Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What's included ?
Answer: We have 2 specifications as detailed on the homes pages Cottage Spec & Luxury Spec both of these links will detail what is included.
Question: How much will it cost for delivery ?
Answer: Because the homes invariably have to travel the wide load route designated by the Highways department it is not always a straightforward calculation,
this is also variable by size and how many sections that are transported and which direction eg. north to Pt Wakefield or south through Adelaide to Goolwa etc.
so although we include the first 100klms in the price it would have to be calculated and confirmed by the transport company.
Question: Is the price advertised correct
Answer: Yes if its within the delivery range and meets energy and council requirements etc,
If it does not we would determine the full costs prior to a deposit being paid. ( Do Not pay a deposit without a full written costing )
( If it does not have the builders specification for the home probably not )
Question: Are all builders guarantees the same ?
Answer: Absolutely not, for example just check on there written warranties on the kitchen and shower cubicle
as they are the two most costly and used rooms in the house ours have 10 years some have only a 3 months maintenance period.
It must also be noted of the warranty exclusions when building a steel frame home within 300 mtrs of the beach front see Steel Frame
Question: Are there any hidden extras ?
Answer: Lots, for example do you think you need a power point in the bathroom this maybe considered above the stated ample power points allowed,
in short ample can mean whatever they want it to ( eg. 7 single & 3 Double ) so be safe and request how many that is in number.
On our std Luxury series we give 17 double & 1 single.
Question: The quote given by the other builder was a fixed price ?
Answer: No it wasn't as in the list of inclusions were the words estimate and allowance this means that after you pay your deposit they will be adjusted
and finalised and you will have to pay the difference.
Question: The other builder has written the start date and finish date in the contract so this is legal and binding contract to deliver on time ?
Answer: No as if you sign up for a start on March 1st and the construction has not started so you bring it to the builders attention all he has to do is
reply within a reasonable time ( usually 28 days ) stating that due to lack of materials and labour we cannot start your house at the time stated.
this can and has gone on for months and is quite legal so there is NO enforcable guaranteed delivery date.
Question: All companies do white ant treatment ?
Answer: No as the correct way is to use ant caps and have the termite treatment sprayed after the house is delivered some ant caps only and
this then leaves you to foot the bill for the white ant treatment ( This also applies to steel framed houses as they also have to be treated ) see Steel Frame
Question: All builders have to follow the same and correct building standards and procedures ?
Answer: No as if you agree to any specification that states otherwise for example, Painted to builders specification means that they are not following
the manufacturers instructions eg 1 Sealer coat and 2 top coats to a minimum 22 microns thick etc. to achieve the required standard as builders spec generally means
2 coats of wash and wear with no thickness control etc. this can leave your walls transparent and coarse but you cant complain as you agreed to it. see Painting
Question: The other company also give a 250ltr Hot water service
Answer: Yes they do but that's all they give as they don't include any of the valves it needs to be installed for example the tempering valve etc.
Question: Do I have to have a 5 star energy rating as I will only be using it as a holiday home 4 weeks a year ?
Answer: Yes because if you sell the home it could be used as a full time dwelling.
Question: The other company said all of there homes a 5 star energy rated.
Answer: That maybe correct if they are in Adelaide facing north, however once you change the location and direction the rating for the house will change,
for example the same house in Pt Augusta or Loxton facing west will only achieve a 3 star rating and does not comply,
so you will have to upgrade insulation and glass etc.. to meet the requirements.
Question: How can I avoid paying energy upgrade extras that are not price controlled ?
Answer: Only pay your deposit after the home has been energy rated to 5 star on your land and any additional costs have all been included in your quote.
More FAQs following
If you have a question you want answered please let us know