Porter Davis homes

building1 · Jan 12, 2011 7:16 pm

mqtutor

Team PD

mqtutor

I was told by my CSA that I'm not allowed to change the facade because the plan has been draw, I haven't signed anything, is it the case for everyone?

Also, after signing the contract, can I change the tiles? or is it better we go to the showroom again (on the weekend), and take note the model / material number before hand?

Hi mqtutor,

It's best to discuss this with your Customer Service Administrator, they will be able to tell you what is possible in regards to your build

If you have any problems getting in contact with them, just let me know. Cheers, Jess.

I did. She told me the facade canNot be changed because the drawing has been ordered.

If we have variations (re. tiles) after signing the contract, do we need to come back to PD office again to sign the paper works?

Does anyone has the same experience?

We had changes (post contract variations) which we did go into the office for, it's a good idea anyway just so there are no misunderstandings.

Thanks Jess for answering my query, i'm just really trying to cut out the middle man because i'm impatient and want everything perfect

mqtutor · Jan 12, 2011 7:46 pm

building1

We had changes (post contract variations) which we did go into the office for, it's a good idea anyway just so there are no misunderstandings.

I would like to change the tiles and laminex colour, but I don't remember the model or code number, can I go to showroom again? and later tell the CSA the model or colour?

Thanks

building1 · Jan 12, 2011 7:57 pm

mqtutor

building1

We had changes (post contract variations) which we did go into the office for, it's a good idea anyway just so there are no misunderstandings.

I would like to change the tiles and laminex colour, but I don't remember the model or code number, can I go to showroom again? and later tell the CSA the model or colour?

Thanks

For sure, I think we went to the showroom 3 times, changed my mind a few times on a few things (kitchen, wall colour, bath type) emailed back and forth, and I think I went in there once as well, i'm sure my CSO was sick thought of me LOL

mqtutor · Jan 12, 2011 8:12 pm

building1

For sure, I think we went to the showroom 3 times, changed my mind a few times on a few things (kitchen, wall colour, bath type) emailed back and forth, and I think I went in there once as well, i'm sure my CSO was sick thought of me LOL

Alright. So it's possible... Can we go back to showroom on the weekdays or weekend only (when it's opened for public)??

Did you email the CSO to update the contract and then finally signed the variation contract after you made up your mind?

About the wall colour, can we choose different colour for bedrooms and living rooms wall without extra charges?

building1 · Jan 12, 2011 8:28 pm

mqtutor

building1

For sure, I think we went to the showroom 3 times, changed my mind a few times on a few things (kitchen, wall colour, bath type) emailed back and forth, and I think I went in there once as well, i'm sure my CSO was sick thought of me LOL

Alright. So it's possible... Can we go back to showroom on the weekdays or weekend only (when it's opened for public)??

Did you email the CSO to update the contract and then finally signed the variation contract after you made up your mind?

About the wall colour, can we choose different colour for bedrooms and living rooms wall without extra charges?

We only went on the weekends when the showrooms were open.

Yep, emailed our CSO the changes and she updated the variation for us.

I'm pretty sure if you choose more than one colour for the walls there is an extra charge, we have chosen the same colour throughout.

Lunchtime · Jan 12, 2011 8:49 pm

We were quoted $170 per wall for the painter to dip his brush into a different coloured tin. Needless to say we will do it after handover as the prep work is the hardest part of painting and that should be flawless - so its fairly easy to put up another colour

flagstaffIV · Jan 12, 2011 8:53 pm

$170!

Rediculous!!

We've just painted a feature wall and part of our study for <$150 including equipment and my paint job is heaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaps better!

