Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Apr 30, 2013 6:07 pm In February we had our preferred builder try and more than double our site costs. Working through it with our sales team member, she tried to soften the blow a bit by saying that she knows the ss who would be doing our house and would get him to engage the company my partner works for to do the HWS to get around the "not allowed on your own site rule" so that he could do the ducted AC/opticomm run while he was there, saving us time and money. We talked to the sales manager and got the site costs back down to something reasonable so kept plodding along with them. We had asked several times for written confirmation of the HWS arrangement so that we didn't get any nasty surprises once the build started. Today, after blowing me off every time I asked about it and more than 2 months of waiting, I get a brief email saying they won't allow it in case it causes problems with their usual contractors. I do understand that this is very common in the industry, but wouldn't you think after 2 months they would have thought of a better answer? If it was just that surely it should have never been suggested by sales, let alone left for over 2 months without confirmation. We have completed everything we need to do before contract signing, which is only being held up by us wanting to do some prelim site works, so do you think they were just hoping we'd get so emotionally invested that we wouldn't care anymore? We've had other things where calls have not been returned for over a week after the manager saying "call me back if you have any further questions", appointments rescheduled at the last minute, Emails asking 3 questions are replied to with only the answer to one, never to be brought up again unless I chase and chase and chase. I really like the house plan and haven't found another in our price range that I like as much, but would I be dodging a major bullet to give them the flick now? How do I get over it and find something else I'm going to be happy living in? Re: I think I need to break up with my builder :( 2Apr 30, 2013 6:21 pm This sounds exactly like my experience that I am having now...I wonder if we have the same builder? I am looking forward to suggestions on here along with you Build Permit-17/12/13 Earthworks-13/1/14 Slab-30/1/14 Frame-10/2/14 Lock Up-7/3/14 Fixing Stage Complete-20/3/14 New Home Presentation-6/5/14 Moved in 17/5/14! Blog: http://dandesbuild.blogspot.com.au Re: I think I need to break up with my builder :( 3Apr 30, 2013 6:25 pm we had a similar problem with our first builder . it took months and months to get a price and towards the end we said had enough we are going . they enticed us back. two more weeks went by. then a big blow up . told us had more important clients and could not build the house we wanted for the price etc. so dumped them straight away. we had paid 1500 dollars as they demanded this in the first place.
we then cam across a awesome builder who within a week had custom plans for us told us about a start date and even a price. we have a beautiful home now and will be son moving in. i can say it was the best decision w made to dump the first builder. i know of others are still having problems with first builder. leave while you can as if they are like this now think of what they will be like during construction. i think and it is only my opinion to leave an dodge the bullet take the plan you like and ask other builders if they have a similar plan. you never know you may find one even better. if not modify or custom your house plan to suit you. all the best what state are you in, you can ask here and other members may help with ideas on good builders you could try Re: I think I need to break up with my builder :( 4Apr 30, 2013 6:27 pm I think that if you are having issues now, just think what it will be like if you build with them. I would run away very very fast. If you have a design that you like, you can take it to other builders and they can tweak them for you or find a similar design. Good luck. Our RedInk Build Thread - viewtopic.php?f=31&t=64118&p=1004131#p1004131 ** Timeline Page 1 Moved In - 19.12.13 Re: I think I need to break up with my builder :( 5Apr 30, 2013 6:31 pm We changed builder very early on, and we are about to move in our beautiful new house... BEST decision ever made! Built a Hawthorne 31 with EB nessjeffdreamhouse.blogspot.com.au Building an investment now with New Living homes... We are at nearly finished... Just landscaping and driveway to go! Re: I think I need to break up with my builder :( 6Apr 30, 2013 6:55 pm I agree with irocky, we left builder we had signed with as not happy with level of service being received by them. (Probably a really good builder). Loved the plan as well but we wanted to feel like our business mattered to them especially when you are spending $400k plus just for the house, got sick of ringing and asking about things being told I will call you back today and a week goes by and still no communication then you ring back again and they apologise saying they have been very busy, because someone else has come along looking at spending more for there home than you and you feel like you are being given the flick. If you have any negative feelings then leave, talk to other builders who build in the area where you are and get a costing for something similar and move on, or you just suck it up and hope for the best and it doesn't matter what you spend on your home you have to feel right about it from the early stages and onwards, otherwise things just irritate you. Kazzbah Re: I think I need to break up with my