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Fairhaven Homes

Fairhaven Homes

 Verifiedfairhavenhomes.com.au
Fairhaven Homes
4.7

832 reviews

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Build Stage
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4.5
832 reviews
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Sarah
Sarah7 posts
  VerifiedPinned Fairhaven Homes

Very glad we stumbled across Fairhaven Homes when looking for a builder who would maximise the potential of our narrow (12.5m wide) block. We chose the Tathra 30 design which was absolutely the best trade-off for size, layout, features etc, whilst maximising backyard space. We are coming up to 8 months in our home and have so far had a great… Read more ·  1

experience. The customer service officers who worked on our build were knowledgeable and accommodating. Our site supervisor was a gun and got the job done super quickly (began June, moved in start of November). He rectified issues during the build (eg missed insulation, standard stuff that can happen during a build - he literally got them to remove the plaster board that was put in, add the insulation, and re-plaster. Others who had built with other builders were surprised they did this and expected we would simply be reimbursed). We’ve just had our warranty check - no issues having them come back and fix the issues and the team they used were great (so efficient and friendly). All issues sorted now (minor too, mind you - we had a great build).

Higher up, I received a call post-survey just to ask about our experience. They genuinely cared about how we felt the build went and the finished product. They want you to be happy with your home.

Very happy in our home!

Yasasi B.
Yasasi B.
  Verified Fairhaven Homes

We’ve had a really great experience with Faraz and Will from Fairhaven. As first home buyers, there was a lot we weren’t familiar with, but Faraz has been incredibly patient and helpful throughout. We’ve had multiple meetings with him, and he’s always taken the time to answer all our questions, explain things clearly, and work through different… Read more ·  1

alterations and options to help us stay within our budget while still finding solutions that work for us.

Will has also been fantastic; he’s very prompt, a great communicator, and always keeps us updated. It’s been really great having both of them there to guide us through the process and make everything feel much easier. We’ve been very happy with our experience so far and would definitely recommend Faraz and Will to other first home buyers.

Natalie
NatalieVIC
  Verified Fairhaven Homes

In preparation for our build, we worked with Customer Relationship Officer, Tegan. Tegan made the entire process seamless. She was extremely proactive, always responsive, and consistently provided prompt updates. Throughout the journey, I requested numerous changes, all of which Tegan was more than willing to accommodate. She thoroughly… Read more ·  1

investigated any queries I had and delivered exceptional customer service at every stage. Tegan acted fast and prioritized our build which meant we were able to maintain our price lock.

If you are building with Fairhaven, I highly recommend Tegan.

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Ramesh S.
Ramesh S.VIC
  Fairhaven Homes

I appreciate Mr. Mike from Fair Heaven Home, who demonstrated strong product knowledge and provided clear, comprehensive explanations regarding the building process and available upgrade options. His communication was transparent throughout, which enabled me to make well‑informed decisions that aligned with my preferences and budget. It has been… Read more ·  1

an excellent beginning to my home‑building journey with Fair Heaven Home, and I appreciate the clarity and professionalism shown from the outset. Thank you.

Reviews with attachments

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Hiruni S.
Hiruni S.VIC
  Verified Fairhaven Homes

Amazing customer service – I'm really impressed with the service provided by Henry - new home consultant. He guided me through the initial steps of this process really well, explained everything and answered my questions without leaving any doubts. Also, he is very approachable - which I appreciate the most :) Thanks Henry! Show details ·  1

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Prem
Prem
  Verified Fairhaven Homes

Exceptional Knockdown Rebuild Experience – Fairhaven's CRO services on our home build has been exemplary. We had two CROs Natalie and Tegan, appointed to our project, the first having to leave on a maternity break. Both CROs were beyond words awesome in their efforts to bring our home build project to life. We have been in great hands through out our build project. Natalie and Tegan have… Read more ·  1

been attentive to our concerns and super proactive in coming up with resolutions. They have been the pillars of strength we constantly leaned on throughout our Council woes (Council related delays in getting our permits). Fairhaven have been understanding and supportive enabling extensions for our price lock that we greatly appreciated and literally holding our hands through every council hiccup.

Now the build has started and we have met with our site supervisor who is again also very warm and understanding. I am not sure how Fairhaven does it or how they find such a strong and capable workforce. But they have done it and done it exceptionally well. They are definitely industry leaders in the home build sector with their boutique and exquisite homes.

Thank you so much Fairhaven.

