went through our contract late last year and have the Under Stair storage in our Waldorf so can't imagine such a backflip in such a short space of time. The only 'no' we ever received was for our request for a Bosch Siligranite Black sink (still really cut up about that tbh).

Try escalating and see how you go.

My sales consultant did check with his manager. He said even things they had said ok to in the past were not a guarantee that we would still do it.

As for the under stairs storage this is what he said.
The Hoffman 39 has a raked ceiling under the stairs and we are not able to have storage under these stairs as there is nothing under the stairs. If you really need to have some storage under staircase I can try for half door entry

But I remember Pungentia you have under stairs storage on your Hoffman right?

Pungentia · Jul 30, 2015 3:05 pm

knyght

Hey Pungentia, I had issues getting a PCI date from my BC and SS and was told by my SS he wouldn't commit to a date until the tilers started. True to his word, when they started all the official PCI things came rolling through (first was Comms from the SS).

We are behind a couple of weeks but given the size of the house and quality I have demanded I'm happy to let it take as long as required to deliver a quality home.

That's awesome to hear - at the end of the day, as long as there is a quality house, we can take it in our stride. It's reassuring to hear you talk of the date not being set until tiling starts.. Our tiling is part way through, but has been delayed due to the waterproofers, so maybe they are waiting until it's finished.

I called my BC today, and she advised that there was no PCI scheduled yet, but it looked like it would happen around the 18th of August - so allowing 2 weeks from PCI to handover, that puts us around 1 September for handover (and beginning the flooring) with a move the following week. If that's the aim, we still have a bit of wriggle room - we need to give notice on our lease by 26 August, so it should be fairly clear by then if September handover is realistic.

Our BC said she will get back to me today or tomorrow with a date update if possible, after talking to the site supervisor :z:

Other news from our BC is that she is moving on - and soon - she departs tomorrow to a more local company given the relocation to Docklands. Our third BC will take over the reins tomorrow, although everything is pretty much done and dusted as our current BC advised.

Emmyawards - Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ excuse the bad picture, but this is what under our Hoffman stairs looks like, before the door goes on and with dining room bath tubs - not a huge space, but worthwhile

knyght · Jul 30, 2015 3:10 pm

emmyawards

knyght

I hope that isn't the case and just simply a misunderstanding between management and your PD sales consultant. If unsure I would ask for them to escalate to their manager your requests and seek clarification. We went through our contract late last year and have the Under Stair storage in our Waldorf so can't imagine such a backflip in such a short space of time. The only 'no' we ever received was for our request for a Bosch Siligranite Black sink (still really cut up about that tbh).

Try escalating and see how you go.

My sales consultant did check with his manager. He said even things they had said ok to in the past were not a guarantee that we would still do it.

As for the under stairs storage this is what he said.
The Hoffman 39 has a raked ceiling under the stairs and we are not able to have storage under these stairs as there is nothing under the stairs. If you really need to have some storage under staircase I can try for half door entry

But I remember Pungentia you have under stairs storage on your Hoffman right?

So they didn't say no.

He is correct. My blog has pictured of the half door if you want to check it out.

ChrisHeli · Jul 31, 2015 5:31 pm

emmyawards

FYI,

I've been told by our Porter Davis sales consultant that they are saying no to a lot of changes now even if they have been done in the past. For example, we asked for under stairs storage (we are considering the Hoffman) but they've told us no.

It's quite disappointing because we were really ready to go with them until they said that. We are now reconsidering what to do.

Go and find another sales consultant, we did. Not happy with the first one (out west) and then we found Daniel C. out east, he knows his stuff, and we could not have been more happy.

If you get a no, then always asked for a written explanation, as you'll find that many things suddenly become a yes! ;-)

FirstTimePDBuilder · Aug 03, 2015 10:11 am

For those doing Knock-down Rebuilds, how long did it take between demolition and site start? Our goal posts appear to constantly be moved back. We were initially told 2-4 weeks. Then definitely 4 weeks and now 6 weeks. I'm no engineer but it seems like this time actually doesn't have anything to do with required 'site settle' but an indication of how busy PDs backend processing is. For a supposed Feb guaranteed start date at this rate we will be lucky to site start before the end of September.

KDR Chadwick 41 Eastern Suburbs