Here is how Webb & Brown Stole a 10,000$ Deposit from me:
- I approached WB in order to build a house, very friendly at first, I was invited into one of their display houses. Took me around thoroughly and emphasized that I can have a build like this. My Budget for the build was 500,000$. Which is usually adequate enough to have a semi-luxurious 3-4 bedroom. They came back with a first design that is not even remotely close to any of their "luxurious" display, and it was no different than a house you would build with any budget friendly builder.
Nonetheless, i gave my feedback and comments and explained to them that the display home is then misleading as the houses they are offering to people are not at all similar to the display homes, even if its the smaller version. But then that's the idea. To create illusion.
They counter offered me a new design, slightly better but never unique, however they have then said I would have to pay 550,000$ for that instead of 500,000$
As I have reluctantly agreed, they asked for a 5000$ Deposit which was paid to them.
I then later find out that the 550,000$ design has no inclusions, i.e
No flooring, No painting, No Electrical, No air-conditioning & No Carpeting.
As shocked as i was with this, they have pleaded that this is normal and it would be such a waste to not go ahead with the design after working on it for so long. They have them come back with a New Price that allegedly included these basics. That new Price is then 650,000$ !!
Further more they have then asked for another 5000$ deposit to now bring it into a total of 10,000$.
- We then went through a tedious selection process that does no good buy pressure you into quickly choosing items so they can "schedule" the build. They assign "Interior Designers" that are not really interior designers to help you. They were opinionated, outdated style, & WILL DO & SAY ANYTHING to up sale you more items.
Shockingly with the 650,000$ on the table, a lot of the inclusions were cheap, low quality, or just not the right color. Its as if they have a sophisticated matrix of choices that only ends in upgrades.
For Example, i paid for painting, but the hidden term is that its only 1 Color, and any extra colors are additional charges. Another example, i paid for electrical, but it didn't include basic network connectivity, sufficient power points or L.E.D downlights, so much so that we had the bottom floor only lit and the not the top one.
- As we continued to do the selections and find the truth that all their inclusions are rubbish and the only way to get a quality home is to select some upgrades, the final cost has then become 720,000$
That is 220,000$ over my proposed budget.
-We immediately confronted them and told them that we will not accept this proposal as its way over the budget beyond consideration. They have then changed their attitude, and passively aggressively said " Well if you are not gonna build with us then you are gonna lose your 10,000$ deposit.
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