Sweetwater Bay

mattress


Joined: 03/12/2008
Posts: 7

Message Posted:
28/12/2008 19:55

Just spent Xmas at SWB. Our snagging list has gone from 18 in October to 23. Needless to say some of it had been done but the repair was poor. We also had a lot of rain whilst out there and many of the windows and doors leaked!! Arrived to find the gas bottle for the cooker in the middle of the kitchen floor. Has now been put on our roof terrace. This seems to be a major flaw on the design of all apartments. Warning - some cupboards are being removed to cater for the gas bottle. However Edith and Mike (RMS) helped out a lot whilst we were there to get some of our issues sorted. We found the patio doors can be easily opened with a sharp push as the locks are no use at all. We fitted pistol locks for added security.



Landscaping has started but is still some way off and the pool is to be filled within the next week or so - apparently. Looking forward to seeing a difference at Easter!!



Not all doom & gloom site will be great when done. Finishing seems to be an issue.

andysue


Joined: 12/11/2007
Posts: 891

Message Posted:
28/12/2008 23:24

hi mattress, when have the SWB gang said all your snagging will be sorted? glad to hear you say "site will be great when done" . do you have a idea when site will be finished ?



andy

The-Wicks


Joined: 27/05/2007
Posts: 2279

Message Posted:
28/12/2008 23:33

mattress and andysue - Just like to say that I wish you all the very best for your completion in 2009. We have nothing to do with the site, but wish you a good 2009.

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND ALL THE BEST

Jean

andysue


Joined: 12/11/2007
Posts: 891

Message Posted:
28/12/2008 23:38

thats nice jean thanks and all the best to you too



andy

harita


Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 1343

Message Posted:
28/12/2008 23:44

A bit off topic...

andysue



"my mates wife owns a small travel agents"



Could it be the Little Travel Shop, Higer Ince... About time I had email from them if it is...



Harry

andysue


Joined: 12/11/2007
Posts: 891

Message Posted:
28/12/2008 23:51

hi harry , yes its the one ! but they relocated to market street hindley about 18 months ago. i go to man utd and northern soul doos with collin ( lindas hubby) who runs it



andy

harita


Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 1343

Message Posted:
28/12/2008 23:59

Andy

Lived across the road from them for 17 years ... Before we defected...

andysue


Joined: 12/11/2007
Posts: 891

Message Posted:
29/12/2008 00:02

question for you harry. . will you defect back? some of the posts about living in the trnc are or about proprty purchase is very worrying



regards andy

mint1955



Joined: 30/05/2007
Posts: 988

Message Posted:
29/12/2008 11:53

Hi Mattress,

Lucky you to actually stay at SWB, even with the snagging issues.

We are having a villa and we have got to have a small lockable unit built outside the kitchen so the gas pipe can be fed through the wall and then that leaves a cupboard free rather than housing the gas bottle in the kitchen.

Can you explain pistol locks please and are they easy to fit? I thought the locks were being upgraded as the builds went on but obviosuly not so maybe we need to be prepared for that. Have they now sealed the doors and windows from the leaks?

Great to hear that despite issues you are still happy woth SWB and are looking forward to easter. We will be out Feb and are realy looking forward to see first hand the changes since we last visited in July 08.



Sheila&Phil

harita


Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 1343

Message Posted:
29/12/2008 17:17

Answer for you Andy... Definitely not... Dave Jones wiil tell you, he's been 3 times & coming again next year...

Getting there... Got our koçan last week only took 3½ years...

Harry

mint1955



Joined: 30/05/2007
Posts: 988

Message Posted:
29/12/2008 17:20

Harry,

Where are you in NC?

Sheila

harita


Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 1343

Message Posted:
29/12/2008 17:28

Hi Sheila

In Ozankoy..

jakki



Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 865

Message Posted:
29/12/2008 17:55

Hi all -



and a Happy New Year to you all!!



Hope to see most of you next New Year's Eve for a big bash!!



