Porter Davis homes

Wateman · Sep 14, 2011 10:24 am

Alpal

Hi All,

To prepare for the electrical meeting next week does anyone know where I can find the different electrical packages available? I cant seem to find these on the Argus website or in my PD handouts..

I recall someone mentioning about a Data pack which connects 4 data points back to a single location?

Interested in any packages (definately data) anyone can provide and indicative pricing

Much appreciated

Hi Alpal,

Are you building in an area with Fibre to the home?
They have different packages for Telstra and Opticomm estates, mine wasn't either of those so I got a 'Smart Wiring Basic Light Package', it includes -
1 Slimline Enclosure & IR Compatible Distribution Hub
1 Double GPO for ONT Box
2 TV points
2 Phone points
2 Data points

This was $1623.60. Extra TV(max 6), Phone(max 4) or Data(max 4) points cost $88.44.
I am currently enquiring about the same package with a bigger enclosure, so I can add more data points later on, but haven't heard back yet.

Alpal · Sep 14, 2011 1:42 pm

Wateman

Alpal

Hi All,

To prepare for the electrical meeting next week does anyone know where I can find the different electrical packages available? I cant seem to find these on the Argus website or in my PD handouts..

I recall someone mentioning about a Data pack which connects 4 data points back to a single location?

Interested in any packages (definately data) anyone can provide and indicative pricing

Much appreciated

Hi Alpal,

Are you building in an area with Fibre to the home?
They have different packages for Telstra and Opticomm estates, mine wasn't either of those so I got a 'Smart Wiring Basic Light Package', it includes -
1 Slimline Enclosure & IR Compatible Distribution Hub
1 Double GPO for ONT Box
2 TV points
2 Phone points
2 Data points

This was $1623.60. Extra TV(max 6), Phone(max 4) or Data(max 4) points cost $88.44.
I am currently enquiring about the same package with a bigger enclosure, so I can add more data points later on, but haven't heard back yet.

Waterman - Im building in Doncaster in the eastern suburbs - so no fibre as yet ::sad::

Just wanted to get an idea on what was available as I would like to at least have 4 data points, 6 TV and 2 foxtel connections..

Appreciate everyones responses...... Its always better to go in prepared then make split decisions on the spot - tends to cost you more... ::lol::

JLD · Sep 14, 2011 5:46 pm

Hi All,

Just trying to figure out all my appointments, how long did your appt take with National Tiles? We're trying to squeeze that in before colour and electrical and just not sure how long to allow

Thanks

Rups · Sep 14, 2011 6:44 pm

humble

I think and this is just me and the wife talking, but if I am spending $250k, I am not going to get up in arms over $500 here or there.. especially around cabelling or downlights and what not.. Sure its a expense, but its covered by the loan, so in our minds if we add another k or 2 (over a larger then 300k loan really) you havent actually lost anything, and we can focus on more important things once we are in like gardens, driveways, decking.

Thats just us tho.

+2 (one for me, one for my wife)

humble · Sep 14, 2011 6:53 pm

JLD

Hi All,

Just trying to figure out all my appointments, how long did your appt take with National Tiles? We're trying to squeeze that in before colour and electrical and just not sure how long to allow

Thanks

Our tile appointment took 10mins.. We already had the samples, and a copy of the floor plan drawn with where we wanted everything. Fairly easy process. I suggest you spend some time there on the weekends before to help.

Team PD · Sep 14, 2011 7:08 pm

baronx

Team PD

Wateman

Hi everyone, I need some honest opinions as to whether im being a fussy, annoying customer(something I was determined not to be) or whether I have reason to be concerned with my service so far.

I'm still at a very early stage (contract signing next week) but I feel like it's been a constant battle ever since our sales consultant handed our file over to the building coordinator.
She rang and introduced herself and booked our contract signing and left it at that, I expected a letter or something with ways to contact her, instead i got an example HIA contract and nothing else, luckily she called me on my mobile so I had the number stored on there to call back.
I managed to get her email from somebody else in the office so I could ask some questions, but it wasn't until I had a whinge on here and Ebony helped that I actually got any answers, then only after asking for it she gave me details for the 24seven portal.
On there I notice our build address was the same as our current address so I tell her, no reply regarding that so I assume not a big deal. Get to our electrical apt and they are not prepared cos they don't know we are building in a FTTH estate, they thought it was a knockdown and rebuild. Also they dont have our proper plans as the soil test was not back yet so drawings are not done.
Another email gets the address fixed up, I also ask about whether our contract date is going to be ok (it was booked for tomorrow 12th) a couple more days before an email saying we have to move contract back due to the soil report, so it's pushed back 10 days to the 22nd. This affects what we were planning on doing with our finance, as land settlement is October.
Now I notice on the 24seven portal that they have our correct build address, except the estate is completely wrong (they have Selandra Rise, we are building in EdenBrook, different estates, different suburbs. It's not like we picked an estate nobody had heard of, it was a house and land package exclusive to PD. Now im concerned that this mistake will affect the soils report, I also notice our selections are up there but are missing a couple of small additions that were made immediately after the appointments.
So I sent another email that was received before 12 on Friday, I just have to wait again to see if I get a reply at all about this.
I feel like an annoying customer, I don't wanna be one! But it feels like if I wasn't being annoying that I would be in trouble

