Browse Forums Building A New House Re: Build with Rawson Homes 261Jun 05, 2015 10:05 pm @AJW @ Heidi I have paid initial deposit for Fairview MKIV. I am going with Lux Inclusions and free Envy bonus offer if tender is signed by 30th of June. I would like to understand how do you find dealing with Rawson homes. Also, how much difference do you find in Simplicity and Lux package? Re: Build with Rawson Homes 262Jun 05, 2015 11:16 pm imak21 I would like to understand how do you find dealing with Rawson homes. Also, how much difference do you find in Simplicity and Lux package? Haven't been too happy thus far, but can hope it gets better, in actual fact the past few days they have been a lot more proactive and customer focused. Re: Build with Rawson Homes 263Jun 05, 2015 11:41 pm A year ago, it called "Real Value" package, it have less inclusion compared to the Lux package, from memory, I did the comparision between the two package and the different is like 5K-10K saving with the Real Value package, but that depending on what you want and what you can do after handover. This information is not freely available, we was only told by our sales consultation after asking for what other options to reduce cost. In the end we choose the Lux since we wanted most of upgrade anyway. Re: Build with Rawson Homes 264Jun 26, 2015 6:47 am AJW For those that have built with Rawson recently and have opted for the Lux upgrade, just curious as to how much it added to your build cost. Reason I ask is we are planning a Rawson build and they want about $23k for it, but from what I can see all the big ticket items in the Lux are included in the house we are looking at anyway. In particular 2600 ceilings, 2 zone reverse cycle A/C, colorbond roof. So to me the only Lux inclusions I would want are Caesarstone tops (I have a price from a local stone mason for about $5500, for 40mm, to a 3mx900 island with waterfalls, 40mm to 1.8mx600 benchtop, plus two 1.5-2m vanities in 20mm), the basins (can buy for about $450 each), shower niche (they reckon about $500 each) and tapware, again minor. So cannot see $23k in value to justify it. I was also surprised that Lux doesn't include a greater range of better/fncier tiles. I did question the price of Lux and was assured the $23k factored in the items that have been included in my base price. Oh the reason they have already been factored in are to meet estate and energy efficiency requirements. Turns out my suspicion was right as have received most of my pricing. My total variation excluding tiles and electrical was $26K, though a good $15k of this is for items that wouldn't have been in Lux anyway. So if I had of went Lux, it would have been closer to a $38K variation. Yes I would have got more, but basically stuff we don't need or want. Oh the electrical was far better than the horror stories I've read here, downlights in particular. They are currently charging around $113 for each. Though if it is swapping for a standard baton you get back the $76 cost of the baton, so a $37 change over price. They way they price things, the price is not just the fitting, but the labour, circuit capacity, cable etc. So whilst $113 looks high for something that only costs $30-40 when you factor everything in it is actually reasonable. Some other things are oddly priced but in a good way. Take a light/fan in a powder room. Standard is two separate fittings but go a combo it is cheaper. Similar in main bathrooms. Swap standard fan and light for a 4 lamp Tastic and the cost difference is close to $0 In fact most of the variations I've had have been priced reasonably, so a pleasant surprise. Re: Build with Rawson Homes 265Jun 26, 2015 1:57 pm AJW AJW For those that have built with Rawson recently and have opted for the Lux upgrade, just curious as to how much it added to your build cost. Reason I ask is we are planning a Rawson build and they want about $23k for it, but from what I can see all the big ticket items in the Lux are included in the house we are looking at anyway. In particular 2600 ceilings, 2 zone reverse cycle A/C, colorbond roof. So to me the only Lux inclusions I would want are Caesarstone tops (I have a price from a local stone mason for about $5500, for 40mm, to a 3mx900 island with waterfalls, 40mm to 1.8mx600 benchtop, plus two 1.5-2m vanities in 20mm), the basins (can buy for about $450 each), shower niche (they reckon about $500 each) and tapware, again minor. So cannot see $23k in value to justify it. I was also surprised that Lux doesn't include a greater range of better/fncier tiles. I did question the price of Lux and was assured the $23k factored in the items that have been included in my base price. Oh the reason they have already been factored in are to meet estate and energy efficiency requirements. Turns out my suspicion was right as have received most of my pricing. My total variation