Porter Davis homes

building1 · Nov 04, 2010 8:35 pm

Chorlton

building1

leanne2104

Hi all, this is an interesting thread, we too are building with Porter Davis, so this is all very good reading.
We too are not going thru PD for our floor coverings, way over priced, but we are just happy we found out beforehand.

We have found out the hard way how overpriced their floor coverings are.
Being charged about $60m2 for something that is $3 over the standard price with no rebate on the standard ones that we didn't choose, I have the price pics to prove it.
The response? The upgraded tile prices include labour, adhesive, GST and wastage.
Were they going to leave the standard Portofino tiles in my lounge room in their boxes for me and not lay them? Surely the standard tiles come laid?? ::frown::

I wonder how much of everything we're paying twice for??

Hello Building1,

Can I ask what type of upgrade tile you were asking for, and where it was going to be laid? We visited National Tiles recently and to change from the standard 300x300 ceramic to a 600x600 porcelain tile was around $45/m2 upgrade. According to National Tiles, the upgrade price included labour, glues, etc. This seemed "relatively" fair as the labour cost would be much higher given the bigger tile.

However, in your case is the area being tiled already part of the standard area for tiling or have you requested tiles in an area which is currently specified as carpet? If its the latter, then unfortunately the price seems about right!! We were told that if we wanted to tile an area which was not already included, that the price would be $60/m2 for a standard 300x300 tile PLUS any upgrade price on top.

Chorlton

Hi Chorlton .

The standard tile range is the Portofino $28.95m2, the one we have chosen is the Maxfl 600x600 (maybe the same one you did) priced at $32.95m2
The areas being tiled are all standard tile areas except for about a 1.5m2 walkthrough.
Ask any tiler and they will tell you it doesn't cost any more to lay big tiles or small tiles, they charge by the job or the m2

I am only assuming (stupidly maybe) that they would be LAYING the Portofino tiles in a new house and not just dumping them, the laying price for a standard tile would also include labour, GST, wastage and glue.
They're not laying the tiles twice, why am I being charged twice? I've already paid for the standard tiles and for them to be laid, why would I not only be paying a small charge to upgrade the tile with a little cream on the top for PD?

Chorlton · Nov 04, 2010 9:08 pm

Quote:

Hi Chorlton .

The standard tile range is the Portofino $28.95m2, the one we have chosen is the Maxfl 600x600 (maybe the same one you did) priced at $32.95m2
The areas being tiled are all standard tile areas except for about a 1.5m2 walkthrough.
Ask any tiler and they will tell you it doesn't cost any more to lay big tiles or small tiles, they charge by the job or the m2

I am only assuming (stupidly maybe) that they would be LAYING the Portofino tiles in a new house and not just dumping them, the laying price for a standard tile would also include labour, GST, wastage and glue.
They're not laying the tiles twice, why am I being charged twice? I've already paid for the standard tiles and for them to be laid, why would I not only be paying a small charge to upgrade the tile with a little cream on the top for PD?

Hi Building,

I understand your frustration. From our own experience, we were a little annoyed to find out that an area of about 2m2 to the side of the entry is not classed as a tiled area although IMO it is still part of the front entry. If we were not going to upgrade they would install a 2m square area of carpet between the side of the entry and the entrance to the Master Bed !!! Personally, I'd rather they make that area also a standard tiled area (as there is no actual demarcation until you reach the door of the Master Bed) and simply add the cost of it to the base cost of the home.

Regarding your comment about laying costs being the same regardless of tile size, from my experience I would tend to disagree. A lot of people think that it should either be the same price or cheaper as it is a bigger tile and takes less time to lay and cover the same area.

However, the reality seems to be that it is actually more difficult to lay correctly because any differences in the level of the floor are more noticable and difficult to hide. With a smaller tile it is much easier to hide these differences and make the area appear more flat. As a result, they seem to charge a premium for it. I'm be no means an expert on laying tiles but I've spoken to a number of tilers and thats the response I've received each time.

Regards,
Chorlton

building1 · Nov 04, 2010 9:19 pm

Chorlton

Quote:

Hi Chorlton .

The standard tile range is the Portofino $28.95m2, the one we have chosen is the Maxfl 600x600 (maybe the same one you did) priced at $32.95m2
The areas being tiled are all standard tile areas except for about a 1.5m2 walkthrough.
Ask any tiler and they will tell you it doesn't cost any more to lay big tiles or small tiles, they charge by the job or the m2

I am only assuming (stupidly maybe) that they would be LAYING the Portofino tiles in a new house and not just dumping them, the laying price for a standard tile would also include labour, GST, wastage and glue.
They're not laying the tiles twice, why am I being charged twice? I've already paid for the standard tiles and for them to be laid, why would I not only be paying a small charge to upgrade the tile with a little cream on the top for PD?

