homebuilders (good ,bad or other)
 

So we have been looking at all these homebuilders in around (edm) I was wonder what seems to be the concenus. We have heard and seen Jaymen houses we like some of there floor plans but have also heard there product has some issues(the way there built) What not 100% sure.

We have also viewed other Showhomes from sable ,beattie,reid etc & 3 three custom builders, but who to do business with? or do we just get something already prebuilt a couple years ago so we don't have the extra headaces but this also depends on the whole economy crisis though too. because I see the whole province slowing down. Good thing we're in no rush but we want to be informed before signing the dotted line.

So if anyone has some stories or suggestions or is in the home building industry and has insight lets here from you.

Please and thanks or just pm me if you don't want to post
Just looking for infomation.

Have a chat with the builders about whats currently available... Most of the builders right now have HUGE inventory of houses that are complete and aren't moving... Some of them are offering some big discounts, downpayments and all kinds of other offers just to make some of this inventory move.

Definitely get a home inspector in even if it is new - lots of shortcuts taken these days...

If you were in Lloyd I could help you out no problem... however I don't know the builders in Edmonton.

Generally any of the larger companies would be a good bet...

Look at several of their projects and see if you can talk to some clients from various years.

One thing with a custom builder, and your own design, if you have a good budget, you can control the quality somewhat.

oh, I have nearly 20 years consturction experience & 11 years design, so I do have a fairly good idea what to look for when I see it.

I don't know if Northridge does buisness out there (I don't think they do) but don't use them lol!

Too many discrepancies between what we paid for and what we got.

I second the home inspection even if it is brand new. Our guy caught a lot of little code violations which we had the builders come in and repair. (Pillar To Post, Frank).

It is a buyers market again, so hunt for the good deal!

We looked at the Jayman and others and after seeing all the defects in the show homes really had us wondering what we would be getting.

Ended up going with a custom builder and though the closest I ever felt to killing a man (after we moved in there was some outstanding items that we both lost our cool on) overall we are extremely happy.

Will say National Home Warranty is a total joke and no faith in the City of Edmonton Inspection Services (they had a lot to do with the problems I had with the builder at the end), so if do get something built, workout something that you are allowed on site during construction.

You are allowed to be onsite during construction (within reason) If you've got a good superintendant; you can arrange to be onsite during the major inspections. Good time to find out what the major issues are and ensure they're addressed rather than just being 'glossed over'.

Jaymen is in the process of claiming bankruptcy so I wouldn't go with them. Most of the framers and contractors that build houses are losing their jobs and going out of business, I would look at buying a house that is already built. Remember that with newer houses if the landscaping (grass) isn't there it can be costly and a big PIA to finish the grade and lay sod.

Anyone heard about beatie or sabal homes?

Well it sound like the home price from a month ago are already coming down that's good for us.

Also anyone heard what's happening up in and around EDM/ Ft Mac projects regarding work
slowing down or what ??

Jayman is not filing for bankruptcy - just a vicious rumor running around (google, it's been refuted in the media a few times)

Totally agree with Andy here...........If you saw the new building that they are putting up in Edmonton as their office, I think you'd see that they are CLEARLY doing just fine.

As for the O/P........ I would NEVER build with Greenboro homes EVER again. The house was OK, but I had a bathtub leak on the second floor through the main floor ceiling, that took OVER 6 MONTHS to completely rectify........ HORRENDOUS customer service.

I'm really going to have to get up to edmonton sometime soon to see that building - know the site super who built it... Never known him to take that long on a project; must be a heck of a building.

I have some inside info on this, they are claiming bankruptcy. My friend said they are going about it in a round about way (so that they can keep the Jaymen name clean) but essentually they are in so much debt that the only way they can continue on was to file a claim.

Just moved into my place in April and we built with Beattie... this is kind of a toss up to go with them or not as they messed up quite abit as to what we wanted (upgraded) and what they actually installed. I was there every weekend during the build to make sure everything was done the way we wanted it and man o man did they screw up ALOT. Painting was sloppy, cabinets were the wrong color and things that we pointed out to be fixed took forever to be completed. We finally got everything fixed up a month ago.

They did upgrade our washer and dryer for free but I think thats the least they could have done. We are happy with our home now but was a nightmare during the build.

in calgary i would go with TIMBEROCK homes on 11th ave sw. i have a small furnace cleaning co. and they far and above make the nicest houses in the city. amazing work. im sure they are quite expensive but man you get what you pay for.

general concensous says it will slow down in canada

Well some time has past we are still looking and yes some home prices are lower and interest rates are looking better. but everytime we stop by a showhome the sales pitch is. O we have the best crews now from framers to the other trades etc. because of the slow down the salespeople say there only building a few homes now. So that leads me to what did the crews they had 2 yrs ago make as far a product goes.they said it was tough to get good help. I am not in a super rush but want to find a builder to "trust". homes these days are just some serious coin. Anybody in the homebuilding industry or have friends in the industry that have the inside word of who, what where? that could shed some light here.

houses
 

sent you a pm.
my friend builds houses. and he could tell you about some of the builder around Edmonton.

Not sure about Edmonton, but my Dad is senior warranty Manager in Calgary for Cardel. The crews have been pretty much the same (until recently, when they started laying off people) When the market was hot they capped themselves at taking on 60 homes at a time. Now, dad was saying how they've had about 20 signed on in the last couple of months.

Not sure if this is what you're looking for, but its a definate sign that crap has hit the fan!