Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Sep 18, 2006 12:34 pm Hi everyone,
My husband and I have put in an initial deposit of $5oo with Hermitage homes in Melbourne's west. Irionically, I stumbled upon this website after I had paid the deposit. Listening to all the bad stories and experiences people have had has made me very nervous. With less than 2 weeks to go before they ask us for a further deposit, I was hoping somebody could please come forward and advise if they have used Hermitage homes or have any stories/experiences regarding them that they know of. At this stage, I have been dealing with someone who comes across as very professional and mindful of my Budgetary requirements and needs. But considering that nothing has really kicked in yet, I have no clue what their service is going to be like in the future. I have had the chance to look at one of the houses they are building which is at 80% stage, and that looks all good. But when I asked this weekend for some customer references to speak to, he told me that is was an unusual request and that they normally dont do it. He did say he will try and dig some up for me. Also, on their website the only information one can gather is that they are a HIA member. I have looked in the Vcat tribunal link that has been provided in various posts on this website and there are no disputes against them. Through the research that I have done, all I have been able to come up with is that they started out in Hallam, VIC some 13 years ago. Please, Please any suggestions and information will be most appreciated. Thanks Re: URGENT HELP REQUIRED PLEASE!! HERMITAGE HOMES 2Sep 18, 2006 2:06 pm {I have had the chance to look at one of the houses they are building which is at 80% stage, and that looks all good. But when I asked this weekend for some customer references to speak to, he told me that is was an unusual request and that they normally dont do it. He did say he will try and dig some up for me.}
PIA, The above statement could not possibly be true!! I think he is pulling your leg!! Let’s see what he comes back with for you. I am unaware of the Hermitage Homes Group, as I am in NSW. But one project company would be the same as the next I would imagine. If you are happy to go with this group, show them you mean business, be one step ahead of them with the building process and your selections, do your homework as you have proved you CAN. Most importantly NEVER turn your back on them for a minute. You need to be in their faces at all times. You will annoy them so much that they will just want to finish your house and get out! But all the while with you and your husband watching every move they make. If you need further advice, please don’t hesitate to ask. Out of curiosity I “goggled” myself the other day, and low and behold… up came my comments from this forum about what I had said about Beechwood, NSW ‘s building project company. I nearly died!!! So I had to go back in and take the comment out, before I found myself in hot water with them. I am hesitant to say anything negative as of this moment on…especially in my line of work! I thought I would just make that clear to everyone, the fact that your comments are up for the whole of Australia to find if they won’t. Interesting thing is, I’m now recognized on Google a lot easier, so I thank this forum for that!!! Internal and External Building and Colour Consultant Online - Worldwide http://www.denovoconcepts.com Re: URGENT HELP REQUIRED PLEASE!! HERMITAGE HOMES 3Sep 18, 2006 4:28 pm Hi Pia, with us, the deposit came after our plans were 100%, with absolutely all inclusions written down very specifically, professionally drawn sketches of inside/outside/sides, with the estimated price. And also after I spoke to customers who previously built with them, there was no hesitation in providing details and I don't think there should be.
What did you pay the deposit for? Have they done anything for you yet? Re: URGENT HELP REQUIRED PLEASE!! HERMITAGE HOMES 4Sep 18, 2006 4:38 pm Hi Mek,
Thank you so much for replying. We have paid $500 at this stage for soil testing and preliminary drawings. The time frame I have been given is about 3 weeks till they come back to us with the above. Once we have gone through the preliminary drawings and finalised all the things that we are wanting changed from the preliminary( in case we have changed our mind since the initial discussion), we are supposed to give another 1100.00 before they go and do final drawings and final contract to be signed. At this stage, I have an estimate. Can I please ask; what builder did you go through? My biggest worry is that they may be great but I wont know that until I can hear that out of actual customers or people who know their customers!! I think amongst other things, I need to harden up more and ask for what I want in a firmer manner and not let comments like" it is an unusual request " go next time. Thank you @. Tried to play with the facade models but the exact colour is not matching up. 2 3267 Minimum overhang into gutter must be 50mm, turn down tool should not split the sheet. it seems wrong tool for the profile was used, the flashing cannot slope back. Rib… 2 2126 Render your bathroom walls, two opinions versus the one, makes you wonder. 3 6062 |