excluding tiles and electrical was $26K, though a good $15k of this is for items that wouldn't have been in Lux anyway. So if I had of went Lux, it would have been closer to a $38K variation. Yes I would have got more, but basically stuff we don't need or want. Oh the electrical was far better than the horror stories I've read here, downlights in particular. They are currently charging around $113 for each. Though if it is swapping for a standard baton you get back the $76 cost of the baton, so a $37 change over price. They way they price things, the price is not just the fitting, but the labour, circuit capacity, cable etc. So whilst $113 looks high for something that only costs $30-40 when you factor everything in it is actually reasonable. Some other things are oddly priced but in a good way. Take a light/fan in a powder room. Standard is two separate fittings but go a combo it is cheaper. Similar in main bathrooms. Swap standard fan and light for a 4 lamp Tastic and the cost difference is close to $0 In fact most of the variations I've had have been priced reasonably, so a pleasant surprise. We did our electrical on Monday. We get back $55 per batten. Our electrical varations are $5300. A lot more than we thought Re: Build with Rawson Homes 266Jun 26, 2015 4:08 pm Heidi-Lee AJW AJW For those that have built with Rawson recently and have opted for the Lux upgrade, just curious as to how much it added to your build cost. Reason I ask is we are planning a Rawson build and they want about $23k for it, but from what I can see all the big ticket items in the Lux are included in the house we are looking at anyway. In particular 2600 ceilings, 2 zone reverse cycle A/C, colorbond roof. So to me the only Lux inclusions I would want are Caesarstone tops (I have a price from a local stone mason for about $5500, for 40mm, to a 3mx900 island with waterfalls, 40mm to 1.8mx600 benchtop, plus two 1.5-2m vanities in 20mm), the basins (can buy for about $450 each), shower niche (they reckon about $500 each) and tapware, again minor. So cannot see $23k in value to justify it. I was also surprised that Lux doesn't include a greater range of better/fncier tiles. I did question the price of Lux and was assured the $23k factored in the items that have been included in my base price. Oh the reason they have already been factored in are to meet estate and energy efficiency requirements. Turns out my suspicion was right as have received most of my pricing. My total variation excluding tiles and electrical was $26K, though a good $15k of this is for items that wouldn't have been in Lux anyway. So if I had of went Lux, it would have been closer to a $38K variation. Yes I would have got more, but basically stuff we don't need or want. Oh the electrical was far better than the horror stories I've read here, downlights in particular. They are currently charging around $113 for each. Though if it is swapping for a standard baton you get back the $76 cost of the baton, so a $37 change over price. They way they price things, the price is not just the fitting, but the labour, circuit capacity, cable etc. So whilst $113 looks high for something that only costs $30-40 when you factor everything in it is actually reasonable. Some other things are oddly priced but in a good way. Take a light/fan in a powder room. Standard is two separate fittings but go a combo it is cheaper. Similar in main bathrooms. Swap standard fan and light for a 4 lamp Tastic and the cost difference is close to $0 In fact most of the variations I've had have been priced reasonably, so a pleasant surprise. We did our electrical on Monday. We get back $55 per batten. Our electrical varations are $5300. A lot more than we thought /quote] I think when you delete something you don't get the full amount back, as they keep the builders 20%. But as a changeover price different story. Must admit my variation was over $6k, but after seeing that their prices were not significantly higher I got them to do everything rather than have provision and do after. My one gripe if you will is their standard inclusion when it comes to electrical is very basic indeed, so not hard for things to add up. Interestingly does your print out say words to the effect that they no longer provide concealed surface sockets and junction boxes for fitout by client later? Citing WHS reasons? I call BS on that because their standard for double story houses has a baton terminated in the ceiling space, the very thing they say elsewhere they cannot do. More to the point they are protecting their margin rather than WHS. Same too with clients undertaking work. I for example am a fully licenced communications tech and have all WHS cards, tools tested and tagged, pus 25+ years experience in my trade, but cannot do a thing and have to pay their and only their company to do it for me. Fortunately they reluctantly