We are considering building with Generation Homes in Auckland. Has anyone built with Generation that can provide me with some good or bad feedback? I haven't been able to find much on the internet about them, other than what comes up on their own website. They offer a fixed build time and a fixed price - has this been the case for those that have built with them? Also, are you happy with the finished house in regards to the qualtity of workmanship? Thanks.
Build to a price point. But other than that they are generally understood to be pretty good in Hamilton too. Friends built with them in 2012 and they couldn't be happier.
Lazy is such an ugly word, I prefer to call it selective participation
Assuming it is the same model as GJ Gardner, the quality comes from the contractors used for the specific job and selected by the franchisee. All issues need to be resolved by the franchisee (who only project manages) and the head office will step in only if the franchise contract is terminated.
In our case with GJ the house was built efficiently and structural issues sorted, but 18 months after moving in we are still waiting for brickwork to be acid washed as it is covered in scum and cement residue. The bathroom vents were never hooked up with ducting. It took 9 months before polystyrene was removed from the cesspit so that it can actually drain away water, our contract states vanities to be installed 900mm high (but not done) as we need it due to back injuries. The electrical certificate had the number of power/light points completely wrong. The list goes on. I don't want jobs to be done perfect, just to be done right, but I'm told not to expect "right" in NZ especially when building as the building industry has lots of issues.
Where I come from the unemployment is so high and no social welfare that people do jobs right or else they will have no job. Just be aware that life is too easy in NZ so often jobs are not done right. You need to check EVERYTHING yourself, then you will be okay.
We have purchased 1 of 2 villas which are side-by-side, both built at same time. My neighbours door hanging was absolutely rubbish. Ours were perfect. Neighbours doors were fixed promptly.
However there are unresolved issues that date back about 3 months for both units. Generation use what I call Builders Speak to try and suggest its not their problem, or defer the issue to another party.
Both villas have had several issues, some have been fixed, but others remain, some are little things easy to sort.
I hope all issues will be fixed before I seek arbitration, but as far as my impression of the company goes, they build decent homes but if anything is wrong their support is lack-lustre.
Niel: Assuming it is the same model as GJ Gardner, the quality comes from the contractors used for the specific job and selected by the franchisee. All issues need to be resolved by the franchisee (who only project manages) and the head office will step in only if the franchise contract is terminated.
In our case with GJ the house was built efficiently and structural issues sorted, but 18 months after moving in we are still waiting for brickwork to be acid washed as it is covered in scum and cement residue. The bathroom vents were never hooked up with ducting. It took 9 months before polystyrene was removed from the cesspit so that it can actually drain away water, our contract states vanities to be installed 900mm high (but not done) as we need it due to back injuries. The electrical certificate had the number of power/light points completely wrong. The list goes on. I don't want jobs to be done perfect, just to be done right, but I'm told not to expect "right" in NZ especially when building as the building industry has lots of issues.
Where I come from the unemployment is so high and no social welfare that people do jobs right or else they will have no job. Just be aware that life is too easy in NZ so often jobs are not done right. You need to check EVERYTHING yourself, then you will be okay.
Yep same for us when we built 11 years ago with Sovereign (they eventually went under).
The PM the franchisee assigns to you and the tradies they use are the KEY determinant to a good build experience/outcome.
So as per above - CHECK EVERYTHING i.e insist on getting what is in the contract / dwgs / specs.
As a Civil Engineer who works in construction/contracts - I was an utterly painful client for them and I am OK with that. So if you can do this checking role yourself, great - if you can't, find someone who can - as they WILL try and cut corners.
And given most companies are slack at coming back once they have been paid - try and get most/all snag's sorted BEFORE the final payment is made.
The Villas were built for a investor, who onsold to us. Sadly, he has paid the full amount but we do have the 10 year guarantee and also a Halo Guarantee.
Similar to you, I am an electronics designer and bunch of other things as well as helping build a previous house so on to most of what issues can happen and how decent builders should perform.
The silly thing is, if Generation Homes had completed the job to the satisfaction of the owner, they would receive glowing reports. Other customers have had similar experiences.
Generation Homes is NOT a member of NZCB. They are also not a member of Master Builders NZMB.
I would recommend buying under the protection of NZCB which will discipline its members if they dont perform.
A Halo insurance is only good for breakdowns. If the builder goes under financially, Halo Guarantee does not cover that eventuality.
In the worst case, if your builder is solvent, and wont support their product, depending on the amount of claim (maximum $30k), there is the disputes tribunal.
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