Browse Forums Building A New House Re: Anyone building with Homebuyers Centre in VICTORIA? 4281Sep 07, 2016 9:36 pm So, I am in need of some advice if anyone can help. Our house is pretty much finished and ready for us to move in... except when they went to pour the driveway a month ago they couldn't, as they had realised the front tap/water meter was right where the driveway was supposed to be. At first we had thought that South East Water had installed it in the incorrect spot, as no other house in our estate has the tap in the same place. The developer's plans we were given are tiny and difficult to pinpoint the exact placement. After contacting South East Water, they said they will move it for $2500 at our expense and suggested contacting the developer. We did so, and the developer had handballed us to four different people, all claiming it wasn't their responsibility. Eventually one guy offered to help us, but has since been very difficult to contact as he doesn't answer his phone or reply to emails. We have sent through our developer-approved plans to them to prove that our house plan was approved by them with the driveway where it is meant to be, and so it should have been picked up and noticed back before the build had even started. Basically whoever had approved our original plans had missed the tap obstructing completely. Our house plans should not have been approved in the first place. The developer has completely ignored this fact and has just told us to speak to South East Water (again), to which we were told it would cost us (again). This is just going around in circles. Now our site manager is getting annoyed as he is being pressured by Homebuyer's Centre to complete the build, but this cannot happen until the tap is moved. We are wondering if we should maybe send a letter to the developer threatening to take this further (to VCAT?), as we should not have to pay as this was not our oversight. What should we do? Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Re: Anyone building with Homebuyers Centre in VICTORIA? 4282Sep 08, 2016 10:26 am leesh9 So, I am in need of some advice if anyone can help. Our house is pretty much finished and ready for us to move in... except when they went to pour the driveway a month ago they couldn't, as they had realised the front tap/water meter was right where the driveway was supposed to be. At first we had thought that South East Water had installed it in the incorrect spot, as no other house in our estate has the tap in the same place. The developer's plans we were given are tiny and difficult to pinpoint the exact placement. After contacting South East Water, they said they will move it for $2500 at our expense and suggested contacting the developer. We did so, and the developer had handballed us to four different people, all claiming it wasn't their responsibility. Eventually one guy offered to help us, but has since been very difficult to contact as he doesn't answer his phone or reply to emails. We have sent through our developer-approved plans to them to prove that our house plan was approved by them with the driveway where it is meant to be, and so it should have been picked up and noticed back before the build had even started. Basically whoever had approved our original plans had missed the tap obstructing completely. Our house plans should not have been approved in the first place. The developer has completely ignored this fact and has just told us to speak to South East Water (again), to which we were told it would cost us (again). This is just going around in circles. Now our site manager is getting annoyed as he is being pressured by Homebuyer's Centre to complete the build, but this cannot happen until the tap is moved. We are wondering if we should maybe send a letter to the developer threatening to take this further (to VCAT?), as we should not have to pay as this was not our oversight. What should we do? Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Hi Leesh9, Sorry to hear this has occurred and especially so close to the completion of your build. Firstly do the final construction plans by Homebuyers nominate the tap in this position? Bare in mind that the developer's approved plans should correspond with the construction plans Re: Anyone building with Homebuyers Centre in VICTORIA? 4283Sep 08, 2016 11:02 am leesh9 So, I am in need of some advice if anyone can help. Our house is pretty much finished and ready for us to move in... except when they went to pour the driveway a month ago they couldn't, as they had realised the front tap/water meter was right where the driveway was supposed to be. At first we had thought that South East Water had installed it in the incorrect spot, as no other house in our estate has the tap in the same place. The developer's plans we were given are tiny and difficult to pinpoint the exact placement. After contacting South East Water, they said they will move it for $2500 at our expense and suggested contacting the developer. We did so, and the developer had handballed us to four different people, all claiming it wasn't their responsibility. Eventually one guy offered to help us, but has since been very difficult to contact as he doesn't answer his phone or reply to emails. We have sent through our developer-approved plans to them to prove that our house plan was approved by them with the driveway where it is meant to be, and so it should have been picked up and noticed back before the build had even started. Basically whoever had approved our original plans had missed the tap obstructing completely. Our house plans should not have been approved in the first place. The developer has completely ignored this fact and has just told us to speak to South East Water (again), to which we were told it would cost us (again). This is just going around in circles. Now our site manager is getting annoyed as he is being pressured by Homebuyer's Centre to complete the build, but this cannot happen until the tap is moved. We are wondering if we should maybe send a letter to the developer threatening to take this further (to VCAT?), as we should not have to pay as this was not our oversight. What should we do? Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ OMG.Im so glad you posted this . I've been to our land yesterday and saw our tap and meter and saw this wasn't even on our plan.Fingers crossed that it's in the correct spot.If not,I will tell them it's not my problem.I know you want to move in Asap but if I was you I would tell them to get stuffed.HBC will give in eventually.Hopefully you didn't make the progress payment as yet. Re: Anyone building with Homebuyers Centre in VICTORIA? 4284Sep 09, 2016 7:20 am So... my slab got poured tuesday. Went down to the block and theres already framing up... Im hoping its all going to be okay cause I have friends in the industry and have been told they should have waited a week or so till framing goes up. Plus i was advised 7/9 that framing will be next week so shows their communication is crap... lucky were having Darbecca inspect each stage ! Re: Anyone building with Homebuyers Centre in VICTORIA? 4285Sep 09, 2016 7:21 am leesh9 So, I am in need of some advice if anyone can help. Our house is pretty much finished and ready for us to move in... except when they went to pour the driveway a month ago they couldn't, as they had realised the front tap/water meter was right where the driveway was supposed to be. At first we had thought that South East Water had installed it in the incorrect spot, as no other house in our estate has the tap in the same place. The developer's plans we were given are tiny and difficult to pinpoint the exact placement. After contacting South East Water, they said they will move it for $2500 at our expense and suggested contacting the developer. We did so, and the developer had handballed us to four different people, all claiming it wasn't their responsibility. Eventually one guy offered to help us, but has since been very difficult to contact as he doesn't answer his phone or reply to emails. We have sent through our developer-approved plans to them to prove that our house plan was approved by them with the driveway where it is meant to be, and so it should have been picked up and noticed back before the build had even started. Basically whoever had approved our original plans had missed the tap obstructing completely. Our house plans should not have been approved in the first place. The developer has completely ignored this fact and has just told us to speak to South East Water (again), to which we were told it would cost us (again). This is just going around in circles. Now our site manager is getting annoyed as he is being pressured by Homebuyer's Centre to complete the build, but this cannot happen until the tap is moved. We are wondering if we should maybe send a letter to the developer threatening to take this further (to VCAT?), as we should not have to pay as this was not our oversight. What should we do? Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Omg how dumb can they be seriously ! Hope this gets moved for you ! Re: Anyone building with Homebuyers Centre in VICTORIA? 4286Sep 09, 2016 7:44 am LILPOM leesh9 So, I am in need of some advice if anyone can help. Our house is pretty much finished and ready for us to move in... except when they went to pour the driveway a month ago they couldn't, as they had realised the front tap/water meter was right where the driveway was supposed to be. At first we had thought that South East Water had installed it in the incorrect spot, as no other house in our estate has the tap in the same place. The developer's plans we were given are tiny and difficult to pinpoint the exact placement. After contacting South East Water, they said they will move it for $2500 at our expense and suggested contacting the developer. We did so, and the developer had handballed us to four different people, all claiming it wasn't their responsibility. Eventually one guy offered to help us, but has since been very difficult to contact as he doesn't answer his phone or reply to emails. We have sent through our developer-approved plans to them to prove that our house plan was approved by them with the driveway where it is meant to be, and so it should have been picked up and noticed back before the build had even started. Basically whoever had approved our original plans had missed the tap obstructing completely. Our house plans should not have been approved in the first place. The developer has completely ignored this fact and has just told us to speak to South East Water (again), to which we were told it would cost us (again). This is just going around in circles. Now our site manager is getting annoyed as he is being pressured by Homebuyer's Centre to complete the build, but this cannot happen until the tap is moved. We are wondering if we should maybe send a letter to the developer threatening to take this further (to VCAT?), as we should not have to pay as this was not our oversight. What should we do? Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Omg how dumb can they be seriously ! Hope this gets moved for you ! Yeah to far off from the footpath. It is something that gets missed. Our next door neighbour has the problem too. Taps placed on driveway area. Anyway, hope you fix the issue. Re: Anyone building with Homebuyers Centre in VICTORIA? 