Porter Davis homes

Thanks for the tips! We had planned to go and make a list, but the reality is we can't get in now . And with us both working full-time and living over an hour from the site, it's just not practical to (a) go at a time when tradies might be there or (b) make the trip over for a look at the outside. Last time (2 weeks ago) we climbed through an open window but since then the fly screens have been installed, so even if a window was unlocked, we'd have to dismantle a fly screen to get in

We do have a bit of a list of things that we've already noticed, but otherwise will just have to go in with a comprehensive checklist and take our time.

Big day Monday. PCI for Monkeypantz and Handover for you Michael!

Can't wait to read all about them!

We are going well. Had NH Inspections come out to look at slab and frame. They were so thorough and picked up quite a few things. So sent off the report to BC who will forward to SS. Not sure what happens now though in regards to it being fixed? What was your experience here?

Looks like gas lines or something similar have gone in for us on the framework and we have guttering. Just waiting on a roof. I think our Melb weather might be a bit too iffy this week to start that job though!

Congrats!

Your house construction started a month after us and you have a handover on Monday that's terrific !! Ours is showing no sign of finishing. You must be having a very good SS.

They have done lots of mistakes but I was there almost every second day reporting every issue.
It takes an average of a week to fix the issue but some of the issues were left untill the end of fixing stage.
PD is building 25 homes around me so the tradies are all there going from house to house I believe this was a big factor.
Just document every error so you don't forget and don't take no for answer if it is on your drawing or your concract

Does anyone have any thoughts on the best location for an alarm box (I don't know what it's called, but the locked box inside that is hidden away somewhere with the battery backup etc)? Ours is in the 'wrong' place, that is, not where it is indicated on the plans. Very wrong, other end of the house wrong. But it was our electrical consultant who put it on the plans, we didn't really have an opinion. Now we're wondering whether it's worth asking for it to be moved to the original position, or just leaving it where it is. There should be a powerpoint for it, but there isn't one in the original or the new spot

So, where is a good location? More hidden, but harder for us to access? More open, but easy access for us? (in our last house we did need to access the box a few times). Aesthetics of hidden away (although unlikely to be visible to most guests either way)? Does it need good airflow? Is dampness a consideration (it won't be getting wet, but may be in a steamy bathroom or laundry)? Near or far away from the keypad? On an internal wall or external wall? Location in the house (near a door, near windows)? Any thoughts?

Sorry about the vagueness, we're just wary of putting details like security system on the internet I've tried to be discreet about our exact location, but I know I've slipped up in the past and the internet doesn't forget!

Hi All,
We have done Home Theater pre wiring with PD while building the house. Now, we have started exploring for the HT equipment and few ppl advised that if we bring our plans they will advice the best suits for our house. Do we need to call and ask Argus to send us the plans?

Also, can someone please advice good shops\dealers for Home Theater packages?

Thanks in advance

hi taugurg,
when is ur handover booked for, why did u get invoice?

Hey guys,
After some advice...
I called my S/S last week and asked when I should book in my pre-plaster inspection based on when the works would be completed, he advised to book in for today. After meeting the inspector and S/S at the house today, I find that none of the heating/cooling, electrical rough ins etc have been done therefore were unable to be inspected. The inspector carried out an inspection on the framing defects that were found and found a few minor issues however if we want to have him check pre-plaster once the rough ins have been done i'm going to be charged a re-inspection fee.
Given that we've paid for the inspection to occur today based on the S/S' advice would you think it reasonable to ask PD to cover the cost of a re-inspection? Our S/S is arguing that PD arrange their own independant inpectors to carry out checks and therefore they dont believe they should be held responsible for paying the re-inspection fee however we aren't given copies of these so-called independant inspections and feel that if they are effectively paying their wages then how independant is it?
I just feel that if the S/S had called and communicated the delay then I could've postponed today's inspection to a time when he would have been able to carry out the job that I paid him to do.
Or is it more a responsibilty of the inspector to advise he cant carry out the inspection he's there to do if the work hasn't been done even though he's travelled out to the site?

Thanks for your inputs Tstr1a.

I tried inserting pictures on forum but could do so, it seems I've to open a blog spot to do that. That's just too time consuming. Don't know how most of you do it.

Its tough not getting emotional where errors are being committed week after week. We've around 15- 20 issues pending to be rectified, things that we have paid for and not being delivered. We have observed that when one issue is rectified another one crops up. At the moment we are in touch with some people at PD who are assisting us resolve them one at a time. Its good to know there are people listening you out.

SS says he will complete it before handover, was supposed to do the handover last month its no where close to completion, now we are given a date next week but it does not look likely.

Has anyone on this blog had their house inspected twice by a home inspector.

I tried getting PD to appoint us your SS but was told that doesn't work in our area.