Summary of Reddit Comments on Home Builders in Adelaide

General Advice and Tips:

• Building process can be challenging with delays, fees, and lack of availability of tradespeople and supplies.
• Research: Know exact prices, take advantage of promos, and be cautious of salespersons.
• Be prepared for unexpected delays and consider a timeline of 2-3 years.
• Consider a Private Building Inspector to check each stage of the build for potential issues.
• Architect: Consider hiring one for better contract management, quality, and accountability.
• Get everything in writing, communicate in writing, and use independent inspections to ensure quality.
• Stay away from builders with bad reputations, with Rivergum Homes and Sterling Homes specifically mentioned as poor choices.

Individual Builders Reviewed:

1. Hickinbotham: Negative reviews for delays, communication issues, and cost blowouts.

2. Rossdale: Mixed reviews with slow progress but accurate costs and better communication.

3. Simonds: Positive feedback on communication, pricing transparency, and good post-handover service.

4. Fairmont Homes: Positive review for a good build and resolving defects promptly.

5. Weeks: Mixed reviews with slow build times but generally solid quality and satisfactory experiences.

6. Oakford Homes: Positive review for good design, quality, and customer service.

7. Dechellis: Positive reviews for design flexibility, transparency, and quality.

8. Urban 3: Positive experience with good support and quick resolution of minor defects.

9. Oakley Homes: Positive experience with good design and customer service.

10. Harvard Homes & Construction: Positive review for flexibility, custom builds, and good experience.

Builders to Avoid:

• Avoid Sterling Homes due to a terrible experience as reported by users in the Reddit comments.
• Users mentioned to stay away from Sarah Homes (Longridge) and Rivergum Homes due to poor experiences.
• Avoid Burbank Homes, Felmeri, and Weeks due to negative experiences mentioned by users.
• Users recommend avoiding Rivergum, Metricon, and Rendition Homes for poor communication, long delays, and poor quality.

Additional Recommendations:

• Get an independent licensed building inspector to check the build stages.
• Consider smaller custom builders for better quality and service.
• Check court listings for any issues with the companies.
• Avoid volume builders for better quality and service.
• Consider visiting display homes and judging based on maintenance to choose a reliable builder.

Note: Some users provided positive experiences while others shared cautionary tales, and each individual's experience may vary. It is essential to thoroughly research and choose a builder based on personal preferences and needs.