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Helen Z.
Helen Z.
  Verified Fairhaven Homes

Grateful for our beautiful home – Our experience with Fairhaven has been positive throughout each stage of the build process. We have just completed our 6 month warranty check and I have waited purposely to give this review, so it can be an accurate representation of our experience. We encountered some minor issues along the journey as one would expect, (with any build) however,… Read more ·  1

our amazing site supervisor (SS) was prompt to address our concerns and rectify any issue. Our SS and CRO kept us informed and up to date throughout each stage and answered all our questions . On Monday, we had the General Manager and our SS visit our home for our 6 month warranty check. All the Fairhaven staff conducted themselves professionally with a customer centric focus from start to finish. I would encourage anyone to make their own Fairhaven experience like we did. We would build with Fairhaven again without hesitation. Thank you to our site supervisor for being so dedicated and for being someone that really cared and listened to us each time we contacted him or in person. He allowed time for us to walk through our home whenever we wished without resistance. Thank you for our beautiful home , we love our Hyland design , we love our facade and all the personal touches adding our touches have made it our home. Thank you Fairhaven team for your flexibility and honesty during this process.

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Namal F.
Namal F.VIC
  Verified Fairhaven Homes

Best possible outcome for my home – Excellent coordination, communication, and quality of work, and the company delivered a very nice home. It was a very pleasant relationship throughout the process and the company kept to the time lines agreed. Show details ·  1

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Shan
ShanVIC2 posts
  Verified Fairhaven Homes

Exceptional Experience with Our First Home Build – Finding a builder was the hardest part of our journey as first-time homeowners. However, we had an outstanding experience with Fairhaven Homes. Our sales consultant was attentive and knowledgeable from the initial sale, helping us build our dream home while securing the best deals. Tegan Coad, our CRO, was also exceptional. Our site supervisor,… Read more ·  1

Blake, was incredibly knowledgeable, and promptly addressing our concerns and keeping us informed about potential delays and issues.

Fairhaven Homes’ team was responsive from the initial consultation through to project completion, with clear and prompt communication that kept us involved every step of the way.

Their attention to detail and commitment to finishing the home ahead of schedule exceeded our expectations. If you're looking for a builder who is reliable, responsive and completes projects on schedule, look no further than Fairhaven Homes. We couldn't be happier with the results and wouldn't hesitate to work with them again.

Latest follow-ups

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MarleneM
MarleneMVIC4 posts
  Verified Fairhaven Homes

So far Fairhaven have been most accommodating to our needs and requests. The journey has been smooth with no hiccups and staff respond to our questions in a timely manner. We are in pre-construction stage. Show details

 Follow-up  · Everything was going fine until the bricklayers came, they did a very poor job. Looks like it was done by an apprentice, mortar has already cracked in some places and even laid uneven and some bricks not laid straight. The guy that came to clean the bricks after the bricklayers left even said it was a bad job. Also I must stress to double check… Read more

Fairhaven Homes
Fairhaven Homes    

Hi Marlene, Thank you for your kind words. We're… Read more

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Christina
ChristinaVIC
  Verified Fairhaven Homes

Our build by the Bay – Our experience with Fairhaven Homes has been nothing but outstanding! We are very excited and happy to be in our new home. We were extremely lucky to have Natalie and Cam guiding us through our new build and with their continual support it made our… Read more ·  1

journey very easy. Natalie and Cam were always in contact with us and any query was never a hassle for them. Also Paige and Tilley for their outstanding help and expertise in helping us choose our colours for our new build. They were so friendly and patient and we love the final outcome. We found the staff at Fairhaven Homes very pleasant, helpful and accommodating at all times, and would thoroughly recommend them for a new build.

 Follow-up  · Our new home is very energy efficient, having the double glazed windows the house stays warm during the colder months and pleasant during the summer months. Our landscaping was done by my husband and I, it was a very thought out process, we wanted the garden to be self sufficient but still have that wow factor. We couldn't be happier with the… Read more

In-depth reviews

Poorni
PoorniVIC
  Verified Fairhaven Homes

Our initial consultation with Michael Stephenson at Clyde display home was an excellent experience. From the very beginning, he was friendly, professional, and extremely knowledgeable, taking the time to explain every step of the building process in detail. Michael guided us through the entire journey, from selecting the right block of land to… Read more ·  1

choosing a house design that best suited our needs, budget, and lifestyle. He patiently answered all of our questions and provided valuable advice, which made the decision-making process much easier and less overwhelming.

Throughout the process, we requested multiple design changes and updated quotes as we explored different options. Michael was always happy to accommodate our requests, responding promptly and professionally without any hesitation.

His communication was clear and consistent, and we never felt pressured into making decisions.

The only area where I feel the experience could be improved is by providing more detailed information about the electrical options during the consultation. It would be helpful to have a clearer explanation of solar system options, heating and cooling choices, and other energy-saving features available.

Overall, it was a very positive experience so far, and we really appreciated Michael's guidance and support throughout the process.

Asanka P.
Asanka P.VIC
  Verified Fairhaven Homes

We are currently building our second home, and my wife worked for Dennis Family Homes for more than 10 years, so we're quite familiar with the home building process and what to expect. Based on our previous experience, we shortlisted around five builders before making our decision. Throughout the entire sales and pre-construction process, Mike… Read more ·  1

and Sarah from Riverfield Display in Clyde were exceptional. They were always responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely made us feel that they had our best interests at heart rather than simply trying to make a sale.

