Things to consider before you sign the HIA contract

1.  Do NOT sign unless they make all the changes you requested for


Do not believe them when they say that they will make the changes promptly after you sign the contract. 


Here are some of the reasons they will give to convince you to sign:
- we cannot update your floorplans until the contract is signed
- we need you to sign to get the ball rolling
- we will definitely get all variations and revised costs back to you next week


Believe us when we say that the ball will literally stop rolling the second you sign! It was bad before we committed to the contract and it only got worse after we signed! 


We only managed to get changes made on the spot at contract signing but when time was running out at the meeting, our Customer Support Coordinator convinced us to sign first and assured that the changes will all be made within a week. Unfortunately that did not happen.


When questioned about the delay, she admitted that things only happen quickly on contract signing day.


So make them amend everything before you sign!


2.  Demand MORE frequent site inspections


This is the biggest investment most of us will ever make and they will only let us do inspections at every Payment Milestone? That is just ridiculous! 


We managed to negotiate for fortnightly inspections.


3.  Subject your contract to FINANCE OF AN ALLOCATED SUM


You can allocate an amount you are comfortable spending as this will give you an out if the final cost exceeds your budget after signing the contract. In most cases, they are unable to provide final variations and costs at time of contract signing.