Cala Homes North Counties Waterbeach reviews

★★★★★ 2/5

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Having bought a new home from Cala (…

Having bought a new home from Cala ( Cafe Fields Puckeridge Ware ) the estate is now “ finished” as far as occupation BUT the enormous problem is the eyesore of the common areas which are now not being maintained. We and several others have contacted the team responsible for our development on numerous occasions with deafening silence as an answer! We were beautifully manicured while the show homes were still functional but now there is no team doing anything, some if the residents are maintaining lawns in common areas outside their property but we need help. Plants have died, trees have died, hedges have died, what was advertised as being wild flower meadows are nothing but stones builders rubble and huge weeds. The children’s playground is still not open awaiting Safety checks? and all the plants around it are smothered by weeds and dead plants. We have seen the planning application and read up on what was promised and we are now thinking of complaining to the planners as surely nothing can be signed off until this situation has been rectified. This is the first new house we have bought and we tolerated living on a building site as we were early occupants, thinking wrongly that once the estate was completed that it would be kept in good condition. All the brilliant 5 star reviews relate to the sales teams but beware that once you have bought and sales have moved on to the next estate there will be a big mess left behind. We hope that head office will take note of this review.

John · 19 June 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

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Super customer service at Fernleigh Park

I recently had the pleasure of engaging with Cala Homes during my search for a new build property, and I must say that their customer service was nothing short of outstanding. In fact, it exceeded all my expectations, even when compared to other well-known new build companies I've dealt with in the past.From the moment we walked into their office, we were greeted by the warm and friendly presence of Elizabeth, who went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. Her genuine enthusiasm and passion for what she does were immediately apparent, setting a positive tone for the entire experience.Elizabeth's exceptional knowledge of the properties and the company's offerings was truly impressive. She patiently and attentively answered all our questions, providing us with detailed information that helped us make well-informed decisions. It was evident that she genuinely cared about helping us find the perfect home, going the extra mile to ensure we felt comfortable throughout the process.Moreover, I would like to extend my gratitude to Hannah, who also provided us with valuable guidance during our interaction with Cala Homes. Her expertise and willingness to assist further enhanced our overall experience, making us feel supported and well taken care of.

Tom · 18 June 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

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Thank you Prudence and the team at…

Thank you Prudence and the team at Ayletts Green for going the extra mile to assist us to realise our dream of moving. Always ready to advise and help with any query.

Marian · 17 June 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

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Absolutely terrible customer service

Absolutely terrible customer service. Have had numerous issues since I moved in 2.5 years ago. It started off with the extractor fan not working in the bathroom which was attended to and was told it was working fine. A few months after moving in, I returned home about 9pm and the door would not open so I was stuck outside the flat. I called the “emergency” out of hours thinking someone would be in attendance quickly as I couldn’t get in my flat. I was stuck outside until 6am. A total of 9 hours. When I spoke to CALA regarding this I didn’t even get an apology. All I did get was someone who attended said it was fine but they’ll replace a part anyway just to make it look like it was broken. After this again the extractor fan was still not working and yet another person attended and said it was fine. Despite every time the shower was on it was like someone had turned on a fog machine. Further down the line the kitchen floor had issues and some of the tiles started peeling up. It was insinuated that I had a leak and hadn’t tidied it up (this was not the case). Eventually after weeks someone attended and stated that the floor was faulty. The day came when someone was due to replace the floor and nobody turned up. Resulting in a day of missing work. I called and they couldn’t get a hold of the third party contractor. Cala then stated they were busy and couldn’t attend until the following day. Due to the bathroom extractor fan issue, the bathroom panel had warped. I was advised that this couldn’t possibly be due to the moisture in the air and that I had done something to cause this (how on earth someone can cause a bath panel to warp by hand I have no idea but CALA seem to) after numerous emails I eventually got a manager out who looked at it and stated it would be replaced when they could get a new one. Months later I hadn’t heard anything so chased it up and alas they said it would be done shortly. The time came and it was fitted however the joinery wasn’t great and the skirting boards were damaged. A month or so later again due to the bath panel being poorly installed I complained as it was cracked and again a manager had to come out. When he attended he agreed I needed yet another new panel. The joiner attended a short while later and fixed it. I had complained again about the extractor fan, the manager came out and I demonstrated how it didn’t work to my amazement he agreed! Whilst he was there I showed him the damage to the walls that had cracked due to the moisture, the skirting board from the panel installation and various other defects. The manager took notes and photos of this and stated they would all be rectified. The extractor fan did get fixed. However nothing else was done. I then emailed to chase it up and was informed that it was now outwith my warrant period and that it’s not their policy so they wouldn’t be doing anything further and insinuated I was lying about the manager taking photos/notes. Despite informing them that it was due to their incompetence I have been made to feel like a liar. I am now awaiting on what steps to take next.

