Porter Davis homes

Madison_45_Vic · Aug 16, 2016 12:10 pm

lizbf85

Momiji

Yep 9 months and counting. It's been a nightmare of late since there was staff restructure at PD and the dispensation application was not handled swiftly to say the least and numerous persistent errors in the contract, drawings and colour document... I can't even remember how many times I've resent the marked up docs to them but it's more than 5 times. I'll save the full story for my blog which I hope to setup soon to save boring everyone here with the details and hope may help others considering Porter Davis.

Regarding the notes they added in my contract, it wasn't added to the HIA contract but noted in the PD contract document that contains the pricing.

Seems like others have been able to change payment schedule in the HIA document. Wish I had known this was possible as I'd do the same too.

Tbh we are too 9 months in having been through that exact nightmare. Very frustrating! Yes i was just thinking the pd contract itself is different to the hia.

Sounds like you are both having a terrible experience. Here's hoping it gets better for you soon.

thewoodies · Aug 16, 2016 1:01 pm

Madison_45_Vic

thewoodies

We were also really clear that we weren't releasing funds until items on the inspectors report were rectified or explained to our satisfaction. Sometimes there were genuine and common sense explanations for some stuff (i.e. It would be done slightly later for good reason) but we made sure we walked around with our site supervisor and okayed everything before they got their $$$. The good thing is they cotton on real quick and the work improved - no point trying to mess us around when it was clear we weren't having a bar of it.

Thanks thewoodies. Did you have this written down anywhere is was it a gentleman's agreement so to speak that they would rectify any issues that were considered reasonable?

A gentleman's agreement but really it was quite straightforward, if we weren't satisfied the stage was complete to spec they weren't getting their money.

Waldorf_Grange_Build · Aug 16, 2016 1:02 pm

thewoodies

Madison_45_Vic

Hi All, first time poster. Long time reader. Thanks for all of the useful insights.

We are first time builders with PD - building the Madison 45 in Melbourne - East. So far so good. Going to WOS later this week for selections which will be fun.

I have just been introduced to our BC, which has been a bit interesting...

I informed the BC that we are going to have an external inspection done at each stage and would like it drawn into our contract that any of the anomolies are to be rectified before our bank will issue the stage payments. As you know, people are more inclined to help when you owe them money haha. The BC has said that they never alter the standard HIA contract. I find this very hard to believe from all of the information I have read on this site.

Can anyone verify or quash the statement that they never amend the HIA contract?

Other than that we are really excited. Have just been issued our demo permit for the KDR that we are going to undertake. Site start booked for December. Here we go.

We had ours changed to reflect a different payment schedule which I think is part of the HIA?

For those that changed the payment schedule what did you change it to? I have contract appointment tomorrow and I'd like to alter it too.

Momiji · Aug 16, 2016 1:11 pm

I would say your SC is just trying to intimidate you into accepting everything and anything. Don't let them. How can they say they'll 'punish' customers for trying to get their dream home as close to ideal spec as possible (we all know you can't get everything with volume builders) and purposely delay your build because they don't want to do their job?

It really depends on the staff you end up with. We were lucky to have an awesome sales consultant and BC who found solutions to things we requested for when the tender lady just simply said no to EVERYTHING because she wanted to get through the long appointment on time. But now since the restructure we are stuck with a BC who takes weeks to respond to emails and messages and couldn't care less about customer relations. Sigh.

I hope you get connected to a diligent and customer focused BC. Those traits should really be standard but sadly it's not. What you're asking for is reasonable. My original BC went so far as to say that of course there's no issue with engaging an independent inspector as we are not professional builders. When you pay $500k+ for a build you really should be able to expect exceptional service. They need to understand that most customers just want a quality build and to spec and are willing to neogtiate and compromise with workarounds. Hope you get it all sorted! Good luck!

thewoodies · Aug 16, 2016 1:23 pm

Totally agree about the staff Momiji. It's good to know they have at least one good BC because our two were hopeless. The first one was mildly hopeless, very slow to communicate, could be quite short etc. the second was beyond hopeless, no imagination, basically a robot, we Ihad to turn to other people when there were issues. Then she flat out criticised me for going to social media with a complaint and taking it "out of her hands" which was hilarious because it was her non-action that lead to that in the first place. I've never been spoken to like that from someone who should be offering good customer service! She was extremely rude.

Waldorf_Grange_Build · Aug 16, 2016 1:25 pm

Madison_45_Vic

thewoodies

We were also really clear that we weren't releasing funds until items on the inspectors report were rectified or explained to our satisfaction. Sometimes there were genuine and common sense explanations for some stuff (i.e. It would be done slightly later for good reason) but we made sure we walked around with our site supervisor and okayed everything before they got their $$$. The good thing is they cotton on real quick and the work improved - no point trying to mess us around when it was clear we weren't having a bar of it.

Thanks thewoodies. Did you have this written down anywhere is was it a gentleman's agreement so to speak that they would rectify any issues that were considered reasonable?

