Posts: 94
Threads: 18
Joined: Jan 2010
Well I've been waiting on my permits for what seems like months. Looks like my wait is close to an end. I was informed by Julia down at Trojan that she and a few others were hired by HPM and it seems they have inherited/purchased or whatever... my house project.
Does anyone know any of the facts? She told me a month ago that I should go to Argus, now she is gives me the impression that I have to follow HPM. Once I get my permits, am I obligated to HPM or should I shop my materials list? I know many have spoken about the various lumber companies, but my patience is on cliffs edge... Any thoughts, suggestions, or advice is welcomed.
Aloha, Tony
Atlanta/Kapoho
Posts: 274
Threads: 25
Joined: Nov 2003
What a nightmare! I'm sorry to hear you're having to go through this, what a mess. That's a tough one if your contract is with Trojan. I know if you sign with HPM you agree to buying a certain percentage, not sure what that is off hand, of materials through them. Something like 60-70%. That leaves you a lot of room for shopping around for fixtures etc.. other places. What does your contract with Trojan say? If HPM is buying it, they would have to follow the same guidelines I would assume. I would call the Home Planning dept at HPM and ask some questions. Angela
Posts: 966
Threads: 61
Joined: Jan 2006
tony i would certainly review the contract you signed with trojan. i would do a conversion to "owner builder". didnt you get the blueprints? and go from there. I actually used hpm for all my lumber and tin after price shopping. when you start other things then the prices really get wierd. for example hpm beat everyone on all my windows except one i got at argus and french doors at Home depot. i didnt piddle around for a buck here and there but my shower pan which was custom was i/2 price at HD! otherwise i really liked the service i got at HPM they were fantastic but i didnt sign any contract, i didnt HAVE to use them. also watch delivery charges, HD charges big bucks while HPM was free, over and over. let joe help quide you, when are you back on island? linnette
Posts: 57
Threads: 5
Joined: Nov 2009
Tony, really curious how your situation turns out. What you prefer is very important. If the plans for your house and everything that Trojan was going to do for you is basically being duplicated by HPM then maybe it will be much the same. In turn if you want to be owner/builder and change the way you originally wanted to go ie: order the materials yourself, being on the mainland adds to some of your difficulties you have been encountering (IMO). You will need a project manager for lack of better terms. Not volunteering hahahahha
Let me know how all this goes for you and if I can be of any help let me know, even if it involves talking and asking questions for you. My impression is if she recommended Argus then switched her opinion it is either because now it is HPM's leagally or she is just advising you to go with who ever has it now and where she is going to be working (HPM).
In either condition you will need to see what your options are as the previous poster has stated (contract wise and what you are bound to leagally). Not telling you anything you are not aware of I am sure.
Our status has not changed much except our home here on Oahu is in escrow so we will be starting our puna project soon. Again, if we can help out let us know..... Personally a person recommended Argus to us and so far (still in plan development process) it has been great. Hope you get this all figured out and your results are good. My son has dealt with HPM here on Oahu in his construction business and has positive to say about them.
shoot me an email if you like or call me be glad to help you out and be your ears and eyes here
Don
I know you are listening, did you hear me?
Posts: 94
Threads: 18
Joined: Jan 2010
Aloha,
Mahalo everyone, It seems from your comments that HPM is a good and reasonable company to work with.
Aloha, Tony
Posts: 2
Threads: 0
Joined: Apr 2010
We have had success with both HPM and Argus, although I have to admit that I really liked the personal attention I got from Argus himself when I shopped there and was able to ask him questions. Hes been in the building industry for over 30 years I think, and is a wealth of information.
That said, HPM is a larger lumberyard and does carry a lot of things that Argus does not (like paint, plumbing, and electrical for example)
Both places have been hit or miss on occasion, just like anywhere else with things such as delivery and the occasional ugly piece of lumber.
Affordable Craftsman Carpentry and More
Building Project Management
Landscaping, Interior/Exterior Work
See a list of what we do here
http://handyworkshi.com/services
Affordable Craftsman Carpentry and More
Building Project Management
Landscaping, Interior/Exterior Work
See a list of what we do here
http://handyworkshi.com/services
Posts: 510
Threads: 29
Joined: Nov 2007
I always deal with Shirl Kanakoa in the plans dept at hpm. She has worked there a long time and is always helpful
Posts: 274
Threads: 25
Joined: Nov 2003
Shirl hasn't been there in some time. Unless she was recently hired back. Yes, she was our go to person too. Excellent customer service. Last I heard they were down to one Home Planner, Liam I believe was his name. Out of all the package home companies we have dealt with HPM has been the most professional and on it. I think you will be treated well. Let us all know how the transition goes.
Posts: 510
Threads: 29
Joined: Nov 2007
Thanks for that update Naalu regarding shirl. I guess it has been a year since she helped with my garage plans. Time flys! I wonder where she went?