Marc · 15 June 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

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I cannot recommend Cala Homes enough…

I cannot recommend Cala Homes enough since my first meeting with Jo at Belwood Oak. I have been looking for the right house for many years and have looked at other builders who not only didn't have the WOW factor in their properties but just didn't meet up to the standard of service received from Cala.Jo made the entire process of buying my new home seamless, from choosing my flooring and kitchen to any extra requirements we had. Jo keeps us informed at every stage. I am delighted to have found Belwood Oaks and very proud to say I am a Cala home owner

Kim · 13 June 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

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Cala Jordanhill

The sales team at Cala Jordanhill have all gone above and beyond for me to make my move possible. Sylvia, I know ,worked very hard to put everything together and make it work . Thanks to her , Victoria and Lisa- and to the extended team in part exchange. The house sells itself, beautifully designed and finished , but getting the reservation and sale over the finish line was amazing . The team are professional and welcoming - most importantly they make your priorities their priority. I would recommend their product and commend their staff.

Sheena · 12 June 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Shocking experience of emergency help line

I have lived in my flat built by Cala homes for 1 year now. Today I had my balcony door open for a couple of hours and then when I went to close it I found that it would not close. I called them immediately as I was concerned that my flat is not secure (it is not weather proof for one, but it is easily reachable by way of a ladder). My concern is that if I go out to work, my clearly numbered parking space is empty and therefore my flat is shown to be empty. I am out all weekend working shifts at the hospital so I can’t be home. I am also concerned as a single woman living on my own, that my flat will not be secure even when I am inside. The door is clearly open and if anyone has seen in the windows they will see I live alone. I phoned Cala homes emergency support line as my flat is still under warranty. I was informed it is not an emergency and to call the customer assistance line tomorrow. I explained that I was working the next day and really needed it sorted because of a couple of reasons: 1. I feel unsafe as I can’t secure my home and there is no plan to resolve this today 2. My home insurance is void with my door literally being open 3. Because of the nature of my work I can’t just change my plans or work from home, I need to physically be there to care for ICU patients (babies), and I can’t just take calls or do admin as and when. So waiting until tomorrow isn’t an option as I wouldn’t be able to do it in “office hours” until Monday. The resolution was “secure it with some string and try and sort it tomorrow”. I think this is absurd and I was given no help when I asked what I could do. I got really upset. I asked if I could call a builder or something myself and get it sorted but this would not be paid for and I think it breaches the warranty. The telephone operator said that maybe an engineer would come out; if they felt it was an emergency but they probably wouldn’t. If they do come out, I will also be charged as Cala homes don’t view the security of my home as an emergency. I am writing this trust pilot review 1. To make people aware and 2. In the hopes someone from Cala homes sees it and maybe tries to resolve my concerns as I do not feel safe at present. (I live in a generally very safe area on a nice family estate and I own my home but windows have been smashed just last night in the flats next to us, and there was also an incident with firearms in the flats next to us meaning the armed police came out, so I do my best to keep my home secure)

Lauren · 9 June 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

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Cala new monks park

Georgina and TraceyI wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for the outstanding support and guidance provided to me during my recent buying process . As a first-time homebuyer, I was nervous about the mortgage application process etc.. and had many questions. Your team was patient, knowledgeable, and always available to help me navigate the complex process. From the initial consultation to the final approval, you made the experience smooth and stress-free I also appreciated the timely updates and clear communication throughout the process, which made it easier for me to plan and prepare for the closing.