4287Sep 09, 2016 7:47 am LILPOM So... my slab got poured tuesday. Went down to the block and theres already framing up... Im hoping its all going to be okay cause I have friends in the industry and have been told they should have waited a week or so till framing goes up. Plus i was advised 7/9 that framing will be next week so shows their communication is crap... lucky were having Darbecca inspect each stage ! It is recommended to have the slab at least sitting for a week after pour. You want the concrete to cure. Even when you have your driveway done they dont recommend to drive thru it for a week. Imagine the bulk of the frame sitting on your slab. I think they took advantage of the week of no rain. Re: Anyone building with Homebuyers Centre in VICTORIA? 4288Sep 09, 2016 9:13 pm StraightBull3t LILPOM So... my slab got poured tuesday. Went down to the block and theres already framing up... Im hoping its all going to be okay cause I have friends in the industry and have been told they should have waited a week or so till framing goes up. Plus i was advised 7/9 that framing will be next week so shows their communication is crap... lucky were having Darbecca inspect each stage ! It is recommended to have the slab at least sitting for a week after pour. You want the concrete to cure. Even when you have your driveway done they dont recommend to drive thru it for a week. Imagine the bulk of the frame sitting on your slab. I think they took advantage of the week of no rain. Yeah thats exactly what I thought. Homrbuyers said its ok. I dont think it is but whats done is done... their communication isnt to my standards but anyways... hopefully smooth sailing *fingers crossed*. Re: Anyone building with Homebuyers Centre in VICTORIA? 4289Sep 09, 2016 10:27 pm Hi All, Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has posted in this thread over the past 215 pages about their experiences with HomeBuyers Centre. Between this and some of the other threads I've read here I think I may have almost killed our pre start consultant with questions! My girlfriend and myself have just signed our HIA contract on a Encore 18 which we'll be building in stage 202 of Cloverton. Now we have a wait while the banks sort out pre approval and the land titles come though, which should occur in March next year. A Quick(ish) run down of the changes we've made. - WIP to the kitchen - Ceaserstone benchtop in the kitchen (which HBC were nice enough to throw in for nothing) - Overhead cupboards in the kitchen - Double Glazed windows throughout - IXL Tastic lights/fans in both the bathroom and ensuite - Duke Facade - NBN Package (I'm excited about this bit given I work in IT) - Recycled water - HBC removed the Solar HW and replaced it with instant gas as the Recycled water requirement pushed the house to 7 star. At colours we made a bunch of small changes, we had a $750 refer a friend voucher to spend at colours. - We have Bushfire provisions built into our PWC, even if we get removed from the bushfire zone we'll keep the aluminium fly screens (because cats) and the roof sarking as it provides an improved energy efficiency. - Added a couple of Cat-6 outlets in the lounge and home theatre - Added Junction boxes to the front piers for outdoor lights as well as junction boxes on each corner of the house to add lights / security cameras - Added a bunch of extra power points - Move the manhole out of the hallway to the laundry - Added privacy locks - Double towel rails - Flue kit to duct the kitchen range hood outdoors instead of recirculating - Upgrade all of the tapware to Dorf Kip series - Upgrade the door between the Garage and house to a solid core door - Upgrade the standard 3 star heater to a 4 star heater (should pay for itself in about 4 years) For our colour scheme we went with selecting one of their pre built colour schemes as we're not really the type of people who do colours and textures. For the exterior we selected Sandstone and for the Interior Harvest Additionally we - Upgraded the bricks to Cat 2 (Homestead Tan) - Removed the render from the house facade ($840 credit) I think that's everything! Now just to wait for the bank to do it's thing and the land to title! Re: Anyone building with Homebuyers Centre in VICTORIA? 4291Sep 10, 2016 2:36 pm ngrundy Hi All, Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has posted in this thread over the past 215 pages about their experiences with HomeBuyers Centre. Between this and some of the other threads I've read here I think I may have almost killed our pre start consultant with questions! My girlfriend and myself have just signed our HIA contract on a Encore 18 which we'll be building in stage 202 of Cloverton. Now we have a wait while the banks sort out pre approval and the land titles come though, which should occur in March next year. A Quick(ish) run down of the changes we've made. - WIP to the kitchen - Ceaserstone benchtop in the kitchen (which HBC were nice enough to throw in for nothing) - Overhead cupboards in the kitchen - Double Glazed windows throughout - IXL Tastic lights/fans in both the bathroom and ensuite - Duke Facade - NBN Package (I'm excited about this bit given I work in IT) - Recycled water - HBC removed the Solar HW and replaced it with instant gas as the Recycled water requirement pushed the house to 7 star. At colours we made a bunch of small changes, we had a $750 refer a friend voucher to spend at colours. - We have Bushfire provisions built into our PWC, even if we get removed from the bushfire zone we'll keep the aluminium fly screens (because cats) and the roof sarking as it provides an improved energy efficiency. - Added a couple of Cat-6 outlets in the lounge and home theatre - Added Junction boxes to the front piers for outdoor lights as well as junction boxes on each corner of the house to add lights / security cameras - Added a bunch of extra power