Browse Forums Building A New House Re: Let down!!! 22May 24, 2011 10:03 am Oh my goodness, I can't believe someone would speak to you like that. These sort of things can be sorted out so easily if everyone is civil about it! I would take it to management. They need to know how their staff are acting... that is unacceptable in my opinion and to threaten to stop progress on your house, he simply can't do that! I would be livid, not so much over the problem with the air con, but just the way you have been treated. Re: Let down!!! 23May 24, 2011 10:58 am rramesh Thanks karmaz I will try giving BACV a call to see what my rights and options are. But in all fairness I haven't given the builder a chance to look into the issue yet. I have escalated the matter and waiting for their response. But Id like to stress on the fact that a lot will depend on how the builder handles this issue. Hi rramesh Like abraham has advised, it seems all builders are the same unfortunately. Similarly as thegourou20 advised, you should not be tolerating all the defects mentioned. You have contracted them to build to specification and this is what they are obligated to provide. As for the abuse, there are avenues if senior building management ignore the situation. This type of behaviour should not be endured during your construction experience. The Building Practitioners Board would be a contact point for you and if your builder happens to be a Master Builder well the MBA membership Code of Conduct requires all business activities in a professional and ethical manner. Re: Let down!!! 24May 24, 2011 11:12 am Thanks SherWin I will look them up. Again and I hope I am right in saying that the actions of one person need not necessarily reflect on the entire company. And I am still to hear back from the management on this issue. I must admit that I was very upset when I made the initial posting yesterday. But I honestly believe that they deserve a fair chance in resolving the issue. Again I am not saying I am happy with what has happened. Tarneit : The Reserve Re: Let down!!! 25May 24, 2011 4:05 pm rramesh We had heard so many good things from our friends who had built with this builder. We were naturally inclined to trust our dream and life savings after months of research on this building company. Our experience so far was quite professional I must say. Yes we weren't a hundred percent happy but we werent unhappy either. But today was a disappointment, I got a very rude call from the SS accusing me of being sly and playing with words. He kept shouting without giving me a chance to even speak. I was at work and it was quite embarrassing I must say. He went on to threaten me that he would further stop progress on the house and tried to intimidate me. Then said he didn't want to talk to me at all. And all this was over an upgrade of the evaporation cooling unit which was around 400$. We are building a house with this builder for over 280K, I think we deserve a lot more respect and professionalism. This aggravation and intimidation form a professional builder is the last thing we expected. We had chosen a brown evaporation cooling unit in the contract. When the unit went up it was grey. So i informed the supervisor of the mistake and he said he will look into it. Next day (Tuesday) I receive an email form the Customer rep saying that the brown is discontinued and the brown is only available in an upgraded version. So I wrote back the same day asking if the builder would bear the cost of the upgrade as I felt if it was the case they would have informed me earlier to actually installing the unit. I did not get a reply till Thursday when I called the supervisor to discuss other issues and asked him as to what was happening with the cooling unit. He said that it was already replaced on Wednesday and that there was a cost for the upgrade. To which I said I will speak with the office about. Come following Monday I receive an email form the CSR saying that she understands I have spoken to the supervisor and I have agreed to the upgrade and she will raise and send me a variation. I reply again saying I haven't agreed and since I did not receive a reply form her and the supervisor had changed the unit PD was in agreement to bear the cost. That's when I get the nasty call from the supervisor saying the CSR has advised him that I am refusing to pay for the evaporation cooling unit. And I am playing with words and he would stop progress on the house etc. I can understand there being a miscommunication and that the supervisor acted in the best of interest. But the conduct was just appalling, I'm a paying customer damn it, if you screwed up you don't call the client and intimidate them to cover up for your mistakes. I didn't make up there rules the builder did they very clearly state a variation sign off is required before making a change. I have asked for the matter to be escalated and will post how this issue gets handled here. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Hi rramesh, I am sorry to hear that you have experienced these issues with your cooling system and your SS. I understand that it is an emotional time for you and I would like to reassure you that we want to resolve these with you. I appreciate your patience during this time. Someone from the PD office shall be in contact with you. Regards, Jess 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: Let down!!! 26May 24, 2011 4:15 pm So I finally get a call from someone at PD I think it was Team PD who organized it and they were very understanding of my situation. The matter is being resolved. So there is some light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks to this forum its been more like a family to us where we find compassion, information and help! Tarneit : The Reserve Re: Let down!!! 29May 24, 2011 10:51 pm I would be very angry if I recieved that call from the SS! I am guessing the cost difference for the upgrade is probably going to have to come out of his pocket if you don't pay! don't sign the variation, they were supposed to have that back before they carry out any work. And they never should of installed the wrong one in the first place you should of been informed first. I'd ask to speak to the head SS about this. Re: Let down!!! 30May 24, 2011 10:52 pm Yes they did wave the 490$, but whats more important to us is the recognition of their faults and rectification of the same at the earliest. I believe mistakes are made by everyone, but what makes a difference is listening, acknowledging and fixing them. Sure this has left a scar and I will still need to deal with the same supervisor. But I believe there is always hope. This forum has helped me before and once again. Cant thank you all enough! Work on my site has come to a standstill for the past one week and they are falling way behind, from the timelines specified in their initial letter . Team PD seems like an effective channel to get through to PD, if you are unable to get past your CSR and SS. The help offered was quick, effective and there was no mucking around! I will post my experience with the SS and the remainder of my build. Tarneit : The Reserve Re: Let down!!! 31May 25, 2011 1:45 pm Glad to hear the issue was resolved rramesh and that, despite the unprofessionalism offered by your SS, you remained composed and dealt with it through the proper channels immediately, rather than letting it fester. Kudos to you! Building Waldorf 44 with PD Feel free to follow our build progress - http://melnrobsknockdownrebuild.blogspot.com/ Re: Let down!!! 32May 25, 2011 2:32 pm Hi All, Just wanted to introduce myself to you, my name is Ebony and I will be looking after the forum for Porter Davis. I have been working alongside Jess for the last month and will now be assisting you with your questions and queries you have about Porter Davis or your build! Ebony 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: Let down!!! 33May 25, 2011 5:43 pm That is why you build you're own house. You organise material, hire tradies. And get the work done properly. And no hidden extras... And if you are a little handy save yourself at least 30 % and get to install Top quality finishes . The building industry here in Australia is a absolute joke. Tradies want doctors wages and Builders want even more. You pay someone so much money they should be washing you're feet with appreciation all the way until you're house is complete because they are making so much money from you're business. Re: Let down!!! 34May 25, 2011 6:13 pm BigO That is why you build you're own house. You organise material, hire tradies. And get the work done properly. And no hidden extras... And if you are a little handy save yourself at least 30 % and get to install Top quality finishes . The building industry here in Australia is a absolute joke. Tradies want doctors wages and Builders want even more. You pay someone so much money they should be washing you're feet with appreciation all the way until you're house is complete because they are making so much money from you're business. I've never understood this way of thinking. Builders have to make money yeah or they would be going broke. Sure going through a builder is more expensive than owner builder, but for me, I couldn't handle the stress and I don't have time to oversee a build, so it's not an option. I understand builders do price things over the top, which is why some things we chose to do after handover, but for the majority of it, I'm happy to pay the builders what they need to get the job done! Re: Let down!!! 35May 25, 2011 6:19 pm Rizzo BigO That is why you build you're own house. You organise material, hire tradies. And get the work done properly. And no hidden extras... And if you are a little handy save yourself at least 30 % and get to install Top quality finishes . The building industry here in Australia is a absolute joke. Tradies want doctors wages and Builders want even more. You pay someone so much money they should be washing you're feet with appreciation all the way until you're house is complete because they are making so much money from you're