First home build with HGWA in Mandurah

Scott_Michelle · Dec 19, 2014 4:55 pm

Hi all,
Just thought I'd put my post up about my experience with HGWA so far.
Well, just waiting on formal approval now, and the bank has made us jump some hoops to get this far.

We approached HGWA at the start of November, and due to time constraints with our block and finance due dates, we now have signed HIA contract AND signed off on our Full work drawings to gain full approval.

HGWA has so far gone far and beyond to make this happen, and has gone against the stigma of being slow in the admin department...so far

We decided to go with the "Procida" special and upgraded to the complete range.
As it was facing the wrong way for our block, we basically flipped the whole design, leaving the theatre where
It was originally. One thing that gets me with some designs is why anyone would want a theatre to be back to back with a lounge area??
We also added a third garage, so I don't need to take up valuable backyard space on our 600m2 block with a shed.

I'll add some pics below

Scott_Michelle · Dec 19, 2014 5:01 pm

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Scott_Michelle · Dec 19, 2014 5:02 pm

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And this our floor plan

Scott_Michelle · Dec 19, 2014 5:09 pm

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Melsie68 · Dec 19, 2014 7:09 pm

Hi congrats on building a new home . Iv been in my home for nearly 7mon . Love your plan . Love how you have your scullary at the back of your kitchen .I used to think why do display homes have no doors on activity rooms .now I know kids always bang the damn things . Enjoy building .it has its highs and lows but remember everyone build is different .and at the end of it you will have you own home that you have put your stamp on . Welcome to the forum .
Ps some of us are a bit crazy .I wont name who are .he he

Scott_Michelle · Dec 19, 2014 10:39 pm

Thanks Melsie68!
Yep so far so good, real happy with our choice of builder and plan, we were going
To buy established again but just thought "why not" had a look at a few builders and HGWA just felt right

We have tile and bench top selection mid jan, so the wife is pulling her hair out
Going through the selection file haha

JnM · Dec 20, 2014 7:59 pm

Hi, Good luck ahead for your HGWA build, we will be subscribing to follow your journey.

Scott_Michelle · Dec 24, 2014 11:08 pm

Thanks JnM! To be honest I'm a bit wary now regarding HGWA build times, but we'll see

Oh, and we got unconditional finance today so it's all go in the new year!

alrightdave · Dec 25, 2014 12:33 am

Hi, good news on the finance front, you can get the prestart booked in now. Having mains gas is a bonus for the area and hopefully the nbn should be ready by the time you move in.
Have your plans been approved yet? Ours were before finance was.

Scott_Michelle · Dec 25, 2014 5:27 pm

Not 100% on the plan approval, site engineers have been and all good there. Still getting a grasp of the whole building idea haha
Looking at the plans last night and I'm allowed 50% coverage on the block so we came just under that by ~50m

Marcia · Dec 26, 2014 11:51 am

Welcome to the HGWA family, there's enough of us on here! Hope you get a smooth run with your build and it is a fun and exciting time for you.

Scott_Michelle · Jan 18, 2015 7:34 pm

Well, we have completed tile and laminate selection. Very happy with laminates and bench tops, although we had to settle on tile selection as there was not much choice ::sleep::

Now just waiting for pre start date ::smile::

We were also told we can't choose the grey or brown brick due to "maintenance issues" anyone know anything about this?

bryzza · Jan 18, 2015 10:21 pm

Welcome to HGWA followers. Are build progress is on par with guys lets see who finishes first

You could have went to crosby tiles or european ceramics if you werent happy with limited selection

Scott_Michelle · Jan 18, 2015 11:13 pm

Really? I didn't know that was an option, I'll have a look and bring it up at pre start. Thanks!
What home are you building?

bryzza · Jan 19, 2015 9:44 am

There are always options just have to ask the questions otherwise they won't tell you.

We are building the houston. This is the 4th time ive built so in regards to administration times I guess inexperienced people have unrealistic expectations that's why you hear complaints.

Scott_Michelle · Jan 27, 2015 9:16 pm

So, went for a check up on our block today and lo and behold, the builders across the street have dumped a crap load of dirt on our block ::angry::

so I have left a nice note on they're door politely asking them to remove, watch this space ::wink::

KatL · Jan 27, 2015 11:09 pm

Just a heads up...don't wait until prestart to ask the question about tiles. It is likely they won't allow you to rechoose after prestart but they might if you ask now . There is a small fee I believe to go to Crosby or European but there is heaps more choice and the staff are really helpful with what options are in the standard ranges and which will cost extra.
We are at the same stage as you, waiting for a prestart date and we just chose ours from European.

Cheers,
Kat

Natalie92 · Feb 15, 2015 10:56 pm

Also building with HGWA, have tile and laminate in 2 weeks! Anyone know how much it is to upgrade laminate to gloss laminate?

Scott_Michelle · Feb 16, 2015 11:05 pm

I think from memory they quoted around $600 for our kitchen laminates to be gloss, we didn't want it but they mentioned it anyway

Has anyone added windows after signing prelim docs? If so how much is the fee if any? Still waiting for a response from my E-mail last week.

Marcia · Feb 16, 2015 11:07 pm

Variations are a $500 sting, not sure at what stage they start charging for that, we did one after final plans had been drawn and got whacked. My advice is only ask for a variation when you have a handful of things to change as they can all be done under the one fee.