TomCat's new digs!

[Dr Bob]

Well I'm now waiting to hear from the construction manager as the render is "compliant" and completed as per the order

Wonder who gave that ORDER?

 

[blackcat20]

Their digital mock up on the website is a bit of false advertising; no such render around the door.

 

[love_the_life]

Their digital mock up on the website is a bit of false advertising; no such render around the door.
View attachment 133379

And that is what you saw when you ordered your home and what you a) expected and b) wanted.

 

[Pushka]

And red lidded spice jars that do look a bit familiar.

Good branding there. Everyone knows what they are. Very clever.

 

[Pushka]

Their digital mock up on the website is a bit of false advertising; no such render around the door.
View attachment 133379

You are absolutely right in your definition of portico in that picture. It is the ‘add on’ to the front door and not part of the actual building. I think some heavy weights are testing their weight out on you. Clearly they have never met you

 

[JessicaTam]

Their digital mock up on the website is a bit of false advertising; no such render around the door.
View attachment 133379

I am rendered speechless at what they have done. Your picture is concrete evidence that they are in the wrong, and cements your case firmly. No matter what they say, they can't cover up the mistake they have made.

(Ok, that may not have helped the situation, but I feel better)

 

[blackcat20]

I just have to wait for the construction manager to call me to discuss unfortunately. We’re also booked to meet the supervisor on site on Friday. I do love how ‘it’s compliant’ is their coverall for refusing to fix anything that’s wrong

 

[get me outta here]

Would be interesting for them to show you what it is compliant with. Whilst you go armed with everything that proves that it is not compliant.

 

[Milboo]

I would be going with an argument that they are required to deliver to you the product that they have represented in their marketing materials and which you relied upon in purchasing that design.

Yes there is scope to make modifications but other than those agreed variations, it should be the same.

The website clearly shows a brick front and you didn’t ask for render so they need to restore it to brick - that’s the remedy you’re asking for.

 

[blackcat20]

I would be going with an argument that they are required to deliver to you the product that they have represented in their marketing materials and which you relied upon in purchasing that design.

Yes there is scope to make modifications but other than those agreed variations, it should be the same.

The website clearly shows a brick front and you didn’t ask for render so they need to restore it to brick - that’s the remedy you’re asking for.

They’ve been done for false advertising before based on the website images so you’d think they’d be more careful. I’ll definitely be using that image to remind them what they sold me.

I understand it’s difficult to finish the render at the corner but I’m also sure they can find a solution that doesn’t meant rendering right across the front, it’s just not the easiest option.

 

[Pushka]

They’ve been done for false advertising before based on the website images so you’d think they’d be more careful. I’ll definitely be using that image to remind them what they sold me.

I understand it’s difficult to finish the render at the corner but I’m also sure they can find a solution that doesn’t meant rendering right across the front, it’s just not the easiest option.

Well their sketch seems to indicate that they can.

 

[blackcat20]

Hopefully I hear something today. My guess is they want the easy way out, which is leaving it the way it is. I want them to work a little harder to find a solution that I can be happy with, so that my house looks like its meant to.

 

[Pushka]

I withheld the final payment on a house we built in Townsville. The project manager agreed under the circumstances it was a fair deal (and that I had been a very calm and reasonable customer throughout the whole process).

We seem to be dick-head magnets when it comes to builders and trades people

I could give you a hundred examples of shoddy workmanship and total stupidity by builders, plumbers, electricians and tilers. Building and renovations are not for the faint hearted. I applaud anyone who can get through this unscathed and still smiling at the end

I think it’s the industry. When Unions were strong they owned it!
I’ve related before that we bought an apartment off plan. Our block settled first with 2 others still being finished. The site leading to it was a builders mess but the road was finished and I had my keys and I was going in. I was flagged down by a guy in hard hat (reasonable) who tried to stop me going in to the completed and settled apartment block. Said it was still a builders own. Luckily I had all settlement papers and keys and suggested if he refused me entry then that was BS and I was going in anyway and if wanted to stop me then call the Police. And then I drove off. Didn’t hear any more. And the Eureka flag was removed from the building shortly thereafter.

 

[blackcat20]

Well they're working on trying to find the best solution which is good news. At the moment the offer is to rebrick above and below the door but leave the render to the right, but we both think that will probably look worse than it does now. Trying to work out if they could leave the whole right side around to the garage as exposed brick but will have to meet on site to go over the options.


I can only guess this isnt a popular house design and that they havent encountered this issue with the design before. I've seen two others of this house and neither rendered the portico. The display has a balcony so would be quite different at the front.

 

[love_the_life]

Well at least they are open to discussion so that’s good as it might mean you don’t have to fight to get it corrected. Fingers crossed.

 

[Pushka]

Well they're working on trying to find the best solution which is good news. At the moment the offer is to rebrick above and below the door but leave the render to the right, but we both think that will probably look worse than it does now. Trying to work out if they could leave the whole right side around to the garage as exposed brick but will have to meet on site to go over the options.
View attachment 133444

I can only guess this isnt a popular house design and that they havent encountered this issue with the design before. I've seen two others of this house and neither rendered the portico. The display has a balcony so would be quite different at the front.

It might look a bit patchwork if they did as you describe. I agree that extending brickwork to the edge would make more sense - to you. They may not be so accommodating.

What it does show is that there has been an error which is a good start rather than trotting out the ‘compliant’ comment. What does TV think about it?

 

[blackcat20]

What does TV think about it?

No idea, I think he's still passed out post night-shift.
I'm not suggesting they extend any brick work, just they they remove the render below the red line so that the corner issue becomes a non-issue.

 

[RAM]

I just have to wait for the construction manager to call me to discuss unfortunately. We’re also booked to meet the supervisor on site on Friday. I do love how ‘it’s compliant’ is their coverall for refusing to fix anything that’s wrong

Sure is compiant with everything but Trade Practices Act - 'False, misleading & deceptive conduct'.

You relied on what you were shown AND what is on the contract. That their OVERSIGHT is coincidentally compliant is beside the point. They have to 'make good' at their cost or you with-hold progress payment until they do so.

Our 'large' builder tried on a couple of tricks like that - pressed metal hinges vs contracted solid brass, 2 per door rather than contracted 3 per door were the ones that come to mind. Plastic sliding internal door to 'batcave' aka tiny extra toilet/vanity/shower off laundry I let them win.

Stand your ground, compliance with standards means nothing in terms of contractual obligation AND THEY KNOW IT.

But, using the insurance company approach - just say now until customer gives in - they more often will win than not unfortunately.

Just remembered - ours got away with fibreglass batts instead of woollen as installer booked up for 3 weeks so sheeting could all work would have stopped. NOT HAPPY JAN....

 

[Deleted member]

24 hours has elapsed , has there been any further movement on the brickwork?

 

[blackcat20]

24 hours has elapsed , has there been any further movement on the brickwork?

No, nothing will happen till we meet the supervisor on site to discuss.