Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Jun 14, 2014 9:57 pm I am actually seeking advise on PCV in which the builder is requiring an extra $2600 (does not include any extra Powercor costs) for overhead power connection. I am not new to PCV's as this PCV is number 9. My issue is with the cost for works, as underground power is unavailable at my address I require over head power and had this written into my contract. Before signing the contract I made enquiries to Powercor & our own electrical contractor about costs involved. Our electrical contractor advised that reconnection of overhead power would be a much more economical option. I am unable to use our own electrical contractor with this builder. I asked for a itemised quote to see what was being charged extra for from our builder, little to say I have yet to receive this. However I did receive a response saying that the following were extra parts that they needed to purchase. Material Costs 1. Main raiser Bracket to meet height requirements (advised cost from our electrical contractor roughly $200) 2. Mains box single phase (advised cost from our electrical contractor roughly $150) Mains earth & stake (these items are included as standard electrical items in the contract) Meter box & meter wiring (these items are included as standard electrical items in the contract) Mains cable 16mm 2 (these items are included as standard electrical items in the contract) Circuit breakers, main switch main fuse neutral bar link supply & install (these items are included as standard electrical items in the contract) Inspection costs (these items are included as standard electrical items in the contract) Certificate costs (these items are included as standard electrical items in the contract) My question is if you clearly know you are being ripped off blindly how do you get your builder to see sense? Sherridon Knock Down Rebuild Geelong VIC http://sherridonhomes.wordpress.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sherridonhomes Re: Post Contract Variations $2600 for power connection 2Jun 15, 2014 12:02 pm Sherridon Homes My question is if you clearly know you are being ripped off blindly how do you get your builder to see sense? Maybe I'm naïve ... but I suspect it's not normal procedure for builders to rip their customers off, I really do think it's a case of the estimator putting in padding when they don't really know what's going to need doing, or a genuine misunderstanding of what needs doing. The reason I think the above is 'cos when I've asked why X costs so much (ie. more than the undiscounted RRP + 20% I expect), I've either been given an answer which indicated there was more involved than I thought there was - or they've made a mistake themselves, and amended the price when they fixed it. Have you itemised it, like the above, to them? And asked what else is involved? They might say "oops forgot we'd included that stuff", or they might tell you why it costs more for your place than the costs included in the original tender. Re: Post Contract Variations $2600 for power connection 3Jun 15, 2014 5:24 pm Have you itemised it, like the above, to them? And asked what else is involved? They might say "oops forgot we'd included that stuff", or they might tell you why it costs more for your place than the costs included in the original tender.[/quote] Hi Forg, This was the explanation I received from the builder and below was my response. I am yet to hear anything back from the builder in regards to my last response. Hi Client, I have been asked to provide an explanation for the additional costs for a connection to overhead power for your home. In the midst of purchasing your home, you made a request that was outside of Sherridon policy for the home to be connected to overhead power. Bob (real name removed) sought written approval from our construction department which was provided. At no stage was their any assertion that this would be provided without charge. Sherridon has a contractual agreement (fixed rate) with an electrical contractor for the connection of our homes to underground power pits. We do not have such an agreement when it comes to a connection to overhead power. The below is the breakdown of works as provided by our electrical contractor; Material Costs Main raiser Bracket to meet height requirements Mains box single phase Mains earth & stake Meter box & meter wiring Mains cable 16mm 2 Circuit breakers, main switch main fuse neutral bar link supply & install Inspection costs Certificate costs The additional expense of the above works, over and above the standing agreement for a connection to underground power, is as prescribed to you in the PCV. Costs associated with underground connection form part of the base price of each and every home that we sell. As the costs for the overhead connection are greater, these have been applied by way of a PCV.The amount is correct. Hi Builder, Thanks for your reply. I understand that there are extra costs for a mains raiser bracket and mains box single phase. Are you saying that the; Mains earth & stake Meter box & meter wiring Mains cable 16mm 2 Circuit breakers, main switch main fuse neutral bar link supply & install Inspection costs Certificate costs Are not included in a standard building contract? It would seem these items are being charged twice. My inquiries have only shown that the connection from the point of supply up to the meter box being the only point of difference. Would it be possible to see a breakdown of extra charges so that I can clearly understand what additional costs Sherridon are incurring? Sherridon Knock Down Rebuild Geelong VIC http://sherridonhomes.wordpress.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sherridonhomes Re: Post Contract Variations $2600 for power connection 5Jun 16, 2014 2:25 pm ST13 I have one for $2.2k to connect my power under ground as above ground isn't an option. Would that $2200 be for the installation of a power pit somewhere near the front of your property, if so I would call that a good deal!! Sherridon Knock Down Rebuild Geelong VIC http://sherridonhomes.wordpress.