Kathy&Ben · Jan 13, 2011 1:10 pm

Hi All, dose PD use F5 timber for all your house frame? As I know, MGP10 timber is much better quality and PD used to use MGO10 for framing, but they change to F5 now, probably the cost saving for them. I really start to worry about the safety of my house structure. Specially when the natural disaster comes

just Erin · Jan 13, 2011 1:27 pm

Kathy&Ben

Hi All, dose PD use F5 timber for all your house frame? As I know, MGP10 timber is much better quality and PD used to use MGO10 for framing, but they change to F5 now, probably the cost saving for them. I really start to worry about the safety of my house structure. Specially when the natural disaster comes

Kathy&Ben, I dont think ANY frame will survive a natural disaster

If you're concerned about timber frames, perhaps speak with a builder who uses steel frames for peace of mind

Team PD · Jan 13, 2011 3:37 pm

mqtutor

building1

For sure, I think we went to the showroom 3 times, changed my mind a few times on a few things (kitchen, wall colour, bath type) emailed back and forth, and I think I went in there once as well, i'm sure my CSO was sick thought of me LOL

Alright. So it's possible... Can we go back to showroom on the weekdays or weekend only (when it's opened for public)??

Did you email the CSO to update the contract and then finally signed the variation contract after you made up your mind?

About the wall colour, can we choose different colour for bedrooms and living rooms wall without extra charges?

Hi mqtutor,

If you're unsure about a model or code number regarding tiles or laminex, then I suggest visiting the Hopetoun Interiors or National Tiles showroom again and talking to the staff there, they'll be able to help you out. But again, with any variations, this is something you need to direct to your CSA first and foremost to see what is possible. In regards to your question about paint, you can choose a different colour for bedrooms and living rooms, but it will be at an extra charge. You're CSA will be able to give you the figures. I hope that helps. Cheers, Jess.

mimi23 · Jan 13, 2011 5:06 pm

Team PD

Hi Mimi23,

I am sorry to hear that you were disappointed with the unavailability of the mirrored splash backs as seen in the display home, I have looked into this for you to see what has happened. In 2008 we were advised on some ongoing issues with mirrored splashbacks, unfortunately, at the time there were already some displays with this product onsite and we were unable to change them over. These displays are due to be closing soon and mirrored splashbacks have not been part of the selection range for almost 3 years now. Again, I'm sorry for any disappointments this may have caused. Which splash back did you end up choosing instead? Cheers, Jess.

Hi Jess,

Thanks for the info on the mirror splashback.
We have our colour appointment on the 20th and I think we'll probably be having the low iron glass splashback in Dulux Candlebark.
We have seen it in the The Sandpiper and it looks

We are booked in for a March site start, so hopefully all goes well.

Belial · Jan 14, 2011 7:02 am

Hi Jess,
I've sent you a PM if you could look into it for us we'd appreciate it.

-Belial

Team PD · Jan 14, 2011 9:36 am

Kathy&Ben

Hi All, dose PD use F5 timber for all your house frame? As I know, MGP10 timber is much better quality and PD used to use MGO10 for framing, but they change to F5 now, probably the cost saving for them. I really start to worry about the safety of my house structure. Specially when the natural disaster comes

Hi Kathy&Ben,

You have no need to worry, PD do use F5 timber which complies with all the building codes. There is a significant cost difference between F5 and MGP10, however we don't think it provides a necessary benefit as F5 is good quality pine timber and BCA compliant. I hope that helps. Cheers, Jess.

Team PD · Jan 14, 2011 9:53 am

Belial

Hi Jess,
I've sent you a PM if you could look into it for us we'd appreciate it.

-Belial

Hi Belial,

Thank you. I have received your PM and will look into this for you. Cheers, Jess.

Team PD · Jan 14, 2011 10:37 am

mimi23

Team PD

Hi Mimi23,

I am sorry to hear that you were disappointed with the unavailability of the mirrored splash backs as seen in the display home, I have looked into this for you to see what has happened. In 2008 we were advised on some ongoing issues with mirrored splashbacks, unfortunately, at the time there were already some displays with this product onsite and we were unable to change them over. These displays are due to be closing soon and mirrored splashbacks have not been part of the selection range for almost 3 years now. Again, I'm sorry for any disappointments this may have caused. Which splash back did you end up choosing instead? Cheers, Jess.

