There are so many builders!
The market is dominated by the 'big' building companies like Henley, Metricon, Porter Davis, Simonds, National Builders and many more. With the first home buyers bonus being used as bait, these large builders are making the most of the market with offers of luxury upgrades on many of the standard inclusions.
All of these builders have numerous plans to choose from, and the power to offer extras because of their size. But we have got the impression after going through so many display homes, that most of the big builders offer 'cookie cutter' homes. You know the sort, the standard garage door with panels, front door and front loungeroom window all with varying facades. Standard plan inside, 3 bedrooms, family room and 'home theatre', and an occasional variation on that.
Not to sound cynical, because these type of homes are great for first home buyers and you will eventually trade up. But for us being a first home 'builder', and having already bought our first home, we are looking for something with a little more character.
Henley has a Bible size book of plans, offering variations within those parameters. They will colour outside the lines and make changes within reason. When we asked if we could add in a possible granny flat onto an existing plan, it didn't really make a great impression. Henley would make a change, but were not open to a major plan movement.
Porter Davis met all our requirements, and did a great job on the altered plan we toyed with, but when push came to shove they were a little expensive and the main turnoff for us was they couldn't start a build until December. That was 7 months forward, meaning we'd be paying extra rent & mortgage for a long time.
Metricon has beautiful homes but we found their offerings out of our price range. Simonds had great plans and competitive prices, but again they couldn't even begin a build until December.
National Builders has many plans and is a favourite with first home buyers. They have a lot to offer with homes budgeted at the lower end of the market. We found after looking through a few display homes and seeing someone we know build through them that they tend to do things on the cheap and you get that feel walking through them.
So our search continues to find the right builder with the right home for the right price!
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