Browse Forums Building A New House Scratches on window frames 5247May 06, 2012 10:39 pm I'm hoping someone from PD can help as we're getting nowhere with our SS now the house has been handed over (on 23 March). At handover it was noted that 3 of our window frames would get repaired/touched up as they were previously damaged from an attempted theft (in addition to 2 others which already had been repaired). I was concerned that the repairs would be noticeable but SS was confident they could be done well and if we weren't happy they would be replaced. The repairer came and repaired one of the windows (a slight dint was still visible but we were willing to let that go) but said he couldn't do the other two but said he'd get someone else out to put an aluminium cover on each one. He also said he'd called the SS to come out and inspect them for himself on that day. When SS didn't come I texted him and he said he couldn't make it that day. Days later when I didn't hear back from the SS I sent a few emails to him and BC. I eventually got a reply from the BC who said our SS said 'all has been completed). All had not been completed so I called the SS to explain that the 2 other windows were in the same condition as the they at handover so he said he'd come and look for himself the next day. The next day I texted him to ask if he came and he said no, he couldn't make it. The day after that he didn't show again. My partner then contacted him and he told her that we should stop with the messaging and that he doesn’t think there’s anything wrong with them. What gives? When someone says they'll do something I expect them to do it. It's already been 6 weeks since handover. Our new house has already got repaired windows (not new ones as one would expect) so I don't think we're being unreasonable. Can someone at PD please help? Below is an image of one of the windows that needs attention. There's also another one with a slight blemish. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Re: Porter Davis homes 5248May 07, 2012 8:19 am Well.. We had a 3 month 'maintenance' inspection.. which really should be re-worded too.. 'Porter Davis will fix what they think they need thinking not what the owner or SS said would be fixed inspection" So the back story. Our SS was awesome.. well awesome until we handed over. He was solid in the sense that nothing was ever a issue. It was all good, we would raise a problem. He would sort it out. When we handed over, there were 4 items. * Alarm Install - Was installed the day after we handed over * After PCI, the Painter left some paint on the bricks, brick cleaner was ment to come. Never did, SS said, its ok the 3 month guys will sort it. * A window sill needed replacing - Its ok the 3 month guy will do it. * A Cracked Tile. - Its ok the 3 month guy will fix it.. * Issues with paint we noticed over the first few days.. same as above. Well.. The Maintenance people came. In the first 2 mins of convo, he said he wasnt there to look at the problems we had identified and would do his own check. Basically he looked at structual issues, issues with paint/bricks/windows/tiles he basically was not interested. I nearly kicked him out of the house, he was a outright a$$. Its interesting, because after a fairly decent debate, I forced him to note down all the problems with the house, including those not resolved by the SS in good faith. All the maitenance issues were also noted on the form. Some of the things he didnt want to fix. * Tiles as you would expect have shrunk and pulled away from the wall. Instead of corking next to the doors, they have used grout, the grout has cracked. Said I should fix that myself. * Reckons we broke the tile. Yer right. * Reckons the stain splashes on our entry wall are scuff marks. They are the same colour as the door stain. * Overpainting only obvious in certain lighting conditions (night mainly) are acceptable. * Our heater, which is clearly too powerful for the duct system installed is 'normal' accept the sound from the vents is like a vacuum. They are all on the list, but what a nightmare, seriously dont know why I bothered. Ebony, dont worry about replying, ill be calling in to HQ this morning. ***************** Just a word of advice for all. During PCI. Take your time. And I mean HOURS. Note everything down, the PCI form only accepts about 14 defects, use a seperate piece of paper. Have it all agreed too. When you come back to check if they are resolved. Make sure all items are completed, and re-check the entire house for new defects. Have them also noted and resolved. And then and only then will you sign the form saying the defects are resolved. Dont ever take the lead from your SS. Because the reason is, he doesnt get his nice little ontime bonus until handover, handover cannot be done with out a signed off PCI form. Anything on that form, not completed but signed will never ever be done, or more importantly, will be a uphill battle with maintenance. Dont rely on your SS to say he will work on it in the first 3 months, they simply dont. Maintenance will not solve general house problems. They will look at the structure, check windows/doors for movement. Look at any cracks, and do a outside. He didnt get into the roof. Didnt check tiles. Basically I actually dont get the point of the inspection. Its more smoke and mirrors. Re: Porter Davis homes 5249May 07, 2012 8:48 am Wow, how frustrating for you humble and khamtran. I really hope you both get satisfactory resolutions from PD. You have given