business. I've never understood this way of thinking. Builders have to make money yeah or they would be going broke. Sure going through a builder is more expensive than owner builder, but for me, I couldn't handle the stress and I don't have time to oversee a build, so it's not an option. I understand builders do price things over the top, which is why some things we chose to do after handover, but for the majority of it, I'm happy to pay the builders what they need to get the job done! On a sqm price basis, volume builders are hard to beat. You may save $30 to $50 but you do bear the liability if something goes wrong while building. Imagine if some broke it and damage your house while building. Plus think about all the extra interest costs you would pay if you take longer than expected to build. No to mention the loss in salary will not working. Re: Let down!!! 36May 25, 2011 9:20 pm Quote: I've never understood this way of thinking. Builders have to make money yeah or they would be going broke. Sure going through a builder is more expensive than owner builder, but for me, I couldn't handle the stress and I don't have time to oversee a build, so it's not an option. I understand builders do price things over the top, which is why some things we chose to do after handover, but for the majority of it, I'm happy to pay the builders what they need to get the job done! I got to agree with you on that one. I think owner building is not for everyone. You need to have an interest in building and be willing to learn. If you can do that then the rewards are amazing. If not then leave it to the experts. Quote: On a sqm price basis, volume builders are hard to beat. You may save $30 to $50 but you do bear the liability if something goes wrong while building. Imagine if some broke it and damage your house while building. Plus think about all the extra interest costs you would pay if you take longer than expected to build. No to mention the loss in salary will not working. Construction insurance covers all damage and other liabilities. I am owner bulding my first house at the moment. It is a 35 square double storey home. Brick downstairs and Render finish upstairs. The slab is done, frame finished, roofs (flat roofs and roof tiles )installed. Waiting for windows and bricklayer to start. I have surpassed all the unforeseeable costs that are mostly incurred at foundation stage. So my total figure to finish my house will be $350,000 and I have all costs and quotes for all other work to be done. So it turns out to be around $10,00 a square meter. Not sure if that is cheap or expensive. But what I do know is the inclusions included: Land is H class (Rocky Site) - Not sure how much extra the builder charge for Rock encounterd. The house is on a corner so a 32 meter retaining wall had to be built. That is done just needs to be rendered. - 3 meter ceilings downstairs - 2.7 upstairs - Whole house plaster is square set finished - Structural steel 10 beams as house is broken and has a room on top of garage o Rare to see with Volume builders because of extra costs involved that is why you see no upper storey on top of garages. - Enhanced floor Trusses to upstairs - Pryda 410mm high Longreach floor trusses using MGP12 timber (Not one squeak) Compared to standard 250 or 350mm high metal webbed systems (what you see typically). - 5.5m x 3.5 meter tiled balcony - Hawthorn Bricks downstairs - Extruded polystyrene (Superior to Expanded which is what is typically used) and render to upstairs - 900mm wide eaves - Commercial aluminium Tinted windows & doors (opposed to standard commercial are bigger thicker frames ) - And I have a lot of windows every room upstairs has at least 3 meters in length of windows). Downstairs has a lot of big windows and big doors a few to mention: 5.4 meter x 2.4 meters high window 4.7 meter stacker door - 3.3 meter stacker door upstairs ……… - Island Kitchen with concealed kitchen and pantry - 50mm ceaser stone benchtops - Ducted vacuum system / Alarm and video to door x 2 external cameras - Free standing baths to ensuite and bathroom - Caroma Cube wall faced Invisi (built in wall cistern) to all toilets x 3 - Floor to ceiling tiled bathrooms x 2 with tiled showers - Kohler Rainwater tile shower heads (German made) x 2 and Kohler hand showers to both bathrooms (Kohler is top of the range in luxury) - Cat 6 cabling to all rooms in house including kitchen - 2 Double powerpoint in every room and main living areas quad powerpoints to cinema and family. Basically a powerpoint to every 1.5 meters from anywhere. Around the house - 40 downlights to house - Clipsal Saturn Powerpoint and Switches (Top of the Range) - Boral Engineered Spotted gum flooring to Entire house apart tiled areas(170 meters2) - Refrigerated Cooling and add on heating. - 2 x 5,000 litre water tanks connected to toilets and laundry - …… and a lot more all I could think of for now. What would the square meter price be with above inclusions. This is some of the advantages that an owner builder may be rewarded with. Joy, pride and