So my play on The 12 days of Christmas didn't quite work. The subject matter is not nearly as fun as the original either. Nearly 11 months (since June 7th handover) post-house handover, Plantation Homes has not gotten in touch with us on completing our 12 months defect period.
We (my better half and I), were led to believe that they would get in touch at the 10-months mark and ask us for a list of defects that we have discovered, and start on rectifying the items on that list. So far, the only correspondence we have received back is in regards to the Tariff 33 invoice - which they refuse to pay; and nothing else.
Despite the written assurance of the Maintenance Administrator, our old Site Manager has not bothered to so much as call us to see how we are going. Meanwhile, the stuff wrong with the house and with the contractors selected by Plantation Homes continues to grow:
Cracks in our foundation - is getting worse. Even before we moved in to the house the cracks started. Plantation Homes ensured us that it was part of the house "settling". I'm starting to cry bullsh*t! I have inspected other people's houses that are more than 10 years old - they have very minimal cracks - not deep and continued to widen cracks. Seriously consideration has been given to hiring our own Structural Engineer for an assessment. So that 50-year structural guarantee might not be worth the paper it was printed on!
Termimesh - the guys they tout as the innovative technology in termite defence - we couldn't even get them out to inspect the mesh and ensure the installation is right and we are termite free.
Our garage - we have discovered recently (during the heavy rain that flooded half of Logan, but we were okay and not flooded), that our garage (completed enclosed) was not water-sealed. We saw wet plaster dust coming through from the outside seeping through to the inside.
Our windows - are not sealed properly. We have noticed all through out the summer (and now), that rain and all kind of insects can get through a lot of our windows. Stegbar never bothered to fit them properly and seal them.
Our walls - now that we have been here nearly 11 months, we have noticed that a lot of our walls have small pockets where the plaster is not there. When you touch gently, all that is there is the layers of paint over the hollowness that is suppose to be plaster.
I will be here awhile to list all the issues - but here are just some of the most recent issues, that has been left unaddressed because Plantation Homes refuses to engage us as they promised they would.
Tuesday, 25 April 2017
A Connectionless Moment
At our 4 months post-construction, I brought you a blog post on the Tariff 33 Breach of Contract, where they were suppose to have installed Tariff 33 as part of our house, but failed to do so at construction stage. We had been working with Plantation Homes on this issue ever since (it is now close to 11 months since our house finished construction and we moved in).
The latest twist in this apparently unreliable builder (now that we have been dealing with them on issues and they have back flipped on every single issue), is that they refused to pay failed installation costs of this Tariff 33.
Let's recap:
Us with Plantation Homes: we raised the issue with Plantation Homes that they had failed to install Tariff 33 in our house. After much to and fro (including written correspondence to that effect), they finally admitted to their negligence, and got an electrician out to prepare for the Tariff 33 installation.
Us with Plantation Electrician: This guy came out to our house, claimed to have carried out the cable attachment, so a connection can be made from the street to the house. We believed him - seeing how he was suppose to be a professional on the issue. He got us to advise Plantation Homes to send Energex out to complete the connection.
Us with Energex: The Energex Electrician came out to our house, took one look at what the Plantation Homes Electrician did and told my husband the required attachment has not been completed and connection could not be made.
Us with Plantation Homes: After (again) much backwards and forwards, they sent their Electrician out (again), who admitted that it was a (in his words) "minor" thing that hadn't been done. The correct procedure took him less than 5 minutes.
Us with Energex: Another Electrician was sent, this time they were able to complete the Tariff 33 connection to the house. In less than 5 minutes - a simple procedure.
Here is the kicker - because Energex had to send an Electrician out the first time, where the Plantation Homes Electrician failed to do his job properly, they (Energex through Energy Australia our electricity supplier) charged us $451.44 for the "failed installation". This charge is on top of all the time my husband had to take off work in order to wait around for 4 electrician visits.