points - Move the manhole out of the hallway to the laundry - Added privacy locks - Double towel rails - Flue kit to duct the kitchen range hood outdoors instead of recirculating - Upgrade all of the tapware to Dorf Kip series - Upgrade the door between the Garage and house to a solid core door - Upgrade the standard 3 star heater to a 4 star heater (should pay for itself in about 4 years) For our colour scheme we went with selecting one of their pre built colour schemes as we're not really the type of people who do colours and textures. For the exterior we selected Sandstone and for the Interior Harvest Additionally we - Upgraded the bricks to Cat 2 (Homestead Tan) - Removed the render from the house facade ($840 credit) I think that's everything! Now just to wait for the bank to do it's thing and the land to title! Wow what a list! Well done and congratulations Re: Anyone building with Homebuyers Centre in VICTORIA? 4292Sep 13, 2016 8:03 pm Thee We have been handed to construction! Site start Tuesday. Can't wait. We're on our way to our block now to mow it. Woo Hoo Thee!! That is very exciting! Looking forward to hearing how it all goes Re: Anyone building with Homebuyers Centre in VICTORIA? 4293Sep 13, 2016 8:06 pm So we received an email today saying that we will be charged for a re-survey of our land since the back right peg is missing - $995! You can see our block of land has fences to the rear and left side - I'm not sure how the survey peg could stay in place at the back when a fence has actually been built. Anyone had any experience trying to get out of paying this fee? It's money I'd rather put towards landscaping when we move in! Re: Anyone building with Homebuyers Centre in VICTORIA? 4294Sep 13, 2016 9:09 pm chezamc154 So we received an email today saying that we will be charged for a re-survey of our land since the back right peg is missing - $995! You can see our block of land has fences to the rear and left side - I'm not sure how the survey peg could stay in place at the back when a fence has actually been built. Anyone had any experience trying to get out of paying this fee? It's money I'd rather put towards landscaping when we move in! Damn our salesperson built that fee into our initial contract Anyone building with Homebuyers Centre in VICTORIA? 4295Sep 13, 2016 9:28 pm Thee chezamc154 So we received an email today saying that we will be charged for a re-survey of our land since the back right peg is missing - $995! You can see our block of land has fences to the rear and left side - I'm not sure how the survey peg could stay in place at the back when a fence has actually been built. Anyone had any experience trying to get out of paying this fee? It's money I'd rather put towards landscaping when we move in! Damn our salesperson built that fee into our initial contract Hi Thee Do you have a thread for your home yet? It will be good to have a sticky beak before your home comes up Hope you had a bit of action on your land today, damn weather hasn't been nice We went to take a look @ our land to see if we'd have flooding issues but looks to be only on council property I think I have the right person, and my username is obviously name best of luck for this week. Re: Anyone building with Homebuyers Centre in VICTORIA? 4297Sep 14, 2016 5:54 am Thee chezamc154 So we received an email today saying that we will be charged for a re-survey of our land since the back right peg is missing - $995! You can see our block of land has fences to the rear and left side - I'm not sure how the survey peg could stay in place at the back when a fence has actually been built. Anyone had any experience trying to get out of paying this fee? It's money I'd rather put towards landscaping when we move in! Damn our salesperson built that fee into our initial contract Mine is built in the contract price too but I think it gets refunded by way of variation if it hasn't been removed. Re: Anyone building with Homebuyers Centre in VICTORIA? 4299Sep 14, 2016 4:57 pm Kossie Thee chezamc154 So we received an email today saying that we will be charged for a re-survey of our land since the back right peg is missing - $995! You can see our block of land has fences to the rear and left side - I'm not sure how the survey peg could stay in place at the back when a fence has actually been built. Anyone had any experience trying to get out of paying this fee? It's money I'd rather put towards landscaping when we move in! Damn our salesperson built that fee into our initial contract Mine is built in the contract price too but I think it gets refunded by way of variation if it hasn't been removed. Thanks Kossie, Ours is in the contract price too but was one of those variables that we 'may or may not' have needed to pay. There have been so many extra costs pop up that we didn't consider and I'd rather not pay but it looks like we will have to - bummer! Wish I could go and put the damn stake in the ground myself!!! Re: Anyone building with Homebuyers Centre in VICTORIA? 4300Sep 14, 2016 4:59 pm WOW LILPOM!! So exciting - I think I'll be popping the champers at this stage in our build - well maybe we'll start with sparkling wine and save the champers for when we have the keys!! Keep the photos coming I havent, and i havent looked to much into it, but on face value its not the saviour its trying to make out to be. Shared equity in your home is never a good idea. The… 1 3973 Hi, have purchased a house with 2 single garage doors. The Centre pillar one side sits proud to the other. Can I change 2 doors into one. Please see picture. 0 6348 For reference, this is the Austlii reference. My take on this is, that they would be breaking the law denying access to a homeowner in Victoria, or their agent from having… 1 9093 |