We had to walk away from Plunkett in the end. After a placatory phone call from the Sales Manager, and even after the Salesman (sorry New Homes Consultant) offered to give up a fraction of his commission on the deal, we thought about continuing with them and stomaching their iniquitous price hike – but it was too bitter a pill to swallow.
Cause: Plunkett caused us to re-compare builders. Effect: We found a good few designs and builders that we liked, and who were prepared to offer assurances that we would not be treated in an equivalent manner. As we grew confident with other builders, it became apparent that I had to write a ‘Dear John’ letter. I kept it civil and got a civil email back. Time to move on.
During our re-evaluation of builders, we came across Ram from Smart Homes. He listened and responded with options immediately. His sketches came thick and fast, and he responded to changes we wanted to make within the day. His pricing was quick and accurate. We met him at a display home, and he impartially showed us inclusions and upgrades. Unlike other sales staff we were talking to, he produced a firm price and preliminary sketches within a week. This was what we needed.
Although Ram offered to meet at his offices or a display home, I fancied a pint at the Inglewood Hotel, a familiar haunt of ours from way back when we were living in Mount Lawley. So, we bought Ram lunch (Parmi) and a midi of Rogers (driving) and we sat, ate, drank and signed. This I think is the best way to start a deal with us – in a pub.
So, we’ve started the process at the very befinning again. We’ve signed a Preliminary Works Agreement and paid our $5,000 deposit. We’ve lost a few months but at least this time Ram has guaranteed that there will be no price increases throughout the building process, and he has put that in writing. This is really as it should be, and as it should have been.
Now we start the waiting game again. The next steps for Smart Homes are to issue us with access to their online portal, and progress and publish our new working drawings. We’re very confident that they will be able to do this in half the time at least than their predecessors.