Porter Davis homes

Hi a+s01,

We have had exactly the same situation as you when it came to trying to get some service from the SC we met at Berwick. We're from Darwin and have already bought a block at Warralily in Geelong and are waiting for it to title early next year, so have decided to get in early and research our preferred homes.

I sent an email asking the SC to clarify a few things regarding inclusions and upgrades. We wanted to know a bit more about their "prestige" range of inclusions and upgrades and were comparing their promos from 2010/11 ("Prestige Complete Package") to their current "2012 Prestige Luxury Inclusions" as we want to build a Waldorf44. We wanted to know why the following (these were the main ones) were NOT included if I were to purchase a "Prestige" house from them today:
- 12 month extended maintenance
- All slab upgrades
- Rock Removal
- OH&S and Local Council requirements (includes temp fencing and crossover protection)
- Cushioned stops to all internal doors
- Double Powerpoints throughout
- Fully tiled shower bases to bathroom and ensuite in lieu of polymarbled bases
- Deluxe Butlers Pantry
Blanco 900mm stainless steel cooktop (BCG95X) to pantry with choice of:
900mm Blanco stainless steel canopy slimline rangehood (BRC90BX) or
900mm Blanco glass canopyrangehood (BRCG90BX)
Base cabinets with laminate benchtop in lieu of standard melamine shelving to walk in pantry
Overmount sink (AB420) with Blanco Jarra mixer to pantry
Shadow line feature to pantry benchtops
- 2100mm high x 3300mm wide 4 leaf stained timber bi-fold door
- Choice of (to master ensuite): 200mm Tiber shower ceiling dumper or Sonata shower rail
- Overhead cupboards to laundry

There were probably another 10 or so items, in addition to the above list, that we were not sure on whether they were included as standard items or were in fact upgrades or options that needed to be paid for.

We have to ask the question, why are we paying only $7K less (for the base price) now for the same house built last year when that house has over $50K worth of inclusions REMOVED???? Is it just me, or is that kind of a slap in the face? To be expected to pay significantly more for a house than just a year ago, when economic conditions are arguably worse now than a year ago?

In today's economic climate it is not only important to build the right house, but also to build a house that is value for money.

Even most of the appliance (dishwasher etc) model numbers had not changed from 2010 to 2012 - same products, but 2-3 yrs older.

We asked for the SC to reply to our concerns on May 1. We also asked for the SC to provide a quote for the Waldorf44 based on over 30 specific inclusions ranging from gas points to the lounge, to flush panel doors to walk-in-robes, to tiled niches in the showers - every single thing we wanted in our dream house. That request was also sent in the same email on May 1. Another email was sent 6 days later asking when we can expect a reply, because we had heard nothing at all from them. To this date, we have NOT HEARD ONE SINGLE WORD from PD. It's not as if the email was not working because we had several emails back and forth with the SC's assistant requsting "Option" lists etc., and we cc'd her in on the email as well.

We can only assume that PD do not want our business - there is no other train of thought to explain their poor service.

Where does that leave us? I'm not sure really. When you have your heart set on a house and are so excited to get the process rolling, then to be let down so badly, well I've just lost my confidence really in PD. I read so many positive stories about customer service from PD, yet I don't feel like it should be a "hit and miss" game - and that I shouldn't have to go "searching" for it!

We are so disappointed.

All we wanted were answers, to make the right choice that is value for money. Is that too much to expect for one of the biggest purchases you are going to make in your life?

Milesy71:

I understand 100% what you're talking about! It's so frustrating that we have to put in so much effort to find out the simplest things.

My partner and I sat down to discuss whether we love the home enough to put up with the terrible service we've had from the start. I mean, if it's this bad at the beginning, I can only imagine how much worse it can get.

After sitting down with my partner and doing our homework, I have to say that Mainvue's inclusions stand out from the rest.
On top of that, the team at Mainvue homes at saltwater coast are impressive. They know their stuff and are actually willing to help us out without committing to anything. We're yet to refine our quotation but it has come in at $293,000 and that's a built up quotation to an as displayed price... If you check out the home you'll be amazed.

I hope it all goes well for you. But for my partner and I, we really couldn't justify giving our business to a builder that doesn't want to put in any effort and show a bit of loyalty towards their customers.

We got 2 letters from the mail which are having the exact same contents except for the 'Procedure of Construction' page. First letter says 24 weeks, 2nd letter says 18 weeks. When I asked the CSC about it, she sounded annoyed and said it should be 24 since our house is a double story. I wish PD can sort their admin stuff or at least be nicer to customers since it's not our fault if they send confusing information.

anyway, we were assigned a new CSC this week. we're quite happy she's very nice in returning our calls/responding to our queries.
PCV's are also having a quick turn around. thumbs up for that

Is the foam that is being used prior to the concrete being poured polyurethane or polystyrene.

What is the reason this material is used prior to pouring of the slab ? Does it serve any other purpose other than insulation. What about its flammable properties. Is this material fire retardant when covered with concrete.

Is this common used for all types of slabs or is it used by builder for only for specific soil types.

What slab is a better slab...waffle...H class or M class.

Sorry J & C missed your last point. A,S,M H are not "better" than the other they are what type of slab is required for your specific block as judged by your soil report. If your block only requires a "M" class slab then it will be just as strong on your block as say for example your next door neighbours block which was classed as "H". It's pretty much luck of the draw sometimes but can save you a fair amount of money from class to class. I have heard of adjoining blocks being different but usually an arae will have very similar classes Hope this helped.

Hi All.

I'm new to the forum so I apologise if this has been asked before.

We wen't to Hopetoun yesterday for a pre-appointment look and I would have to say I was pretty disappointed. Unable to find out upgrade cost made me feel like the exercise was fairly pointless. I would however like to ask if anybody has advice regarding this (so far stressful) stage of the build.

Also our sale consultant told us we could selected anything from Reece plumbing to go into our home. However the women who gave us the 5 cent tour said we could only select from the taps, doors, handle etc on display. Does anybody know if this is true?

Thanks

Thanks for that link thats great info!

I think I'll be making more enquires with the suppliers direct. Think our appointment is going to be heaps of fun!

Thanks for this ! So this answers the question the end result is basically the same whether one end up with class M or H slab.

You don't have to use their finance, or even talk to them. Choice Home loans is wholly owned by PD hence their interest in selling you some money.

The ONLY advantage in going with Choice is that you dont have to pay the 5% deposit across tender and contract, if that interests you, of course. You only have to pay $2,500 ($1000 at quote, $1500 at Tender). The difference between the $2,500 and the usual 5% is added to the final payment. That was the deal when we were going through admin anyway.

Well the Choice mortgage broker called. She certainly wanted to know more then I was going to share. Capacity to pay! What a load of BS! I've paid my $1000. If I get my drawings and quote and I can't afford it that's my problem. As for the build that's why they have progress payments. Anyway she's going back to the salesperson so I'll either hear more about it or they'll realize they want my money however it comes.

Sorry I'm just a bit sick of the big business always deciding how it should be done. I should be more worried about them then they are about me. Wish I had the audacity to ask my clients how big a bank balance they have before I gave them a quote!

Rant over.

Thanks for your replys. I'm not shocked at all they own Choice and if I do hear anymore about it I think consumer affairs might be interested in the little arrangement.