Yucel · 7 June 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Excellent service

I had a issue with my home walls and wrote email about that to Cala customer care. It was pretty impressive how quickly they responded and arranged paint job. And the guy who visited for the paint job “George fisher” can’t thank him enough. Very nice guy listened all of my problems and very efficiently fixed the issues and completed the job. Also ensured that there is no mess behind.

Sushil · 8 February 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

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I have had communication with all of…

I have had communication with all of the sales team at Gilchrist Gardens . I have found them all to be very helpful and they all try to make this experience as pleasant and stress free as possible. If at any point I have had a question and they haven’t been able to answer the sales team have got back to me with an answer very promptly. When explaining the whole process the team have given me very in depth explanations which I have appreciated. I feel the team are very approachable and keen to make this process as smooth as possible.

Karolyn_Hardie · 1 June 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

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Excellent Customer Service - Cala Belwood Oaks

We started our Cala forever home journey in October 2022 and from our first visit to the show homes we were treated with the greatest welcome and attention by Amelia and Jo. We were kept up to date on the development, all our (probably too many) questions and queries were promptly answered, we secured our plot and then the excitement built until our move in approximately 4 weeks ago. During all our visits to the site over the months we were always welcomed and informed of what was going on. The handover process was seamless and we are loving our new Cala Home. The quality is excellent - even an independent snagging company we commissioned to evaluate the home said that there were minor cosmetic issues/defects, but that the house was structurally well built compared to other new builds they see. Yes, new homes will always have some issues, but the way that Marc (site manager) and his team handle and fix these issues cannot be faulted - yes, we are demanding customers, but Marc just take it in his stride and gets it resolved. A special thank you for the kindness and support we received as a gay couple from Amelia, Jo and Marc. This inclusiveness is not something that is automatic, even in today's times. We are full of praise for Cala!

Werner · 1 June 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

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Incredible experience

What a wonderful experience from start to finish, and even post moving in.Tony, Edwina, Maria and the rest of the team have been incredible, supportive and accommodating throughout. I appreciated the regular updates on my new home, and arranging for visits to the house to check on progress. It had a real personal touch, and especially enjoyed the welcome pack, card and gifts left for me on my moving in day. Post moving in, staff have rang and popped by to say hi, and check that all was okay.The standard of my new house is extremely good, with excellent quality fixtures and fittings, and decorated well.I would definitely recommend CALA homes!!

Jenny · 1 June 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

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Thanks to Sales team for actively…

Thanks to Sales team for actively responding to our home issues. Painter and Carpenter visited within 2 hours to do the fix. Thank you so much

Shaveta · 7 November 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

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Cala Exceeds all our expectations 20 years on.

20yrs ago we bought our first new home from Cala. Our experience then, from the quality and design of our home to the exceptional customer service was outstanding. We absolutely loved our home but needed to be nearer my mum so the home hunt began again. We looked at old and new but again have been blown away by Cala’s exceptional service. We’ve bought at Flotterstone Penicuik Belwood development , Amelia unbelievably introduced us to our first Cala home and now our 2nd. Jo too has been so helpful. What a team. Nothing is too much to ask. They are so professional. Our home is beautiful and honestly we didn’t have anywhere near this standard of service with any of the other new home house builders. Cala are sincerely way beyond any other builders in our experience.

Marie · 29 May 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

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I would like to extremely thank you…

I would like to extremely thank you Cala Homes Home developers Mr Eric Muzaci He has been so kind very much experienced professional which you can trust .His job always delivered with excellence so I highly recommended him whom needs any kind of House Build and related jobs .I am customer of Cala Homes past 7 + years Thank you lots Eric & Cala Homes Kindest regards Yonca Yadigar

Yonca · 26 February 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

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Maidenhill, Newton Mearns Development

My family moved into a Cala Home at Maidenhill in October 2022. From our initial dealings with Carol and the Sales Team, then Gordon the Site Manager at handover, and subsequently with Vicky Sowden, Senior Customer Service Co-ordinator our experience has been first class. Very professional at all stages and extremely helpful in resolving some minor post handover issues. Five Star experience and a lovely home. We couldn't be happier.