allowed me to provide my own hardware and cable and leave it for me to fit off after handover, which I have purchased at trade price. So some saving, but not much. Waiting for the builder to ask for a 20% cut. Re: Build with Rawson Homes 267Jul 27, 2015 6:24 pm WARNING ! READ OUR STORY BEFORE BUILDING WITH RAWSON HOMES In April 2014 we signed a contract to build a larger version of the Yanderra 33 to be built at Bingara Gorge Wilton NSW. The cost was over $500,000 for the house alone and we expected great service & finish. There were multiple mistakes on the plan including the plan having to be changed after being rejected by Council over an exterior façade which Rawson was responsible for the delay. The slab went down early in December 2014. We were told by Building Supervisor Brian that we would be in our home 2nd week in July 2015, maybe a week sooner. NEVER HAPPENED, Brian went on holidays and forgot to book the flooring which has halted all work. When we spoke to Brian again he said the floor was starting on Sat 25th of July 2015. To our great disappointment we visited on Sun 26 to find no work had been done. The security fence was agate & unlocked with the potential to let vandals in and further delay our progress. I reported this on a previous occasion and my call was never returned. When I spoke to a male at Rawson he came across angry with me for reporting that our property was left wide open. Also on Sun 26 we inspected the new driveway. IT WAS A BAD JOB !. There were large swirl marks from the trough. It had not been broomed off. Also the light charcoal finish had some large black patches ( probably a careless spill). IT STANDS OUT LIKE DOGS BALLS. The Bull Nose on the Veranda was put up with damage on it. ( Who with half a brain would install something with damage on it and pass it off as new). It looked like someone had walked on it when it was on the ground with a lot of indentations. Spoke to Brian Mon 27th and quoted Building Supervisor Andrew had Brian was the one who forgot to book the flooring. Brian had no comment. Spoke to the General Managers assistant at 11am who said he would call me back. It’s 2pm and I’m still waiting. So much for customer service! 27th July 2015 AND OUR HOUSE IS STILL NOT FINISHED. TOTALLY P***ED OFF Brenton & Mary Re: Build with Rawson Homes 268Jul 27, 2015 8:18 pm Brenton WARNING ! READ OUR STORY BEFORE BUILDING WITH RAWSON HOMES In April 2014 we signed a contract to build a larger version of the Yanderra 33 to be built at Bingara Gorge Wilton NSW. The cost was over $500,000 for the house alone and we expected great service & finish. There were multiple mistakes on the plan including the plan having to be changed after being rejected by Council over an exterior façade which Rawson was responsible for the delay. The slab went down early in December 2014. We were told by Building Supervisor Brian that we would be in our home 2nd week in July 2015, maybe a week sooner. NEVER HAPPENED, Brian went on holidays and forgot to book the flooring which has halted all work. When we spoke to Brian again he said the floor was starting on Sat 25th of July 2015. To our great disappointment we visited on Sun 26 to find no work had been done. The security fence was agate & unlocked with the potential to let vandals in and further delay our progress. I reported this on a previous occasion and my call was never returned. When I spoke to a male at Rawson he came across angry with me for reporting that our property was left wide open. Also on Sun 26 we inspected the new driveway. IT WAS A BAD JOB !. There were large swirl marks from the trough. It had not been broomed off. Also the light charcoal finish had some large black patches ( probably a careless spill). IT STANDS OUT LIKE DOGS BALLS. The Bull Nose on the Veranda was put up with damage on it. ( Who with half a brain would install something with damage on it and pass it off as new). It looked like someone had walked on it when it was on the ground with a lot of indentations. Spoke to Brian Mon 27th and quoted Building Supervisor Andrew had Brian was the one who forgot to book the flooring. Brian had no comment. Spoke to the General Managers assistant at 11am who said he would call me back. It’s 2pm and I’m still waiting. So much for customer service! 