Just messaging to have a moan really - my Arthur wrote to SWB some four weeks ago about the snagging issues - no reply!!



Had a call at 8.07am. today!! from SWB's London office asking for the balance monies due. What can you say??



Best wishes -

Jackie

andysue


Joined: 12/11/2007
Posts: 891

Message Posted:
29/12/2008 18:13

hi harry and thanks for giving the answer i wanted to here, i will be having a pint with dave new years eve proberbly . jacki if they aint responded to your letter i take it you aint paying them the money you owe? spoke with arthur this morning , says more workers are on site than there as been last few weeks .



andy

mint1955



Joined: 30/05/2007
Posts: 988

Message Posted:
29/12/2008 20:55

I am so looking forward to New Years Eve next Year out in NC.

Sheila&Phil

mint1955



Joined: 30/05/2007
Posts: 988

Message Posted:
29/12/2008 20:59

Jakki What did you say to SWB re snagging?

jakki



Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 865

Message Posted:
30/12/2008 10:05

The lady I spoke to, I think her name is Marika (?) I told her that there were outstanding snagging issues and she said 'Oh I had better speak to head office' and that was the end of the conversation.

mint1955



Joined: 30/05/2007
Posts: 988

Message Posted:
01/01/2009 00:44

Happy New Year to all Sweetwater Bay'ers. This time next year I hope we will be hosting a New years eve party at C41



Sheila&Phil

Arthur


Joined: 04/11/2008
Posts: 687

Message Posted:
02/01/2009 21:25

Snagging list went to SWB last week in November, no reply except Marika chasing both Jackie & me for the balance we owe [which is only a relatively small amount]. I sent a chaser to SWB today as it's now 5 weeks and heard nothing. Why oh why do they damage the reputation of what I think is a quality development by simply not keeping people informed? It just does my brain in. I'll see what response we get.



BTW Andy, great time at Upton Park seeing the Stoke family argument. Chants towards the end were "you're going down with The Tottenham!!!".



Next New Year's Eve WILL be at SWB, champagne, canapes and fireworks.



Happy New Year



Arthur

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
02/01/2009 21:30

Mattress - my advice "sleep on it" before making decissions....





Nick

andysue


Joined: 12/11/2007
Posts: 891

Message Posted:
02/01/2009 22:06

hi arthur it was a great result for you, we are slowley eroding the red scousers lead at the top wont be long before normal service is resumed!

SWB doin your head in? been doin mine in scince we sighned up fourteen months ago , no use moaning about lack of info, its been lacking from the begining . im shure when we are all sat out one night in the near future(getting rat arsed) it will seem all worth it. .



andy

mattress


Joined: 03/12/2008
Posts: 7

Message Posted:
04/01/2009 21:32

hi andy & sue,



SWB dont give a specific date for the completion of snagging, we get a they are on with it. however the builder will be on site for 6 -12 month post completion to rectify issues.

i am lead to believe the site will be completed by may although as with any developemnt in TNRC this may overun by a few months.



Matt & Angie

mattress


Joined: 03/12/2008
Posts: 7

Message Posted:
04/01/2009 21:50

hi Mint 1955



We have today been told the locks are to be upgraded to what i am not sure, these are specifically on the sliding windows and patio door. When on site a work man pulled on our patio door and the lock fell out broken, this is how bad they are. We were told about some pistol bolt locks that can be fitted as additional security. These mount on the inside and a metal bar is pushed through the inner and outer door creating a bolt lock. My patio doors are 4 doors wide so i have fitted 2 locks they are ok but not to UK standards. To fit you will need a power drill and steel drill bits and a reasonable level of DIY, if you have a villa or apartment on the ground floor get your door sorted before you move any new furniture in. crime is low in this area but with the current security locks you may as well leave the door open.



Matt & Angie

mattress


Joined: 03/12/2008
Posts: 7

Message Posted:
04/01/2009 21:51

Hi mint 1955



Forgot to say in last message, the window and door leaks have not yet been resolved. However I must point out that the leaks were slight and we did have 3 days of torrential rain / thunder storms. I think Cyprus got its full years rain in those 3 days. The leaks tend to come in from where the windows and patio doors join.



