I think because we had read the HIA contract, spent countless hours looking at our floorplans and reviewing our WOS documents, we were able to spot the mistakes with ease.
Our BC met with us and introduced us to another BC who would soon take over our build, both were very friendly, knowledgeable and patient while I asked four thousand silly questions and scoured over the contract documents pointing out the mistakes,
Some of the bigger problems were:
- Carpet had been put into the living room (should have been bedrooms only)
- Data points were not the right quantity (only 1 per point instead of 2 or 3)
- Master bedroom had a weird double-door entrance
- Laundry door had been changed to a slider (we flagged this very early on but it still got on the contract document - even our WOS documents had been amended to include 1 less door handle and added the grip handle)
- WOS colours document had changed kitchen handles
- Tiles were floor-to-ceiling in the ensuite
All of these issues were easily rectified, however we spent a good 45 minutes sitting alone in the room while our BC(s) were upstairs talking to the powers that be about getting them done in order for us to sign the contract.
After negotiating a post-contract variation for these items, and a few others (such as external ventilation) we were signed and ready to go.
Or so we thought.
Our site start was scheduled for August. PD were steam rolling ahead to get everything in order for that to happen but then we hit a wall. Our broker wasn't replying to any emails we'd sent him (PD had tried to contact him too) and we began to worry.
Contractually, we were obliged to obtain written approval from the bank within 10 days - that didn't happen.
When we finally got hold of our broker he informed us that the bank wouldn't even look at the contract until after our land had settled. So now we are in a weird state of limbo where nothing can be done until mid-August (weather permitting.... and if you're in Melbourne you know just how crappy the weather has been lately!) and the stress/alarm bells are going off because PD are continuing to work on out file even though we don't have unconditional approval yet.
The estate is looking good (should get some pics!) - street lights are up and the roads look ready to be paved.
I'm confident it will all work out, but we have injected quite a lot of upgrades...
Fingers crossed.
After negotiating a post-contract variation for these items, and a few others (such as external ventilation) we were signed and ready to go.
Or so we thought.
Our site start was scheduled for August. PD were steam rolling ahead to get everything in order for that to happen but then we hit a wall. Our broker wasn't replying to any emails we'd sent him (PD had tried to contact him too) and we began to worry.
Contractually, we were obliged to obtain written approval from the bank within 10 days - that didn't happen.
When we finally got hold of our broker he informed us that the bank wouldn't even look at the contract until after our land had settled. So now we are in a weird state of limbo where nothing can be done until mid-August (weather permitting.... and if you're in Melbourne you know just how crappy the weather has been lately!) and the stress/alarm bells are going off because PD are continuing to work on out file even though we don't have unconditional approval yet.
The estate is looking good (should get some pics!) - street lights are up and the roads look ready to be paved.
I'm confident it will all work out, but we have injected quite a lot of upgrades...
Fingers crossed.
Hi, just found and have read your blog up to date. Everything looks great. We are also building, in outer Eastern Melbourne, and are up to the same stage as you... everything selected... just waiting on land settlement. I have bookmarked your blog so I can keep following you throughout the build. Good luck with everything. If you are interested, my blog is www.tashandpaul.wordpress.com. :)
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