We just recently moved into our first new house we've had built through a private builder. An issue has arisen with the pillars on the front of the house. The pillars the builder installed are made of some kind of polystyrene, and they are definitely not what we expected and not what we originally showed the builder (of what we wanted). The pillars have joins clearly visible throughout their entire length, from where the two semicylinders were put together. There are also lumps throughout the base of the pillar from people placing their hands on it since the material is so soft.
We've told the builder this was not what we expected, and the builder eventually agreed that the pillars were not satisfactory. The builder has proposed to install fibre cement pillars, however he wants us to pay half for the materials and all of the labor. Is this a fair deal? We are already quite fed up with other smaller issues we've had with the builder, and don't feel like this is fair. Any advice would be appreciated.
You will find many new home builder complaints here http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum/138
Also go to www.productreview.com.au and take a look at the heartbreaks in there.
New homes are never perfect, far from it. Builders are usually con artists .. typical.
Have you looked at other houses around you, how are the pillars on them? I know around here they vary from the real thing to shabby plastic sticks.
What to do…
Write to the builder and tell him what you find to be unacceptable and ask him to set the matters right. Request that a reply in writing be received within 21 days.
Remember… if it was not specified in the contract "it does not exist". Expecting something and getting it is a bit like wishing.. :-(
If the builder does not react in a way you are happy with then lodge a complaint with whoever governs builders in your state. Do this in writing. Also lodge a complaint with your state consumer protection agency.
If still no joy then you have to take him to a tribunal at your cost.