Nolan Hill: which builder did you go with?

[nagooro]

Have started shopping around for a home in Nolan Hill. After going through the showhomes (Trico, Avi, Pacesetter, Morrison, Shane) we are leaning towards Avi (Hemsworth model).

For those that have built in Nolan Hill, which builder did you go with? Any particular reason?

[Sugarphreak]

...

[Team_Mclaren]

Mapleland - small builder, i had zero problem.

[jdmakkord]

Coworker built with Morrison. I haven't heard much positive about her experiences with them.

[cream]

Haha, I guess everyone has their own experiences.

This is from a friend who discussed with me every day for months while researching a builder then eventually building one.

He avoided Trico and Avi due to a number of things related to quality and finishes and etc, then settled with Morrison.

Having said that, he was very meticulous and checked in on his build a couple times a week (after hours) and reported anything that wasn't done properly. He noticed his upper washroom didn't use the 'green' drywall (waterproof kind) and they promptly redid it.

[TYMSMNY]

buddy built with Jayman. Nothing major to report.

[3nergiz3d]

Built with Morrison Homes. Probably never again.

[ganesh]

Built with Morrison.
Worst built quality and cheap materials. Their customer service is good.
Will never build with Morrison again.

[Kloubek]

I think a lot of the physical construction has to do with the tradesmen they have on your particular project. With that said, some companies are obviously more apt to regularly hire crappy tradesmen because they are cheaper.

The only company that I have personal experience with who consistently does a crappy job is Douglas Homes. When we were initially looking in Chestermere, we checked out 4 of their showhomes and spec homes, and all four of them were the worst building quality I've ever seen - with literally tens to hundreds of issues I could see just on our 10 minute walkthrough.

[R!zz0]

Originally posted by Team_Mclaren
Mapleland - small builder, i had zero problem.

Bought a spec home from Mapeland in Sage Hill and haven't had any problems. Good small builder.

[403ep3]

Went w/ Trico homes as two friends built with them in Nolan Hill and had a good experience. If you do end up going with Trico you should get in touch with Clint (knows the most and is way more helpful than the others.. although I didn't buy from him)

Possession is in September I live close so I check on the house 3-4 times a week

[OU812]

I would pick the smallest builder of the group available. Reality is most builders are building the same home anyway, ie 3 bed bonus room front attached etc.

Seems in Calgary the good builders boom become huge and quality skydives.

Cardel was the darling years ago, there are threads here that show what they turned to.

Seems now it's Morrisons turn.

Pick the unknown. More to prove and time to do things right.

Just my .02

[Evo prec]

I would pick Avi out of all those builders just make sure you get the natural gas water heater and not the electrical one, because the standard for Avi is electrical

[viff3r]

Originally posted by Sugarphreak


Pacesetter? Never heard of them, so I can't really comment

Co-worker built with them in Evanston, overall positive experience but they were a bit of PITA to deal with administratively. This goes for all builders but checking in on the build site regularly is the best thing you can do.

[Asian_defender]

Built with Sterling which is pacesetters sister brand.
Great experience but their concrete contractor (rolling mix) was the worst

Scum of the earth would be a very polite way of putting it.
Worst experience with them from a friend was they did exposed an aggregate driveway without their consent, then put a lien on their house because they didn't want to pay for something they didn't ask for. Had nothing but problems with their concrete because they used shitty concrete for my home. AVOID!!!!!!

[redevil]

I built with Trico over 4 years ago and had a great experience with them. Have had friends built with Trio as well and they had great experience as well. I would build with them again.

Sister in-law built with Avi and they didn't have the best experience and you can see the difference in quality of the build versus Trico.

Parents built with Morrison as well and they did not like them at all and wouldn't recommend them.

[yellowsnow]

Bought a home made by Landmark in inner city. I didn't build with them, just bought a spec home. but i know they do new builds as well.

Would definitely recommend them. Their warranty department is excellent. Even after my warranty expired, I noticed some water damage on a window frame, and they still came out and fixed it all up.

[J-hop]

Originally posted by OU812
I would pick the smallest builder of the group available. Reality is most builders are building the same home anyway, ie 3 bed bonus room front attached etc.

Seems in Calgary the good builders boom become huge and quality skydives.

Cardel was the darling years ago, there are threads here that show what they turned to.

Seems now it's Morrisons turn.

Pick the unknown. More to prove and time to do things right.

Just my .02

Definitely be careful with this though. Friend went with a small builder, builder had essentially zero money to fix mistakes made as he was treading water as it was. Builder closed up shop and basically my friend was left to fight with new home buyers insurance for 9 months to get things fixed and built to code.

At least with a big box company they aren't going anywhere soon and they generally try to avoid people going public with negative experiences.

But I think your comment is good assuming they are all well known and not mom and pop companies.

[nagooro]

With new builds, are there any benefits to getting a Realtor?

On a $500k home, what "lowball" offers typically get accepted? $10k below asking?

First time buyers here.

[403ep3]

Originally posted by nagooro
With new builds, are there any benefits to getting a Realtor?

On a $500k home, what "lowball" offers typically get accepted? $10k below asking?

First time buyers here.

Once you step into the showroom and "work" with a salesperson it's highly unlikely you'll be able to use a realtor. Most realtor's will tell you the same thing as well.