There were several reasons why we ultimately chose Fairhaven:

Quality: The display homes and standard inclusions gave us confidence in the quality of their build.

Value for money: Although Fairhaven's base price was slightly higher than some other builders, we found their standard inclusions to be extremely competitive. Once we compared everything side by side, they offered excellent value overall.

Reasonably priced upgrades: Whenever we requested additional upgrades, the pricing was fair and significantly more reasonable than what some other builders had quoted us.

What impressed us most was the transparency. At no point did we feel like we were being hit with unnecessary costs or hidden charges. That gave us a lot of confidence that Fairhaven will continue to look after us throughout the rest of the journey. I highly recommend Fairhaven to anyone considering building a new home. If I could give more than 5 stars based on our experience so far, I would. We are currently waiting for our fixed site costs and tender appointment. As the build progresses through each stage, I'll continue to update this review to reflect our experience. Hopefully, Fairhaven will continue to earn this 5-star rating all the way through to handover.

Find out how Fairhaven Homes compares to other Project Home Builders

Know better, choose better.

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Nick
NickVIC
  Verified Fairhaven Homes

We are currently in the early stages of a knockdown rebuild with Fairhaven Homes, and the experience so far has been exceptional. Moving from the initial conversation with Rosie, to selecting and customising a floor plan to suit our block, was entirely seamless from our first conversation. We’ve just paid our deposit and been accepted to progress,… Read more ·  1

and we couldn't be more confident in our choice so far.

What truly sets this team apart from other volume builders is their attention to detail and genuine willingness to help. Before we even committed to the next phase, Rosie alongside Katina worked tirelessly to include our specific requirements and provide accurate, upfront pricing.

They've helped us see how we could live in the home during the quote phase with a detailed sketch, rather than just looking at a generic floor plan from their website or brochure. Getting upfront, realistic costs for structural customisations rather than vague estimates or allowances, made the process feel secure rather than stressful. Rosie's focus was on finalising as many inclusions as possible so we could see a final, realistic price before moving forward.

It’s rare to find a volume builder that treats your budget and vision with this much respect. Knowing exactly what we are signing up for has made the start of this journey incredibly exciting. If you are looking for a builder that values transparency and customisation without the usual headaches, I highly recommend Fairhaven Homes, specifically Rosie and her team!

Positive reviews

Chathuri Bandara
Chathuri Bandara
  Verified Fairhaven Homes

We have had a great experience so far, from the sales stage through to construction. The team has been friendly, helpful and supportive throughout the process. Communication has generally been good, and we are very excited to see our new home coming to life. We look forward to the rest of the journey! Show details ·  1

Taiwo
Taiwo
  Verified Fairhaven Homes

Rosie Milojevic has been a pleasure to work with, she went above above and beyond and was very helpful throughout the pre-onstruction process, I would like to recommend her to future customers. I won't hesitate to work with her should i decide to build again Show details ·  1

S online
S onlineVIC3 posts
  Verified Fairhaven Homes

I had an excellent experience with the Sales, Studio, Tender, and CRO. Everything Process moving swiftly and as planned. Building for the second time with FH homes, and i am glad i did. I am just past the pre-construction phase and just entered the construction phase. I am optimistic my build will go well, just like the last time. Show details ·  1

Negative reviews

jhon M.
jhon M.VIC2 posts
  Verified Fairhaven Homes

We built our home with Fairhaven Homes in 2016, and I wanted to share our experience as a fair warning for anyone considering building with them. It’s now been around 10 years, and we’ve started experiencing a number of significant issues. I’m not referring to normal wear and tear such as paint fading or minor cosmetic defects, which are expected… Read more

over time. I’m talking about structural fixtures and essential components that, in my opinion, should have lasted much longer.

Over the years we’ve had doors and walls become noticeably warped, and the biggest ongoing issue has been the garage door. A few years ago, the garage door springs snapped. When the system was inspected, I was told that a single garage door spring had been installed on what is actually a double garage door. Unsurprisingly, the spring failed under the extra load. After that, the garage door motor also failed and had to be replaced at my own expense.

Most recently, the connection joints on the garage door panels have broken, and I’ve now been advised that the entire garage door needs replacing, at a cost of more than $5,000.

After speaking with other homeowners who built with Fairhaven around the same time, I found that at least one other family has experienced very similar issues, which makes me question the quality of some of the materials and components used during construction.

I’m sharing this review so prospective buyers can make an informed decision. Unfortunately, after this length of time there is little opportunity to seek assistance or compensation, so all repair costs have fallen on us.

