Browse Forums Building A New House Re: Metricon Bentleigh 38 - Wollert VIC 21Nov 12, 2017 9:48 am Yes it was a long day, but a lot of time wasted. Wish it was more streamlined, and the software crashing all the time didn't help. Only installed downlights in the ground floor, due to how hard it is to do post build, and only put in main rooms, not utility locations. It depends on the downlight you get, but the cheapest 10w warm ones cost $39.00 upgrade to the standard baton install. Batons cost $56.00. Re: Metricon Bentleigh 38 - Wollert VIC 23Nov 27, 2017 1:56 pm After the last electrical appointment I was concerned with the single day for full colour selection appointment, so I split that into two days (internal/external). Had the internal colour appointment. Started off well, but in the pre-documentation that mention to look into display homes for ideas and selections. Had found a specific display home (Merrick in Officer), so thought that would help allot. But it seems that can't bring up all the colours and items selected in a specific home, and I'm not sure why not. I don't understand why they couldn't and not sure why they don't plan better for the days. Specially when time is a premium. One thing that I find strange is that the never front load the buyer with updated details, like finalized plans or even basic related floor plans on what will be covered. Knowing the major change options, like floor covering and the carpet options. Which when the specialists use the term "that will depend on the type of package you've chosen", you don't have confidence they know either. I would think that they would have all the specific details for the appointment on the day, and know what what packages have been selected relating to their area. Then they give you the rushed minutes to make 10+ year decisions on your home. One thing that was never shared at the sales quote stage, was that they offer blind options. I'm concerned my sales consultant purposely left out a lot of options to reduce the initial total of the house to get the contract signed and through. Worse still under budgeted some areas, like site costs. I found the lighting within Studio M to be not very helpful, specially in colour selections. As a lot of colours washed out and looked the same. They also seem to have multiple groups congregated in one place, that didn't help either. One thing that wasn't shared, is that you can supposedly just rock up on a Saturday and walk around the place to get a preview. I was only ever told you had to make appointments, so never got a chance to visit prior to the selection appointments. Overall got most of the colours and items selected internally. They certainly rip you off for minor changes, it cost $250 to change the basic shaped square post for the stairs to just a pure square post. I went with the middle ground carpet and the next upgrade to underlay. I've been in a few rental places that have that basic carpet and within a year or two they are destroyed. No point in scrimping on those essentials. During the appointment, I notice the specialist had access to updated draft plans and contract that was different to mine. Ask them to send me a copy, which they did. But they got in trouble for. It seems Metricon just add items to the contract without telling me, which I questioned my CSC. Which they only replied via a call, and said they can't tell me when they add stuff and I'll find out like everyone else when the final contract is done. I'm like, if you are adding stuff and I'm not aware of it, then that'll be too late at final contract as it impacts on what I can select at selection appointments. Not very helpful at all, and not sure how to take that moving forward. I would assume it would be a simple process to keep the client informed of anything added to a provincial contract. I'm not sure how much help, usefulness, their CSC has been but I do not fully understand their benefit/role to the client. They've always been full of double talk and nothing of any benefit to the whole process. They always speak of if I do things it'll be a delay in the processes, but never front load or supply any information helpful for me to speed the process. I've got an outstanding question with electrical appointment, weeks after the event and awaiting replies from the first colour appointment. It's like pulling teeth, and you have to be on top of them constantly and check and check and then check again. Re: Metricon Bentleigh 38 - Wollert VIC 24Nov 27, 2017 2:40 pm In terms of display homes, you can email Metricon and ask for the selection documents ahead of time. I did this and went into the appointment knowing the colours on the houses I liked. Though Im not sure why they cant look this up on the day. Re: Metricon Bentleigh 38 - Wollert VIC 25Nov 27, 2017 7:40 pm I guess communication hasn't been effective here. With display homes you ring metricon and ask for the colour you need they will give you within seconds. As per studio m its also open Wednesday night you can just rock up no need for appointment. Re: Metricon Bentleigh 38 - Wollert VIC 26Nov 27, 2017 7:45 pm Cheers, thanks for that, I guess that is once again where Metricon fails to give the most basic of information and helpful hints during the whole process for their clients. The Studio M worksheet you receive from them instructs to lists three homes and the home decor consultant will answer any questions on the day. I too, was very surprised how hard it was and impossible to look up selections at a specific display home for our references. Yes, they seem to very lax with their sharing to clients. With zero benefit to them, and negative benefit to clients. For a volume builder, I don't understand why they operate like that. Re: Metricon Bentleigh 38 - Wollert VIC 27Nov 29, 2017 9:03 am They seem to want to put the solar assist panel (Not a solar panel) in the worst spot, and I want to install actually proper solar panels in the future. So asked if I can move it, but they've come back with a worse option. I know builders have to build to the 6* energy rating, but how much does the actual panels affect that rating and from the diagram below having it on the west facing roof will only deny it a few morning hours of sun. So not sure why they say it needs a second $610 extra panel Black is where they currently have it, in the very middle of the north facing roof section. I wanted to move it to the either of the red sections, but they've come back only other option is the green and need a second panel. The cost to benefit for one of these panels over an actual solar panel, I don't want it tying up premium roof space. