We recently purchased a home with AVI in Auburn Bay. My experience with this build has been extremely disappointing and almost violating. I do not be recommend AVI to any one in the market for a new home. In addition to overall poor customer service, below are a few examples of what we dealt with during our home buying experience.
1) Parking Stall Issue. Not being very mobile, we requested a parking stall that was located closer to the elevator (so less walking). We met with the sales rep in October/November to find a more suitable parking stall – and we did so. We completed the paperwork, and the appropriate ‘change order’ form to make sure this was all ready to go. AVI did not submit the change order, and left us with the original stall which we only discovered upon signing the final papers with the lawyer. They did nothing to correct this for us - no accountability, no transparency.
2) Laundry Machines – when purchasing the home, we opted to take the credit for the washer/dryer unit as these were too small for us. We made arrangements to purchase our own. On our possession date, we noticed AVI had installed the washer/dryer, and we advised them we already had our own, and they could take their units back. They asked us to keep these, as it would mean less work for them to remove and restock them. I did not take them up on their offer initially, as I had already purchase my own, and may not have been eligible for a refund. Luckily I was able to refund my own units, with a 10% penalty… and agreed to keep the units AVI mistakenly provided. Less than 24 hours later, AVI sent an email asking us to set up a time for the removal of the units.
3) Upgraded shower – we upgraded the shower to the glass door (instead of tub) for disability issues. The sales rep said this would be no problem and updated our change order forms. Two weeks later, they advised we would need to pay around (~$1800) for this upgrade – even though we already signed off on a $0.00 change order.
4) 9’ ceilings, down to 8’ – upon signing, we were told our ceilings would be 9’ – about 1 month later, we were advised this would be reduced to 8’ (or maybe 8.5’) – at this point in journey, we couldn’t even back out of the deal, although we should have.
5) 2nd floor versus 1st floor - upon purchase, we assumed we were signing papers for a unit on the 2nd floor of the building - upon move in, we were on the main floor. Explanation: This is technically the second floor because the elevation is a bit higher.
These are just a few key examples of what our experience was like, in addition to the below par customer service. Had I known then what I know now, I would have not purchased this home – Regrettable, I didn’t read some of the other reviews that probably would have given me an indication of what to expect. What a nightmare.
