I have done many building stage inspections for people building with builders. I recommend pre contract review then four inspections during construction, pre slab, frame , pre plaster and pre…

In Victoria the function of Relevant Building Surveyor (RBS) is building control through administration of Building Act 1993, and the Building regulations. This is supposed to be independent administration however…

The most important thing to know is that swimming pools are children's drowning risk, even when well designed, well protected and well maintained, more so when not.
As pre purchase property…

You most likely have interfered with termite management system and voided your warranty. Termites can breach or avoid barriers.
Get Flick back to re treat

How do you know the cost is 20% too high or is it just your wish list it should be lower.
The best cost estimate is economic reality, what the builders…

Yes they are just as strong but I was talking about bounce

It depends, bounce in bedrooms or lounge may not matter but you don’t want your plates and glasses rattling in the kitchen when you walk.
It depends on design, spans and…

450 centres but engineered timber joists for some reason have greater dynamic deflection than solid timber. Most builders and engineers are not aware of it. I know because we had…

My experience with engineered joists and LVL is that they have greater bounce
I have used engineered joists throughout my home 14M span over several walls but in the kitchen I…

Yes most likely but if one side of the house has subsided it will have same effect.

I don't often agree with StructuralBIMGuy but this time he is absolutely right. He says:
"It affects people that go on and inadvertently purchase that non-compliant structure/building" perfectly said.
Engineering is for…

It is most likely your house has a truss roof and the wall with damaged cornice is internal non load bearing wall. If you have slab heave or edge subsidence…

Lucky you, it's a beautiful beach, breathtaking really. When I was looking 8 years ago there was a absolute beachfront beach house there on my shortlist. I was going to…

Just for clarification
In Victoria Building surveyor is responsible for building control under Building Act and Building Regulations. Building surveyor will receive applications for building permits from owners or builders acting…

There is nothing preventing owner executing standard HIA building contract with the builder using own independently prepared plans and specifications, however in vast majority of cases project builders use them…

Contact VBA for help if you are in Victoria. If they deregistered BS they should be able to give you alternative.

Consumer protection for homeowners in Victoria is a scam, VBA is just another time wasting hoop to jump.

You are more likely to recover from RBS professional indemnity insurer

Building permit documentation should have soil classification noted on engineering drawings or there is geo technical report

Generally a home well built should not have cracking and popping noises. It could be thermal expansion but more likely foundation movement . What is your site soil classification?

Termite inspections are recommended at least every 12 months. This is to limit/avoid serious damage if you get termite attack.
Regardless of steel frame which is your primary structural element…

I prefer screed then waterproof membrane on top because other way around you can get efflorescence on your tiles. Your moisture barrier is your membrane, it does not matter what…

If the plumbing work was of value as to required compliance certificate, as it seems it was then unregistered plumber is at fault.
VBA agreed that RBS was at fault.
Your option…

Would it not be better idea to use shipping container for file storage and the space in your home as your office?

I depends where it is
If it is just cavity flashing then your builder is right and it does not matter but if it is also used as flashing and a…

If your internal walls are brick you must be in WA
Just pull down wall between pantry and fridge space and rebuild with 75mm studs then plasterboard both sides, that will…

I can’t give legal advice

The problem with you doing the brick pier is that you become second builder on the job. If something goes wrong you will be blamed even if it's not your…

Your builder's insurance will cover you against theft up till handover then you need your own insurance
In my view you need it installed and working ASAP

You have been conned. It does not matter what you discussed beforehand, all it matters is what you signed off on. Unless the extra 10 K is clearly marked as…