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sherridonhomes Re: Post Contract Variations $2600 for power connection 6Jun 16, 2014 3:00 pm Sherridon Homes I am actually seeking advise on PCV in which the builder is requiring an extra $2600 (does not include any extra Powercor costs) for overhead power connection. My question is if you clearly know you are being ripped off blindly how do you get your builder to see sense? You should have had a pre contract review before you sign a contract and your problems may have been avoided. You should have your own independent inspector for stage inspections to protect your investment. Foremost Building Expert in Australia,assisting with building problems/disputes, building stage inspections,pre-contract review advice for peace of mind 200 blogs http://www.buildingexpert.net.au/blog Re: Post Contract Variations $2600 for power connection 7Jun 16, 2014 4:19 pm your response to them actually outlines their silliness. I would stick to that. It does appear they are trying to charge twice for items ther eis no point of difference in. if they dont respond, ask them whether you need to raise it with fair trading to get a response to your last eamil about the double charge. Creator of superduperonium, expert at expert things, nobel laureate, can hold my breath for 10 minutes. Re: Post Contract Variations $2600 for power connection 8Jun 16, 2014 4:37 pm The OP (Sherridon Homes) is in Victoria, Fair Trading is NSW. Sherridon Homes, your unanswered Email is succinct and asks the appropriate questions. Maybe send it again but by registered post. Keep a copy. 3in1 Supadiverta. Rainwater Harvesting Best Practice using syphonic drainage. Cleaner Neater Smarter Cheaper Supa Gutter Pumper. A low cost syphonic eaves gutter overflow solution. Re: Post Contract Variations $2600 for power connection 9Jun 17, 2014 10:57 am I'll be giving the builder a few more days to follow up on my email just encase they are trying to do something about it. If no reply I try resending it and calling to make sure that someone is following up. I'll post what happens here once received. Sherridon Knock Down Rebuild Geelong VIC http://sherridonhomes.wordpress.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sherridonhomes Re: Post Contract Variations $2600 for power connection 10Jun 17, 2014 11:46 am Sherridon Homes I'll be giving the builder a few more days to follow up on my email just encase they are trying to do something about it. If no reply I try resending it and calling to make sure that someone is following up. I'll post what happens here once received. I wouldnt wait too long. Punching out an email take a few moments. So far youve waited days. At the very least I would have expected a courtesy email to let you know theyre looking into it. If theyve stuck their heads in teh sand hoping it will go away, youre just wasting your own time by waiting for them to get back to you. Creator of superduperonium, expert at expert things, nobel laureate, can hold my breath for 10 minutes. Re: Post Contract Variations $2600 for power connection 11Jun 19, 2014 10:48 am I spoke with our sales rep and he is following up on my concerns and why everyone in the office has gone quiet. Although it's not his job he is the company representative that is the first point of contact for customers. Hopefully I will get some sort of answer by the end of the week. Sherridon Knock Down Rebuild Geelong VIC http://sherridonhomes.wordpress.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sherridonhomes Re: Post Contract Variations $2600 for power connection 12Jun 20, 2014 9:52 am I received the following response this morning and they have failed to provide an itemised quote which is what I keep asking for. Plus if my maths were correct wouldn't you minus $800 off $2500? Any advise here would be appreciated. HI Client, Rest assured that you are not being charged twice for anything. You are simply being charged for the difference in costs that we are charged for the standard underground connection versus this overhead connection A standard underground power connection costs us $800 excl. of GST. This amount is inclusive within the bill of quantities for each and every Sherridon home. The overhead connection costs us $2500 excl of GST. As explained this is a non-standard upgrade that we do not have a standing agreement on. The PCV figure that you have been provided is inclusive of GST and builders margin. All the best, Builder Sherridon Knock Down Rebuild Geelong VIC http://sherridonhomes.wordpress.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sherridonhomes Re: Post Contract Variations $2600 for power connection 14Jun 20, 2014 4:26 pm Forg My maths would say $2500 - $800 = $1700, and hence they'd charge 120% or ~$2050. But yeah, I'd be asking that! I think raising that the maths simply doesn't add up may not further my case. Instead I am going to ask for what I have always requested an itemised quote from their electrical contractor. Below is my response, trying to keep my sanity! Hi Builder, This will be my 3rd request in writing for an itemised quote for the extra charges for PVC9. Please provide an itemised quote from your electrical contractor outlining the extra charges for overhead power connection from the point of supply to the meter. Providing this will clarify for myself (the client) and our electrical contractor where this extra charge is be applied and put our minds at ease from being over charged. Regards, Client Sherridon Knock Down Rebuild Geelong VIC http://sherridonhomes.wordpress.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sherridonhomes It seems very clear to me that your contract states that a security account does NOT need to be established so the answer to the builder is NO. If in doubt find a contract… 1 6361 So AFAIk the outcomes of the BAL ratings form part of a clause that allows them to pass these costs on to you. However the more relevant detail is how did it go from 19… 1 847 The fastest thing a builder will do is bank your cheque, those systems work perfectly with lightning speed, everything else is slow burn. Just the way it is. 1 5620 |