Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Sep 06, 2015 12:22 pm Hi everyone! I'm a newbie here and it is our first build. My husband and I were wondering if there is a possibility to refund our initial deposit from a builder? After going through meetings and shopping around builders, we were down to the last 2 to choose from (Aveling and Redink). We initally signed up with Redink and gave the inital deposit. We were informed we still had 30days to go through design changes if we wanted. 2 days later Aveling sent us a better offer and better design. We asked Redink to change the design we currently had with them to have the same as what we have with Aveling. It was quite disappointing that our Redink guy was slow in responding and giving us the design. When my husband called him he said he was in meetings and will get back to us. It felt we were not a priority just when we have paid the deposit. Due to this we decided to transfer with Aveling, but we were thinking about the deposit we made. We had a consultation before with someone and he said we could still claim a refund if no site survey or admin work has been done yet. We asked the Redink guy if we could claim it and he said it was non-refundable. Have any of you experienced something similar? Re: Initial deposit for builder 2Sep 06, 2015 12:49 pm We had put a $1k deposit down with one builder who ended up stuffing us around majorly, we decided to go elsewhere and Clarendon were happy to credit the $1k we had already paid off our tender. Aveling may do the same so it's worth asking! Re: Initial deposit for builder 3Sep 06, 2015 12:53 pm It probably depends on the builder. We signed with Redink and were told the deposit was non refundable. Re: Initial deposit for builder 4Sep 06, 2015 3:42 pm I paid $1k to a builder that was non refundable, but the quote came back way over what they verbally told me, so I told them I wanted my deposit back and they did though it took a few weeks and a couple of reminders. All you can do is ask, try even asking your current builder if they would credit it to you. Worst case they say no. Re: Initial deposit for builder 7Sep 09, 2015 9:04 am Hi Guys Unfortunately, I doubt you will get your deposit back. You need to sort out all the issues before you sign the PPA contract and hand over a deposit What are some of the issues changing Salesman/builders at PPA stage 1. Trusting another Salesman? Most will puts the boots into the other guy/company.. who to believe? 2. Most estimates/initial Quotes are cheaper, that's until you make changes post PPA stage 3. What are the mechanisms for increasing prices post PPA, variations/changes, Provisional Sums, Engineering, Site works & believe it or not, Delays and PRICE INCREASES 4. Salesman aren't the experts and since there are large commissions involved for them the less they advise you the better it is for them...some become your best friend that's until you sign the PPA..good luck with any issues thereafter. Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Re: Initial deposit for builder 8Sep 09, 2015 10:01 am Id go back over any documentation you signed when you paid the deposit to review if the deposit is stated as non-refundable. If its on paper, youll just have to wear it, if its not, I'd kick up a stink. Post a poor review on product review.com etc. Most builders that respond on product review are keen to be seen as resolving poor feedback. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesnt. Before you pay deposits on anything in future, double check the terms and conditions. Deposits are usually to secure your interest in a deal. If you were interested in more than one deal, you should have held off paying any deposits until you were sure that it was what you wanted. Take it as a lesson learned. Creator of superduperonium, expert at expert things, nobel laureate, can hold my breath for 10 minutes. In NSW the maximum deposit for building work is 5% until the builder provides HBCF insurance 1 4824 Hi Mofflepop, I would recommend finding a building designer to prepare plans, they should design to your specified budget. The benefit is you can tender the project out… 9 20417 |