Browse Forums Building A New House Re: Bafto Homes Custom Build - Tiles arrived 101Sep 17, 2012 1:13 pm I am going to buy some cheap LED downlight bulbs online to replace the standard bulbs...they said LED bulbs save more than 70% electricity cost.... Re: Bafto Homes Custom Build - Tiles arrived 102Sep 17, 2012 1:45 pm LED are cheaper to run compared to halogen CFL are similar to LED in terms of power used at this stage, LED's are improving. Although I went away from downlights as per the comments on the first/main post of this thread. I could have 1 light where I needed 2-4 downlights, and if I use an LED/CFL globe I'm using less power than the LED downlights. Re: Bafto Homes Custom Build - Nearly complete 103Sep 20, 2012 8:45 pm The oven cooktop ran out of stock so they offered their "upgraded" version, after some discussion the builder advised them that I cannot have an oven/rangehood from 1 range and the cooktop from another range, it won't match. Therefore it has been organised to get the cooktop, oven & rangehood from the slightly more expensive range. And I don't have to pay for the upgrade. So I've gone from this oven / cooktop & rangehood: http://damani.com.au/60cm-electric-fan- ... en-12.html To this one: http://www.baumatic.com.au/pythagora/ov ... -oven.html Which is actually a nicer looking oven/cooktop and has slightly better features. Initially the size confused me, they are identical size on the outside and made in the same factory, one says 68litres and one says 59litre. I later determined the Damani oven is 61litres net, 68litres gross, and the Baumatic is the 59litres net, so not a big difference. The price difference was not a lot so it may be worth considering if you have the option Re: Bafto Homes Custom Build - Nearly complete 104Sep 21, 2012 7:58 pm Front of house: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Vinyl planks: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Kitchen with splashback: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Fan in bathroom: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Bathroom: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Built in robes: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Speaker and security sensor: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Wiring: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Re: Bafto Homes Custom Build - 1 week to handover 106Sep 24, 2012 6:45 pm pretty good...seems you can move in before 2013! Open the window to get more fresh air for one month or two before you move in mate. Re: Bafto Homes Custom Build - 1 week to handover 107Sep 25, 2012 7:50 am I intend to move into the house in the next few weeks Great to hear you are starting. Re: Bafto Homes Custom Build - 1 week to handover 108Sep 26, 2012 9:08 pm The inspection was today and Darren from Darbecca was brilliant. Unfortunately he found a massive number of flaws, of which one is a major concern. I now will organise a test of the mortar to check if it has been done correctly or not, if not its a big job to re-brick or render the house. I'm thinking re-bricking as I don't like render. Various other issues I didn't notice will be fixed by the builder. Re: Bafto Homes Custom Build - Problems 109Oct 02, 2012 9:10 pm We'll here's an update of the good news so far, the appliances are fitted off and look quite nice. Unify AV Systems will be returning to install an extra alarm sensor, they've done all the wiring work at a very good price and so far it seems to be a good installation. The issues are slowly getting sorted out, Gardall's Furniture Imports in Moorabbin is closing down, they have vinyl & steel/chrome chairs for $65 or $75. Bar stools for $55 (gas lift with vinyl), coffee tables as cheap as $95 Kitchen splashback and oven: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Hot water service: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Ducted vents: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Re: Bafto Homes Custom Build - Problems 110Oct 10, 2012 7:40 pm Progress remains extremely slow, most of the defects are fixed excluding the brickwork, but not all. A friend recommended: http://aka-brickwork-restorations.com.au/ He is supposed to do great work, this friend had their entire house re-done because of very soft mortar. The other two I found are: http://www.melbournetuckpointing.com.au/product.html http://brickworkrestoration.com.au/contact/contact-us The various tuckpointing experts can easily grind back 20mm on the mortar and re-fill with something much stronger and with the required colour, I hope this goes ahead soon. The report from Sharp & Howells did confirm the mortar is soft, zero lime and over acid washed but still complies with the standards as you can use zero lime *if* you use a water thickener. However since the latter cannot be tested for, it passes by default. He did comment on the over acid washing, soft mortar and burnt bricks in 1 place. Since the mortar passed the test I just lost $650 on the report . I also found out that the reason why the inspector requested the frost-valve on the hot water service panel is because previously they failed in the Wallan area on a very cold winters morning. Even though the Chromagen solar panels should survive mild frost... Re: Bafto Homes Custom Build - Problems solved 111Oct 18, 2012 7:52 pm That was closer to $730 on the report and they did not tell me it didn't include GST or a 2% credit surcharge. The bill for repointing the mortar was $14,500, I've come to an agreement with Bafto Homes that they will pay part of it and I'll pay the rest. They oferred to render which I don't like after paying for upgraded bricks and upgraded mortar. Hopefully the house will be finished now by the 15th November. Such a long build time but I should have all defects sorted by this date. Re: Bafto Homes Custom Build - Problems solved 112Oct 27, 2012 4:23 pm I'm getting more frustrated, this would be the second time I have been informed the painters are coming and they have not been. I've started to organise flooring & mortar repair but I don't want the painters in after the flooring is done. And the weeds have overgrown around the bricks so I'll have to poison them / dig them out just so the city & suburbs bricklaying company can do the repairs. Furthermore the list of defects remains pretty long and I'm no longer sure if the handover can go ahead in the next few weeks as they are moving so slowly. Here are some pictures of why I'm not happy with the finish. Brickwork: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ The tiling looks reasonable: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ But why would you use yellowish mortar to seal a white benchtop with white tile?! Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Brickwork / mortar problems: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Poor finishing on the cornices / cracking which happened recently: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ How water service leaking on itself: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ On the brighter side they fixed the ducted heating vent, the electrician is mostly finished. In addition to the pictures the cooktop appeared to have trouble getting enough gas, the paintwork is not fixed, the sliding door is not fitted, the toilet seat was not replaced and various other defects remain. Re: Bafto Homes Custom Build - More problems less fixes :( 113Oct 31, 2012 9:46 pm by the way, if this happen to me I will be really frustrated cuz I am not only just paying my mortgage but paying more than $1100/month for my rent. The longer delay, the more cost will be!