Hi Building,

I understand your frustration. From our own experience, we were a little annoyed to find out that an area of about 2m2 to the side of the entry is not classed as a tiled area although IMO it is still part of the front entry. If we were not going to upgrade they would install a 2m square area of carpet between the side of the entry and the entrance to the Master Bed !!! Personally, I'd rather they make that area also a standard tiled area (as there is no actual demarcation until you reach the door of the Master Bed) and simply add the cost of it to the base cost of the home.

Regarding your comment about laying costs being the same regardless of tile size, from my experience I would tend to disagree. A lot of people think that it should either be the same price or cheaper as it is a bigger tile and takes less time to lay and cover the same area.

However, the reality seems to be that it is actually more difficult to lay correctly because any differences in the level of the floor are more noticable and difficult to hide. With a smaller tile it is much easier to hide these differences and make the area appear more flat. As a result, they seem to charge a premium for it. I'm be no means an expert on laying tiles but I've spoken to a number of tilers and thats the response I've received each time.

Regards,
Chorlton

I am happy to pay for the upgrade, but not to be exploited.
We have upgraded a lot of things, not just floor and wall tiles, and are paying for it.
We have upgraded our bricks, wondering if they're any harder to lay than the standard ones? No they're not, and we're not being charged extra for laying them.
Most other things we have upgraded we have paid the difference, why is it not the case with the floor tiles? I'm just failing to understand how they've even come to $60m2 with no rebate on the ones we didn't choose.
I wonder if I told them I didn't want cupboard doors on the kitchen and went to Bunnings and got the vinyl wrap for $40 per door if they'd give me a rebate for no doors, carcasses only ::dizzy::

seeing how they wanted to charge $4000 to vinyl wrap the doors.....

Chorlton · Nov 04, 2010 9:38 pm

Overhead Cabinets in Laundry

For those building single storey homes, has anyone asked for overhead cabinets in the Laundry and if so, roughly how much were you charged?

Many Thanks in advance..........

Lunchtime · Nov 04, 2010 10:02 pm

building1

Chorlton

Quote:

Most other things we have upgraded we have paid the difference, why is it not the case with the floor tiles? I'm just failing to understand how they've even come to $60m2 with no rebate on the ones we didn't choose.

To be honest I was thinking the same thing, I got some prices of doing the tiles after handover and was given quotes in the range of $45-60 per meter to lay (suppling all materials other than the tiles themselves, I was to supply the tiles). So as bad as it seems - after calling around it seems to be correct. You can always try it yourself, call a few tilers out of the yellow pages and see what they say

building1 · Nov 04, 2010 10:13 pm

Lunchtime

To be honest I was thinking the same thing, I got some prices of doing the tiles after handover and was given quotes in the range of $45-60 per meter to lay (suppling all materials other than the tiles themselves, I was to supply the tiles). So as bad as it seems - after calling around it seems to be correct. You can always try it yourself, call a few tilers out of the yellow pages and see what they say

$45-$60 m2 is fine if you haven't already paid for laid tiles as part of the "promotional package".
Are they laying me 2 lots of tiles? I just don't understand how they can charge me twice to lay them, if we chose the Portofino they wouldn't be charging us to lay them, but because we upgraded the product we have to pay to lay them? It doesn't make sense to me, just so frustrated!
Maybe they can lay the Portofino then the porcelain on top, at least then I can say they did the job twice which is what i'm paying for....

Team PD · Nov 05, 2010 11:11 am

mqtutor

Hi all

I'm building Regatta 23. Anyone has selected this house?

I received the Access speficiation, and noticed few things that I don't understand:

* Brick Clay Brick selection from Builders Standard Range.
* Roof Cement Tile selection from Builders Standard Range.
* Tiles selection from Builders Standard Range.

Can someone tell me what brands are in the standard range? are they from Boral? Can I view the selection from their website? I've heard about Cat 1, Cat 2 etc, what are they refer to?

* Insulation Sisalation to walls & R2.5 Cellulose insulation to ceiling. => is it enough? or should I upgrade them?