To be fair, I can’t say whether this is unique to Fairhaven or reflects practices used by other builders during that period. However, based on our experience, I would strongly recommend that anyone building a new home pays close attention to the quality of the materials, fittings, and hardware being installed, rather than focusing solely on the contract price. Spending a little more upfront on higher-quality components may save many thousands of dollars in repairs down the track.

This review reflects our personal experience as homeowners, and I hope it helps others ask the right questions before making such a significant investment.

Fairhaven Homes
Fairhaven Homes    

Hi jhon M., We're sorry to read about the issues… Read more (+2 replies)

Savio M.
Savio M.VIC4 posts
  Verified Fairhaven Homes
Customer Service
Site Admin
Timeliness

Hi Fairhaven homes, If you are reading this, please honor your promises made at tender appointment. I have already sent multiple emails to you'll and my handover was supposed to be today 2 April- but due to inaction and broken promises from your end it has been delayed. You have the Job number to refer to. Show details

Fairhaven Homes
Fairhaven Homes    

Hi Savio, Thank you for taking the time to share… Read more

Luke
LukeVIC2 posts
  Verified Fairhaven Homes

Negative Star Experience - Definitely worth a read before deciding on Fairhaven Homes. 10+ YEARS OF WARRANTY HELL!!! 160+ maintenance items still ongoing and 60+ maintenance days. Due to severe maintenance on 2 occasions, my family and I were forced out of our new home, Fairhaven Homes did not care and left us on the streets for 4 nights. … Read more

Endless meetings with Maintenance Managers, 2nd In Charge, letters to Director, Conciliation, DBDRV, now forced into VCAT, as this is our only option to get warranty items repaired and contact paid variations actually installed.

Please save yourself the trouble, do not build with Fairhaven Homes and choose a more professional builder.

This is our second time building and we wish we choose our first builder.

If you have had building issues with Fairhaven Homes, this is where you can leave your honest constructive feedback and it will not be deleted by Fairhaven Homes.

LETTER OF DEMAND My solicitor advise to send a letter of demand and invoice requesting payment involving the outstanding warranty works as a last hope of Fairhaven Homes complying with their warranty obligations. Fairhaven Homes confirmed receipt of this letter on the 31st of August 2021. Fairhaven Homes had 4 weeks to respond…. Still nothing today, so we are now forced to go to VCAT.

• BACKROUND Our house was built by Fairhaven Homes at a cost of around $300,000. My family and I moved into our new house in Pakenham just before Christmas on the 18/12/2014. Throughout an extremely lengthy building journey over 14 months I advised Fairhaven Homes with countless number of errors. During inspections I had advised Fairhaven Homes Supervisor [Name Removed], on a several major errors, some were still not resolved for the hand over and some are still not resolved today.

My father M, is a builder and he had completed a building inspection on our previous house we built resulting in only a few minor defects. M, attended our address in Pakenham before hand over to complete a building inspection report along with my wife and myself. Unfortunately this time resulting in a below standard quality house with a 3 page list of over 100+ items, we were extremely disappointed.

During hand over with Fairhaven Homes Supervisor [Name Removed], my wife and I provided D, with our building inspection 3 page list 100+ items. [Name Removed], stated he would add these items to the hand over list and deliver the updated version to us before Christmas. On Christmas Eve 2014, we had still not received the updated hand over list from [Name Removed], we were now having doubts in believing [Name Removed], that all these items would be fixed and I signed a statutory declaration stating the above.

One of our most concerning maintenance item was our smoke alarms were faulty. The self-test did not work and they self-activated at random times which was very disturbing especially during the night for my family and even for our neighbours. After Fairhaven Homes neglect I was forced to disconnect them myself, replace them with standard battery smoke alarms until they eventually got fixed several months later. I am sure you can imagine what it was like when the smoke alarms activated and our young children screaming, running to us continually in the night for months. Fairhaven Homes appeared not to care at all about my family's lives.

To date Fairhaven Homes have still not provided us with the PCI (Practical Completion Inspection Report) or the Fairhaven Homes Independent Building Inspection report, in which I believe this speaks for itself, that are even more faults I am not aware of. My family has been put through hell, 150 plus maintenance items over 7+ years. Forced out of our own home on two separate occasions for two days each time because the house was unliveable due to paint fumes and wet paint, Fairhaven Homes did nothing and did not care about my family.

In 2015 on the first inspection from Fairhaven Homes Inspector [Name Removed], stated this is the longest maintenance list he has ever written down 8 pages, the worst house hand over house he has ever seen in his career, he was very embarrassed and apologised on serval occasions throughout the maintenance works. On one of the maintenance days a tradie [Name Removed], stated I think there are 8 different trades here today guys, this is like renovation rumble on TV and laughed out loud. My wife and I unfortunately did not see the funny side but I can understand his comment because the house was a mess with people everywhere and we just let the comment go.

