Porter Davis homes

Or even better run your own conduit at frame stage. They are $25 at bunnings

I'm having a really disappointing first experience with Porter Davis and my build hasn't even begun! What I initially thought was a good deal, not a really great deal, keeps taking a nose dive. Price is a huge consideration in anyones build, especially for first home buyers like myself especially when embarking on the experience by yourself. You can understand that I have been saving for quite a number of years to be able to afford a house which is comfortable but not over the top. It's a common trap to expect to be able to have everything you want in a new house, and an easy one to fall into.

So what's my issue with Porter Davis and why do I want to share it? Simple, this forum is for sharing information and this is information for first home buyers and other buyers that are thinking about going with Porter Davis, it's my experience but I don't speak for everyone. I was quick to jump on an offer before Christmas in November 2011 for a terrace house in Marriott Waters, an estate I had looked at previously and was keen to live in since it's close to family and not too far from work. My first dealings with PD were very welcoming and the sales staff are very friendly and very knowledgable and if the answer wasn't known you would soon have a response. I liked the house, I liked the price, so I signed up and started my PD experience.

From that point on the customer service failed miserably, once assigned a BC (Building Coordinator) I was very slow to receive answers to questions and that was if I got a response. I used the 24 Seven portal to ask questions as soon as I received my login details with no reply from the BC, I then sent a follow up email instead of the 24 Seven portal, after which I received a phone call the next day from the BC with an answer. This was before Christmas and before having had my tile, colours and electrical appointments. Three weeks before needing to choose tiles, colours and electricals I asked a couple of price related questions for my considerations when picking different items to my BC. Two weeks had passed with no response, I sent another follow up email for an answer to which the BC replied apologising as they thought they had answered the email I was promised a response by the end of the day. The next week I chose my tiles, colours and electrical, still now answer from the BC regarding some pricing on items relating to these appointments. To this date I still have not received a response from my BC and my contract signing is next week.

Now it has come to my attention that PD have some very generous specials on the Access range of houses and I can't help but feel extremely ripped off when I haven't even signed a contract. There are items now included which I am paying extra for such as the simple fact of having a remote control garage door, things that should be included as a standard item but instead end up breaking the budget to include in my case, cutting out a lot of other things I would like. Anyone will agree when it comes to money and a lack of service you can't help but feel ripped off.

This is a case where I feel as soon as I signed up for this experience and put my deposit down PD just doesn't care about it's customers. I'm buying a house which I intend to live in for quite a number of years, it's a massive purchase for anyone. While I feel like I'm crying poor I am mainly disgruntled from the extras not included in my package and I'm not normally one to complain. I don't want to take away from the small amount of positive experiences, the most helpful people along the way have been the sales consultant at the beginning, the fantastic staff at National Tiles who should be an example of how to treat customers and lastly the help I received during my electrical appointment, truly amazing customer service.

I'd like to think this is only happening to me but some family members purchased the same house a street across from me and are having exactly the same issues. I'm really disappointed this is the case because PD have such a high reputation, at this point I can almost guarantee when I am next considering building or if friends and family are I would in no circumstances recommend Porter Davis.


A disappointing first post but I needed to vent, thanks for reading

Matt

Hi Matt,

As Tstr1a has stated if you have not signed the contract, you can walk away and they will return your deposit.

And a good BC does make a huge difference...so far we have had two BC's...the first BC was good and replied promptly...the second one is getting there after the initial do not care attitude.

If you think that the current promo is better that the first I don't see a reason (if you ask) they will offer it to you, remember the sales person gets his commission only after you have signed the contract.

Cheers - J & C