Browse Forums Building A New House Re: Custom builder in Canberra 8Nov 17, 2022 9:24 am We recently built with ABM Homes, Not sure what there prices are like now or if they are one of the builders you have already approached. Seemed pretty reasonable price for what was included as standard, my Mother build with GJ Gardner in Gunning and I assume this will be different from the team in Canberra but Hers and mine are worlds different in regards to inclusions. Hers didn't even include the driveway etc. Overall I am pretty happy with the finished product from ABM, I wish there was a bit more attention to detail on the build though as there are some things I just don't think ended up being done to the quality of his other houses. I think our build was in a bit of a tough time as materials weren't much of a problem but they had issues getting trades which I think ended up with sub par ones as our build went over the estimated 6 months etc. He is always contactable also as I have had questions and needing things to be looked at even though we are over our 3 months now, which I know for some ends up being a hassle trying to contact the builder after everything is said and done. Happy to discuss further if you want to ask any questions etc, this was my first build so there was alot of things I should have paid more attention to etc that was missed. Re: Custom builder in Canberra 9Nov 17, 2022 9:37 pm Thank you for your replies Utilitarian and MrSober. As I mentioned, we need a custom builder, a local small company, not with a big name, and not a volume builder. Regarding the big names mentioned, one of the names mentioned is constantly in courts for misleading their customers. A recent case with a young couple who were mislead and the house they got is not liveable due to serious issues which the couple did not notice in the contract. A colleague of mine had an extremely bad experience with the same builder. Forget about communication and custom design with volume builders. Regarding the ratings, unfortunately in many cases they have nothing to do with the reality and no one can verify these ratings. Anyway, will continue my search. Thanks again. Re: Custom builder in Canberra 10Nov 18, 2022 8:28 am Suggest ignoring all 4-5 star reviews and the aggregate ratiings based on these. These template "unicorns and rainbows" reviews are mostly paid for by the builders as a key element of their social media marketing programs to 'bury' genuine customers' 1-3 star reviews. Its digital marketing 101. Who knows where these fluffy 'verified' reviews come from! The only way to be reasonably confident any online review is genuine is to speak with the actual customer in person, or on an identified phone number. Any decent builder would be able to readily provide these contacts. Re: Custom builder in Canberra 11Nov 18, 2022 9:14 am I thought ABM would have fit that to a T, as they are a local small custom builder. Our price at the time was around $1,800psqm, I assume these prices may have gone up by now as we signed back in 2020. But nonetheless good luck in your search, hopefully you find the right one for your build.
I usually try and break it up with what is said in the review, will usually give away if its a fake or less genuine review, the problem is most people are way more likely to post when they have a bad experience than a good one. When you think you have been wronged you will usually want to tell everyone about it, most people when they get the service they expect won't bother logging onto a site to post a review. Another reason you really need to read into all the reviews also, is even some of the lower star ones the "issue" they had is sometimes something that doesn't even make sense etc. I have been selling on eBay for years and it takes alot of work from my end just to get a handful of people to leave feedback, you usually have to send them a message after delivery asking if everything was how it was expected and if they are 100% happy to please take the time to leave positive feedback. Out of 500 sales you may only get like 15 or so that actually bother. Re: Custom builder in Canberra 13Nov 18, 2022 10:39 am I agree with Kippers01 regarding ratings. Furthermore, it is obvious that some builders pretend to be customers on these forums and make their posts. I am glad that you had a good experience with ABM MrSober. However, McDJ, Rowson, ABM, Achieve / Sunny homes are out of my list. One more thing I noticed, when you check awards magazines and let us say someone won in the category of up to 400K, and you go to the same display and ask for how much they built that house, they will tell you double the mentioned amount or even more (I have done that with a well known builder). In other words, tons of speculation and not demanding customers and as a result we have this crazy market. Re: Custom builder in Canberra 14Nov 18, 2022 2:18 pm Good Luck with your search for a good builder in Canberra. I have yet to hear something good about any builder in Canberra. Every builder will have two sets of feedback, for some the result has been great but for some the experience been a nightmare. I would suggest going with someone who has a reputation at stake as they would not want a negative publicity. For very small builders who just one or two houses a year, there is nothing to lose and you may end up with someone who doesnt really cares about you. Re: Custom builder in Canberra 15Nov 21, 2022 2:49 pm suku18 Good Luck with your search for a good builder in Canberra. I have yet to hear something good about any builder in Canberra. Every builder will have two sets of feedback, for some the result has been great but for some the experience been a nightmare. I would suggest going with someone who has a reputation at stake as they would not want a negative publicity. For very small builders who just one or two houses a year, there is nothing to lose and you may end up with someone who doesnt really cares about you. Any builder that Lighthouse architecture uses would be good. They are probably quite pricey though. 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 20978 Wow I hadn't realised things had gotten that pricey in just a couple of years since I built, that is crazy with how much land is now costing if you aren't lucky enough to… 3 7379 Hello, we can help you please get in contact 0421019219 thank you 3 32236 |