Hi Wateman,
I am sorry to hear you are having difficulties with your build and understand your frustration. I know I’ve helped you before and am happy to do so again - I’ve past on your feedback to the PD office to see what we can do. If you need me to help you further please just let me know. Regards, Ebony

Hi Ebony,

You do help out a lot, you also helped us out to which we are very thankful and we really appreciate that the customers are being heard on the forum.

What I don't understand is that if you really understand the frustration and the BC already knows that the customer is not happy, then why is the customer still getting this treatment ? I've been in this situation before and it's just appalling the way the customers are being treated.

It's not that the customer is asking something for free.. we are paying good $$$ for the houses. So why then we have to whinge over & over again about the customer service? One would hope that good customer service would be a KPI for the BCs ?

Hi baronx,

I appreciate your feedback and to help answer your question I think firstly acknowledging that building a house does cost a lot of money and can be quite stressful especially if it's your first home. We understand it's a big investment which is why Porter Davis have gone to great lengths to make the process as easy and smooth as possible. Often the issues are slightly more complex and cannot be solved immediately. Yes, at times clients may be frustrated with the BC's and SS, and yes, mistakes can happen but I believe having an active presence on the forum, offering Q&A on our Blog and encouraging people to come forward when they are frustrated or unhappy is proving that we are working in the right direction to improve our customer service. I think it would be fair to say it's a partnership that goes both ways. The more feedback we get the better we can improve and understand what our customers want and expect from us. Cheers, Ebony

mimi23 · Sep 14, 2011 7:45 pm

JLD

Hi All,

Just trying to figure out all my appointments, how long did your appt take with National Tiles? We're trying to squeeze that in before colour and electrical and just not sure how long to allow

Thanks

Ours took about 1 hour, although it was only for bathrooms x3, laundry and powder as we're doing the main areas in floorboards/carpet after handover.

I guess it depends on the areas your having tiled, if you want different tiles/splashback for each area and if you know what you want, but probably allow 2 hours.

Team PD · Sep 15, 2011 12:20 pm

Alpal

Hi All,

To prepare for the electrical meeting next week does anyone know where I can find the different electrical packages available? I cant seem to find these on the Argus website or in my PD handouts..

I recall someone mentioning about a Data pack which connects 4 data points back to a single location?

Interested in any packages (definately data) anyone can provide and indicative pricing

Much appreciated

Hi Alpal,
You’ve had some good feedback about data pack’s and connections which is really helpful, have you had a chance to speak with your BC about this too, they should be able to give you a little more information. What day is your electrical appointment next week? How are you feeling about it? Thanks, Ebony

Alpal · Sep 15, 2011 2:20 pm

Team PD

Hi Alpal,
You’ve had some good feedback about data pack’s and connections which is really helpful, have you had a chance to speak with your BC about this too, they should be able to give you a little more information. What day is your electrical appointment next week? How are you feeling about it? Thanks, Ebony

Hi Ebony,

The electrical appointment is late next week and I just wanted to get an idea of what options were available. Its always better to go in prepared to save time then have to decide on the spot.
I will send an email to the BC today to see if I can get more information on whats available and indicative pricing.

Appreciate your help ::lol::

J & C · Sep 15, 2011 6:51 pm

JLD

Hi All,

Just trying to figure out all my appointments, how long did your appt take with National Tiles? We're trying to squeeze that in before colour and electrical and just not sure how long to allow

Thanks

If you have visited national tiles before and have finalised the tiles, you should be out of NT (like humble said) in 10 mins. Its the colours and electrical appointments that are exhaustive. Is not even the colours appointment as most people have in mind the colour theme they want for their house. From our experience it the electrical appointment can be really draining as we found out on that day.

humble · Sep 15, 2011 7:11 pm

J & C

JLD

Hi All,

Just trying to figure out all my appointments, how long did your appt take with National Tiles? We're trying to squeeze that in before colour and electrical and just not sure how long to allow

Thanks

If you have visited national tiles before and have finalised the tiles, you should be out of NT (like humble said) in 10 mins. Its the colours and electrical appointments that are exhaustive. Is not even the colours appointment as most people have in mind the colour theme they want for their house. From our experience it the electrical appointment can be really draining as we found out on that day.

Electrical sux.. only because you do not get told prices before hand, and well the person I had was horrid, and was misinformed (as was her supervisor)

thebigbuild · Sep 15, 2011 7:52 pm

Any info about bath selections at Reece?? As I am having trouble finding my bath options, even after being at Hopetoun.

