Good advice... and a kick in the teeth for building consumers when you analyse what this means in terms of the rest of the scheme as regards time limits.

It may startle many of you to know that (Relevant) Building Surveyors and (Certifying) Building Inspectors do not inspect for quality of workmanship or for defects in your new home…

I left a comment under one of your photos. Looks like a real botchy job so far.

No icecube2017, render is far too thin to be represented on a plan... even a 1:50 scale plan seldom done any more.
Even the elevations can miss portions such as in…

Hi jayasooriah, Once you sign that sort of clause you are indeed gagged. The contract must be in keeping with the spirit of the 'Domestic Building Contracts Act, but you'll…

Look at Worksafe if you do not believe me, but last time I looked Worksafe stated the workers compensation insurance was not an option for sole traders, but was mandatory…

Hi erecttvantennas,
I assume the following: the slab belongs to the garage and was poured after the house walls were in... and that the house has a timber floor (on the…

Hi milan,
The VBA advice on building inspectors (limited to domestic only) refers to certifying building inspectors, who are hired by relevant building surveyors to inspect building works usually at 4…

Hi sunny74
Before you go spending lots of money, the width of the crack is the least width because the variations in are invariably attributable to surface non-uniformity.
To me the crack…

Hi evan_d,
If no recommendations for a PC are forthcoming or even if you do get one... a piece of advice... if they are an employee they have to be covered…

Might I suggest that you get a sole trader (experienced and hard-working), because when you are dealing with an employee of a company, the company is obliged to take out…

Sashley,
If you're still in need of the advice, when ant capping is used as the sole deterrent to termite attack, the caps must protrude 100 mm past the edges…

I believe all disputes have to go to the DPDRV in Victoria (Compulsory Conciliation). Here the dispute will be conciliated fairly... hopefully. Should either party disagree with the decision however,…

Hi Gadi80,
They should also carry professional indemnity insurance for their inspection and report,
Cheers Leonardo_23

Hi Gadi80,
If no recommendations are forthcoming, you can sift out those who have too many disclaimers to do with access asking the following questions:
1. Are they a sole trader? (sole…

I agree that PI insurance (not PII insurance) is a worthy insurance and was one of the few who had it.
But in my opinion, placing a requirement on the policy…

As regards thermal imaging, I imagine the cost would be borne by your clients.
Hi nicjam,
I hope you can see that some people protest loudly when confronted with basic truths... and…

One thing about you I have noticed is that you must have the last word... let's wait and see.
It's not about you!... it's about the consumer getting sufficient knowledge to…

Hi nicjam,
You seem to have started off a fiery debate here... and I will say just the following and leave it up to you to decide.
To decide which path to…

Hi nicjam,
My experience as a building consultant (often called many other names) points to their definition of defect firstly, their list of disclaimers secondly and their experience thirdly. The most…

Hi Intreprit,
Happy New Year.
Your problem may need more information as to the size and length of these ridges you describe, but first guess is that it is shrinkage related…

Perhaps it would benefit a great number of would-be-home owners if someone could tell them just how they can check the financial status of a building company... because I understand…

Write reply...
Degraded Claytons is right. The only explanation I can give for the degrading is that the tome has always seemed more focussed on disclaimers than anything else... and…

Hi Liliana,
Basically the code series AS 4349 are pretty lightweight when it comes to saying anything categorical.
Firstly those who carry out building inspections such as stage construction inspections and…

Hi brikznmortar,
You might be better off using an experienced building consultant rather than a lawyer to look over your contract. If it's an original contract (yellow and green colouring on…

Hi beachesdream,
I suggest you ask for the price ALL UP... including footings and floor. Many larger builders tender from the floor up I understand.
This will be very difficult if you…

Hi Perry the Pom,
Expense aside, a more basic consideration is the degree to which your timber components are treated (assuming that they are actually treated. L.O.S.P. treated pine needs end-grain…

Hi alymei,
I suggest you be there when the plumber comes and ask your questions of him and ask the builder about the possible ramifications regarding the structure. Also I suggest…