Musings...........

After a conversation tonight, I thought that it was worthwhile posting why we started this blog. With family and friends spread across not only Australia, but the world, in this day and age blogging is the easiest means of contact and is as common as writing letters used to be in days of old....we live in an age of technology and it's advances are rapid. Blogs about building are commonplace.

This is the 4th time we have built a house-and this is to be our forever home. We chose the company because of the reputation of the local builder and the value they provide compared to others. In fact, we have recommended the company to a number of other people.

Each time there have been various frustrations and moments of excitement. Each house has been delivered by the contracted date and mainly of a good standard. Items that needed addressing have been in a timely manner.

As someone who has worked in administration for many years, the thing I find hardest to bear is when we are told that things are to be done-but then are not! For whatever reason, when things are not happening as discussed then communication is vital! With so many of our friends building-this seems to be a common thread of conversation.......whether it is the initial salesperson, the Site Supervisor (with bigger companies) or any other designated contact person-if they maintain communication then fewer frustrations are felt.

Building a home is a huge financial commitment- and the pressure of delays at times can cause immense stress. In our case, we are paying nearly $400/week rent for a house which is far too small for our needs-plus having to meet interest payments on a mortgage (which grow with every progress payment). With one partner working 10 to 12 hour days to meet this payments family life is impacted on.

I am aware that some people in the building industry involved with our house have read this blog. I knew that this may be the case when it was commenced. I have ensured that the posts are factual and reflect our experience- those about to commence the building journey need to be aware that the reality of the industry is that there is a lot of work for a limited number of tradies. Delays will be part and parcel of the whole progress-the end result is what will matter.

If that makes others uncomfortable, then so be it. Word of mouth is the biggest promotion any company can have-and therefore anyone dealing with clients (as I know in my own work) needs to work hard at keeping any reasonable client happy.

As I have constantly stated, each aspect completed has been of a high standard. There are some issues that will be addressed and/or rectified before we move in-again, that is part of the normal process.

I have been asked would we go back and start again if we were back in August 2009- the answer would be a resounding yes!