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ I'm going to go back at them, and move it to the very edge of the north facing if that's my only viable option. But is there any real legislation reason for their only option? Other than their cost saving, my extra cost. Re: Metricon Bentleigh 38 - Wollert VIC 28Nov 30, 2017 9:20 am I was trying to see what law would be in play here, or why they were pushing this. I found on the NatHERs website (the energy authority) that hot water systems aren't even part of houses energy rating measure. From discussions, it seems a lot of builders try to sell you the fact it is. I can only reason that it's a push via their partnership with their hot water supplier. http://www.nathers.gov.au/owners-and-bu ... e-overview Quote: What is rated? A house can be rated before or after it is built. The rating depends on:
Energy consumption by hot water systems, lights or household appliances is not considered in the rating because these fittings are usually replaced several times during the life of the building. Gone back to them for justification on their requirements, see how it goes. Re: Metricon Bentleigh 38 - Wollert VIC 29Dec 18, 2017 10:38 am Received reply from them regarding this, and they say they don't use the Nathers rating, but Verification Method which is a combination of the Nathers & Deemed to Satisfy method. But ultimately it seems to be down to manufacturer specifications and building code. Which building code only allows you to install 30-60 degrees off North. So I'm not sure how it can be placed in the West/East facing at all. I've had to move it on the North facing to a best corner, but still waiting final plans. Had last of the selection appointments, went better than previous. Covered stuff previously missed and finalized selections. One thing I still find strange with Metricon, as a volume builder, I would think they'd have streamlined processes and the desire to get things right the first time. I've asked for a finalized current list of all contract changes, as I never received a summarized one from my first appointment. I also noticed that now they've said I have to have a 'whirly bird' on my roof and noticed in a draft on the day it would be in the place that would impact on solar panel installation. The short story was, that they don't want to give me anything prior to the week before final signing (next year) and they'll then deal with any issues. They seem to want to always delay and work inefficiently. I've always tried to front load any needed info for an appointment and also get things changed prior to final contracts and drafts, but my CSC just doesn't want too. Either by his own action or company policy. I've found the whole process very strange and I'd hate to see people that just rely on them to get it right. Which they need to be keep in check always, it seems. Has anyone else found their process of works pre-contract signing to be a mess too? Re: Metricon Bentleigh 38 - Wollert VIC 30Jan 24, 2018 10:11 am Signed the final contract with Metricon, a strange process to have a person just go through the whole contract again. They seem to focus on little things, but gloss over a lot and 'summarize' some important things trying to get you to miss things. Weeks earlier they send you a blank HIA contract and then on the day gloss over the bits they add. I've long since had issues with the industry and the 'independent' building inspector rort, but this person has no understanding or care. Of course maintain the corporate line of your free to chose someone else, but it'll be not a viable option for a one off buyer with no industry knowledge. One big thing was the payment schedule, they didn't even populate the standard HIA option schedule and only populated their front loaded payment schedule. When I questioned this, it was a semi-hard line response of that first option was available or an option, and even their choice to not proceed with the contract (their right, of course). But I wanted less initial mortgage payments (10+15% HIA) compared to (20%+20% Metricon) for the first two stages of the build, which are quicker than the last 2 stages (lockup). Also having more of their money tied up in the later stages might get them working faster. For my build they've allows 308 days to build, with 212 days of actual build days. Seems more than I've previously been told, I was told 200-250 days. Little I could do there. For the 3 hours they allocate, they do not give you any real time to read the contract and have to assume a lot of it is the same that has been previously sent. Just don't let them rush you, and be comfortable to walk away if need be. Re: Metricon Bentleigh 38 - Wollert VIC 31Jan 24, 2018 10:17 am rum_home For my build they've allows 308 days to build, with 212 days of actual build days. Seems more than I've previously been told, I was told 200-250 days. Little I could do there. Our build time is similar which is disappointing (and we're only 28 square!), and hilarious given the sales rep reckoned we'd be in by April. Fortunately smart enough to take that with a grain of salt given we've only just titled. I'm gussing they contract a longer time to cover themselves if it runs over what they actually expect it to take. Re: Metricon Bentleigh 38 - Wollert VIC 32Jan 24, 2018 6:55 pm blackcat20 Our build time is similar which is disappointing (and we're only 28 square!), and hilarious given the sales rep reckoned we'd be in by April. Fortunately smart enough to take that with a grain of salt given we've only just titled. I'm gussing they contract a longer time to cover themselves if it runs over what they actually expect it to take. Wow, you'd think less time for a smaller build. Yeah, sales are a law unto themselves and my original sales consultant is of course no longer with Metricon. Worse thing is, that all the sales consultants, CSC and other "middlemen" in the whole process could be all replaced with a more efficient online website process. They offer no real benefit over a drop-down menu when choosing options and often do