Well due to the lack of service we are currently getting from the big M, I thought it seemed like a good time to share a little on the issues we have faced so far and to note down a few pointers for new home builders so you can avoid the stressful and frustrating experience we are having.
Things to note:
- When you are told a price hold extension will be possible, do not believe that. "head office" are apparently a lot stricter now and don't allow for price extensions. Meaning that they hold price for 6 months and any time beyond that you get penalised a certain percentage of the estimate price.
- costing of council requirements and energy rating items only get factored in at the preliminary contract and they are not cheap. So be sure to ask that those costs are factored into your initial estimate for a better indication on costs.
- Always ask for fixed site costs for the peace if mind of locked in costs however be mindful of what grade slab you are given to ensure that it suits your land/soil.
- Schedule your colours and electricals appointment separately, both appointments are lengthy and you want to be completely focused and alert when going through these appointments.
- Do not expect to be selecting your tiles at the colours appointment, this isn't their "process" but they won't tell you until you ask them. Our CSC told us that Beaumont (they) won't schedule our tiles appointment until we sign a building contract. Her words.
- Review the documents on My Metricon and speak to your sales consultant about the steps (get it in writing) as the documentation appears to be quite out dated and is misleading. We are currently being taken through a process that is different to their documents.
- Plan and prepare your electricals prior to the appointment. friends of ours suggested to put the kitchen on a different circuit to the rest of the house.
- Spend time working out your colours prior to your appointment, come up with at least two options for each item incase the price of your first choice is too expensive.
- DO NOT let your home decor consultant dictate the flow of the appointment. Our experience is that they are just there to tick boxes but not offer any real interior design suggestions or advice. Do not expect to get an estimate of your costs at the end of the appointment, it won't happen.
- Do not expect a lot of TLC from your CSC as you probably won't get any unless they are new on the job. Those new on the job seem to care more and still act interested in helping you and not just sitting through 9-5 to earn their paycheck.
-Most importantly GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING!!! Even if it's a silly question it doesn't matter. Better to be safe than sorry.
Will update this as I think of more lessons. Issues will be in the next post.
Hope our lessons are helpful to any first home builders.
Things to note:
- When you are told a price hold extension will be possible, do not believe that. "head office" are apparently a lot stricter now and don't allow for price extensions. Meaning that they hold price for 6 months and any time beyond that you get penalised a certain percentage of the estimate price.
- costing of council requirements and energy rating items only get factored in at the preliminary contract and they are not cheap. So be sure to ask that those costs are factored into your initial estimate for a better indication on costs.
- Always ask for fixed site costs for the peace if mind of locked in costs however be mindful of what grade slab you are given to ensure that it suits your land/soil.
- Schedule your colours and electricals appointment separately, both appointments are lengthy and you want to be completely focused and alert when going through these appointments.
- Do not expect to be selecting your tiles at the colours appointment, this isn't their "process" but they won't tell you until you ask them. Our CSC told us that Beaumont (they) won't schedule our tiles appointment until we sign a building contract. Her words.
- Review the documents on My Metricon and speak to your sales consultant about the steps (get it in writing) as the documentation appears to be quite out dated and is misleading. We are currently being taken through a process that is different to their documents.
- Plan and prepare your electricals prior to the appointment. friends of ours suggested to put the kitchen on a different circuit to the rest of the house.
- Spend time working out your colours prior to your appointment, come up with at least two options for each item incase the price of your first choice is too expensive.
- DO NOT let your home decor consultant dictate the flow of the appointment. Our experience is that they are just there to tick boxes but not offer any real interior design suggestions or advice. Do not expect to get an estimate of your costs at the end of the appointment, it won't happen.
- Do not expect a lot of TLC from your CSC as you probably won't get any unless they are new on the job. Those new on the job seem to care more and still act interested in helping you and not just sitting through 9-5 to earn their paycheck.
-Most importantly GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING!!! Even if it's a silly question it doesn't matter. Better to be safe than sorry.
Will update this as I think of more lessons. Issues will be in the next post.
Hope our lessons are helpful to any first home builders.