builder :( 7Apr 30, 2013 7:35 pm staceyd I really like the house plan and haven't found another in our price range that I like as much, but would I be dodging a major bullet to give them the flick now? YES! If you stick with them you'll be forever second guessing everything they do. If the build does ok, you'll still be 'waiting' for something to go wrong. If the build does go pear shaped, you'll resent the decision to build, and everything that went along with the process of building. staceyd How do I get over it and find something else I'm going to be happy living in? Easy… Start looking around again for plans that meet 75% of you criteria (including the one you already have) Gather them all up highlight the bits you really like on each plan. Find a builder who offers a design and build service. Have them put together a plan incorporating all the best bits you like. They’ll be able to point out what works well and where improvements can be made. Oh, and make sure you take into account the aspect of your block and the prevailing weather conditions. These two points are things volume builds DO NOT care about - their designs are primarily about what can be built easily and cheaply. We flicked our first two builders( before signing a contract) to settle on the third who is doing a great job. ----------------------------------------------- http://pab34newdigs.blogspot.com.au/ ----------------------------------------------- Re: I think I need to break up with my builder :( 8Apr 30, 2013 9:40 pm It doesn't read as if you've signed with them yet? Have you signed and/or paid anything yet? If you haven't committed then there is nothing you tying you. You can copy the plans, it's not as if someone can claim intellectual property on rooms having 4 walls, a ceiling and dimensions 3 x 4m etc. Re: I think I need to break up with my builder :( 9Apr 30, 2013 9:55 pm animal You can copy the plans, it's not as if someone can claim intellectual property on rooms having 4 walls, a ceiling and dimensions 3 x 4m etc. Ah, no you can't copy plans. The IP is embeded into the layout of the rooms, what area the rooms exit into, how living/dining areas are aranged around kitchens, how alfresco areas are located adjacent to kitchens, etc. This is worth reading. http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&sqi=2&ved=0CDAQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.copyright.org.au%2Fadmin%2Fcms-acc1%2F_images%2F9938158584f3b39ca32642.pdf&ei=JrB_UaS6J-jRiAeFqoCAAQ&usg=AFQjCNGMDDEdW9LfDb_GQOiQYbTTUM3zRw&sig2=nUJNDuf6CCBC5vbVbWQfdg ----------------------------------------------- http://pab34newdigs.blogspot.com.au/ ----------------------------------------------- Re: I think I need to break up with my builder :( 10Apr 30, 2013 10:03 pm PAB_34 animal You can copy the plans, it's not as if someone can claim intellectual property on rooms having 4 walls, a ceiling and dimensions 3 x 4m etc. Ah, no you can't copy plans. The IP is embeded into the layout of the rooms, what area the rooms exit into, how living/dining areas are aranged around kitchens, how alfresco areas are located adjacent to kitchens, etc. This is worth reading. http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&sqi=2&ved=0CDAQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.copyright.org.au%2Fadmin%2Fcms-acc1%2F_images%2F9938158584f3b39ca32642.pdf&ei=JrB_UaS6J-jRiAeFqoCAAQ&usg=AFQjCNGMDDEdW9LfDb_GQOiQYbTTUM3zRw&sig2=nUJNDuf6CCBC5vbVbWQfdg i don't think it would take much to keep essentially the same design but avoid any copyright matters. Unless it was a very specific design for a specific block. Re: I think I need to break up with my builder :( 11Apr 30, 2013 11:17 pm It must be the trend our builder is starting to put up prices and not agreeing to do what had already agreed on but we like the house so much and put in so much time already with them we also stuck but best luck to you Re: I think I need to break up with my builder :( 12May 01, 2013 7:38 am We're building near Geelong in Vic, on the bellarine peninsula, so if anyone knows anyone local... We have paid an initial deposit only, which as they haven't done soil tests etc we apparently should be able to get back, however I'm not sure we will get it back when push comes to shove. We have a relative who is a council building inspector and he told us they have been doing some really good work around here and he was quite impressed, but I think you're all right, IF something did go wrong during the build it would be a nightmare. The problem we have is that we are very much at the lower end of the market (under 180k for the house) and have 4 kids so still need some space. So there aren't too many options in terms of smaller more flexible builders, and of all the "volume" builders this one easily had the best plan and pricing. Ideally we'd owner build but unless we save for another 5 years that would be next to impossible! Thanks for the reassurance, I think I know its time to move on, but its just worrying that we might not like the next best options as much. Re: I think I need to break up with my builder :( 13May 01, 2013 7:46 am it can be hard and no matter how small or large a budget you have when building a home it is your dream. we were also worried and at times came close to selling the block. keep looking a builder will come too bad you are not up our way as our builder would have helped. they are building a lovely home for a family here and they came in budget for them. Re: I think I need to break up with my builder :( 14May 01, 2013 9:03 am Luckily for me I was treated very badly BEFORE I signed up so I thank god that happened