Signature Homes Geelong

We had a home built by signature homes and we are very happy with our build. Finished product was good and completed to a good level of quality.

To help people assessing this builder, here are some things we didn't like:
- Our build was 10-11 months - far too long. I think this is about standard for Signature;
- Architectural services weren't great. Here is why - I think we saw the Architect twice (not sure if this was due to workload) - you actually have to deal with the salesperson (Simon) who draws up all the amendments for you so it is not a great process for bouncing around architectural ideas. We also tended to think that the Architect would just draw up the plan and not think through any design issues that would arise and that needed to be solved - we had to send the plan back numerous times to fix errors in the plan that were really obvious to the lay-person. Additionally, we had frustrating Architectural issues that popped up during the build which we felt should have been foreseen. A point also is that Signature have design preferences - they don't really state this but we could feel it coming through in the design process. If you look at a lot of their homes, they have the same or similar features that they have guided people towards so it does make you question their place in the custom home spectrum.
- Simon is nice - but this is what he is paid for: Just a note here - Simon is at signature homes to generate revenue. He's a salesperson. If he feels you are taking too long to sign a contract, you will start to get pressure to sign - it bordered on rude. Be ready for that.
- Colour Process: we didn't like the way this process ran - to us it felt like a degeneration of the custom process to a volume build process (ie. cramming into a single day with no flexibility) and that is not what we paid for. Also, if you don't pick from their standard range and want to source a product (eg. oven) from a different manufacturer, they don't like this. We felt the colour consultant was rude and acted inconvenienced when we took moments to discuss our choices, and we are not talking about Gilda, she was lovely;
- Read the contract and project spec: Multiple times. They are loaded with errors and they hated us for this, but we did multiple mark-ups to save confusion later down the track. Also when we have a question about the contract, a reply stating "no-one ever asks questions about that, they just sign away" is not an acceptable response when entering into a half million dollar contract.
- As with all builders, post construction issues resolution is woeful. Expect to wait up to 4 months for fixes to be made. Just remember, you are no longer generating revenue for them so you will be treated accordingly.

I hope this helps people. We would encourage people to ensure that they take action to ensure they get the most value out of their build and not be a passenger in the process.

Approximate cost: $500

Built a custom design on sloping land with Signature Homes of Geelong, the whole task taking almost 9 months to complete. From the beginning their team remained professional and pleasant to work with. Sales person (Simon) the first contact was always willing to work with us to get the plan right and (Owen) the supervisor was very professional and understanding.

The concrete slab design was split level and complex, however the concreter (Wayne) and his team did an excellent job to provide a stable, even and solid base.

Frame work was of a reasonably standard, with most of it pre-fab and knocked up in a couple of weeks. Tiled roof went on without too many dramas, however still waiting for some tiles to be made straight, then the job will look quite nice.

Windows (Stegbar) were mostly casement and all double glazed aluminum in the Surf Mist colour, but already noticed small rust spots in the mechanism so will have to get some rust proofing treatment done to ensure they last. Otherwise the windows, including sliders to the outside court yard are excellent.

Brick work was disappointing, as we wanted a contrast so dark brick with light mortar. Walls were all straight, but some lentils not the correct width so you can see holes in the brick above windows and doors. Brick layers seemed lazy, didn't care about the finish and left lots of mortar between brickwork that can't be removed by acid wash. Overall the brick work was the worst trade we had on this job, but still would rate their work a 7/10 for the end result I guess.

Plaster work was excellent, maybe the best of the trades, very straight walls, a challenge with the high ceilings we had and made for a decent paint job. Plumbers were okay, just average really, nothing special but nothing bad either.

Kitchen bench dropped slightly, about 2mm, had to be fixed soon after we moved in and the cabinet work overall was not to the standard we wanted initially, as they had to fix a few things, but the end result is quite good.

Doors and windows, skirts and arcs are quite good, but front door lock needs additional handle as it swings open in any slight breeze unless it is locked from the inside.

Electrical work was top notch, with plenty of extra points and all switches seem to be were best fit, (Greg) the sparky is old school and a good operator. Technical wiring and internet with the new NBN was another matter, the builder has little idea here so seek advice from a pro. We had a couple of different people in, to sort out the home theatre and internet wiring, think carefully about this well beforehand and remember the builder won't let you use trades they don't get commission from!

Tiling to wet areas and shower screens, bath rooms were all well done and of a high quality. We had a vinyl timber look floor installed after handover, which is stunning. The builder offers little scope for variety in floor coverings.

Heating and cooling is ducted and evaporated, both systems installed by (Plum) from Laverton. Both systems work very well and had to be installed after handover, but this was not problematic.

Overall we are pleased with this builder, because we are on sloping land and had only 600mm retaining wall on one side and no fill on the low side, this was a great result and will offer us a much better landscape in the end.

Would recommend this builder, but would also recommend owners keep a keen eye on the progress, no matter how much it bothers the builders to have you swing past and see that things are being done the way you want them. Supervisors can't be at your site all the time and might even take a holiday, so trades will just do what they need to, usual stuff and not uncommon amongst any builders out there.

Approximate cost: $470,000

We could not have made a better choice in building with Signature Homes. Their professionalism and service far exceeded our expectations. We had a difficult block with quite a lot of fall on it, however after an initial consultation the Signature Homes design team created a beautiful contemporary custom split level that works exceptionally well. The whole team was helpful and friendly and our site supervisor kept us informed throughout the whole process. Would definitely recommend Signature Homes to anyone and should we build again we will look no further

Approximate cost: $325000

Had a house built by Signature.Was a great team of people and a beautiful house, met every expectation. Only thing is maintenance, very slow with follow ups on maintenance and completion of this.

Approximate cost: $330000

Signature homes did a fantastic job building our first home for us. We wanted a custom design for our sloping block and Signature worked hard to come up with something that would fit in with our budget. They were very accommodating with the changes that we wanted to make and progress through the building process was smooth and steady. Any queries and issues were addressed with promptly. We couldn't be happier with the end product and will definitely be building our next home with Signature.

Approximate cost: $210000

After months of display home shopping, our family fell in love with one of Signature Homes displays. With some great advice and assistance from Gary and Gilda we put together our dream home and the team at Signature Homes turned it into reality. The entire building experience was great, all the people we dealt with were very friendly and helpful and everything went smoothly from start to finish. If we every build again we will definitely be back! Thanks to the whole team at Signature - Happy building!!

Built new house based on display home plans. Building went smoothly and finished well within contract time. All staff were very helpful and professional. Only a small maintenance list which was attended to promptly. Comprehensive project specifications meant that there was no need for amendments to plans during construction. Although painting was done as per specification, in hindsight we would have liked another coat of paint applied (at extra cost) as we will have to repaint traffic areas in the near future. This is the only reason I have not rated the quality as 5 star but did not have the option for 4 1/2 star.

Approximate cost: $240,000

Signature built our new brick home with the least number of delays as we had a settlement date to meet. The sloping block made the built interesting, but all worked out in the end.

Approximate cost: $282.000

Built entire new home with this Builder. Ecstatic with end result - recommend them as everything is decided before you sign - floorplan, extras, tiles, carpet, taps, design changes, paint colors. Quality build with great after sales service. Small maintenance list submitted - trades involved have attended to items professionally and as time allows. From Simon in sales; to all the girls in Admin; to Colin, the in-house draftsman; and last but not least, to Gary and Gilda - A BIG THANKYOU for our finished house!

Approximate cost: $300,000