Browse Forums Building A New House Re: Porter Davis homes 7849Aug 14, 2013 3:40 pm meowsy Lurgen- how do the wrong plans get circulated? Were the drawings changed a couple of times during the pre-start process? Drawings changed once during pre-start, and electrical selections changed a bit later on due to some problems out at Hopetoun (they really didn't do a good job with my selection appointments). There have been a few PCVs as well, mostly to deal with corrections to problems that were detected during build (windows that couldn't fit, cabinets that were impossible to install, etc.) that resulted in drawing changes. It's pretty common for your final documentation to change once or twice between pre-start and fixing stage, but I guess that mine changed more than most when my Hopetoun visit went wrong. The frustrating thing is that I have asked so many times for the current documents to be checked with everybody, because I kept spotting glitches that could only relate to dud drawings being used. Re: Porter Davis homes 7850Aug 14, 2013 3:52 pm Lurgen meowsy Lurgen- how do the wrong plans get circulated? Were the drawings changed a couple of times during the pre-start process? Drawings changed once during pre-start, and electrical selections changed a bit later on due to some problems out at Hopetoun (they really didn't do a good job with my selection appointments). There have been a few PCVs as well, mostly to deal with corrections to problems that were detected during build (windows that couldn't fit, cabinets that were impossible to install, etc.) that resulted in drawing changes. It's pretty common for your final documentation to change once or twice between pre-start and fixing stage, but I guess that mine changed more than most when my Hopetoun visit went wrong. The frustrating thing is that I have asked so many times for the current documents to be checked with everybody, because I kept spotting glitches that could only relate to dud drawings being used. I discovered that one set of trades were working off my Draft Construction Drawings - these are the drawings sent to you to fully review and then sign off just prior to Site Start. We had a few changes made of errors listed in the draft plans or where things weren't consistent between the various draft plan pages. I wasn't signing any draft drawings until I was totally happy. However it was the draft drawings sent out to the Plumbers (at least). Re: Porter Davis homes 7851Aug 14, 2013 5:50 pm Quote: Going well ajd78 - we didn't have much action from tues to fri of last week - but happy to say they are there pouring our slab today, way to go boys - haven taken them some donuts and taken some action pics - so exciting. I shouldn't complain as its only 15days into it and we already have a lovely patch of concrete to show for it! Fantastic... Im glad things are progressing... It is hard to wait for the next thing tho I must say.. We had wood delivered today for the frames - and no one there to use it.. lol... Don't these ppl work in the rain??? lol ;0) MummaDJ, im sure the last bit must feel like its dragging on... I guess we just look at the fact that they have moved on so quickly - I guess... But it would be hard once you get past lockup as you cant see what is happening from the car on on a drive by... Dave73 - +1 here too... A few minor things thus far but all in all a good experience. Re the BC. I think they are really under the pump at the moment. I have absolutely no probs with mine - but she has 50+ houses she is working on at the moment. If I don't hear from her within a couple of days I might ring again but I try and cut her some slack because I know she is looking at and she calls me when she has an answer. That said, I haven't had to wait more than 24hrs. Also, anyone who is have a building inspector - highly recommend Houspect. We have got them for the 5 stages. They did slab and highlighted a few minor issues but I guess that would overcome the potential prob relating to wrong plans - picking them up at a very early stage! Re: Porter Davis homes 7852Aug 14, 2013 5:54 pm ajd78 Quote: Also, anyone who is have a building inspector - highly recommend Houspect. We have got them for the 5 stages. They did slab and highlighted a few minor issues but I guess that would overcome the potential prob relating to wrong plans - picking them up at a very early stage! We were quoted by Building Expert but haven't commited to anything yet, been hearing good things about them too. Why were there 5 stages for you? I thought there were 4 stages only - pre-slab, frame, pre-plaster and final? Re: Porter Davis homes 7853Aug 14, 2013 6:05 pm its funny with the BC's I feel bad for mine each time she has called to inform me of something I have been the one telling her I will call her back or having the phone cut out - and I always seem to be at work when they call - so its usually me returning their calls not the other way around... but I haven't had any problems with mine. Re: Porter Davis homes 7854Aug 14, 2013 6:25 pm We have a great BC and SS. I would be very careful about having a thread as mentioned above. Just remember your legal stuff. Also, at the end of the day, if you have a problem, then you should be speaking to their management or send Helen on here a PM. Re: Porter Davis homes 7855Aug 14, 2013 7:58 pm We built with PD about 5 years ago and had a pretty good experience, we had a super BC and SS and their attention to detail was fabulous. I won't say it was perfect because it wasn't, there were some small things that went wrong but the majority went right. We still live in that house today and when we needed to build again we had no hesitation in going with PD because of the previous experience. This time around it has been pretty awful so far as the admin has gone. We have had to have multiple appointments, I have continually chased my BC by email and phone, I put everything in writing and get no answers to my emails. Yes I have spoken to her supervisor, but it gets me nowhere. Today I got a warning letter because no asset protection permit has been issued, which supposedly has to be issued 5 days before build commences. I sent this letter to my BC on 12th June, chased up her manager on 18th June about it because she did not acknowledge it. Yes, PD handle this, no problem. Uh, maybe there is a problem if the permit has not been issued because we started on site on 7th August. Sent off this warning letter yesterday, you guessed it, no response. To be perfectly honest I don't care if she has 1 or 100 houses to look after. I am paying PD to do a job, getting the staff to do that job competently is PD's problem. Can I say I HATE THAT PD DO NOT HAVE 24/7 ANYMORE! I cannot see what is going on, I cannot tell if my emails are being logged, if anyone has read them, or what permits have been issued. PLEASE Helen, can you reiterate to PD management how frustrating it is not having this. Last time I built I made sure the plans on 24/7 were the right ones for everything and then there was no issues with different variations of plans floating around, not to mention being able to see what is/is not happening. I could have seen that the asset protection permit has/has not been issued etc. Instead of the frustrating wait for a call back or email. We have now started at site and the slab SS seems to be on the ball and has actually called me with no prompting. So I can only hope the actual build goes well. End of rant! Sorry guys! Re: Porter Davis homes 7856Aug 14, 2013 10:55 pm Back Pocket We built with PD about 5 years ago and had a pretty good experience, we had a super BC and SS and their attention to detail was fabulous. I won't say it was perfect because it wasn't, there were some small things that went wrong but the majority went right. We still live in that house today and when we needed to build again we had no hesitation in going with PD because of the previous experience. This time around it has been pretty awful so far as the admin has gone. We have had to have multiple appointments, I have continually chased my BC by email and phone, I put everything in writing and get no answers to my emails. Yes I have spoken to her supervisor, but it gets me nowhere. Today I got a warning letter because no asset protection permit has been issued, which supposedly has to be issued 5 days before build commences. I sent this letter to my BC on 12th June, chased up her manager on 18th June about it because she did not acknowledge it. Yes, PD handle this, no problem. Uh, maybe there is a problem if the permit has not been issued because we started on site on 7th August. Sent off this warning letter yesterday, you guessed it, no response. To be perfectly honest I don't care if she has 1 or 100 houses to look after. I am paying PD to do a job, getting the staff to do that job competently is PD's problem. Can I say I HATE THAT PD DO NOT HAVE 24/7 ANYMORE! I cannot see what is going on, I cannot tell if my emails are being logged, if anyone has read them, or what permits have been issued. PLEASE Helen, can you reiterate to PD management how frustrating it is not having this. Last time I built I made sure the plans on 24/7 were the right ones for everything and then there was no issues with different variations of plans floating around, not to mention being able to see what is/is not happening. I could have seen that the asset protection permit has/has not been issued etc. Instead of the frustrating wait for a call back or email. We have now started at site and the slab SS seems to be on the ball and has actually called me with no prompting. So I can only hope the actual build goes