We are planning on constructing a house from PD's Prestige designed homes, have finished of with the tiles, colours, electricals. At the end of this we were left wondering with a question "What is the Prestige about PD Prestige homes" ? Everything you want to change is an upgrade, for example the tiles are the same for all their houses, we were told that even certain wall paint colours are upgrades. Even though we had a great sales guy who assisted us with all our questions, this is one question he could not answer.
And off late we have come across a number of cases on this blog of not so happy customers. I guess its good with people displaying their displeasure else nothing will change. So far we have not even reached the constructing phase are seriously wondering if we have made the right choice and if PD will be delivering what they have promised us. It seems like everything is nice and easy and the real horror stories start when the construction starts...Is this true ?
Cheers,
J & C
Hey J&C,
Which home have chosen?
I too read this forum just as we signed up with PD and started getting anxious because of the horror stories that i read, but i just kept it in perspective and reminded myself that this is my own experience and not have preconcieved notions until such time that i experienced it. By all means be very clear and concise in what you want and be thorough during your build but don't expect that the same will happen to you. Every team has different subbies that are used and as in any industry, you get those bad eggs but you can't tar everyone with the same brush. This is where i think PD has to start vetting those subbies that they use. Retain those that consistently get good feedback (like our brilliant Chippie team!) and boot out quickly those bad eggs that give PD a bad name.
My bro and sis in law have built with PD and i followed their build closely and their build experience was great (only one prob was my bro wanted their tiles laid a certain way and specifically asked for this. The tiler they had didn't do it as the specified and when they spoke to the tiler be proceeded to tell my bro that the way he laid the tiles was correct (it had something to do with the centring of the room and how it extended into their hallway) but he didn't realise that my bro is a tiler by trade! big whoopsie there as bro got a big credit out of it ) There is always a solution to any problem. The quality of the house itself is exceptional.
So far our build has gone smoothly. Our framing was done with no hiccups (even though they were putting it up with that atrocious melbourne weather the other week) and we are now just waiting on rooftiles (they were to have been delivered last week but when i went on friday they weren't there). Who knows, the rooftilers could be up there now on this sunshiney day .
I guess what i am trying to say is, yes it seems that this thread is all doom and gloom of late but it's not all bad. Just take things that are said on board and be aware of them.
Good luck with your build and look forward to sharing your journey!
CHeers,
Mel