Btw, I've appointment with Hopetourn Interior the next following Monday. Are we selecting colour for about everything from brick, tiles, door, handler to gutter, window frame and so on?? Any suggestions are welcome because I'm so confuse now ::hyst::

Thanks in advance
mq

Hi mqtutor,

Getting your head around selections and upgrades can be a challenging time I know. As Flaggie has suggested, these are all questions that the staff at Hopetoun Interiors will be happy to answer, you can also bring these questions up with your Customer Care Administrator (CSA). In terms of preparing for you Hopetoun appointment, you are doing the right thing by researching on this forum. People on this forum have done all the hard work for you and are normally more than willing to offer advice. The more research you do prior to your appointment, the more prepared you will feel. Most of our suppliers have showrooms and all of their contact details can be found in your Design Guide, however here are the details for Boral if you want to contact them or visit their showroom:

Boral Bricks
68 Pakington Street, Geelong
191 George Street, Wantirna South.
2 Trawalla Avenue, Thomastown. 1037 Western Highway, Deer Park

Phone: 13 30 35 (General Enquiries)
Hours: Contact display centre for opening hours
Website: http://www.boral.com.au

I hope that helps, keep us updated on how your appointment goes. Cheers, Jess.

George's · Nov 05, 2010 11:25 am

Team PD

mqtutor

Hi all

I'm building Regatta 23. Anyone has selected this house?

I received the Access speficiation, and noticed few things that I don't understand:

* Brick Clay Brick selection from Builders Standard Range.
* Roof Cement Tile selection from Builders Standard Range.
* Tiles selection from Builders Standard Range.

Can someone tell me what brands are in the standard range? are they from Boral? Can I view the selection from their website? I've heard about Cat 1, Cat 2 etc, what are they refer to?

* Insulation Sisalation to walls & R2.5 Cellulose insulation to ceiling. => is it enough? or should I upgrade them?

Btw, I've appointment with Hopetourn Interior the next following Monday. Are we selecting colour for about everything from brick, tiles, door, handler to gutter, window frame and so on?? Any suggestions are welcome because I'm so confuse now ::hyst::

Thanks in advance
mq

Hi mqtutor,

Getting your head around selections and upgrades can be a challenging time I know. As Flaggie has suggested, these are all questions that the staff at Hopetoun Interiors will be happy to answer, you can also bring these questions up with your Customer Care Administrator (CSA). In terms of preparing for you Hopetoun appointment, you are doing the right thing by researching on this forum. People on this forum have done all the hard work for you and are normally more than willing to offer advice. The more research you do prior to your appointment, the more prepared you will feel. Most of our suppliers have showrooms and all of their contact details can be found in your Design Guide, however here are the details for Boral if you want to contact them or visit their showroom:

Boral Bricks
68 Pakington Street, Geelong
191 George Street, Wantirna South.
2 Trawalla Avenue, Thomastown. 1037 Western Highway, Deer Park

Phone: 13 30 35 (General Enquiries)
Hours: Contact display centre for opening hours
Website: http://www.boral.com.au

I hope that helps, keep us updated on how your appointment goes. Cheers, Jess.

Mq,

We've upgraded our Insulation in the external walls, as well as added sound reducing insulation in the internal walls. from memory outside wall insulation for Foxley 29 was less than $1400.

mqtutor · Nov 05, 2010 5:19 pm

Team PD

Can someone tell me what brands are in the standard range? are they from Boral? Can I view the selection from their website? I've heard about Cat 1, Cat 2 etc, what are they refer to?

Website: http://www.boral.com.au

Hi Jess, thanks for reply. Are we able to select the bricks at Hopetoun? or we have to go to one of Boral showrooms and tell them which brick we want?

Anyone upgrade the bricks? what are the differences between cat 1, 2, 3 etc? and how much? I don't see brick categories in Boral website.

Thanks again

flagstaffIV · Nov 05, 2010 5:26 pm

mqtutor

Team PD

Can someone tell me what brands are in the standard range? are they from Boral? Can I view the selection from their website? I've heard about Cat 1, Cat 2 etc, what are they refer to?

Website: http://www.boral.com.au

Hi Jess, thanks for reply. Are we able to select the bricks at Hopetoun? or we have to go to one of Boral showrooms and tell them which brick we want?

Anyone upgrade the bricks? what are the differences between cat 1, 2, 3 etc? and how much? I don't see brick categories in Boral website.

Thanks again

You make your brick selection at your colours appointment, but they won't be able to tell you the upgrade cost.

mqtutor · Nov 05, 2010 5:39 pm

flagstaffIV

mqtutor

Team PD

Website: http://www.boral.com.au

Hi Jess, thanks for reply. Are we able to select the bricks at Hopetoun? or we have to go to one of Boral showrooms and tell them which brick we want?