well. End of rant! Sorry guys! Hi Backpocket, Just wanted to let you know that your concerns have been passed onto the regional business manager. We will be back in touch with your ASAP. Regards, Helen Porter Davis Homes Questions? Call 1800PORTER Mon - Fri 9am-8pm Sat - Sun 10am-4pm info@porterdavis.com.au http://blog.porterdavis.com.au/ http://www.porterdavishomes.com.au Re: Porter Davis homes 7857Aug 14, 2013 10:57 pm Lurgen meowsy Lurgen- how do the wrong plans get circulated? Were the drawings changed a couple of times during the pre-start process? Drawings changed once during pre-start, and electrical selections changed a bit later on due to some problems out at Hopetoun (they really didn't do a good job with my selection appointments). There have been a few PCVs as well, mostly to deal with corrections to problems that were detected during build (windows that couldn't fit, cabinets that were impossible to install, etc.) that resulted in drawing changes. It's pretty common for your final documentation to change once or twice between pre-start and fixing stage, but I guess that mine changed more than most when my Hopetoun visit went wrong. The frustrating thing is that I have asked so many times for the current documents to be checked with everybody, because I kept spotting glitches that could only relate to dud drawings being used. Hi Lurgen, Your Building Manager has been made aware of the issues you have raised. PD will be back in contact with you ASAP Regards, Helen Porter Davis Homes Questions? Call 1800PORTER Mon - Fri 9am-8pm Sat - Sun 10am-4pm info@porterdavis.com.au http://blog.porterdavis.com.au/ http://www.porterdavishomes.com.au Re: Porter Davis homes 7858Aug 15, 2013 9:25 am A big -1 for my BC. They have been reprimanded by senior management for multiple wrong doings with us yet still waiting for costs on something a week later. I have been given all the excuses under the sun over the past few months- our email didn't work for two weeks (so my 4 emails and 3 phone calls didn't make it through), all my phone numbers were engaged when I asked for a phone call (impossible since my work, home and mobile are all through to voice mail), and total non responses to requests. I'm with Back Pocket on this - I don't care how many houses they have to look after. I'm spending hundreds of thousands of dollars for them to do a job and I expect them to provide reasonable customer service. Land title: July 2013 .. Oct 2013 ... Nov 2013, Dec 2013 and now February 2014 Anticipated start date: sept 2013... Feb 2014 ...back to Jan 2014 and now March 2014 One day it might happen ... Re: Porter Davis homes 7859Aug 15, 2013 9:45 am MummaDJ We have a great BC and SS. I would be very careful about having a thread as mentioned above. Just remember your legal stuff. Also, at the end of the day, if you have a problem, then you should be speaking to their management or send Helen on here a PM. Agree with this Re: Porter Davis homes 7860Aug 15, 2013 10:38 am Jackula ajd78 Quote: Also, anyone who is have a building inspector - highly recommend Houspect. We have got them for the 5 stages. They did slab and highlighted a few minor issues but I guess that would overcome the potential prob relating to wrong plans - picking them up at a very early stage! We were quoted by Building Expert but haven't commited to anything yet, been hearing good things about them too. Why were there 5 stages for you? I thought there were 4 stages only - pre-slab, frame, pre-plaster and final? Hi Jackula. We have been very impressed with Houspect - with the contact we have had. They are very approachable and very organised. They knew when the slab was to be poured before us! We chose to do the five stages because I wanted someone independent - on my side and I am the sort of person who is very anal and could easily spend 50hr on the weekend with a tape measure making sure plumbing, doors and windows were in the right place. SOOOO, to take the stress off me, we hired them. I want to "try" and enjoy this building experience.. hehe.. You can do all or some or one of their 5 stages but for the $2k (or just under) we are paying for the service, we think it is a good investment given the amount we are spending... Their five stages are; 1) Slab down/base 2) Framework (walls and roof frames) 3) Lock-up (Roof covering, external walls, doors) 4) Fit out/Fixing 5) Practical Completion Hope this helps.... Three options 1 Ask the liquidator 2 Find another PD customer and ask the source of their report 3 Pay for new report 3 12345 Ask for references and speak to them. If they are defensive or try to avoid the request, walk. 1 74719 I would never build with Fowler homes. I built with them in 2021 and till date maintenance issues are pending. All their existing trades and businesses don't work with… 14 105617 |