Hearing some of the stories arising from the collapse of Avonwood Homes has been rather eye-opening, both in terms of some of the actions of the builder, but also their impact on customers. Stories have included: slabs laid that were too small for the house designed to sit on it; broom cupboards appearing where the kitchen pantry ought to have been; frames which were unstable; bricks laid with mortar gaps beyond the maximum allowed; refund cheques bouncing. Many customers have sold houses and have nowhere to go, as their house was not completed on schedule, with concomitant stress on the family and finances.
It does little to inspire confidence in either a builder or the building industry when one hears stories such as these. One expects craftsmanship and quality of a superior standard when paying the sort of prices being asked in the present climate. Of course, it is dangerous to put all builders in the same basket as what is being experienced in this instance, BUT it is a reminder to be aware of the quality of the builder. (Although it was interesting to note the Provisional Liquidator’s comment on Wednesday that the collapse of this company is a reminder that no company is immune from it!)*
I am reminded of the words of the Psalmist: “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain.” (127:1). One might even be stretching the point a little to note that Jesus was a carpenter by trade. But it is important for us to pause and ask: “Who is overseeing the building of our lives?” “What is the foundation on which our lives have been laid?” (Eph 2:19-20) “With what are we building the fabric of our lives?” (see 1 Cor 3:12-15)
It is important for us to build our lives on a sure foundation, then to build according to the Master’s instructions. No better job could be achieved any other way.
Gary
May 21, 2000
* Both the church
and our own family was caught up in this company's demise. It was not a
pleasant experience.
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