Despite Plantation Homes' promise to pick up the tab for all costs incurred in relation to the Tariff 33 installation, they are now refusing to pay the second invoice, a cost born by their incompetence. We have now paid the invoice ourselves - seeing as how they could seriously effect our credit rating - something that they don't care about, while the fight with them continues.
Yet another day in paradise with Plantation Homes.
The latest twist in this apparently unreliable builder (now that we have been dealing with them on issues and they have back flipped on every single issue), is that they refused to pay failed installation costs of this Tariff 33.
Let's recap:
Us with Plantation Homes: we raised the issue with Plantation Homes that they had failed to install Tariff 33 in our house. After much to and fro (including written correspondence to that effect), they finally admitted to their negligence, and got an electrician out to prepare for the Tariff 33 installation.
Us with Plantation Electrician: This guy came out to our house, claimed to have carried out the cable attachment, so a connection can be made from the street to the house. We believed him - seeing how he was suppose to be a professional on the issue. He got us to advise Plantation Homes to send Energex out to complete the connection.
Us with Energex: The Energex Electrician came out to our house, took one look at what the Plantation Homes Electrician did and told my husband the required attachment has not been completed and connection could not be made.
Us with Plantation Homes: After (again) much backwards and forwards, they sent their Electrician out (again), who admitted that it was a (in his words) "minor" thing that hadn't been done. The correct procedure took him less than 5 minutes.
Us with Energex: Another Electrician was sent, this time they were able to complete the Tariff 33 connection to the house. In less than 5 minutes - a simple procedure.
Here is the kicker - because Energex had to send an Electrician out the first time, where the Plantation Homes Electrician failed to do his job properly, they (Energex through Energy Australia our electricity supplier) charged us $451.44 for the "failed installation". This charge is on top of all the time my husband had to take off work in order to wait around for 4 electrician visits.
Despite Plantation Homes' promise to pick up the tab for all costs incurred in relation to the Tariff 33 installation, they are now refusing to pay the second invoice, a cost born by their incompetence. We have now paid the invoice ourselves - seeing as how they could seriously effect our credit rating - something that they don't care about, while the fight with them continues.
Yet another day in paradise with Plantation Homes.
Tuesday, 18 April 2017
Serving a dead duck
This entry details my really bad first (and probably last) encounter with Aston Milan the builder.
I was out at Rochedale checking out their demo houses with a friend at a friend's recommendation. The houses were beautiful - dare I say, finished to a higher standard than that of Plantation Homes. I liked it so much that I went back and asked for the glossy brochure-ware (which is a sure sign).
After the initial hello and handing over the brochures, the guy (he got me so upset that I never asked for his name), proceeded to have the following conversation with me:
Him: So where are your u looking to build?
Me: I am looking to build out at Yarrabilba.
Him: Why would you want to build out there?
Me: it is quite beautiful and picturesque out there.
Him: I hope your build don't catch fire.
*I looked puzzled, at this stage the other Asian sales lady joined us and looked at him like he is mad*
Him: did you not see the news? Stupid kids setting fire and stuff.
Me: there is crime everywhere, not just Yarrabilba. Besides we have the fire department close by.
More blah from him about building houses, insurance and building at Yarrabilba.
Yes, a sales guy that wanted to sale me a $400+k house pretty much gave me the rudest brush off. My friend was offended, and I could tell so was the Asian sales lady there. What a Turd, with a capital T. At least Pamtation Homes lied to me successfully before screwing up the build. What was Aston Milan's excuse?
Tuesday, 7 February 2017
A long hot summer (Part 3)
I am about to take back the kudos I gave the Service Manager in Part 2 of my post. Yesterday morning (a full day before we were booked in for the service that he had personally moved because they made a mistake again), one of their service guys called me while I was at work.
The exchange went the way of:
Guy: Hi, are you guys home now?
Me: No, our service is for tomorrow. Your Service Manager should have corrected it, call him.