Cheers

building1 · Sep 15, 2011 8:12 pm

thebigbuild

Any info about bath selections at Reece?? As I am having trouble finding my bath options, even after being at Hopetoun.

Cheers

What exactly are you wanting? I can't remember who their supplier is, but we chose a non standard bath at a cost, it wasn't much though...

JLD · Sep 15, 2011 10:15 pm

Thanks everyone, I'll definitely have decided before hand so it shouldn't take too long.

Now just have to convince Hopetoun that we can fit it all in on one day ::praying::

mimi23 · Sep 15, 2011 10:15 pm

Hi everyone,

Just wondered if anyone is doing timber floorboards after hand over and is getting PD to leave off the skirting boards?

I think it was Rups that was doing this?

We have been told today that the skirting boards have to be on to receive the Occupancy Certificate, which doesn't seem right to me.

Our BC seems to be either not aware of what's going on or is just lazy.

Thanks

Rups · Sep 15, 2011 10:36 pm

Hi mimi23,

We are getting our house handed over without skirting boards. This was covered at Tender, and was subsequently written in our contract as follows:

"All skirting to be left on-site, uncut and unpainted for clients to install after handover. Note: the builder does not have any responsibilities in regard to theft, vandalism and the different level in floor surfaces."

We initially wanted them painted, cut and lightly tacked, but PDs position was either fitted properly, or nothing at all... so we went with nothing.

Whatever it takes to avoid the quad!

mimi23 · Sep 16, 2011 1:05 am

Thanks for your reply Rups!

We will have to look into it further as I also hate the look of the quad!

I think I may need to PM Ebony as our BC just says 'no' or 'it's not available as a selection' to everything, even things we have already confirmed with Hopetoun as available!

Rups · Sep 16, 2011 7:17 am

We had a similar issue with the cost of our garage door... We got the Complete Promotion which upgraded it to a panel lift with motor and 2 remotes. At colours, we upgraded to the finegrain timber look door and Hopetoun advised it was ~$1,200. At contract it was ~$1,850, which we just thought was (another) wrong estimate from Hopetoun.

But after a bit of forum banter, it seemed that $1,850 was the price to upgrade from standard (colourbond door with no motors or transmitters). I raised it with my BC and she said she double checked with an estimator and that was the right price. I told her it didn't make sense, referred to the online discussions and laid it very clearly as to why the price was considered wrong, and she replied with a PCV to take $600 off the price...

So, I guess if you make a clear argument, then common sense seems to prevail... I'd be going back to them. It's your house, not your BCs, and if you don't want to look at quad, you shouldn't have to! Remember - the buck doesn't stop with your BC, there are many other ways to get what you want.

thebigbuild · Sep 16, 2011 9:38 am

Im after somethign like the Mizu Deep Soaker - nothing fancy just a deep rectangular bath.

Also wondered how long it took your SC to send your file to head office. We deposited late August and wanted an October site start but were told we had just missed it.. then almost a month later our file gets sent further - at which point we have made almost every conceivable decision so now hoping for a VERY quick administrative response from PD. Based on what you read here, I have to wonder if that is possible!

Trying to stay positive.

Have a great day!

humble · Sep 16, 2011 9:50 am

Rups

We had a similar issue with the cost of our garage door... We got the Complete Promotion which upgraded it to a panel lift with motor and 2 remotes. At colours, we upgraded to the finegrain timber look door and Hopetoun advised it was ~$1,200. At contract it was ~$1,850, which we just thought was (another) wrong estimate from Hopetoun.

But after a bit of forum banter, it seemed that $1,850 was the price to upgrade from standard (colourbond door with no motors or transmitters). I raised it with my BC and she said she double checked with an estimator and that was the right price. I told her it didn't make sense, referred to the online discussions and laid it very clearly as to why the price was considered wrong, and she replied with a PCV to take $600 off the price...

So, I guess if you make a clear argument, then common sense seems to prevail... I'd be going back to them. It's your house, not your BCs, and if you don't want to look at quad, you shouldn't have to! Remember - the buck doesn't stop with your BC, there are many other ways to get what you want.

Common sense will always prevail.. look at my electrical appointment.... or my brick saga.. I found out here, and confirmed it with Austral, before PD has told there clients. :lol:

Hopetoun: Sorry sir, you cannot have downlights..
Me: Why?
Hopetoun: 6 star energy rules
Me: But I signed in March, so I only need 5 star, but regardless..
Hopetoun: Nope.. no downlights
Hopetoun Supervisor: Nope sorry sir.
Me: :evil:

We wasted 1hr arguing, doing a waste of time lighting plan using batterns as I said I would just do it later.. then ranted to my consultant and she got it all sorted out..

:z:

You do get fed misinformation alot, and sadly, this forum is one of the only key area's where you will get ballpark prices and how things work with any sense of security. Without this place I would not have been able to budget at all for the house build, the whole process prior to contract needs a overhaul. Its not conducive to efficiency.