Matt & Angie

mint1955



Joined: 30/05/2007
Posts: 988

Message Posted:
05/01/2009 21:56

Thanks for the info Matt and Ang and thanks espcially for sharing problems so that others can be aware.



Jackie and Arthur have you progressed your snagging any further?



Counting the days now to the 31st and our next visit.

Sheila&Phil

andysue


Joined: 12/11/2007
Posts: 891

Message Posted:
05/01/2009 23:03

i cant see the site being ready till late summer, if you look at recent pics theres loads of buildings ( mine and susans ) that are miles off being finished. im not bothered if thats the case as long as it gets finshed to a standard we can all be proud of.



sheila&phil dont forget take some pics of 133GL



ANDY

jakki



Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 865

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 10:24

My Arthur sent yet another e-mail the other day - he received a reply from Yoav to say that Andy has been in the UK and we should hear from him by the week-end - that's as far as the snagging issue has gone - if we do hear anything - we'll be in touch - really wanting to go out to NC to stay in our villa at the end of February - is anyone keeping the £1,000. (per month)compensation for lateness from end September??

mint1955



Joined: 30/05/2007
Posts: 988

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 13:00

Jakki,

When you say "is anyone keeping the £1,000. (per month)compensation for lateness from end September??" Did you mean is anyone keeping SWB to the £1000 or are you actually already getting this compensation? If so thats great as reading on the forums no one in NC seems to get this payment even though its in contracts.

Also for those of you already nearing snagging completion and moving in etc whats happening about paying SWB and RMS for maintainance and bonds etc.

Sheila

PIPIE


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 13:15

My advice would be keep back the final payment ubtil you can see for yourself the final finish of both complkex / villa/apartment . when builders have all of your money they will not be in a hurry to recify matters , keep some money back as a barganing tool , beleive me this is important .

jakki



Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 865

Message Posted:
07/01/2009 11:27

Sorry - I have not made it clear - we have held back some money from the final payment. We have not received any compensation as yet. Has anyone deducted the £1,000. compenation from their final payment?

PIPIE


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
07/01/2009 16:10

Jakki . I do not know of anyone in the TRNC who has received compensation , just look at the late handovers and unfinished sites , we personally know of a complex that is 2 years late in finishing , the only way you will get recompenced is by holding back on the final payment . Hope this helps .

lobylud


Joined: 14/10/2007
Posts: 242

Message Posted:
07/01/2009 22:44

Hi Jakki,

I paid the full amount minus the snagging figure that was in my contract.

Are you saying you held back your snagging amount plus some more money as well?

Surely if it's a compensation figure, after you have paid your full amount you should (and I know history suggests you won't) get your agreed compensation figure back afterwards.

If you don't pay the full agreed price aren't you breaking your contract?



Maybe everybodies compensation could be negotiated into a cover for the 'indoor pool' or better improvements to the beach?

sweep


Joined: 11/10/2007
Posts: 241

Message Posted:
09/01/2009 22:58

to all



recently completed, snagged , and payed the full amount to swb as the apt was fantastic and i was happy with it even if the snagging didnt get completed.



The apt was checked several weeks later and most of the snagging was complete and this all done without holding any moneys back i trusted swb and they didnt let me down and the help i got over there of them and rms was second to none.



couldnt be happier with swb with regards to the apt and rms have been great with elec bills and tasks i am not able to do whilst over here in blighty.



As for holding back money for lateness on handovers i would be happy that we are getting a complete site finished just take a look over at the site adj to swb we are lucky in the current economic climate to eventually have a nice apt on a fantastic complex.



regards sweep

lobylud


Joined: 14/10/2007
Posts: 242

Message Posted:
10/01/2009 00:32

Good positive report sweep.

I was trying to get out there at the end of January to see if I could organise electric and water connections and anything else whilst out there (but not furniture or blinds because I'd have ended up in trouble like Arthur was).