Anyone upgrade the bricks? what are the differences between cat 1, 2, 3 etc? and how much? I don't see brick categories in Boral website.

You make your brick selection at your colours appointment, but they won't be able to tell you the upgrade cost.

So what the purpose to see bricks at Boral showroom? is it worth to upgrade? are they stronger or more appealing?

If They don't know and we don't agree with the prices at the tender, does it mean we should go back and re-do our selection again? it's really hassle imo.

flagstaffIV · Nov 05, 2010 6:13 pm

mqtutor

So what the purpose to see bricks at Boral showroom? is it worth to upgrade? are they stronger or more appealing?

If They don't know and we don't agree with the prices at the tender, does it mean we should go back and re-do our selection again? it's really hassle imo.

At the Boral showroom they have larger samples of the bricks and you can see the in direct sunlight which I think can help. Also, if you are interested in certain bricks they can give you a list of which houses have been build so you can it what it looks like IRL.

This is why they suggest you should make 2 selections, what you would prefer and second option.

You can make all your selections as your appointment, but get them taken out at your contract signing. This is what we did.

I do agree that it is a hassle, I guess it depends whether or not you feel the cost of upgrading your bricks is worth it. For us, getting the tiling done throughout the house was our main priority even though I liked the look of the upgrade bricks.

In the end, I am glad we choose Cat 1 because everyone around has spent up big on their bricks and all their houses look the same. For us... that is just boring... and our place ends up standing out in the end. :wink:

Fallen_Apple · Nov 06, 2010 3:38 pm

Chorlton

Overhead Cabinets in Laundry

For those building single storey homes, has anyone asked for overhead cabinets in the Laundry and if so, roughly how much were you charged?

Many Thanks in advance..........

Hello,

We are building the cremorne 42 and I added lots of cupboards to my laundry!

Over the sink and slightly extended bench I added 3 cupboards and additional tiles for $418
On the opposite wall I added a built in broom cupboard with door and shelf for $258, a laminate bench for $335, overhead cupboards for $591.

Here's some pics

Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅

Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅

Chorlton · Nov 06, 2010 8:27 pm

Hi Fallen Apple,

Thanks for the reply

Out of interest, where did you place your laundry taps? In the picture it looks like they are directly over the laundry trough....

Chorlton · Nov 06, 2010 8:47 pm

Hopetoun Interiors

So as to offer an accurate and up-to-date point of view, I just wanted to say that we visited Hopetoun again today so as to take another look around prior to our official appointment in a couple of weeks.

The staff today seemed to be different to whom we saw there before, and this time they were attentive and extremly helpful.

Based on our first visit, I would have given (at best) a 5/10 for the overall experience. Today, however, it was closer to 8-9/10 !!

There are still a number of areas of improvement IMO, one of which is the lack of prices for any upgrades chosen but apart from that it was a great improvement compared to our last visit.

Regards,
Chorlton

mel_mox · Nov 07, 2010 12:11 am

I should comment about my contract appointment too for those who will be having them eventually!
I was surprised how well it went, actually the contract was pretty much 100% correct. We decided to make a few variations & I questioned a few things. But my csa person, will call her a, was very good.
Before our app I went thru every single thing from the tender app & made a list of all changes I had requested or wanted changed eg: things I wanted added, etc.
Everything I wanted to ask, my c/a person had it covered & was on top of it. ::smile::

I was very pleased with how the app went & am glad I have gone with pd :-)

also my csa has been efficient in returning any email or ph call. She has been a delight. I said to her at my app, pls don't leave or move on until after my build is finished! Lol
Bring on my building start date I say ;-)

Mel

Chorlton · Nov 07, 2010 10:29 am

Wall Mounted Basin Taps in Ensuite / Bathroom

Has anyone asked for this and if so, what kind of costs were you quoted? I ask, as we have seen it in the PD display home that we are looking to build and would also likeit, but as of yet we have not received any indication of whether there is an additional cost and how much it is.

Any help appreciated,

Chorlton

Fallen_Apple · Nov 07, 2010 12:11 pm

Hi Chorlton,

I put my washing machine taps in the cupboard next to the space. I have a top loader with the taps there at the moment and it works fine and you don't have to look at them that way! That was no extra cost.

In regards to the wall mounted taps I think it is cheaper, but you would have to add a tiled splashback to mount them on. We changed our powder room from wall mounted to the raymor quadra mixer and pearl round countertop basin for $175, but I don't know about the other way. We added glass mosaic tiled splashbacks to the ensuite, powder and main bathroom for $352.