My SC called last night and had a fair point that some inspectors have an issue with the volume builders and will continue to pick and pick until the whole project lead time blows out. He also suggested that PD are likely to put us in the 'slow lane' if we are too difficult, as opposed to the 'fast lane' for customers who just say yes and nod their heads to everything. I wasn't all too pleased about that conversation tbh.

I made it clear that my issue is with the fact that they just said no to any of my requests. There was no negotiation or middle ground. I'm not a difficult customer. I just want to get over these hurdles early on so the precedence is understood. My wife is getting concerned that this is not a good sign before we even get to contract stage. I'm optimistic that things will get better. Fingers crossed.

How horrible that they even have such practices as putting people into 'slow lane' and 'fast lane'. Whilst they may not like independent inspectors we are entitled to use them and when spending half a million dollars it is not too much to ask that our houses be built properly.

Momiji · Aug 16, 2016 1:40 pm

thewoodies

Totally agree about the staff Momiji. It's good to know they have at least one good BC because our two were hopeless. The first one was mildly hopeless, very slow to communicate, could be quite short etc. the second was beyond hopeless, no imagination, basically a robot, we Ihad to turn to other people when there were issues. Then she flat out criticised me for going to social media with a complaint and taking it "out of her hands" which was hilarious because it was her non-action that lead to that in the first place. I've never been spoken to like that from someone who should be offering good customer service! She was extremely rude.

That's awful, TheWoodies! Staff shouldn't be rude and criticise customers. Good on you for finding a solution and getting something happening. They should've just apologized and work on having a better working relationship moving forward. I wonder where they source they staff from and what their recruitment process is like as it may do themselves a favour if they were more stringent with screening for work ethic and standard customer service.

I hope my original BC is not the exception but the norm.... I could tell she was quite experienced and was always polite and always showed that we were important to her and let me know in advance if she was busy etc. the current one I have was described by reception as "a lovely lovely girl". That already discouraged me. I don't want lovely, i want diligence! On a side note, she keeps spelling the word "through" as "thru". This is what I mean by recruitment screening... But now I'm just ranting a bit

If you really can't work with your BC, I have heard of people being allocated a new one. I guess this is last resort. What stage of build are you at now? How's your SS, TheWoodies?

Momiji · Aug 16, 2016 1:41 pm

Oops, I posted my reply as part of TheWoodies quote! Sorry for my newbie-ness

thewoodies · Aug 16, 2016 2:03 pm

All good! We finished a couple of months ago. Site supervisor had flashes of brilliance but for the most part was average at best. Main issue was communication.... something PD seems to struggle with across the board. Fingers crossed though we haven't had issues since we've been in and hopefully none crop up!

Momiji · Aug 16, 2016 2:07 pm

thewoodies

All good! We finished a couple of months ago. Site supervisor had flashes of brilliance but for the most part was average at best. Main issue was communication.... something PD seems to struggle with across the board. Fingers crossed though we haven't had issues since we've been in and hopefully none crop up!

That's encouraging to hear that there's been no issues since you got the keys. Wishing you luck!

Madison_45_Vic · Aug 16, 2016 3:20 pm

Waldorf_Grange_Build

thewoodies

Madison_45_Vic

Hi All, first time poster. Long time reader. Thanks for all of the useful insights.

We are first time builders with PD - building the Madison 45 in Melbourne - East. So far so good. Going to WOS later this week for selections which will be fun.

I have just been introduced to our BC, which has been a bit interesting...

I informed the BC that we are going to have an external inspection done at each stage and would like it drawn into our contract that any of the anomolies are to be rectified before our bank will issue the stage payments. As you know, people are more inclined to help when you owe them money haha. The BC has said that they never alter the standard HIA contract. I find this very hard to believe from all of the information I have read on this site.

Can anyone verify or quash the statement that they never amend the HIA contract?

Other than that we are really excited. Have just been issued our demo permit for the KDR that we are going to undertake. Site start booked for December. Here we go.

We had ours changed to reflect a different payment schedule which I think is part of the HIA?

For those that changed the payment schedule what did you change it to? I have contract appointment tomorrow and I'd like to alter it too.

My understanding is that there is a method 2 in the HIA contract which PD prefer, as it is more front ended with the payments. Method 1 which you can ask for (and they should accommodate) has the larger progress payments at the back end. I hope I'm right with that one.

lizbf85 · Aug 16, 2016 6:53 pm

Madison_45_Vic

My understanding is that there is a method 2 in the HIA contract which PD prefer, as it is more front ended with the payments. Method 1 which you can ask for (and they should accommodate) has the larger progress payments at the back end. I hope I'm right with that one.

Yep thats correct!!! Thats what we did. We didnt even notice this until our bank advised us as it noticed by the valuer

lizbf85 · Aug 16, 2016 6:55 pm

Madison_45_Vic

lizbf85

Momiji

Yep 9 months and counting. It's been a nightmare of late since there was staff restructure at PD and the dispensation application was not handled swiftly to say the least and numerous persistent errors in the contract, drawings and colour document... I can't even remember how many times I've resent the marked up docs to them but it's more than 5 times. I'll save the full story for my blog which I hope to setup soon to save boring everyone here with the details and hope may help others considering Porter Davis.