some great advice, humble. It's a long way off for us, but will definately be taking it on board. Re: Porter Davis homes 5250May 07, 2012 9:04 am Humble I totally agree with you. It can be a battle getting the maintenance guys to agree to fixing things. Simply PD don’t want to spend any more money on fixing things. EVERYONE DONT HANDOVER UNTIL THE HOUSE IS FINISHED. They have a legal obligations to repairs anything with is not within building standards so push them hard to fix it. Everyone has a different experience with the maintenance guys and you have got a person who doesn't care. PD as a company will fix the issues. Re: Porter Davis homes 5251May 07, 2012 12:48 pm JLD Hi All, Just checking in after 2 weeks in Thailand....beautiful trip but excited to come home and see the house. Drove by in the dark last night and saw the render had been started outside. Will be off shortly to go and peek in the windows, painter not there today apparently so will have to wait til Monday to go through properly. Spoke to SS and he's happy for us to visit and will have a walk through with him to discuss stair paint next week. Will update my thread later today, looking forward to catching up om people's news....I think a few of you guys are finished! Hi JLD, Glad you managed to have a great holiday and that the house is progressing! Be sure to keep us updated Cheers, 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 Porter Davis homes 5252May 07, 2012 1:11 pm That really sucks humble, I hope it gets sorted out for you. We are only just in but hearing some of these stories makes me nervous for our maintenance check! We took a big risk and moved in before everything had been fixed (it saved us lots of money as we had lots of help and a free truck that we may not have had otherwise) but so far (touch wood) everything has been fine and our SS has had plenty fixed for us with the only outstanding issues being the concrete in our garage and porch has mortar or paint stains on it, a tiny paint touch up at our doorstep (was fixed but then PDs sparkies walked in wet before the paint was dry ad dripped on it leaving marks) and we have a pipe sticking out of our front yard that needs to be cut down and have a drain put on the end of it. I'm hoping these get done, I haven't had a reply in regards to these, but he has been so good with all the other things I guess I will wait and see what happens! Re: Porter Davis homes 5253May 07, 2012 1:14 pm I hear ya humble. We have been in for over a year and are still waiting for issues to be fixed. It seems that if it can't be solved with "no more gaps" they aren't interested. I'm worried about PD's proposed solution to our dropped back door ... They want to trim the door so it will close properly ... Seems like a band-aid fix to me! Built the PD Heywood 29 - Williams Landing Stage 3 Re: Porter Davis homes 5254May 07, 2012 1:56 pm Wateman That really sucks humble, I hope it gets sorted out for you. We are only just in but hearing some of these stories makes me nervous for our maintenance check! We took a big risk and moved in before everything had been fixed (it saved us lots of money as we had lots of help and a free truck that we may not have had otherwise) but so far (touch wood) everything has been fine and our SS has had plenty fixed for us with the only outstanding issues being the concrete in our garage and porch has mortar or paint stains on it, a tiny paint touch up at our doorstep (was fixed but then PDs sparkies walked in wet before the paint was dry ad dripped on it leaving marks) and we have a pipe sticking out of our front yard that needs to be cut down and have a drain put on the end of it. I'm hoping these get done, I haven't had a reply in regards to these, but he has been so good with all the other things I guess I will wait and see what happens! We made the mistake of handing over before things were fixed which I regret. We were threatened with delay interest payments if we held handover up by our SS and BC which wasn't very nice. I'm sure things would've been addressed quicker and avoided us some stress had we held off. Re: Porter Davis homes 5255May 07, 2012 4:14 pm Ebony, I know I am know longer building, but if you could have one of your lovely people call me about the $600 water bill PD left me that would be great, I have called HQ three times, sent a email twice, and havent heard back. The invoice will come in the mail shortly. Re: Porter Davis homes 5256May 07, 2012 5:57 pm humble Well.. We had a 3 month 'maintenance' inspection.. which really should be re-worded too.. 'Porter Davis will fix what they think they need thinking not what the owner or SS said would be fixed inspection" So the back story. Our SS was awesome.. well awesome until we handed over. He was solid in the sense that nothing was ever a issue. It was all good, we would raise a problem. He would sort it out. When we handed over, there were 4 items. * Alarm Install - Was installed the day after we handed over * After PCI, the Painter left some paint on the bricks, brick cleaner was ment to come. Never did, SS said, its ok the 3 month guys will sort it. * A window sill needed replacing - Its ok the 3 month guy will do it. * A Cracked Tile. - Its ok the 3 month guy will fix it.. * Issues with paint we noticed over the first few days.. same as above. Well.. The Maintenance people came. In the first 2 mins of convo, he said he wasnt there to look at the problems we had identified and would do his own check. Basically he looked