Choosing between Stroud or G.J. Gardner

Stina_S · May 06, 2020 3:14 pm

Hi Everyone. This is my first post. The hubby and I have recently purchased 2.7 acres in Whittlesea, VIC. We would like to build an acreage style home however we're a little unsure who to go with. We have a budget of 650k-700k.

We love Stroud's Montego 450's floor plan, however looking on their site and also on facebook, we've noticed that the styling is extremely basic. Has anyone used them and asked for extensive amounts of upgrades and been happy?

Has anyone used either Stroud or GJ (especially in Melbourne's North)? If so what were your experiences?

Does anyone have recommendations for volume or private builders?

Sorry for the 1000's of questions. Be prepared for many more haha

Splashers · May 10, 2020 12:06 am

You would need recommendations from the local branch as these 2 builders are just franchise builders. So basically what 1 GJ builder might do quality wise doesnt mean the other GJ in the next region does the same build quality

Norfolk · May 10, 2020 7:10 am

If quality is important (I assume it is) when you speak with your potential builders’ salespeople ask them to explain their quality assurance process in detail. Ie. what specific things do they do during construction to ensure a quality build is delivered upon practical completion? Do they have any documents to detail their process? how does their version of the HIA contract reassure you regarding quality. Their responses may surprise you... I suggest asking these type of Fundamental question before considering details such as upgrades and discounts etc.

Stina_S · Jun 14, 2020 4:11 pm

Thank you for your advice and sorry for the late reply. We're getting a quote put together from Stroud therefore I'll ask the salesman these questions tomorrow.

MEO · Jul 04, 2020 5:46 pm

Hi Stina,
how have you gone since ? we are in the same position, choosing between GJ Gardner and stroud and the same designs Montego and Montiville. can you let me know how you have gone since?
agree with the stroud styling a bit flat

Stina_S · Jul 04, 2020 6:07 pm

MEO

Hi Stina,
how have you gone since ? we are in the same position, choosing between GJ Gardner and stroud and the same designs Montego and Montiville. can you let me know how you have gone since?
agree with the stroud styling a bit flat

We have had our quote with Stroud and we’re really happy. We got the quote for the Montego 329 and then made a heap of adjustments to it. I asked them about the display homes etc and they said they do it purposely to let customers see what they get.. what is displayed is what the price includes unlike big volume builders who don’t display anything that is standard. GJ Gardiner is sooooo expensive. We got quoted around 800k for the Montville. Crazy!

SBG14 · Jul 10, 2020 7:55 am

Do NOT build with GJ Gardner. Been there, done that, never again
Built a montville also

Stina_S · Jul 10, 2020 8:50 am

SBG14

Do NOT build with GJ Gardner. Been there, done that, never again
Built a montville also

Thanks.. good to know. Do you mind explaining what happened?

SBG14 · Jul 10, 2020 8:44 pm

Stina_S

SBG14

Do NOT build with GJ Gardner. Been there, done that, never again
Built a montville also

Thanks.. good to know. Do you mind explaining what happened?

Just fake and don't care, with very poor communication. There is especially no after care once the house is built. I'd avoid

Doreen_Kallara33 · Jul 27, 2020 6:01 pm

Stina_S

Hi Everyone. This is my first post. The hubby and I have recently purchased 2.7 acres in Whittlesea, VIC. We would like to build an acreage style home however we're a little unsure who to go with. We have a budget of 650k-700k.

We love Stroud's Montego 450's floor plan, however looking on their site and also on facebook, we've noticed that the styling is extremely basic. Has anyone used them and asked for extensive amounts of upgrades and been happy?

Has anyone used either Stroud or GJ (especially in Melbourne's North)? If so what were your experiences?

Does anyone have recommendations for volume or private builders?

Sorry for the 1000's of questions. Be prepared for many more haha

Hi there, we're currently in the process of maybe buying an acre in Whittlesea and also have been looking at Stroud and GJ. GJ were $800k just with a phone, and Stroud seemed well priced. I was told $560k for the Montego 450 but like you would want lots of extras... I wonder if it's worth asking if they can provide an address of previous clients who have built the same home (obviously with their permission). Take a look at the Denver 45 with Metricon, it's pretty nice, 45 sqaures starting at $320k and then you can spend a heap on extras.

Stina_S · Aug 01, 2020 6:20 pm

Yeah I don't understand why GJ's is so expensive.. It literally leaves no room for extras. They said 800k for the Montville. Love the floorplan however that's just WAY too expensive. We got a quote with Stroud for the 329 and then did heaps of changes to make area's bigger. Living room and Master with Cathedral Ceilings and a stone fireplace all the way the way to the top of the cathedral. Heated flooring, double glazed windows and it came under 600k.