Regal Homes

Somewhat disappointed – Bought the then Kensington home in 2005/6. Found myself having to serve as pseudo site manager/inspection during construction phase. Found much of the framework to be in need of additional shimming and re-nailing due to extensive gaps etc. Bay windows were wrongly cut and had to be replaced. Experience was not the dream we were led to believe before signing with Regal.

Within 2 yrs, roof ridge-capping and flexibond was falling apart (lower tiles held in place only by mortar). Advised Regal, who sent then representative to home. He remarked the mortar and/or flexibond mix was not satisfactory. No follow up from Regal. Upon contacting them again, Regal owner and another gentleman visited my home to reassure me things were proceeding, only to be followed up by a letter saying warranty on roof was only 2 years. No mention of door framing (see below). Moreover, I learned that the initial representative to my home was no longer with the company. Have since sought legal advice suggesting irrespective of warranty, there is also an obligation to provide fit for purpose when it comes to homes etc. Exploring options now.

Lucky I have retained documentary history and photographs etc. to justify claims.

All main entrance door frame trimmings have swollen and/or rotted due to poor sealing and extensive use of craftwood/MDF (happened within first 3 years). Their response was words to the effect that they complied with then Building Code but, again, not fit for purpose. Main entrance doors clearly allow rain in to interior and cause wood swelling.

First bath installed was floored with major surface defect, supposedly due to builders placing some fluid or object into the bath. Took months for Regal to replace, seemingly under duress. At one stage, we had 6 representatives (Regal and Bath supplier) in the home bathroom debating the issue.

Spa bath leaked under bath within first year. Haven't used it since. Water seepage over slab penetrated adjacent bedroom inbuilt wardrobe, ruining the carpet and causing (yes, again) the MDF/craftwood framing to swell and split.

Ant-trap (powder/sand) doesn't seem to be working as we regularly get ants indoors, perhaps resident in walls or lower foundational brickwork.

The design of the home is good (that's why we got it) and the sales pitch was convincing too. We accommodated Regal in many ways during construction but feel they did not live up to expectation or customer satisfaction after occupancy. Hence the 2-star rating. Would welcome Regal Homes voluntarily rectifying the roof and doorframe issues. It is so easy to make a customer happy with good faith and good will. Not so yet in this case, though would welcome them contacting me again to reconsider issues reported..

Excellent – [name censored] you proved to me that even in the dubious building industry (where many get cheated) there are some businessmen who value their integrity more than money. I thank you. I met [name censored] 18 years ago when I contracted him to build my home. I was a young, sole parent with three little ones.During the process I was very apprehensive but [name censored] was able to allay all my concerns. He proved to be honest, trustworthy, with a genuine desire to please his clients. He was open to suggestions, approachable, amiable and very professional in his dealings with me.I am very grateful to him for making the building of my home such a joyous experience for me and my children. Absolutely none.