There are some great package prices going and I was going to go out on my own to do this but the very attractive price for one became crippling if you were on your own.

I couldn't convince them that one person in a room was a smaller profit but no people is no profit.

Arranging Stuart Hillard to do my snagging.

rocky


Joined: 17/10/2007
Posts: 1749

Message Posted:
10/01/2009 00:53

has anyone had RMS do their snagging? I am reluctant to contract Stuart H and pay his fees. After all the properties are all samish and not keen on copy and pasted reports. I guess we all have similar problems with plumbing and electricitiy but do RMS pick them up? I will use RMS for elecriciity meter and insurance at least. Mattress you continue to give excellent reports on SWB are you in any way associated??? Mattress is a strange name I always understood Mistress is between Mister and Mattress but get lost with the name mattress on its own. Have fun

rocky


Joined: 17/10/2007
Posts: 1749

Message Posted:
10/01/2009 00:54

I note Mint nd Loby are logged on so good night folks do you know this mattress?

rocky


Joined: 17/10/2007
Posts: 1749

Message Posted:
10/01/2009 00:57

I note that sweep also gives favourable reports so some people must be happy. I must confess I get frustrated with the lack of updates both from SWB and RMS their newsletters appear to have dried up.

lobylud


Joined: 14/10/2007
Posts: 242

Message Posted:
10/01/2009 15:01

Typo error, I should have said ' but the very attractive price for two became crippling if you were on your own' in my message no. 34.

andysue


Joined: 12/11/2007
Posts: 891

Message Posted:
10/01/2009 18:10

friends of ours who own at turtle bay are out in a week, ron will go down to our site and take some pics and e-mail them to me. ill be interssted to here is comments as its four months scince he last visited it.



andy

rocky


Joined: 17/10/2007
Posts: 1749

Message Posted:
10/01/2009 21:01

loby I went on my own (except for the girls!! sh) I did not book a package but rented a private apartment at Turtle Bay I also booked the flights privately I think my total cost was around £400 then of course there was car hire meals etc so yes the costs mount up but its worth it aint it

lobylud


Joined: 14/10/2007
Posts: 242

Message Posted:
11/01/2009 00:21

The package with a half board upgrade came to about £280 which would have been for two people for seven days, great value.

On my own it would have come to something over £400+.

To sort out just the electric and water at the end of January it didn't seem worth paying that sort of money for what I could get done.

Also didn't appear to be able to get flights on their own to Ercan till about the beginning of March (didn't try to find out about Larnaca).

I think I will try for February with my wife. She can choose furniture, blinds etc. not my strong point.

Don't forget rocky that you are a lot richer than me, I only know famous people.

davidoff


Joined: 21/04/2007
Posts: 438

Message Posted:
12/01/2009 01:01

Hi all,



Hope you had a great new year and a more prosperous year ahead to come?



With regards to rockys comment on sturat and rms - at the end of the day many people are very happy with the way in which stuart has snagged their property and followed up on issues on their behalf and have been prepared to pay the fees for piece of mind and real expert independant,unbiased, honest and professional advice.



I just ask you one question if you feel that you can trust rms and feel they will give you this INDEPENDANT, unbiased, honest and professional advice at half the cost then use them? The choice is yours one way or the other??



Does anyone know yet what the current utilities connection and operational staus is i.e water, electric, sewage, communal facilities etc??



Take care d x

rocky


Joined: 17/10/2007
Posts: 1749

Message Posted:
12/01/2009 01:22

welcome back davidoff I hope the sking in Tahoe was as good as it was in Stowe. I also hope it was a little less expensive with the pound sitting where it is my 6 and 7 year olds cost over £100 each day for ski school each. Nevertheless although I love sking and the atmosphere but I am rather useless and certainly less than stylish and after 3 days the boys were going down blue runs I stick to green this enable the underwaer to last longer.

