building-expert
water seeping through from under slab into post hole
Water this close to the slab edge or under the slab can cause slab heave or subsidence and is potentially a serious problem especially on highly reactive clay soils.
Over…
Gaps/spaces between floor boards and skirting boards
I would be asking building supervisor to show me in writing why the warranty would be voided
Crooked wall or cornice?
The photo is not really clear but to me it looks like twist in the cornice.
Slight anticlockwise rotation at the top of the cornice and slightly clockwise at bottom should…
soffits dont reach fascia Help to fix
Be careful, the soffits may contain asbestos
Extending Brick Warehouse Up
There is insufficient information to give a meaningful answer. You should talk to council planning. Apart from building construction issues, if you are adding floor area you may need to…
Structural Drawings
Your builder does not have a say in it. If you are in Victoria you have a statutory right, and if the builder prevents you the you can report to…
Structural Drawings
That is why you should hire your private inspector to walk you through and keep an eye on your build
Structural Drawings
Yes absolutely, Your builder is merely your agent in relation to the building permit, it belongs to you.
Calculating slab height using RLs
You should get a good building consultant to help you manage the dispute
Shed conversion
If you are building a house then you will have a building permit, full set of approved plans and specifications, read it, why are you asking questions here?
Framing Questions
Please post photos
What is your agreement with the carpenter?
What state are you in?
Can you save money with an architect?
I am not an architect however I have completed the first year of a Bachelors degree In Architecture at Melbourne University before deciding to change over to a building degree.…
Veneer bricks 30 y.o. house - 3 courses under grade
The best advice is to get a very good building consultant to do pre purchase report.
The report will detail existing condition and give expert opinion together with repair recommendations.
What state…
Insulation for Internal wall, between floors
Why would you want to insulate internal walls, it makes no sense. The critical insulation is your external building envelope.
Am I too heavy for the roof cavity?
Firstly, if your house is still under builder's warranty (10 years in Victoria) you should have no need to crawl into roof space but let the builder handle it, unless…
Garage Door Malfunction
It looks like an easy fix with a longer screw right into the timber behind the packer.
Yes its builders defect
Yes the builder is liable to fix it under warranty
Yes you…
roof damage insurance claim
Typically an offer from the insurer will be a low ball offer where they hope you will accept and go away, you are then left with the task of building…
roof structural repair
If you are in Victoria here are exemptions from building permit under Building Regulations
Repair, renewal or maintenance of a part of an existing building, if the building work—
(a) …
roof structural repair
You have not specified the nature of timber frame repair. If you are merely repairing existing frame then you may be exempt from building permit. Why would you need engineering…
roof structural repair
For timber frame repair you are best to get a good framing carpenter
Building inspector recommendations - Melbourne
If you have the need to secretly time your inspector on site then you have no confidence and you did not engage in good faith.
I put up my qualifications and…
Fixed Price build Contract Vs Project management build
Project management contract (essentially cost plus contract) for domestic construction in Victoria can only be if the cost of the home exceeds 1 Million, unless it is a renovation and…
Building inspector recommendations for Melbourne VIC?
Google "Compliance Building Reports"
Conveyancing & property inspectors for new home build?
If you are in Victoria you have a statutory right to your own building inspector regardless of builder's consent. No negotiations are required.
However the builder will have a contractual possession…
Termite and pest control
Warranty is provided by the company that maintains termite management system.
As far as I know there is no monopoly on termite management.
Termite and pest control
There are many pest control companies that can maintain your termite management system, so shop around.
Termite management system requires annual inspections or the warranty is void.
Get your quotes, read your…
Rainheads
I believe Dam Buster is the only product fully compliant and looks better than you have.
Electrical and plumbing plans post hand-over?
If there have been changes, variations, during construction then the drawings should be revised, the building permit amended and the current, as built drawings given to the owner as part…
Concrete dissolve
True it won't dissolve the aggregate but will dissolve cement, break bonds with the aggregate, and the loose aggregate and sand becomes mere rubbish in the pipe.
I have successfully cleared…
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Occupation
Building Expert, Pre Purchase Property Inspection Expert, Expert in Thermal Imaging for Detection of Building Defects, Expert in Building Contract management and Administration, Expert Witness
Interests
Incurable student of almost everything