Tiny Home Builders Getting a Lot of Bad Press Due to Dodgy Individuals
Footprint Homes feel that it is time we addressed the elephant in the room – dodgy operators in our industry. We want to reassure our customers and potential clients that we are different from the unscrupulous individuals in the media recently.
There has been a lot of bad press in the past six months about tiny home builders who have knowingly “ripped” their customers off. Even worse, one of them continues to trade after being identified and being before the courts. The team at Footprint Homes cringes every time we hear of another dodgy business/person bringing our industry into disrepute.
November 2022 – NZ Tiny Homes
December 2022 – Podular Housing Systems / Sanders Manufacturing *
December 2022 - NZ Modular Homes Ltd
April 2023 – Classwell
May 2023 – High Country Cabins
May 2023 - Kiwi Modular Homes
June 2023 - Amazing Spaces
* Still taking new clients while in liquidation under a new identity called Fenceadeck
Below are some links, although being disturbing are intended to create awareness, be informative and encourage you to do your due diligence.
So, what makes Footprint Homes different?
Naturally, the first thing we are going to say is that we are honest, and we are.
Let us point out that we were formally known as Cabins and Homes There is nothing sinister about our name change to Footprint Homes, it was simply a rebranding exercise to better represent our identity, purpose and intent going forward.
Our procedures, policy and agreements are clear and designed to protect both our clients and ourselves.
Now for some facts:
- All deposits are held in an account until the respective council requirements are fulfilled, and construction can commence.
OR
- We have a Stakeholder Agreement option, terms and conditions apply. The funds are payable into our solicitors Trust Account and held under our clients name. The funds are dispersed to Footprint Homes after receiving confirmation from Footprint Homes that the appropriate milestones have been achieved. Funds are only released when invoices are required to be paid to the suppliers.
- We request milestone payments and then order the materials based on how the build is progressing.
- When building onsite, the materials and the build are yours.
- Our quotation states that once the flatpack supplies are paid for, you own them.
- Your construction partner and their tradespeople are sub-contractors to them and are paid for as part of the Construction Agreement; as and when the agreed construction milestones are completed.
The old adage still rings true -
"If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is".
Although it may not always be correct, it does pay to take a bit of time to do your homework and be confident in your decision.
Remember, anyone can create a professional-looking website, make unsubstantiated statements and claims, name names, and create or copy pictures (renders) of ideas. However, when it comes to building, the proof is physical – visit an existing build or show home.
Stuff - 1 June 2023
Fair Go - 1 May 2023
https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/05/01/fair-go-visits-tiny-home-builder-who-has-failed-to-deliver/
Stuff - 11 May 2023
Newstalk ZB - 6 May 2023
Stuff - 29 April 2023
Stuff - 18 April 2023
Stuff - 4 December 2022
Stuff - 29 November 2022
Stuff - 18 June 2022