Browse Forums Building A New House Re: Refund of fee 11Dec 21, 2014 11:30 am seano I'm not saying I entirely agree with it, but they've done up a custom plan for you, which had you not come along they never would have done. Chances are the never will use it because all the engineering and working drawings would not have been done? We were in a slightly different position - the builders we were going to use passed my drawing onto the drafting company they use who did them up professionally, we had tender and everything, including selections. After a low valuation and stumbling across a house for sale we loved, we decided not to build. The builders refused to take a cent off us. We just paid the drafting firms invoice directly. The builders them self refused to accept a cent for their time and work they'd done. Had we built with them, the first time a single dollar changes hands is after slab is done. So I paid them in some slabs of beer. We retained the copyright of plans, they kept a copy though as they liked it, on the agreement that they'll pay us for the plans if someone wants to build our design - only a verbal but I have no reason to not believe, besides, we'll use them to build down the track thanks to that level of service (and they build amazing homes in terms of quality and design). Its just goes to show all builders operate differently. In your situation, I don't think you're 'entitled' to anything back, even without a written agreement of you pay 1500 for tender and plans. But if they are interested in good service, they'd only keep a reasonable amount for their time, and the cost of work done with the plans. By doing that you are all on good terms and you'd consider using them again, as it is now they may keep your money, not have managed to come up with a good design, and lacked great customer service which may cost THEM more than the $1500 down the track. Yes I don't necessarily believe I am entitled, except for the fact they significantly underestimated some costs (with soil and geotechnical already) prior to tender and the tender was in many cases inaccurate. As such I think a high level of service may have them consider refunding it. |