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Thread: Renovation Warning

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Morrinsville New Zealand
    Posts
    128

    Default Renovation Warning

    Thought we would add a word of warning to anyone who proposes to buy a house in NZ with a view to renovating it, using local tradesmen.

    Some of you will recall the problem we had getting double-glazed windows;well we found a supplier, but had to get a builder to install them. This went extremely well and having given the builder plenty of warning of when the windows were being delivered, he turned up the following day and fitted them and they look great.

    That is the good news, now for the warning. Some weeks ago we had a plumbing firm out to look at fitting a new bathroom suite, a new wc in the second bathroom and fitting a new washing tub in the laundry. On the plumbers advice we ordered everything we needed from a bathroom supplier in Hamilton and we where told when it would be delivered.

    We informed the plumber, who asked us when was the builder going to remove the existing bath !!?? We said we thought he would do that, but his response was that he only connected the pipework to the fittings. Anyway he pencilled in this week to do the work. On Saturday, yes Saturday, the builder turned up, took the bath out and opened up the wall to take the water pipes for the "over the bath shower" we want fitted.

    Yesterday (Monday) we phoned the plumbers to say the bath was out and when were they coming this week to fit the kitchen. THe man we spoke to had no record of the job, but later phoned to say they would be here today (Tuesday). We jumped for joy and opened a bottle of wine !!

    Well today the plumbers turned up, fitted the pipework for the bath, shower and vanity unit and fitted the wc in the bathroom. They had nothing on the work ticket for the other wc or the washing tub. After the pipe work was fitted we were told our builder would have to come and fit the bath and vanity unit and then they would come back and connect the water supply !!

    Of course we phoned the builder to tell him he was required to do his next bit, but he stated he could make it this week and it would be sometime next week. He couldn't confirm exactly when and until he does we can't tell the plumber we need him back and what is the betting they won't be available for several days after that!!

    Thankfully we have a second wc, washbasin and shower, but how would we have coped if we hadn't. We know "when in Rome...", but you would think a plumber could take out and put in a bath and change a wash basin for a vanity unit.

    We have a new kitchen coming on 7th September and we need to have an electrician and plumber on site. The kitchen should only take a day. We will believe it when we see it.

    Pam & Dave

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    113

    Default

    I'm pleased to see there were no problems with the windows at least. Sorry about the other stuff, thanks for the warning.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Hamilton NZ
    Posts
    70

    Default

    It is a great problem here, demarcation of jobs. So different to anywhere esle in the world we have worked.

    If you supplied the materials yourself the plumber would not have priced to take out the bath.

    This is a country where everyone has to stick to his own job, there is no leyway. You are always frightened of stepping on someone elses toes.

    It is nothing like the UK.

    Where did you get your double glazing from?

    WHen you ask the kiwi's about dg they say you do not need it who are the trying to kid!

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Morrinsville New Zealand
    Posts
    128

    Default

    Double glazing was made by Ryan Windows and Doors. They have offices/factories in Hamilton and Morrinsville and I would recommend them to anyone wanting replacements, be it double or single glazing. The units are superb and after the builder took the old windows out, the new ones ( in white uvpc ) fitted in like putting your hand in a glove.

    One wall of our main bedroom was entirely windows and french doors. The builders took this out and replaced it with one single unit of sliding doors and two opening windows. It was heavy and I know because I helped the supplier
    lift it off the lorry and helped the builder carry it from the garage to the front of the house. ( my back is much better today !! )

    Ryan Windows and Doors a great firm.

    Plumber called us today to say that he had spoken to our builder and the remaining work was "ongoing ??". He may call on Saturday, or he may wait until the builder has been, who, it appears, must also remove the old wash tub in the laundry room !!

    Pam & Dave


    Pam & Dave

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