at structual issues, issues with paint/bricks/windows/tiles he basically was not interested. I nearly kicked him out of the house, he was a outright a$$. Its interesting, because after a fairly decent debate, I forced him to note down all the problems with the house, including those not resolved by the SS in good faith. All the maitenance issues were also noted on the form. Some of the things he didnt want to fix. * Tiles as you would expect have shrunk and pulled away from the wall. Instead of corking next to the doors, they have used grout, the grout has cracked. Said I should fix that myself. * Reckons we broke the tile. Yer right. * Reckons the stain splashes on our entry wall are scuff marks. They are the same colour as the door stain. * Overpainting only obvious in certain lighting conditions (night mainly) are acceptable. * Our heater, which is clearly too powerful for the duct system installed is 'normal' accept the sound from the vents is like a vacuum. They are all on the list, but what a nightmare, seriously dont know why I bothered. Ebony, dont worry about replying, ill be calling in to HQ this morning. ***************** Just a word of advice for all. During PCI. Take your time. And I mean HOURS. Note everything down, the PCI form only accepts about 14 defects, use a seperate piece of paper. Have it all agreed too. When you come back to check if they are resolved. Make sure all items are completed, and re-check the entire house for new defects. Have them also noted and resolved. And then and only then will you sign the form saying the defects are resolved. Dont ever take the lead from your SS. Because the reason is, he doesnt get his nice little ontime bonus until handover, handover cannot be done with out a signed off PCI form. Anything on that form, not completed but signed will never ever be done, or more importantly, will be a uphill battle with maintenance. Dont rely on your SS to say he will work on it in the first 3 months, they simply dont. Maintenance will not solve general house problems. They will look at the structure, check windows/doors for movement. Look at any cracks, and do a outside. He didnt get into the roof. Didnt check tiles. Basically I actually dont get the point of the inspection. Its more smoke and mirrors. Lessons learnt for people who are in the constructing stage...one should not accept until defects/issues have been sorted...good luck mate...keep us updated with the outcome Re: Porter Davis homes 5257May 07, 2012 5:59 pm humble Ebony, I know I am know longer building, but if you could have one of your lovely people call me about the $600 water bill PD left me that would be great, I have called HQ three times, sent a email twice, and havent heard back. The invoice will come in the mail shortly. Not paying a bill is really unprofessional behaviour by Australia's most professional builder. Isn't there another way where the bill gets sent to their HQ and does not arrive in your mailbox. Re: Porter Davis homes 5258May 07, 2012 6:14 pm J & C humble Ebony, I know I am know longer building, but if you could have one of your lovely people call me about the $600 water bill PD left me that would be great, I have called HQ three times, sent a email twice, and havent heard back. The invoice will come in the mail shortly. Not paying a bill is really unprofessional behaviour by Australia's most professional builder. Isn't there another way where the bill gets sent to their HQ and does not arrive in your mailbox. PD dont pay for the water, its the owners responsibility. That said. I wouldnt think 100,000 Litres of water would 'fair use' Re: Porter Davis homes 5259May 07, 2012 6:22 pm humble J & C humble Ebony, I know I am know longer building, but if you could have one of your lovely people call me about the $600 water bill PD left me that would be great, I have called HQ three times, sent a email twice, and havent heard back. The invoice will come in the mail shortly. Not paying a bill is really unprofessional behaviour by Australia's most professional builder. Isn't there another way where the bill gets sent to their HQ and does not arrive in your mailbox. PD dont pay for the water, its the owners responsibility. That said. I wouldnt think 100,000 Litres of water would 'fair use' What about the other have they received bills for similar amounts. I was under the impression they pay for both water and electricity usage. I should read our contract... Re: Porter Davis homes 5260May 07, 2012 6:30 pm J & C What about the other have they received bills for similar amounts. I was under the impression they pay for both water and electricity usage. I should read our contract... Power they pay, you pay for water and the services. Apparently thats fair. I called them on it during contract, but they wouldnt budge, I argued that they would use excess, I would be left with it. As I now know. One thing out of mouths doesnt equal the same in reality. I got a bill for $600. 113,000 Litres of water used during construction. For perspective, this pool holds 100,000 Litres. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Three options 1 Ask the liquidator 2 Find another PD customer and ask the source of their report 3 Pay for new report 3 12344 Ask for references and speak to them. If they are defensive or try to avoid the request, walk. 1 74715 I would never build with Fowler homes. I built with them in 2021 and till date maintenance issues are pending. All their existing trades and businesses don't work with… 14 105587 |