Hi Jess,

Thanks for the info on the mirror splashback.
We have our colour appointment on the 20th and I think we'll probably be having the low iron glass splashback in Dulux Candlebark.
We have seen it in the The Sandpiper and it looks ::kiss::

We are booked in for a March site start, so hopefully all goes well.

Hi mimi23,

You're welcome, I'm glad I could help!

Goodluck with your colour selection appointment, It's a fun appointment which Im sure you'll enjoy

It's great to see that you're getting some ideas together. I look forward to hearing about your selections and ideas in the weeks to follow. Let me know if you have any questions. Cheers, Jess.

Belial · Jan 14, 2011 11:00 am

Team PD

Belial

Hi Jess,
I've sent you a PM if you could look into it for us we'd appreciate it.

-Belial

Hi Belial,

Thank you. I have received your PM and will look into this for you. Cheers, Jess.

Thanks for the quick response Jess, just had a conversation with Neil who said it should be sorted this afternoon.

inverell · Jan 14, 2011 12:14 pm

Kathy&Ben

Hi All, dose PD use F5 timber for all your house frame? As I know, MGP10 timber is much better quality and PD used to use MGO10 for framing, but they change to F5 now, probably the cost saving for them. I really start to worry about the safety of my house structure. Specially when the natural disaster comes

Hi there,

I'm not sure if the rating of your timber will save you from a natural disaster but I do know that using MGP10 over F5 will have tangible benefits. I actually chose my builder over Porter Davis for this reason (and then I paid my chippy cash in hand to fix the studs at the traditional 450 centers, not 600, which is what volume builders do these days).

Incidentally, my site supervisor previously worked for PD Prestige and during one of our frank discussions he told me of the problems he had using F5 timber due to it warping during construction. In some instances (especially if the frame was erected in winter or was exposed for lengthy periods), the warping was so pronounced that the walls were not straight or level and noticeably out of plumb by lock-up stage. The lock-up chippy would then have a huge task addressing this problem before plastering (assuming that it was addressed in the first instance and secondly, that it was fixed adequately). This is even before we consider the long term effects and natural movement and settlement of the frame.

My suggestion to anyone building a house is to invest in a 2 meter long spirit level. After the house has been plastered, place the spirit level vertically against all corners and openings to check they are plumb. Then place the spirit level horizontally against all walls to check they are straight (do this at three heights- top, middle and bottom of the wall). The tolerance is +/- 4mm over 2m so get your builder to rectify anything outside of this. Don't be afraid to insist on rectification- I had my builder rip out plaster to 3 rooms.

George's · Jan 17, 2011 9:10 am

Dilemma

Can anyone offer suggestions

PD will not proceed with our file to the building department (even though they advised this was done on the 23rd of December) until they receive a letter of finance approval.
I have provided a pre-approval letter that is subject to: Receipt of plans and permits from the builder.

PD have stated this is not adequate, so it's catch 22
I cannot get an approval letter until the plans are submitted to council, and they WILL NOT send the plans to building until i provide a letter.

I feel that they are being unreasonable, as I have paid so far, more than enough to cover the costs of sending the plans etc to the building department and then council.

Can any give me suggestions to move forward, because at the moment I can only see two options ::angry::

1. - Change Builder
2. - Change Banks

Thanks

wizard · Jan 17, 2011 9:25 am

Hi George's, we had the same problem, what you need to do is give your financial institution a call and give them the details of the person you are dealing with and let them talk to each other. Also, let the person you are dealing with at PD know that that is what you are doing. They will work it out, they did for us

SSAZ · Jan 17, 2011 9:30 am

Hi George's,

We had similar problem, but everything was fixed once PD spoke to my mortgage broker.