Greg · 1 February 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Excellent

Excellent Outstanding service and knowledge . I have recently purchased a Flat from this housing company and the service I received from the sales staff was superb .Jack and Daisy are a breath of fresh air !!They made the purchase extremely easy and overcame any minor obstacles with instant solutions , making this a stress free easy process . Thankyou , it’s soo good to deal with professional helpful people , which seems to be very rare these days .

LAWRENCE · 13 May 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Mislead and false promises by sales.

Mislead and false promises by sales.. The experience of hearing your neighbors in a Cala home.I purchased an apartment in Buckler's Park whilst having concerns around the amount of noise that would be heard within the building. The sales team at Cala advised that the sound insulation in new build apartments is good and that we won't hear anything unless there is a party.The reality is very different...Having purposefully bought a top floor apartment to eliminate any sound from an apartment above, I hadn't anticipated the noise that I would hear from below.Hearing children being noisy is very prominent but I will passover that as part of this review as the sound can travel through open window vents etc (though is still audible with everything shut).Between top to bottom within the building we are able to hear people walk around the apartment which produces a loud thumping sound, the ground floor can hear the top floor and the top floor can hear the bottom floor. Regardless of how loud your TV is, you will hear these sounds.Interior doors being closed (gently) is somehow audible throughout the building. As is sliding open shower/wardrobe doors, sliding kitchen chairs (even with felt pads on the feet). This list is not exhaustive for brevity reasons.Whilst sound insulation is good from one side of the building to the other (ie, neighbors on the other side of the block will not hear you), within the same side expect to hear above and below you (even if nobody is above you, vibrations will go up the walls and make you think someone is above you).As the layout on one side of the building are copies of each other, expect to hear young children in the night crying from the bedroom directly above or below you, despite the 'many layers of construction', you will think they are in a room next door with paper walls in between.Cala instructed a 3rd party to perform a sound test against building regulations, which passed. As of the time of writing this, it is undermined if there will be any further actions considering the test passed. Cala claim to be a 5 star builder, though the tests are passing the bare minimum legal requirements. Whilst building regs might be met, considering everyone in my building has raised concern, customer expectations following the promises from sales are a different matter.The noise concerns aren't isolated to myself, my building but are across Cala sites.In other comments...* Expect snags to require multiple visits to resolve (even if you had reported them before completion), expect more damage to be caused as of the result of snags bring resolved.* The white goods are Bosch and of good quality, just don't be surprised if it takes over a month before you can open the dishwasher door because the kitchen carpenter hasn't cut the plinth to fit.* Expect delays if you're home is still in the construction phase* Poor landscaping plans and drainage can cause roads to flood. Don't always assume you're going to be able to traverse the estate and get to your road* Don't expect Cala to have informed the Cala that bin collections are required

Oli · 13 May 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

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Cala at Mowbray Horsham

Cala at Mowbray Horsham! What a wonderful and exciting experience we have had purchasing our first ever home. Let’s just say it’s definitely the first of many. Cala standards are like no other, all the well thought out finer details are really what make their houses our homes. From our lovely customer service ladies Michaela & Wendy to our men on site Joe & Dave we really were looked after at a 5***** level; and those are just to name a few who have gone the extra mile for us. What a lovely family they have built here at Horsham Mowbray for their customers. Highly recommend.