Guy: Oh, I guess someone will be to sent out to you tomorrow.
Keeping in mind that we were suppose to get a call the day before to let us know what time they are coming, and not be at home waiting the whole day, we have heard nothing.
Today, the morning of the Service - I have called their office (which is suppose to be open 8am QLD time), no response. No peofessionalism or punctuality. What happens to actually doing what you promised?
About to give them yet another call now (8.12am when they should have been open 12 minutes ago).
-------------
8.44am
So, a full 38 minutes after they were suppose to be open for business and manning phones, my husband (who also took the day off to wait for these jokers) finally picked up. They reiterated that our appointment was suppose to have been for yesterday (Tuesday). No one bothered to change our appointment despite at least 3 previous assurances that this had been done.
My husband being a saint didn't blow up in their face (I would have) and told them to send someone out today, whoever was near our area. If they don't show up on our day off, which we took specifically for them, they will need to come out after hours as we are not taking any more time off.
What lovely service Coldfront provides. This is who Plantation Homes has us dealing with.
A waste of time, money and resources.
-------------
Past 12.30pm thereabouts
Finally the service guy shows up.
He was here a good one and half hours investigating the various causes of why the gas can be heard in the house. He later concluded that the insulation in the house was not placed properly at all, with no insulation placed in two of our rooms.
After spreading insulation around, the noise could no longer be heard in one room. Nothing can be done about the other room, as it is close to a light fitting, and therefore, a fire hazard. Fair enough.
Begs the question, where else in the house did the insulation guys not spread properly or do at all?
We get rid of one problem and find a new one. SIGH!
The exchange went the way of:
Guy: Hi, are you guys home now?
Me: No, our service is for tomorrow. Your Service Manager should have corrected it, call him.
Guy: Oh, I guess someone will be to sent out to you tomorrow.
Keeping in mind that we were suppose to get a call the day before to let us know what time they are coming, and not be at home waiting the whole day, we have heard nothing.
Today, the morning of the Service - I have called their office (which is suppose to be open 8am QLD time), no response. No peofessionalism or punctuality. What happens to actually doing what you promised?
About to give them yet another call now (8.12am when they should have been open 12 minutes ago).
-------------
8.44am
So, a full 38 minutes after they were suppose to be open for business and manning phones, my husband (who also took the day off to wait for these jokers) finally picked up. They reiterated that our appointment was suppose to have been for yesterday (Tuesday). No one bothered to change our appointment despite at least 3 previous assurances that this had been done.
My husband being a saint didn't blow up in their face (I would have) and told them to send someone out today, whoever was near our area. If they don't show up on our day off, which we took specifically for them, they will need to come out after hours as we are not taking any more time off.
What lovely service Coldfront provides. This is who Plantation Homes has us dealing with.
A waste of time, money and resources.
-------------
Past 12.30pm thereabouts
Finally the service guy shows up.
He was here a good one and half hours investigating the various causes of why the gas can be heard in the house. He later concluded that the insulation in the house was not placed properly at all, with no insulation placed in two of our rooms.
After spreading insulation around, the noise could no longer be heard in one room. Nothing can be done about the other room, as it is close to a light fitting, and therefore, a fire hazard. Fair enough.
Begs the question, where else in the house did the insulation guys not spread properly or do at all?
We get rid of one problem and find a new one. SIGH!
Wednesday, 1 February 2017
A long hot summer (Part 2)
Not 10 minutes ago, I received a phone call from D**** - the Service Manager of Coldfront Airconditioning in relation to the problems we have been experiencing.
It was a welcoming change from the awful customer service lady we got last time, where the Service Manager tried to piece together who we spoke to and what was said. He kindly offered to attend to our call the next day, which we appreciate but unfortunately could not take up on his offer.
I mean, they did get the date of when they were suppose to come wrong (which we both had to request leave for). But they offered to change the date without so much as a fuss - so no biggy.