luxury. Google a few of the products above or if anyone wants more information more than happy to explain further. Might have to do it on another post though. Sorry Ramesh and Sorry PD. No offence to you. You guys are one of the better home builder out there. Sound like you need to keep you're Site Supervisors in line. Re: Let down!!! 38May 25, 2011 10:03 pm BigO Quote: I've never understood this way of thinking. Builders have to make money yeah or they would be going broke. Sure going through a builder is more expensive than owner builder, but for me, I couldn't handle the stress and I don't have time to oversee a build, so it's not an option. I understand builders do price things over the top, which is why some things we chose to do after handover, but for the majority of it, I'm happy to pay the builders what they need to get the job done! I got to agree with you on that one. I think owner building is not for everyone. You need to have an interest in building and be willing to learn. If you can do that then the rewards are amazing. If not then leave it to the experts. Quote: On a sqm price basis, volume builders are hard to beat. You may save $30 to $50 but you do bear the liability if something goes wrong while building. Imagine if some broke it and damage your house while building. Plus think about all the extra interest costs you would pay if you take longer than expected to build. No to mention the loss in salary will not working. Construction insurance covers all damage and other liabilities. I am owner bulding my first house at the moment. It is a 35 square double storey home. Brick downstairs and Render finish upstairs. The slab is done, frame finished, roofs (flat roofs and roof tiles )installed. Waiting for windows and bricklayer to start. I have surpassed all the unforeseeable costs that are mostly incurred at foundation stage. So my total figure to finish my house will be $350,000 and I have all costs and quotes for all other work to be done. So it turns out to be around $10,00 a square meter. Not sure if that is cheap or expensive. But what I do know is the inclusions included: Land is H class (Rocky Site) - Not sure how much extra the builder charge for Rock encounterd. The house is on a corner so a 32 meter retaining wall had to be built. That is done just needs to be rendered. - 3 meter ceilings downstairs - 2.7 upstairs - Whole house plaster is square set finished - Structural steel 10 beams as house is broken and has a room on top of garage o Rare to see with Volume builders because of extra costs involved that is why you see no upper storey on top of garages. - Enhanced floor Trusses to upstairs - Pryda 410mm high Longreach floor trusses using MGP12 timber (Not one squeak) Compared to standard 250 or 350mm high metal webbed systems (what you see typically). - 5.5m x 3.5 meter tiled balcony - Hawthorn Bricks downstairs - Extruded polystyrene (Superior to Expanded which is what is typically used) and render to upstairs - 900mm wide eaves - Commercial aluminium Tinted windows & doors (opposed to standard commercial are bigger thicker frames ) - And I have a lot of windows every room upstairs has at least 3 meters in length of windows). Downstairs has a lot of big windows and big doors a few to mention: 5.4 meter x 2.4 meters high window 4.7 meter stacker door - 3.3 meter stacker door upstairs ……… - Island Kitchen with concealed kitchen and pantry - 50mm ceaser stone benchtops - Ducted vacuum system / Alarm and video to door x 2 external cameras - Free standing baths to ensuite and bathroom - Caroma Cube wall faced Invisi (built in wall cistern) to all toilets x 3 - Floor to ceiling tiled bathrooms x 2 with tiled showers - Kohler Rainwater tile shower heads (German made) x 2 and Kohler hand showers to both bathrooms (Kohler is top of the range in luxury) - Cat 6 cabling to all rooms in house including kitchen - 2 Double powerpoint in every room and main living areas quad powerpoints to cinema and family. Basically a powerpoint to every 1.5 meters from anywhere. Around the house - 40 downlights to house - Clipsal Saturn Powerpoint and Switches (Top of the Range) - Boral Engineered Spotted gum flooring to Entire house apart tiled areas(170 meters2) - Refrigerated Cooling and add on heating. - 2 x 5,000 litre water tanks connected to toilets and laundry - …… and a lot more all I could think of for now. What would the square meter price be with above inclusions. This is some of the advantages that an owner builder may be rewarded with. Joy, pride and luxury. Google a few of the products above or if anyone wants more information more than happy to explain further. Might have to do it on another post though. Sorry Ramesh and Sorry PD. No offence to you. You guys are one of the better home builder out there. Sound like you need to keep you're Site Supervisors in line. sounds really good, love to see pics of your place. $10k per sqm is good for a quality home. How long is a "long period"? For a few weeks, it should be ok. 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