Faye · 12 May 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Unsatisfactory

We have had a variety of issues with our new home and have been trying to get them fixed for over 6 months. We are now no longer receiving responses to our emails and phone calls and have had to resort to solicitors. Would have expected a far more professional service from such a company

Christine · 24 October 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

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Connor is a complete professional

For our kitchen ceiling and touch ups , Connor did an excellent job from start to finish. Super friendly attitude, very tidy and punctual during the job.Good communication throughout the job with specific details on the progress and timelines.We are very pleased , kitchen looks great.Good job Connor and great support from Cala HomesThank you

Florin · 23 October 2024

★★★★★ 2/5

Trustpilot

Disappointing experience at Waterfront Plaza

This review shares our dissatisfaction with the process of reserving a plot at the Waterfornt Plaza development in Edinburgh. This has arisen as a result of a misunderstanding between ourselves and the Sales Team regarding what is included within the sale of the property, specifically flooring. We do not believe that it was clearly communicated with us that the flooring was not included in sale. Upon expressing our dissatisfaction, the proceeding interactions with the sales team sought to further exacerbate the sense of dissatisfaction and overall disappointment.During our initial sales consultation, the consultant explained some of the high-level specifics of the plot and that we would not be able to make the choice of cabinet colours as may have normally been able to (as I believe either the previous purchaser of the flat did this, and/or the deadline had passed). We do not recall the consultant mentioning that the flooring was not included, nor was any literature shared with us (either in the meeting or via email) that explicitly stated this. The only thing that we recall the consultant mentioning was that the qaurtz worktops were not included as standard, but we as the deadline has passed we couldn't choose these anyway. Upon reviewing a few other plots on your website, we noted the flooring being listed within the description and so opted seek clarification from the Sales Team. We noted our dissatisfaction when we learned it was not and asked if they would consider a gesture of goodwill due to confusion. After a couple of calls / emails back and forth, it was confirmed that Cala would not be willing to make a contribution to the flooring. We have just attended our IGM meeting, where the Sales Manager didn't proactively bring it up (even if she didn't have a response from senior mananagemt it should have been anticipated that we would have asked). The meeting was immediately proceeded with a post IGM form being emailed to us and a request to sign it. This further added to the ambiguity, due the somewhat clumsy wording that could have implied the carpet was supplied in the bedroom. We were asked to sign and return the form prior to having reached a satisfactory consolutation to our query and without it being acknowledged in the body, something that (in our opinion) was ill judged. Having never purchased a new build property before, it would have been our expectation that any optional extras not included in the sale should have been clearly stated in writing, rather by exception in the sales incentive box (as we were not actually clear that the flooring was an incentive, so would have not naturally thought to question it's omission). To add to this, we've been asked to complete the viewings for our old property at a part of the part-exchange process. It does not state anywhere in the agreement that this was required and this was not mentioned at any point during the transaction. While I don't really have a massive issue doing it, I do take issue with the fact that it wasn't mentioned in the literature Cala shared about the service. I have had 5 viewings crammed into 2 days - 4 back to back! We have opted to proceed with the purchase as we do like the property, however the experience to date has fallen short of the expectation set on your website about being a "five-star" builder and has detracted from the excitement around purchasing a new build. We are hopeful that we can rebuild our relationship with the Sales Team, who prior to this have been very accommodating, but it has (unfortunately) been a bad start. Lots of positive reviews and other friends who have had a positive experience, so read this review with that on mind.Update: I had to phone to chase for a response to my complaint as they claimed to have to received it after submitting it via their website.

Matthew · 5 May 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Gilchrist Gardens, Erskine

The sales team have been helpful and supportive throughout the process. Information has been shared in a timely fashion and the whole experience has been very positive overall.

Colin · 26 August 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Unfinished estate

The problem is once your in the property cala appear quite happy to leave the estate in a mess .at Carmel meadows in Wallingford the estate was finished before Xmas . We were told the large park in the centre of the estate would be finished in sept , we are now may . Occasionally someone turns up for an hour or so potters about and nothing done . Grass not finished , park shut off so all the kids looking at a nearly finished park for months they can’t play in . Cala not returning emails or any communication on when it will be finished . So dissatisfied and disappointed in their willingness to leave it unfinished and us all have to sit looking at it

R · 3 May 2023