Browse Forums Building A New House 1 May 18, 2017 9:37 pm I need some advice on a few issues, if anyone could spare the time please! This will hopefully be our first build, so I don't want to make any stupid (or costly!) mistakes. Has anyone signed a build contract with an anticipated start date that you know is not achievable? Our land will not be registered in time, and I don't want to be liable for damages. Has anyone successfully got this date changed in their contract before signing? Has anyone had the solicitor they've used for land conveyancing look over the building contract also? Is it an additional charge or a completely different thing? Sorry if these are stupid questions.... I would really appreciate any advice offered! - B A vue of the pines on the Gold Coast forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=87210 Re: Questions for the experienced!... 2May 18, 2017 9:46 pm BW you could try to have a caveat put into your build contract, the start date is subject to the settlement of the land. I am not sure if they will allow it though. If not I would be writing to management at Hallmark and explaining your situation and also letting them know you do not wish to pay a delay damage clause due to slow land registration as it is far from your control. The fact you understand you will be charged might be enough for Hallmark to offer you a olive branch so to speak. We experienced exactly the same thing with our contract, as our final variation came back for our site start we got slapped with a couple of thousand dollar delay damages charge because registration took so long. I wrote to management and noted I had asked on previous occasions if I would be charged and they had advised no. They reversed the charge and we went on our merry way, but everything must be in writing and very clear no what if's or maybe's. My advise is talk to them, ask the hard questions now and know exactly where you stand. Re: Questions for the experienced!... 3May 18, 2017 10:13 pm Thanks so much Tribe, I had no idea a caveat could be a possible solution. I emailed my SC this morning asking what could be done, and his response was that it was up to head office and to just sign anyway. I have just emailed him again and told him we will not sign without this issue being addressed. I was hoping that I wouldn't have to go into b*tch mode with this builder, but so be it! - B A vue of the pines on the Gold Coast forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=87210 Re: Questions for the experienced!... 4May 28, 2017 9:54 pm Nice ... that's exactly what I would do too if I was in your situation. Don't be afraid to go into a b*tch mode when dealing with a builder. It's just a business nothing personal. After all, we're just numbers in the builder's eye. Sales person will always try to entice customers with upgrades and push customers to sign the contract. I'd suggest that you better read your contract carefully. You'll be surprised what you will find once you read it several times ... at least that's what happened to me, luckily I haven't signed anything yet. Having lawyer who specialise in build contract can help you a lot. I know it's not cheap to hire a lawyer, but it's nothing compare to the amount that we're going to spend for the build. Personally, considering your layout (study/work desks in bedrooms), I don't think you have any other option but to leave NW windows and make them as big as possible e.g.… 7 10415 We had this happen to us last year and got charged a variation. Try and give away as much as you can that is usable to charity otherwise if you are in Sydney I have a… 1 4464 Not sure what council area you are in. Some LGA's allow zero lot retaining walls. This usually occurs in greenfield developments but not often in established areas. You… 1 8180 |