Gable Roofs from The Design Guide 2017 ed. 1: ‘Fundamentals of Architecture’
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Home Builders: Reviews and Advice
Builder reviews and building advice for homeowners building their new home
We have very poor brickwork done on our home. I appears there has been two very different mortars used on different days. When we pointed this out to our builder, he said it would fade. It has been nearly 5 months now with no change in colour. We have met up with another couple who went with the same building company and had the same brickie. They not only have had similar issues, but know others that are in the same boat. We don’t want to blow this sky high and cause a franchise to go under because there will be too many people hurt. However we do want our brickwork checked. No one has a lot of money to throw around either.
Hi,
I’m seeking some advice in dealing with the Whangarei GJ Gardner Franchise. We moved into our new home at the beginning of October 2017 (after an extremely long and frustrating build). There are two issues we discussed at handover that we continue to be unhappy with, and after contacting GJ’s head office, have found little resolution over.
Firstly, the kitchen was set for tiles when we had chosen vinyl during our colour consultation (we never ever wanted tiles). The kitchen was a ‘owner supplied’ item due to us not going with their preferred company. We don’t have any proof, however, it was made clear to us at the time that this was a mistake made by the construction supervisor. GJ then contacted the installer to get them to lower the island bench, however, there was still a gap (of about 6ml). The construction supervisor then put silicon around the WHOLE kitchen. It is a sloppy installation that is uneven and ugly. Upon contacting head office, the owner of this franchise then said we’d changed our minds from tiles to vinyl during the build (not true). After a lot of emails back and forth, the company have finally agreed to remove the silicon, however, they are not taking responsibility for fixing the issue as a whole.
Secondly, during the build we noticed the bulk head planned for the area above the fridge was missing. We brought this to the construction supervisor’s attention, and after a lengthy discussion with him, decided to take up their offer of putting in a cupboard instead of the bulk head. However, we are not happy with the manner this cupboard was installed as the GIB cove is indented when we wanted a streamlined finish (hence the desire for a bulk head). If we had known the cupboard would end up looking like this we would never have chosen it. Again, upon contacting head office, inaccurate information was given when the franchise claimed we had not identified the issue at hand over – we certainly had and the company have since sent in tradies in an attempt to fix it. Unfortunately, the fix is not acceptable to us. They are now saying it is installed as per the manufacturers specifications and therefore they will not take any further action!!!!
Any advice on what we can do next?
We are having issues with GJ Gardner too, though we are in Christchurch South (see above post). My impression/opinion is they listen very carefully and then ignore. I suspect one has to put everything in writing and may also have to employ a lawyer just to make sure they take you seriously. We are at this stage now. Remember in the papers you sign, you have a year to report any defects, so put it in writing. Better still, get your lawyer to write the letter.
At the beginning of this year my husband and I employed Maddren Homes to build our new home in Huapai. From start to finish has been a fantastic experience. Half way through the build we had a 2 month trip overseas during which time Madden continued with the project leaving us confident and with no concerns the build would continue as scheduled, they communicated with us occasionally to ensure things were being completed as agreed. They even made one or two improvements. Two days before handover it was discovered that a faulty tap had leaked from the kitchen sink causing water damage to the floor, this wasn’t anyone’s fault other than a faulty tap and despite everything sometimes issues happen which can’t be helped. It’s at times like this when Building Companies show their true worthiness, Maddren and the Tradespeople they work with were fantastic! Flooring had to be ordered so our move went ahead as planned. Even with a slightly water damaged floor our home was absolutely beautiful. Four weeks later, tradespeople came in and replaced the damaged floor. Three days had been scheduled for the work, all of which was completed in less than 2. The Tradespeople organised by Maddren blew us away with their workmanship, professionalism and care. What started out as an unfortunate disappointment became a huge positive, we appreciate things can and do go wrong and nothing is perfect, the way Maddren and their Tradespeople handled this situation by far exceeded our expectations and gave us confidence knowing we had chosen the best company to build our new home. It’s how a company manages and deals with issues that really matter; we know we chose the best company to build our new home and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend or choose them again in the future.