After I had finished my Archi Masters I was working for an architecture firm who also did a small amount of work for a volume builder. They were actually a pretty good quality builder and at least got the orientation of their 'pre-designed' plans correct. We had the ability to make minor changes to every job and it pained me to see so many simple to implement passive options not being incorporated. Had most of their clients known that they would be saving MONEY over the longterm by making a few minor changes to suit their site, they all would have done it. The problem is unless someone can sell this idea to them as a financial/lifestyle choice, many just think it is about saving the world. It is a no-brainer if you have in interest in it, but for those who don't know, there is no-one there selling it to them, especially on the lower end of the market.

A cocoon opening to the light

We’ve run into difficulties because before we exchanged contracts we asked (over the phone) whether the retaining wall was included and we were told it was but do not have that in writing. And now of course we are being told it isn't included and that the verbal agreement meant nothing. After exchanging contracts we were pushed and rushed into upgrading our inclusions to the ”deluxe” package and having seen the ”standard” and ”deluxe” inclusions lists together some of the differences between the lists seemed to be lack of attention to detail (eg one said ”painted concrete, mesh steel for driveway” while the other said ”concrete driveway” and when we asked they said mesh steel was a requirement and would be used regardless of inclusions package). It was only after we upgraded inclusions that the decking and water tank were then added to the drawings. We had asked multiple times for an itemized list of what the upgrade included and were never given one so we (stupidly!!) assumed everything needed for the house to be considered complete would be included (also told by the sales guy it was "priced to give you the whole package complete) and their demonstrated lack of attention to detail was to blame for us not being told. They have tried to get us to pay for things they are meant to pay for so I'm just trying to make sure we're not getting screwed and that this is all just us being too optimistic and trusting.

Update: I rang around a few co's that remove vinyl and they seem to think its vinyl too. Easy enough to remove, but I need to choose to replace it with more vinyl or twopak finish. I can see there are some good discussion threads here on it that topic too! I'm renting out the house for 3 years before probably selling, so I think I'll go for the cheaper option. Thanks very much for your help!