or right now I would be stuck with that builder... Honestly I was trying to do the same thing - find the design I liked and then the builder....took me a while to figure out the design can me made to whatever you like(provided you choose a good builder) and they should have no complaints in doing some drawings for you. Run away as fast as you can Re: I think I need to break up with my builder :( 15May 01, 2013 1:18 pm We ran away but our new builder offered us a discount to cover what we paid to the first builder. I am sure they have got it back somewhere in the costings, but it still feels nice to be offered. Re: I think I need to break up with my builder :( 16May 01, 2013 1:22 pm Sounds very familiar - we fired our builder for the very same reasons. Im in sales & have been for many years so I know what BS sounds like! LOL! I obviousy lost my depsit & they have sent me a bill for other work they supposedly did but I never received or saw the results of despite untold requests for it. You will need to change at least 10% of the design to avoid any copywrite issues - but my advice if you feel nervous now then get the hell out while you can. This will just be a taste of whats to come. There comes a point at the early stages where things slow down a bit between first signing & then doing pre-start but that happens with all builders - its NO EXCUSE to not get back to you or answer ALL of your questions promptly. Some builders need to learn to kiss butt a bit more - afterall, we are the customers - making the biggest purchase of our lives & when you are a first timer you are in a vulnerable position where you dont know what you dont know - an astute builder should hold your hand through this process. Good luck! Building with 101 Residential in Falcon. Re: I think I need to break up with my builder :( 17May 01, 2013 2:37 pm Homebody99 You will need to change at least 10% of the design to avoid any copywrite issues Wrong. If a new set of plans incorporates (for example) just the kitchen/pantry/alfresco arrangement from a particular company’s design, copyright is being infringed by using that feature/arrangement. (refer to M3tr1c0n Homes v Barrett Property Group 2007/8) The myth of “change more that xx%” is just that, a myth. ----------------------------------------------- http://pab34newdigs.blogspot.com.au/ ----------------------------------------------- Re: I think I need to break up with my builder :( 18May 02, 2013 10:03 am PAB_34 Homebody99 You will need to change at least 10% of the design to avoid any copywrite issues Wrong. If a new set of plans incorporates (for example) just the kitchen/pantry/alfresco arrangement from a particular company’s design, copyright is being infringed by using that feature/arrangement. (refer to M3tr1c0n Homes v Barrett Property Group 2007/8) The myth of “change more that xx%” is just that, a myth. How does that work then, there are only so many ways you can set out an open plan living area? And if I was to build a house for myself and not go selling it to other people then the builder would have to have a lot of time on their hands to drive 40 mins from the display, to my block to tresspass on my property, peek through the windows to try and find out what I've built. If they have that much time, they might have answered my questions promptly and avoided this whole problem in the first place! There were changes that we were going to make post handover which change the use of a room anyway, so I think if we did want to draft something similar we'd be ok in terms of copyright. Anyway, to update - I sent the email yesterday so its done now Apparently someone will call me from the office to get bank acct details to eft the refund. I'm, not holding my breath, but seeing as they said that, now they can count on me chasing it up until I get every last cent! My partner happened to be working on a build yesterday for a builder that we might be able to scrape in to afford, and who is also very flexible with allowing you to source your own things instead of upgrade through them, and happy to allow your own trades on site which is handy as he is a sparky, so we might actually come in better off. Not quite as much of a fan of the plan, but it is doable. Re: I think I need to break up with my builder :( 19May 02, 2013 10:15 am The copy right rules look more at specific features that peg similarity. Agree that all house layouts will be fairly similar however I think they look at the layout and how it all interacts with one another. it could be that if the 10% that is changed is the 10% that is the main feature then it fails. one way that can change a layout dramatically is to reverse the direction of stairs as this dramatically alters layout but potentially not the overall plan. Do not assume that you can carry over from your plan that has been discussed as the building company will have an issue i am sure. Re: I think I need to break up with my builder :( 20May 02, 2013 11:43 am Seems pretty subjective doesn't it? But as I said, I fail to see how the previous builder would even know, the case referred to above was between two volume builders offering floorplans (one copied from the other) not a volume builder and one family building a private residence. Most likely a moot point anyway as we'll probably be just using a standard plan from another builder anyway. No. It's not original. Circa early to mid 90s would be my guess and maybe even as late as early 2000s 1 6632 Hi VK, I am now retired however I have stood beside over 300 owner builders in the past 18 years that have successfully built their own homes. First of all a building… 10 22671 |