Again welcome back xx

millzer


Joined: 12/04/2007
Posts: 978

Message Posted:
12/01/2009 01:55

Hi all,



Have you guys at SWB started paying maintenance fees yet? If so, can I ask what do you (or will you) pay per month and how will your MC tackle any non payers?

rocky


Joined: 17/10/2007
Posts: 1749

Message Posted:
13/01/2009 11:35

Loby re message 41 I wish I was richer than you I did have a salary with a job in Manchester however I resigned to help my wife run her busnesses so now my wife controls my income and spending of course(so ouch). Its a better way of life now more time with the children and less time in hotels where i did bump into celebrities( I was told). I must confess I dont know who these tv people/celebrisites are. One day in Manchester I was in a cocktail bar alongside a footballer I think his name was David he had his wife with him (Vicky for short) but I did not recognise them anyway they did not recognise me either- so thats their loss!!

rocky


Joined: 17/10/2007
Posts: 1749

Message Posted:
13/01/2009 19:51

LOby where are you

lobylud


Joined: 14/10/2007
Posts: 242

Message Posted:
14/01/2009 02:20

Hi rocky, what a saddo I am, I'm sitting in front of my computer with a whisky in my hand reading your e-mails.

Will your wife give me a job (I noticed you said businesses) so I can apply for redundancy, then I can come skiing with you in the USA.

Anyway, first drinks on me.

rocky


Joined: 17/10/2007
Posts: 1749

Message Posted:
14/01/2009 14:26

well loby whilst you were enjoying your whiskey I was enjoying a delightful merlot un4chewnutly Hic I haf gust ABoutt finshd the bot

Babybean


Joined: 09/05/2007
Posts: 14

Message Posted:
15/01/2009 00:05

Hello all, I have watched the site for what seems like ever and read all your useful advice both positive and negative. I have finally decided to come out of the woodwork as I have some questions.



We have now had our final bill, which I am reluctant to pay at the moment as I haven't had any up to date photos as I think they have put the wrong kitchen in our apartment and I have been asking for photos since beginning Dec, none forthcoming, which makes me a bit uneasy. I have just booked flights to go over 16 Feb for a week staying in Catalkoy (taking rugrats so need to stay somewhere reasonable.)

I'm planning to use Stuart for snagging but I'd love some advice on the final process and if you have completed how you found it all went. Including the electric meter process as its seems quite complicated.



Happy if you email me your thoughts to hindsalison@yahoo.co.uk



Thanks in advance

Alison

jakki



Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 865

Message Posted:
15/01/2009 11:47

Hi Alison and welcome to the forum -



I can recommend Stuart, he is very good. In relation to 'completion' is anyone's guess at the moment. Not wanting to sound negative but it's the same old story - information has to be dragged out of SWB - seeing is believing I believe - we are booked to go to NC on the 25th Feb. Sheila and Phil are going out at the end of the month and I'm sure they will report back in very fine detail on their return.



Best wishes -



Jackie

mint1955



Joined: 30/05/2007
Posts: 988

Message Posted:
15/01/2009 18:22

Alison,

Let us know which villa or aprtment and we will take loads of photos for you when we are out there 1st Feb.

Sheila&Phil

sweep


Joined: 11/10/2007
Posts: 241

Message Posted:
15/01/2009 18:27

babybean



i had a terrible time with kiptec and would advise you contact connie at rms and arrange for them to sort you electric meter this wll leave you free for a small fee to get on with the important stuff like completing and snagging, maybe looking for furniture.



when you arrive i would meet up with swb edith soon as possible as they are very helpfull with anything you are not sure of whether it be advise on electric, bank accounts or just getting about the place and finding out were all the revelant places you will need to visit are it is best to email them and get there mobile numbes so you can contact them on arrival and arrange to meet up.



as for how everthing went whilst i was over there in sept it was fine with completing, snagging and the usuall stuff setting up bank accounts at hsbc etc the only pain was kiptec and i just give up with them and paid rms £60 to sort it, shortly after i arrived home my electric was installed and up and running.