Due to Fairhaven Homes maintenance I have lost approximately 50 plus days (I lost count) with my family which I will never get back and taken time off work required to be present each day with several more to come. I was required at home as each trade requested for me to show them the works, explain best options, approve and sign off. This became a part time job for myself, involving countless hours of stress, anxiety, depression and loss of sleep. Fairhaven Homes have clearly failed to provide a finished house and did not complete all maintenance items within the contract time frame after hand over.

• CONCILIATION I have attempted to resolve all 32 outstanding items in dispute with Fairhaven Homes unsuccessfully. I really just wanted to move on and not deal with Fairhaven Homes anymore. In an attempt to resolve these 32 items, I decided on the 10 most important items to my family and progressed through to conciliation. The other 22 maintenance items I am disappointed with but will just have to live with, due to a high estimated cost in repairs in which I can not afford and are willing just to let them go so we can both move on.

On the 15/11/2018 at conciliation both parties resolved 9 out of the 10 items. Unfortunately item number 8 this being the bath tub was not resolved. To assist in resolving the dispute at the time of conciliation I offered to pay half the cost, in which Fairhaven Homes rejected. This offer is no longer available to Fairhaven Homes. The conciliator informed me the dispute was not resolved resulting in all items not resolved and I was provided with a certificate of Dispute Not Resolved.

• AFTER CONCILIATION Since conciliation Fairhaven Homes has carried out more maintenance completing 7 out of 10 items, leaving 3 items unresolved. To their credit they have also carried out further new warranty maintenance items that have not been added on my to do list.

Due to Fairhaven Homes neglect with maintenance items over 7+ years, with my to do list I have repaired and paid for another separate 37 items with the invoice ongoing but currently totalling into the thousands.

I am here today requesting the following payment: 3 lots of works to be carried out, bathroom, kitchen and toilets with totalling $17,950.

• BATHROOM WORKS This is our second time building, I am 190cm tall, during the selection stage we requested the longest bath possible which was a length of 1700mm and paid for the upgrade at a cost of $65. The standard bath was 1530mm in length.

During 2014 at a building inspection with Fairhaven Homes Supervisor [Name Removed], my wife and I observed the delivered bath tub sitting in the front living room downstairs looked to small. I measured this with my tape measure and I believed it was too small at 1530mm. We advised [Name Removed], of the error and [Name Removed], stated he would see what he can do. As [Name Removed], had done nothing to fix any of the other previous errors that I had bought to his attention. I rang the manufacture myself who advised there are two options with this Decina Uno bath length, 1530mm standard or upgrade at a cost of around $32 to the larger bath length to 1700mm, if I paid $65 for the upgrade to Fairhaven Homes it would be the 1700mm bath. This resulting in Fairhaven Homes with over 100% mark up on the product upgrade. I then advised [Name Removed], of the bath was too small and instructed him not to install the bath. To our surprise the small bath got installed. Over the next 7+ years Fairhaven Homes has provided a plethora of excuses to date.

During 2018 at one of many maintenance meetings over the years at our home with my wife, Fairhaven Homes Manager [Name Removed], advised that Fairhaven Homes now actually records the bath length onto the house drawings and into the contract. I am glad to see that Fairhaven Homes have learnt from their mistakes but I find it extremely disappointing they are still not willing to fix them.

Contract page 146 APPLIANCES AND FITTINGS Section: 22.2 Bathrooms Provide acrylic baths and tiled insitu shower bases. Polymarble or acrylic showers bases are house specific. Refer to List of Standard Inclusions or the Tender Document.

Contract page 68 STANDARD INCLUSIONS Section: Bathroom 1500/1650mm acrylic bathtub. Bath size is design specific – refer to plans.

Contact page 49 VARIATION LIST Section: Plumbing Fixtures 15.2 Provide Decina Uno Bath to Bathroom in lieu of standard Bath $65. Note: The length of the bath is not recorded in the contract.

House Drawings UPPER FLOOR PLAN Section: Bathroom Bath tub states selected bath. (It is not blank and does not state standard bath.) Note: The length of the bath is also not recorded in the drawings. All measurements are correct on the drawing with a scale of 1mm:100cm The shower base states 0.9 meter, if I take the measurement using a multirule, it measure to 9mm = 900mm. If I measure the bath, it measures to 17mm = 1700mm.

Maintenance Notice Maintenance List 20/07/15 Reference 11616 Page 3 Item number 31 Find out what spec the bath is / size etc. Fairhaven Homes was aware but had never placed it on the Maintenance List until I requested it 20/07/15.

Decina.com.au Uno Bath 1530mm $461.08 Or upgrade for an extra $32.80 to Uno Bath 1700mm $493.88

Bathroom Works Conclusion We selected the longest bath at a length of 1700mm and paid $65 for the upgrade of this bath. We identified that the incorrect bath had been delivered. I confirmed this with the manufacture, advised Fairhaven Homes Supervisor [Name Removed], on site that the incorrect bath that was delivered and not to install it but the incorrect bath still got installed. The length of the bath is not recorded in the contract or on the drawings. When the bath is measured on the drawings to the specified scale it is 1700mm in length. Fairhaven Homes has not made any offers in an attempt to resolve this issue.