Great customer service up to this point (yes, I do give kudos where they are due).
Then he dropped the ball a little when he mentioned my comments on ProductReview.com.au and some of the "awful things I said". I must admit I may have seen red and lost it a little. Voice just a little high pitched and raised, I told him that nothing I said was untrue, to which he didn't really have a comeback and we left it at that.
Let's recap:
1. We build a new house, and said new house gets a brand new air conditioning system installed.
2. Said new system has problems (which is okay as long as it gets fixed, but just frustrating as hell).
3. New owners of said house calls the installers up and gets told their concerns are unimportant.
Really. I am being totally unreasonable. Me. Would you take this kind of abuse from people that should be busy sorting out the problem and arranging solutions?
I would have settled for having things fixed and not having any unpleasantness. Instead, I need to resort to venting on cyberspace. Trust me Tradies of Australia, no one enjoys this. Do your job and do it well, then we are all happy.
It was a welcoming change from the awful customer service lady we got last time, where the Service Manager tried to piece together who we spoke to and what was said. He kindly offered to attend to our call the next day, which we appreciate but unfortunately could not take up on his offer.
I mean, they did get the date of when they were suppose to come wrong (which we both had to request leave for). But they offered to change the date without so much as a fuss - so no biggy.
Great customer service up to this point (yes, I do give kudos where they are due).
Then he dropped the ball a little when he mentioned my comments on ProductReview.com.au and some of the "awful things I said". I must admit I may have seen red and lost it a little. Voice just a little high pitched and raised, I told him that nothing I said was untrue, to which he didn't really have a comeback and we left it at that.
Let's recap:
1. We build a new house, and said new house gets a brand new air conditioning system installed.
2. Said new system has problems (which is okay as long as it gets fixed, but just frustrating as hell).
3. New owners of said house calls the installers up and gets told their concerns are unimportant.
Really. I am being totally unreasonable. Me. Would you take this kind of abuse from people that should be busy sorting out the problem and arranging solutions?
I would have settled for having things fixed and not having any unpleasantness. Instead, I need to resort to venting on cyberspace. Trust me Tradies of Australia, no one enjoys this. Do your job and do it well, then we are all happy.
Sunday, 29 January 2017
A long hot summer
I borrowed the phase from a particular country song I like very much. But despite the initial humour, there is nothing funny about this latest issue with the house.
End of January (7 months post-handover), we like many others, have been relying on their trusted ducted air conditioning system to keep cool - a major luxury item for us and something we had some major anxieties over because the system would be so embedded with the house and if something were to go wrong, it may cause bigger issues. We were assured by Plantation Homes that modern units were very reliable as are their contractors.
A couple of weeks ago, we noticed what seem like water noises coming out of the Butlers Pantry when the air conditioning unit was running. At first it was faint, but there and we were worried about it so we called the air conditioning contractor Coldfront Airconditioning, where they told us to run a couple of tests. They also said that it isn't likely to be water by "gas" leaking. Apparently you can't hear the water noise.
They seem to think there is no big issue.
Today upon turning on the unit again, there is now a loud fan/banging noise accompanying the "gas" noise, to which one of the ladies in the service department of Coldfront told me to simply turn it off and not run it, while waiting more than a week for them to maybe send someone out.
Ten minutes later, she called back to say that she had spoken to the Service Manager, and that it was "gas" and definitely not water, so it is okay to turn it on.
The conflicting information aside, the response time and the no concern as to "gas" noises coming out of the roof was a little disturbing to say the least. The Coldfront lady also made promises that it will not leave lasting impact on the house - which remains to be seen.
Ten minutes later, she called back to say that she had spoken to the Service Manager, and that it was "gas" and definitely not water, so it is okay to turn it on.
The conflicting information aside, the response time and the no concern as to "gas" noises coming out of the roof was a little disturbing to say the least. The Coldfront lady also made promises that it will not leave lasting impact on the house - which remains to be seen.
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