In the end, can I ask did you find all those defects by yourself or by your inspectors? it should be under warranty but why are you still paying for the fixing? Good Luck Re: Bafto Homes Custom Build - More problems less fixes :( 114Nov 01, 2012 10:41 am Considering this blog is the 2nd google result for a search for Bafto Homes, I hope they start paying attention! I cannot do the final payment without the defects fixed, the bank sends a valuer around. I'd strongly recommend an independent inspector, Darbecca/QAI did my inspections. I will continually followup until they are fixed, the mortar repair has started, and should be done by the end of next week. Painters should be in Saturday apparently, I will not hesitate to call daily after that point as I want all defects fixed properly. The fix for the mortar was the problem, Bafto Homes can render the entire house cheaper than the $14,500 bill to repair it. I paid thousands for upgraded bricks and mortar, why would I want the house rendered? Therefore it was either go to VCAT to get all the money, which would cost a fortune, or pay the difference. I don't have the money or time for VCAT so I've let them get away with partial payment. However I've also put this online so the world knows. I do hope they do a good job on your house, just keep a close eye on their work... Re: Bafto Homes Custom Build - More problems less fixes :( 115Nov 01, 2012 12:42 pm thanks again for sharing all the usefull information and good luck on the fixing.
E code 32018 Re: Bafto Homes Custom Build - More problems less fixes :( 116Nov 01, 2012 1:18 pm bobotoday307 thanks again for sharing all the usefull information and good luck on the fixing. If I use an independent inspector to check their work, do I need to address this in the building contract before everything starts? Otherwise how could an inspection report from a third party have legal obligation to urge the builder or subcontractors to take responsibilities for the defects? They may possibly refuse to admit the defects or do not recognise the validity of the defects report. sorry for my poor English expression. You can withhold final payment until all defects are fixed. For the other stages its a little more difficult, the builders generally value their reuptation so they do tend to fix things... If you could get the inspection into the contract that would be great, but inspectors are extremely strict, they will fine the smallest issue, for example my bench was out of alignment by 8mm, which the builder claims is 5mm over a distance of 3. So the bench is 3m long, and the top is out of <1cm, an inspector would find that, for me its not a major concern Re: Bafto Homes Custom Build - More problems less fixes :( 117Nov 02, 2012 9:37 pm Good luck with everything!
Re: Bafto Homes Custom Build - More problems less fixes :( 118Nov 03, 2012 6:52 am I have not seen a single inspection from this surveyor or mention of a problem. I would only trust an independent inspector. Re: Bafto Homes Custom Build - More problems less fixes :( 119Nov 04, 2012 9:14 am The bricks are finally getting fixed, and I'm starting to get more and more angry. The optus technician came around and said the phone line box is on the front of the house, it's not acceptable and must be on the side. Telstra guy came by and said why would you want an ugly phone box on the front and not the side, all your neighbours have it on the side. The builder advised it will cost him to move it, I know it was not specified but I want it moved. Happy for them to pay the remaining $6500 I'm out of pocket for the brickwork if they want. Anyway, here's more defects to be fixed, in good news 1 powerpoint now exists that was missing. The brickwork has started and they did mention that the lower mortar was softer than the higher mortar. And I realised there were 2 stages in which they did this and therefore they might have used 2 different mortar mixes. Unfortunately the testing was done at eye-height level....too late now. The builder is been good in terms of fixing the remaining defects so far, but they are increasing. The plumbers broke the concrete below the hot water service when moving the hot water service, probably a quick fix for a builder but it does annoy me. Cornices in the kitchen are mostly fixed now as well but not quite fixed yet. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Painted gutter pipes, nice work painters: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Grinded brickwork: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Brickwork restoration company: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Patched mortar: This should come out much whiter in theory... Paintwork on front door, this should get fixed today I hope: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Patched cornices: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ New unpatched cornices: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Scratched windows: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Misc problems: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Scratch from speaker install: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Re: Bafto Homes Custom Build 120Nov 06, 2012 8:35 pm The mortar repair is nearly finished and I have booked hopefully a final inspection soon. Hopefully all work is complete this time. I have also read that cracking can occur in a new house with the window architraves or cornices. Hopefully not too many more before I move in. I'd get the gutters to match your roof and pipes to match the paint - otherwise they become a feature. Nice pick with the paint colours! 1 34240 6 55176 A quick update, we didn't have site start before Easter. Summit can't seem to give me a day when they are scheduled to begin, so I'm left with a vague "within 10-20… 4 26734 |