• KITCHEN WORKS The kitchen sink does not sit flush and leaves a gap all the way around the sink. The gap is large enough for food to keep getting stuck underneath, in between the sink and the kitchen bench. These food items are required to be removed with a tool before turning mouldy. Water also leaks through this gap, under the sink into the cupboards.

Fairhaven Maintenance During 2015 maintenance attended, attempted to fit the original required amount of sink clamps but advised they could not fit the required number of clamps due to the sink not sitting flush enough. They also observed the dents around the sink stating that it looks like it the sink was forced in. The sink clamps that could be fitted made no difference and the sink remained not flush.

During all the maintenance inspections over the years, I heard lots of different excuses form several Fairhaven Homes staff members. The dents come like that from factory. You’ll get used to it. Doesn’t the misses clean anyway.

Handover List Section: Kitchen Sink clamps missing, sink not sitting flush.

Maintenance Notice Maintenance List 31/03/15 Reference 11537 Page 5 Item number 44 Investigate the dents to the kitchen sink.

Conciliation At conciliation Fairhaven homes agree to replace the kitchen sink. The original sink was no longer available so we viewed a similar sink, agreed for it to be installed and it was delivered. The sink has not been installed to date.

Sink Installation Fairhaven Homes plumber attends to replace the sink and unfortunately the new sink does not fit. We ask the plumber for an explanation. He stated that the sinks are the same size but the issue is the beach top, it has not been cut large enough for the sink to fit. He then further explained to us the new sink and old sink are no different in sizes and places the new sink into the cut out. He then showed us and explained the new sink overhangs by around 10 to 15mm length and width. On the existing sink the fitting tags underneath do not bend around far enough for the sink to fit correctly with the clamps due to the small cut out in the benchtop. He then took a photo of the overhang and advised us needed to call his boss. The plumber then advised us he has been instructed not to fit the new sink because he will damage it and the kitchen bench needs to be cut before installation for the sink to fit correctly. He asked what date did we move in. I told him Christmas week. He stated the plumber was probably told just to make it fit as it is a busy time of year. He then fitted the old sink, apologised and left.

In the following days a maintenance member attended and requested to take the new sink. I was bit confused as we had no phone calls or emails in relation to an update with the kitchen sink issue. I advised him that I had not heard anything from Fairhaven Homes in relation to this and asked for an explanation. He stated that they are a few issues and he needed to take the sink. I advised him the sink is actually in my possession but if Fairhaven Homes is that concerned about a $150 sink they can have it. Fairhaven Homes refused to inform us any further about the sink and a new sink has never been installed.

Kitchen Bench With Fairhaven Homes not providing us with any further details as to why they are not installing the kitchen sink, we decided to make some enquires into different size sinks and or getting the kitchen bench cut to the correct size. We could not locate any sinks to fit correctly into the existing kitchen bench cut out. We contacted VBG the benchtop installation company used by Fairhaven Homes for our benchtop. A VBG staff member attended our home for an assessment, he advised us they can not cut bench tops on site due to silica which is a material similar to asbestos and all cutting is off site at the factory under strict safety conditions. They do not remove cut and re-install bench tops. We would require a new bench top but it would not be the same colour as the remaining sections of our bench and with no guarantee it will sit correctly or match up with existing benchtops. VBG recommend we would require all new bench tops to be installed in the kitchen.

Quantum Quartz Silica Dust Information This material is known to cause cancer and have links to other diseases. No cutting, polishing, grinding or drilling of these materials should be carried out at the installation premises.

Kitchen Bench Crack There has been a small crack in the kitchen benchtop since handover but Fairhaven Homes maintenance advised on 10 year warranty and to consider fixing it at a later date due to all the 100+ works already being carried out. This crack has now expanded over the years. VBG attended and provided a report which resulted in the bench not covered under warranty due to a heavy force onto the benchtop. I believe this crack may have been caused by the sink being forced in and or trades tools being placed on our benchtop during maintenance works over the years.

VBG Report Cracked Benchtop From previous experience on these matters we believe that this issue was caused by someone accidently placing a hot item or a heavy force onto the benchtop, hence causing the damage.

Kitchen Works Conclusion The kitchen benchtop cut out is too small to fit the sink in correctly. The existing sink was damaged being forced in and it does not sit correctly. VBG advised they will not cut benchtop on site due to silica dust. VBG’s report indicates someone accidently placing heavy force onto the benchtop, hence causing the crack. I believe Fairhaven Homes now realise about their error with the kitchen benchtop cut out being too small and the large costs involved in repairing it. This is why they have not provided any explanation to date for not fitting the kitchen sink and have still not provided a copy of the photo taken by the plumber as requested. Fairhaven Homes has not made any offers in an attempt to resolve this issue.