Just be careful if you add tiled splashbacks to check the measurements carefully. Our tile person at National tiles was hopeless, she was presumptuous, failed to offer any suggestions, rushed everything and was rude when we asked questions or tried to say we wanted something she didn't like. She added no measurements to the splashbacks and the result was that in our bathroom our 8 year old daughter would be unable to see in the mirror because the tiled splashback was so high. Makes the mirror utterly useless really. PD whinged when we said it was too high and claimed it was that height in the plans, but there is actually no height specified. Rather than cause a fuss we just took care of it. ::wink::

Our tiles do look fantastic though and we only went with standard ones throughout, the tilers have done an exceptional job. We had half of them stolen though. Another pointer with tiles, make sure everything you want is clearly specified on the document. We used some standard gloss white rectangular ones and I wanted them laid brickbond style (so they look like the way bricks are laid) for the splashbacks in the laundry, pantry and one in the kitchen, and really pressured the dragon lady to ensure it was very clear in the documents. As we walked out I said to my husband "I bet they get that wrong". So what happened last week, 11 months after the tile appointment when they were finally laid? They laid them in a horizontal stack! Luckily my wonderful husband was lurking around the site and highlighted to the tilers their mistake and how utterly devastated I would be as I have been going on and on about these tiles for months. At first they tried to say it was right, but then looked closely at the plans and realised they were wrong (picture in plans was of horizontal stack but wording said brickbond) and re-laid them immediately.

Now they are brickbond style and look absolutely fantastic! I think they are the best thing in the house! So the moral of the story is make sure everything you want is clearly in the plans so if they stuff it up they have to change it.

Mimi79 · Nov 07, 2010 11:13 pm

Thought I'd drop in here, we got our keys last week-ish after building for 16 weeks 5 days.

Our experience with PD was brilliant. Sure things went awry every now and then but it was fixed with minimal fuss.

Our SS was a champion, almost always answered his phone straight away and if not got back to us within the day. Our CSC updated us regularly, answered our questions.

I wouldn't hesitate to use them again, I honestly expected the build to be far more painful and stressful. The stressful parts came out of renting rather than building.

Chorlton · Nov 08, 2010 8:10 am

Fallen_Apple

Hi Chorlton,

I put my washing machine taps in the cupboard next to the space. I have a top loader with the taps there at the moment and it works fine and you don't have to look at them that way! That was no extra cost.

In regards to the wall mounted taps I think it is cheaper, but you would have to add a tiled splashback to mount them on. We changed our powder room from wall mounted to the raymor quadra mixer and pearl round countertop basin for $175, but I don't know about the other way. We added glass mosaic tiled splashbacks to the ensuite, powder and main bathroom for $352.

Just be careful if you add tiled splashbacks to check the measurements carefully. Our tile person at National tiles was hopeless, she was presumptuous, failed to offer any suggestions, rushed everything and was rude when we asked questions or tried to say we wanted something she didn't like. She added no measurements to the splashbacks and the result was that in our bathroom our 8 year old daughter would be unable to see in the mirror because the tiled splashback was so high. Makes the mirror utterly useless really. PD whinged when we said it was too high and claimed it was that height in the plans, but there is actually no height specified. Rather than cause a fuss we just took care of it. ::wink::

Our tiles do look fantastic though and we only went with standard ones throughout, the tilers have done an exceptional job. We had half of them stolen though. Another pointer with tiles, make sure everything you want is clearly specified on the document. We used some standard gloss white rectangular ones and I wanted them laid brickbond style (so they look like the way bricks are laid) for the splashbacks in the laundry, pantry and one in the kitchen, and really pressured the dragon lady to ensure it was very clear in the documents. As we walked out I said to my husband "I bet they get that wrong". So what happened last week, 11 months after the tile appointment when they were finally laid? They laid them in a horizontal stack! Luckily my wonderful husband was lurking around the site and highlighted to the tilers their mistake and how utterly devastated I would be as I have been going on and on about these tiles for months. At first they tried to say it was right, but then looked closely at the plans and realised they were wrong (picture in plans was of horizontal stack but wording said brickbond) and re-laid them immediately.

Now they are brickbond style and look absolutely fantastic! I think they are the best thing in the house! So the moral of the story is make sure everything you want is clearly in the plans so if they stuff it up they have to change it.

Hi Fallen_Apple,

Thanks for the reply and the heads-up !!!