27th July 2015 AND OUR HOUSE IS STILL NOT FINISHED. TOTALLY P***ED OFF Brenton & Mary We have been quoted a 9 month build time for our double storey so it seems to be like they under quoted you build time in the beginning which is annoying. Also you would have a lost a couple of weeks over Christmas/New Year. Generally our experience so far with them has been good. Their pre construction phase is taking a lot longer than when we where originally told though and some of their office staff need an attitude adjustment. Hope you get your house finished soon! Re: Build with Rawson Homes 269Jul 27, 2015 9:07 pm Heidi-Lee We have been quoted a 9 month build time for our double storey so it seems to be like they under quoted you build time in the beginning which is annoying. Also you would have a lost a couple of weeks over Christmas/New Year. Generally our experience so far with them has been good. Their pre construction phase is taking a lot longer than when we where originally told though and some of their office staff need an attitude adjustment. Hope you get your house finished soon! Totally agree heidi. We waited and waited for so long for quotes and plans. 4 weeks alone stuck with the estimators just to release the construction file. There are definitely some b-team players in the pre construction team. Currently at 3 months since the stamped plans and engineering specs were finalised. Not a single peg in the ground to date. This week should see a little movement. Hopefully a slab in a months time. I'm not surprised about the delays really.. Our site supervisor had 16 jobs on the go last week, and I'm sure he's going to get a few more as we go along. Rawson built 1500 homes in 2014. That's about 35 new homes per week. We all want our houses to be built as quickly as possible, but unless your building a single level home, be prepared to wait longer than 6 months. Re: Build with Rawson Homes 271Jul 28, 2015 8:15 am Yeah we got some attitude with the male tender presenter but lucky our PCA was really good. Our SS is below average in the care factor. So it a bit of hit and miss. We reached lockup in 7months for double storey. Let see how much longer to handover. Re: Build with Rawson Homes 272Jul 28, 2015 9:18 am SteveMc Heidi-Lee I'm not surprised about the delays really.. Our site supervisor had 16 jobs on the go last week, and I'm sure he's going to get a few more as we go along. Rawson built 1500 homes in 2014. That's about 35 new homes per week. We all want our houses to be built as quickly as possible, but unless your building a single level home, be prepared to wait longer than 6 months. I wonder if Rawson are becoming victims of their own success... We had three different site supervisors over the course of our build, the first one was moved on just as the slab went down, the second was sent to another job in Newcastle just as we were almost at completion, and the poor third guy got lumped with a bunch of jobs all at various stages and had no idea who the subbies were for each site! Lockup to handover took far longer than expected, and although the majority of our house is quite good, there are certain things that I'm not happy with their handling of - such as sliding doors that don't shut properly, the painting was terrible and some things that they had plenty of time to finish prior to handover were still being done after we moved in. Rawson Acacia MkII Our build blog: http://ablogaboutafamily.blogspot.com.au/ Re: Build with Rawson Homes 273Jul 28, 2015 10:01 am datdat can you let us know the total time when you finish? We are looking at a mid September start date now and realistically dont think we will be in till mid-end June 2016. I hope we get a good SS or I will cry. Our electrical was good. Our pre construction supervisior is ok but our internal person - don't even get me started!!! Re: Build with Rawson Homes 274Jul 28, 2015 1:46 pm imak21 @AJW @ Heidi I have paid initial deposit for Fairview MKIV. I am going with Lux Inclusions and free Envy bonus offer if tender is signed by 30th of June. I would like to understand how do you find dealing with Rawson homes. Also, how much difference do you find in Simplicity and Lux package? We signed April 2014 Slab went down December. Our house is still not ready, Builder went on Holidays & forgot to book the flooring. Driveway has very large black patches on our light charcoal finish. Stands out like dogs balls. The bull nose was put up with damage on it. 28/07/2015 General Manager has not called back after I phoned them twice. No service, they don't care ! WE ARE STILL NOT IN ! Brenton Re: Build with Rawson Homes 275Jul 28, 2015 1:47 pm Heidi-Lee datdat can you let us know the total time when you finish? We are looking at a mid September start date now and realistically dont think we will be in till mid-end June 2016. I hope we get a good SS or I will cry. Our electrical was good. Our pre construction supervisior is ok but our internal person - don't even get me started!!! We signed April 2014 Slab went down December. Our house is still not ready, Builder went on Holidays & forgot to book the flooring. Driveway has very large black patches on our light charcoal finish. Stands out like dogs balls. The bull nose was put up with damage on it. 28/07/2015 General Manager has not called back after I phoned them twice. No service, they don't care ! WE ARE STILL NOT IN ! Brenton Build with Rawson Homes 276Jul 28, 2015 6:22 pm Hi