• TOILET WORKS All 3 toilet seats we faulty from manufacture, they cracked and broke. Fairhaven Homes replaced all three toilet seats. During installation the replacement toilet seats a maintenance member stated these are the manufacture replacement toilet seats. I advised him that they looked to small and like a cheap plastic seats. Our original toilet seats were solid, larger and heavy. As there was no other option the replacement toilet seats were installed. The toilet seats are that small when you sit down it feels small like a child’s toilet seat. Fairhaven Homes manager MP attended to investigate and stated that the toilet seats are too small, you can still see the outside of the toilet bowl when the lid is shut and it does feel small when you sit on it. At the time a very similar toilet seat was available at Bunnings for $20.

Toilet Works Conclusion I understand that the existing toilet seats are allegedly the manufacture replacements but the fact remains these toilet seats are too small, are a loose fit and are breaking. During conciliation Fairhaven Homes made an offer of $100 Bunnings voucher in an attempt to resolve this issue. I accepted this offer at conciliation but due to the median cost of toilet seats at Bunnings around $65 for one I have now realised it was only enough to cover the cost for one and are rejecting the offer as the entire dispute was marked as not resolved DBDRV. (Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria)

COMMENTS The most disappointing thing was some comments from Fairhaven Homes manager MP, which involved our window restrictors. The window restrictors were never installed and Fairhaven Homes took 4 years to install them. On installation A&L windows confirmed the window restrictors had never been installed because they are screwed in and there are no previous indications of this and questioned how the house passed an occupancy permit without them. During the delay I installed alternative cheaper options for the safety of my family. After 4 years MP stated that I must have taken them out because the house would not have passed the occupancy permit without them and then stated the same comment again during the conciliation conference. This was a real low blow questioning my integrity as an emergency service worker. I am still extremely disappointed with these comments from MP. Why would I take them out and place my family’s lives risk with a 1, 4 and 6 year old in a double story house and then pay for some while waiting for Fairhaven Homes? I expect an apology from Fairhaven Homes and or MP for these disrespectful comments.

2025 After 10+ years with multiple items still outstanding, it’s time to express our concerns, Fairhaven Homes - NEVER AGAIN!

Recent reviews

Cam
Cam
  Verified Fairhaven Homes

It has been a very smooth and clear process. Can’t speak highly enough of everyone I have dealt with during the pre construction stage. Can’t wait to start the build in two weeks time Show details ·  1

Kayla
KaylaVIC
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My partner and I went to fairhaven early this year were we met Faraz and the process of starting to build our home has been so seamless and easy, everything is organised and he has always been so great when we have any queries, we are so happy and can’t wait for the build to commence. Show details ·  1

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Amy
AmyVIC
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Michael is amazing with excellent customer service and detailed explanations. Helped Me so much to understand all the different things to building my first house. I have now moved onto Rebecca and Daniel to further the process of building my house. Show details ·  1

Elizabeth and Brian
Elizabeth and Brian2 posts
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Henry was super helpful with taking over where Paul left off. His professional and knowledgeable manner of handling my situation ensured a seamless transition and well executed preliminary estimate report. Whenever I called him for additional costings he was there. Very responsive and had a close attention to detail. Thank you to Henry for making my home purchase closer to reality. Couldn’t be happier. Show details ·  1

Sneha Jobin
Sneha Jobin
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We are very happy with our new home and the overall building experience. The entire process was well managed, communication was clear, and any questions or concerns were handled promptly and professionally. The workmanship and build quality met our expectations, and the final cost was in line with what we were initially advised. We appreciate the… Read more ·  1

support provided throughout the journey and would happily recommend Fairhaven Homes to others building their dream home.

Ankit S.
Ankit S.Victoria
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Initial consultation and pre-construction phase: I have started my journey of building my first house which can feel overwhelming, but my experience was made incredibly smooth thanks to the team at Fairhaven Homes. From the very beginning, communication was clear and every question I had was answered with patience and professionalism. A special… Read more ·  1

thanks to Faraz Wais, who went above and beyond to support me throughout the process. His attention to detail, proactive updates, and genuine care made all the difference during the initial phase which can otherwise be a stressful period. I always felt informed and confident in my decisions because of his guidance. I truly appreciate the exceptional service and would highly recommend Fairhaven Homes to anyone embarking on their first home journey.

I will keep this review updated as I proceed with the next phases of the build process.

