Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Aug 27, 2013 10:59 pm Hi guys, I'm building our very first home and I don't really know what to expect... It has been 2 months and our house still doesnt have a roof tiles or bricks. Is this slow? Or is it normal? I didn't realise how frustrating building a house can be :S I don't know if I will do it again PS. I'm building in ACT Cheers. Re: First home 2Aug 28, 2013 6:59 am check with your builder ask why sit is taking so long it seems slow to me but there have been issues with bricklayers in short supply i read somewhere in the forum. do not know what state that was in Re: First home 3Aug 28, 2013 7:12 am Stress, frustration, worry - yes, you're building a house ... The 2 months - is this from the day they started work - ie actual building ? It often seems nothing is happening - then the roof is on the walls are done - and it looks like the house is almost finished. BUT ... then you have the insides ... Have they given you a build plan - ie dates etc ? Are you paying instalments - ie at certain stages ? I swore I'd never build again - after building when very young. BUT ... I did ... Its hard to comment without knowing the circumstances and other issues. But, agree with rocky - speak to the supervisor or builder and ask. After all - it's your house and your money ! Re: First home 4Aug 28, 2013 8:42 pm Yes, 2 months from the day they poured the slab and yes we have paid them installment money. So far we have paid 2 stages. I was told by them that I should only call them once every 2 weeks as calling them often is counterproductive. Has you builder told you this too? Reading through posts in this forum,it seemed that everyone's house are moving very quickly except for mine! Arrgghhh... so frustrating. I don't know why I put myself into this situation hey?! Re: First home 5Aug 28, 2013 9:10 pm Have you got just a builder or do you have a sales person responsible for your build or a site supervisor? I would contact them as often as you want. Just keep riding them, don't let them push you around. Blog http://tobuildahomeimprobable.blogspot.com.au/ Settlement Apr Council Jul Contracts Dec Earthworks Dec Frames Jan Trusses Feb Roof Feb Windows Mar Re: First home 10Aug 29, 2013 11:05 am I'd visit as often as you like - but this can be counter-productive. Things can seem to be slow. Re: First home 11Aug 29, 2013 12:01 pm To be honest if your builder is worth their salt they should be updating YOU on what's happening (not waiting for you to call them). IMHO flicking you a quick email or letter advising (for example) that they have had a delay getting a brickie but they are due to start on x day would save everyone a whole lot of worry! When you speak to them make it clear you are happy to get progress updates via email/text/letter at any time. And to answer your original question yes I think that 2 months does sound like a long time to only have a frame and slab. I suggest you go out and buy a diary and write in each each day what the weather was like and any progress that has happened on the home. It's also useful to keep notes in when you speak to the builder (who spoken to, what they told you etc). Your contract should have a completion date after which the builder is liable to pay you liquidated damages - a diary can come in very handy if/when you get to that stage. Good luck Re: First home 12Aug 29, 2013 9:09 pm I've finally called them up today (feeling guilty about it too because they told me not to...) and they told me that the windows were delivered today (not installed) and the bricks have been ordered... I would have thought that they would order the bricks a long time ago and not waiting 2 months for it! Everything is so slow and its quite frustrating. Our contract says 180 days but I was hoping it will be built before that because paying interest during Christmas stand-down (I heard that it could go for 2 months) would be annoying. Im sure that it will be all worth it in the end... I need to learn how to be patient I guess! How did you guys do it?! Re: First home 13Aug 29, 2013 9:49 pm Scheduling works can be a challenge, but not impossible to have it scheduled so one item flows into the next without delay. Just a note on calling. I have spoken to my builder probably a dozen times this year, but have emailed over 300 times! We probably email each other a dozen times a week or more. Just checking on things and clarifying. I'm not a fan on phone calls, even after the phone calls we have had either he or I email to confirm conversation. I would never expect a house to be completed prior to contract. Being 180 days, do you realise they probably won't count weekends, public holidays and then will also add on days for rain etc... Hope it gets improved for you though from now on in. Re: First home 14Aug 29, 2013 10:34 pm When we've had delays, our builder has sent us a letter advising of how many days of delay and the reason as per the contract, such as "Clause 5, (iv) Weather Permitted".. Don't even feel guilty for ringing them, judydj is absolutely right! You are paying them for a service, they are working for you. And maybe the next time someone tells you not to ring them everyday, ask to speak to the director.. That's not how any business or company should treat their clients/customers. Have you researched the building company on the internet for any reviews I hope everything works out well for you x So it looks like we finally have some movement on site! Definitely later than expected, but I'll take any progress at this point. I'll drop by over the weekend to get… 5 27693 We already paid for somfy motors for the blinds. 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