Brenton, we signed our contract July 2014, slab completed November 2014, found out accidentally that we're having a new SS March 2015 and got to lock up stage around 2nd week of July 2015. We've just paid the Fix Out claim last week, with grouts semi-finished in the T&B, alfresco and laundry area. SS will advise us later in the week if end of August handover is still on track. I have already defected a couple of things, including the brick work in our balcony but SS assured he's got it under control. They also delivered our sidelight in the wrong size, still waiting for the correct one to arrive. To be honest, I am getting a little anxious already. We have had plenty of delays already, we can still put up with a week or two more, provided we come close to the display home's finished quality. Re: Build with Rawson Homes 277Jul 28, 2015 9:07 pm loop SteveMc Heidi-Lee I'm not surprised about the delays really.. Our site supervisor had 16 jobs on the go last week, and I'm sure he's going to get a few more as we go along. Rawson built 1500 homes in 2014. That's about 35 new homes per week. We all want our houses to be built as quickly as possible, but unless your building a single level home, be prepared to wait longer than 6 months. I wonder if Rawson are becoming victims of their own success... We had three different site supervisors over the course of our build, the first one was moved on just as the slab went down, the second was sent to another job in Newcastle just as we were almost at completion, and the poor third guy got lumped with a bunch of jobs all at various stages and had no idea who the subbies were for each site! Lockup to handover took far longer than expected, and although the majority of our house is quite good, there are certain things that I'm not happy with their handling of - such as sliding doors that don't shut properly, the painting was terrible and some things that they had plenty of time to finish prior to handover were still being done after we moved in. Agree with Steve and Heidi 100%. It took us 15 iterations on our plans before we can accept the drawing and sign our contract because estimating was too slow to come back with the cost of variations we requested and drafting was too thick to follow the the scaled sketches of the variations we've asked and paid for. We made our very first payment in June of 2013 and didnt sign the contract till July 2014. This also was the very reason why our colour and electrical appointments didnt cut the tender expiry date which forced us to pay additional $8000. If we didnt agree, we would have thrown 15k clearly out of the window, so we were very unhappy at this point. But we still soldiered on as we are determined to build our dream house. As i said in my earlier post, i am personally getting anxious due to the time delay. But i'm still trying to stay positive as our SS is quite reasonable and compromising. I hope your issues Brenton and Mary get fixed so you can move in and move on. Re: Build with Rawson Homes 278Jul 28, 2015 9:12 pm CalvinHobbes ...., provided we come close to the display home's finished quality. This is my biggest issue - our home is most certainly not display home quality ..... Rawson Acacia MkII Our build blog: http://ablogaboutafamily.blogspot.com.au/ Re: Build with Rawson Homes 279Jul 29, 2015 8:05 am Hi Guys, One of my friend is trying his best to get Rawson Homes build the house they promised in Aug 2014. They have paid 5% deposit shame they didn't even start construction. He is feeling deceived by them as they keep making false promises . I said to them go to Fair trading and get it sorted. Poor bugger he signed building contract last year. BTW they have top class display homes, we were extremely impressed by their finish and we thought we will get our house built by them but looking at my friends situation we are finalising our home with other builder. Re: Build with Rawson Homes 280Jul 29, 2015 6:36 pm Desibloke Hi Guys, One of my friend is trying his best to get Rawson Homes build the house they promised in Aug 2014. They have paid 5% deposit shame they didn't even start construction. He is feeling deceived by them as they keep making false promises . I said to them go to Fair trading and get it sorted. Poor bugger he signed building contract last year. BTW they have top class display homes, we were extremely impressed by their finish and we thought we will get our house built by them but looking at my friends situation we are finalising our home with other builder. Do you happen to know who his SS is? Thanks! Just started the Build process for Chifley 42 with Rawson homes, will keep you all posted with the Build progress. 0 2452 Thank you so much everyone. This all makes a lot of sense. I guess when you talk to a builder who butters up everything to look very polished, you get to start believing… 7 17601 3 48390 |