Lauren B
Lauren BVIC
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We have had such a great experience planning our house build. Henry and Rebecca have been amazing to work with throughout the entire process. They have been supportive, professional and always had great communication! Show details ·  1

Patricia
Patricia
  Verified Fairhaven Homes

I had the pleasure of being supported by Michael and Sarah at the Riverfield Fairhaven Display for my first home build. Michael was extremely knowledgeable, patient, flexible and honest throughout the entire process - it made the journey feel very accessible and enjoyable :) thanks so much for the help guys you were amazing! Show details ·  1

Ariana Mari M.
Ariana Mari M.
  Verified Fairhaven Homes

Just want to say a big thank you to Darren and Rebecca for all their help throughout our home journey. As first home buyers, we had a lot of questions and honestly felt a bit overwhelmed at the start, but Darren made the process so much easier. He was always easy to talk to, patient, and gave really practical suggestions when we were choosing… Read more ·  1

things for the house. No pressure, just honest advice that actually helped us figure out what worked best for us.

Bec was also amazing the whole way through. Super responsive, organised, and always quick to help whenever we had queries. She kept everything running smoothly and was really lovely to deal with, which made the whole experience a lot less stressful.

Really appreciate both of them for being so supportive and helpful from start until now that our construction is almost starting. It made a big difference in our journey.

Jayani De Silva
Jayani De SilvaVIC3 posts
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We’ve had a fantastic experience with Fairhaven. From our initial conversations through to the consultation process, Mike and Sarah have been incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and supportive every step of the way. They took the time to answer all our questions clearly and made the whole experience smooth and stress-free. The service at the… Read more ·  1

Riverfield Display in Clyde has been outstanding, and we really appreciate the care and attention provided throughout the process. We’re excited to continue our building journey with Fairhaven and highly recommend Mike and Sarah to anyone looking to build their new home. File Number: #260305

Jason G
Jason GVIC
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Working with Mike and Sarah from the Riverfield Clyde office was an amazing experience throughout our first home journey. Their communication was exceptional — always clear, upfront, and helpful with all the information we needed to start building our new home. They were incredibly friendly and accommodating to all of our requests. Mike was… Read more ·  1

especially knowledgeable and knew exactly how to help us achieve what we wanted in our home.

We couldn’t recommend them highly enough!

Darcy78
Darcy782 posts
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Fairhaven have been so easy to deal with, and communicative. The whole experience so far couldn't have been more straightforward. Shoutout to Michael, Tegan and Daniel who have been amazing. Definitely recommend building through Fairhaven :) Show details ·  1

Tathra 30
Tathra 30VIC
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Fairhaven has been great, and really understanding in assisting myself during the planning phase every step of the way. Even when i missed some dead lines they reminded me what was required and any questions i had were answered in good timely manner. I did make some changes to the build also, again more than happy to give advice and accommodate. I… Read more ·  1

have recommended Fairhaven homes to two long time friends that are thinking of doing a knockdown rebuild.

Taylah
Taylah
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We are building with fairhaven homes and have had an amazing experience so far. I had contacted over 40 builders in the area and chosen fairhaven after narrowing down because of the quality and guarantee for a quicker build with clear timeframes. At the moment we have just completed pre start. Fairhaven also has amazing great range of standard… Read more ·  1

inclusions and also generous cat 1 items and we found the upgrades to cat 2/3 very reasonable and cheaper than anticipated but stuck with cat 1 for a lot of things. They were also super accommodating to our floorplan and the many changes we had to suit our needs! Whereas a lot of builders (volume) that we contacted did not want to or simply couldn’t for what we needed. We are building the Tahlee 28 (with room extensions and extra linens) We ended up going about 100k more than base cost price which included upgrades for almost everything, big extensions, a raked ceiling, site costs etc.

The final cost wasn’t to much more/ the same as other builders quotes which was great, and I think for the quality it will make a big difference. Walking into the display homes compared to some of the other big builders you can just tell even from cat 1 products how big the difference is with brands they use in terms of quality.

I also really liked how clear fairhaven was with orientation, insulation and other very important things that aren’t talked about much or at all with other builders I enquired with.

Everyone I spoke to was super fast in replying and very informative. Our sales consultant was great and even let us know about hidden costs that we might not have been aware of (in any sort of building project) like gas connection for our estate which I see some people get caught out on in facebook groups.

Fairhaven were so kind and understanding, when we were looking at finalising the floorplans in October my father was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The team was so lovely to deal with and gave me so much time to come back to completing the project with no extra costs. We ended up finalising everything in January, signed early Feb and did colour in early March. Our site start is start/mid May and we are very excited to get the house up as quick as possible so we can move closer to dad.

Thank you to all staff including sales consultants, managers, Cro, colour appointment specialists we have had a wonderful experience and have been well looked after

Pasi
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I had great full experience with Fairhaven homes because I started to build my future dream home with them. Millaray Frafan‑Araya , who is the New Home Consultant in Donnybrook Fairhaven display home and she helped me to do every step of my dream. She explained every step clearly. I highly recommend Fairhaven homes. Show details ·  1

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