not have the information at hand or at worse give you wrong/miss-information. Re: Metricon Bentleigh 38 - Wollert VIC 33Mar 05, 2018 11:30 pm rum_home Signed the final contract with Metricon, a strange process to have a person just go through the whole contract again. They seem to focus on little things, but gloss over a lot and 'summarize' some important things trying to get you to miss things. Weeks earlier they send you a blank HIA contract and then on the day gloss over the bits they add. I've long since had issues with the industry and the 'independent' building inspector rort, but this person has no understanding or care. Of course maintain the corporate line of your free to chose someone else, but it'll be not a viable option for a one off buyer with no industry knowledge. One big thing was the payment schedule, they didn't even populate the standard HIA option schedule and only populated their front loaded payment schedule. When I questioned this, it was a semi-hard line response of that first option was available or an option, and even their choice to not proceed with the contract (their right, of course). But I wanted less initial mortgage payments (10+15% HIA) compared to (20%+20% Metricon) for the first two stages of the build, which are quicker than the last 2 stages (lockup). Also having more of their money tied up in the later stages might get them working faster. For my build they've allows 308 days to build, with 212 days of actual build days. Seems more than I've previously been told, I was told 200-250 days. Little I could do there. For the 3 hours they allocate, they do not give you any real time to read the contract and have to assume a lot of it is the same that has been previously sent. Just don't let them rush you, and be comfortable to walk away if need be. Hi there, I'm building a Bentleigh 38 too and I'll sign my final contract next week. I was wondering what important things did they gloss over in your session with them and what did they add on the HIA contract on the day? Cheers Re: Metricon Bentleigh 38 - Wollert VIC 34Mar 06, 2018 8:12 am asahi_home Hi there, I'm building a Bentleigh 38 too and I'll sign my final contract next week. I was wondering what important things did they gloss over in your session with them and what did they add on the HIA contract on the day? Cheers Good luck with the contract signing, hope it goes well. To add to what I've already said, I would say they tend to gloss of the costs and impacts of those costs are regarding delay by you or them. It will also depend on what type of situation you're in, as locked in prices and delays can impact. I was sold a house & land deal and no mater the delay the prices were fixed, but they try and get price increases included. If I'm severely delayed (land titling), I can see a possible fight with them regarding this. They glossed over the HIA as a whole, and as said only provisioned one payment method. Which I had to get changed as a post contract variation. Re: Metricon Bentleigh 38 - Wollert VIC 36Jul 14, 2018 6:05 pm Clean Could you please tell us what payment method you have changed to. Sorry only saw this now. Do you mean the payment schedule? I changed to the default HIA schedule of % at key stages. So it's not front loaded like Metricon wanted. This will mean I'll have, hopefully, less repayments during the build while I'm still renting. Update, was contacted by Metricon to supply a Landscape Plan. So have to supply this to my developer for inclusion in my approval stages. They have a number of guidelines, like a mature 2.5m tree, that I have to cater for. I'm going to keep it as basic as I can, as the land isn't even titled. So the viability and flow of the land might not work with something planned before it is even a thing. Re: Metricon Bentleigh 38 - Wollert VIC 37Sep 28, 2019 2:43 pm Wow some time has passed, and had not bothered to keep this thread updated. Titling of my land occurred in Jun 2019 and site build started beginning of September. Metricon were quite slow and my next door neighbor had an almost finished build before they even started. A lot of last minute things thrown at you, that seems should have been explained well in advance. For a first time builder this can cause some annoyance, but I had everything under control. They were the reason for most of the delays, and in the contract had 21 days after building permit to start (which they didn't). I live 5 minutes away from the site, so visit everyday. Of which the Site Manager seems to not know what is happening daily or just gives false information (example indicated they were working yesterday & today, but zero tradies on site). Not sure what reason or benefit for misinformation. One biggest learning moment was the FFL (first Floor Level) values in a plan, mine is FFL 100.685 and that indicates it's 685mm higher than footpath. Which was a big confronting when first viewed the laid slab, and will mean I have to re-evaluate the front yard plan. The land didn't have much of a fall and it's in-line with backyard being level with the house, but still something I didn't factor in. When you're dealing with 2D plans on a flat surface. Metricon were making changes right up to the slab pour, which was affecting the slab pour. They didn't allow much time between Inspection and repair. Checkpoint is the preferred Inspector Metricon will only pay for, but I've also gone with Landmark Inspections (they are VBA & HIA certified). Checkpoint's reports are pathetic, with a single photo and line to say it 'passed', but Landmark picked a few things, of which repairs to the rebar (was too close to edge and plumbing). So keep an eye on your builder, and your 'independent' inspector. I picked up a few things myself, from my daily visits, and it's a fine line between getting it right and keeping on their good side. I have posted this before: We hired Darbecca to do every stage inspection, and I strongly recommend them to anyone that asks me. They were amazing. Thorough reports… 2 1933 Hi, First of all, thank you to this community for sharing your thoughts and opinions. We are in early days of our pre-contract stage for Metricon Doulton and we are… 0 3848 Hello All 🙂 We are planning to start our journey of construction our first home. We zeroed down on Metricon and henley homes based on design suitable for our lot and… 0 1102 |