cont -

sweep


Joined: 11/10/2007
Posts: 241

Message Posted:
15/01/2009 18:34

it would best if you can get your elec account number whilst you are still there and go to bank and set up your direct debit also leave some funds with kiptec to pay the fist bill or two as i was advised by hsbc my first bill will not be covered by the direct debit why i dont know.



if possible could you take some pics of the site possibly the outside of 118, and adj apt blocks would be much appricated i can forward my email over if you are happy to do this.



regards sweep

Babybean


Joined: 09/05/2007
Posts: 14

Message Posted:
15/01/2009 23:16

Thanks for your replies. Panic is setting in!

Shiela & Phil, We are number 120 GLB which is a one bed apart facing out against the mountains/basketball/tennis courts. Ours is the left one as you look at the building. Any photos would be great, although I am sure Andy will take them soon. We were last out in Cyprus in Oct 07 and I must admit Edith and Andy were brilliant ferrying us about, I think the fact that they are investing in the site themselves gives you confidence in the project even if responses can be a bit slow. We have admittedly not really been in any rush so have been happy to go with the flow.

Thanks for the advice about Kibtec I will get in touch with rms I think, anything for an easy life.

Sweep delighted to take photos for you.

mattress


Joined: 03/12/2008
Posts: 7

Message Posted:
24/01/2009 22:14

Hi Rocky



No, I am not associated with RMS - I just thought I would update everybody with the progress of SWB as we have just been out there. I know how frustrating it can be especially when you can't just get in your car and check on the progress of the build.



Mattress

(Matt & Angie)



(PS The name Mattress is a nickname I was given at work by our MD)

rocky


Joined: 17/10/2007
Posts: 1749

Message Posted:
24/01/2009 23:33

did your MD think you spent most of your time laying down or was a way of saying you are stuffed

Arthur


Joined: 04/11/2008
Posts: 687

Message Posted:
25/01/2009 13:18

Rocky you are a naughty boy. You'll end up getting castigated for that [hope I spelt it right]

mint1955



Joined: 30/05/2007
Posts: 988

Message Posted:
25/01/2009 13:33

Alison, You are on our photos list no worries.Sheila&Phil

rocky


Joined: 17/10/2007
Posts: 1749

Message Posted:
25/01/2009 14:08

twas justa question Arthur I was not making any allygashuns

Arthur


Joined: 04/11/2008
Posts: 687

Message Posted:
25/01/2009 16:11

I know there have been some silly rumours, but I did notice that Rocky is building a launch site for space rockets in his garden [C32]. The roof terrace has been designated "mission control", and space craft tracking will be done by Sheila & Phil [C41], cos Phil's got a telescope. Rocky wanted a trained monkey to go up in the first space craft, but I said I was too busy as I'll be visiting the girlie bar...................................................................

Babybean


Joined: 09/05/2007
Posts: 14

Message Posted:
05/02/2009 00:22

Phil

Thanks for the photos, I've been waiting for SWB to send them for ages and bingo takes a fellow owner to do the job! Can't wait to go out now, only a 10 days to go!! Anyone want any photos, send me your emails and I will do my best, although I won't promise to be as swift as Phil.



Cheers

Alison

rocky


Joined: 17/10/2007
Posts: 1749

Message Posted:
05/02/2009 20:00

babybean Phils photos have assured me that C32 is progressing well if you could update me with photos when you are there that would be helpful. Especially internals kitchen bathroom and the roof terrace thanx

mint1955



Joined: 30/05/2007
Posts: 988

Message Posted:
06/02/2009 21:30

Alison,

The main internet connection is out at the SWB office and has been for quite a while as the Internet companies are having problems so SWB/RMS are working on 3G which cannot handle photos or skype right now (well it can but its amazingly slow). The site is coming on so fast and pictures just don't do it justice, every day there is something new to look at. Patrick and Anne are settled in well and we met Stevie C while he was over as well.

Tomorrow we will post general site photos as its our last visit before we come home.

Sheila&Phil