Regarding the notes they added in my contract, it wasn't added to the HIA contract but noted in the PD contract document that contains the pricing.

Seems like others have been able to change payment schedule in the HIA document. Wish I had known this was possible as I'd do the same too.

Tbh we are too 9 months in having been through that exact nightmare. Very frustrating! Yes i was just thinking the pd contract itself is different to the hia.

Sounds like you are both having a terrible experience. Here's hoping it gets better for you soon.

Oh i can guarantee ill be on very common poster on this topic very shortly..... are biuld is just about to start in the northern suburbs.

lizbf85 · Aug 16, 2016 7:00 pm

Madison_45_Vic

thewoodies

We were also really clear that we weren't releasing funds until items on the inspectors report were rectified or explained to our satisfaction. Sometimes there were genuine and common sense explanations for some stuff (i.e. It would be done slightly later for good reason) but we made sure we walked around with our site supervisor and okayed everything before they got their $$$. The good thing is they cotton on real quick and the work improved - no point trying to mess us around when it was clear we weren't having a bar of it.

Thanks thewoodies. Did you have this written down anywhere is was it a gentleman's agreement so to speak that they would rectify any issues that were considered reasonable?

My SC called last night and had a fair point that some inspectors have an issue with the volume builders and will continue to pick and pick until the whole project lead time blows out. He also suggested that PD are likely to put us in the 'slow lane' if we are too difficult, as opposed to the 'fast lane' for customers who just say yes and nod their heads to everything. I wasn't all too pleased about that conversation tbh.

I made it clear that my issue is with the fact that they just said no to any of my requests. There was no negotiation or middle ground. I'm not a difficult customer. I just want to get over these hurdles early on so the precedence is understood. My wife is getting concerned that this is not a good sign before we even get to contract stage. I'm optimistic that things will get better. Fingers crossed.

They r saying this at sales? My god!!! We have an independant inspector as there is no way we are taking "their indpendant inspectors" word for anything... they are paid by pd and from what i have heard they overlook alot of big mistakes!!! Plus u dont even see a report. Like a few have said dont let that put you off. Do whatever u feel comfortable with.

Waldorf_Grange_Build · Aug 16, 2016 8:18 pm

Madison_45_Vic

Waldorf_Grange_Build

thewoodies

We had ours changed to reflect a different payment schedule which I think is part of the HIA?

For those that changed the payment schedule what did you change it to? I have contract appointment tomorrow and I'd like to alter it too.

My understanding is that there is a method 2 in the HIA contract which PD prefer, as it is more front ended with the payments. Method 1 which you can ask for (and they should accommodate) has the larger progress payments at the back end. I hope I'm right with that one.

My method 1 section (which is crossed out) has no percentages listed next to each of the stages.

yoyo72 · Aug 16, 2016 8:56 pm

we are building a waldorf in Melbourne as well, just been sent to construction stage, lucky for us our lady we have been dealing with has been quite lovely and generally gets back to us on stuff fairly quickly, cant wait to start building! can we name who we are dealing with at PD or is that not allowed? would be interesting to see whos dealing with who and how they fond them...i do know one thing though they are completely overworked and i dont think their job is easy!

Madison_45_Vic · Aug 17, 2016 1:10 pm

My understanding is that there is a method 2 in the HIA contract which PD prefer, as it is more front ended with the payments. Method 1 which you can ask for (and they should accommodate) has the larger progress payments at the back end. I hope I'm right with that one.[/quote]
My method 1 section (which is crossed out) has no percentages listed next to each of the stages.[/quote]

Method 1 should be:-
Deposit - 5%
Base Stage - 10%
Frame Stage - 15%
Lock-up - 35%
Fixing - 25%
Completed - 10%

Waldorf_Grange_Build · Aug 17, 2016 3:12 pm

Madison_45_Vic

My understanding is that there is a method 2 in the HIA contract which PD prefer, as it is more front ended with the payments. Method 1 which you can ask for (and they should accommodate) has the larger progress payments at the back end. I hope I'm right with that one.

My method 1 section (which is crossed out) has no percentages listed next to each of the stages.[/quote]

Method 1 should be:-
Deposit - 5%
Base Stage - 10%
Frame Stage - 15%
Lock-up - 35%
Fixing - 25%
Completed - 10%[/quote]

Brilliant thank you. I have asked for that.

Momiji · Aug 17, 2016 3:23 pm

And to compare, Method 2 is:

Deposit 5%

Base stage 20%

Frame stage 25%

Lock up stage 20%

Fixing stage 20%

Completion 10%

-----

The HIA document does say that method 1 should be used unless the building works differ from the usual, whatever 'usual' means. Does anyone know the definition of 'usual' in this context?

Momiji · Aug 17, 2016 3:24 pm

How did your contract appoint go, Waldorf_Grange_Build?