Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Aug 31, 2009 3:51 pm Hi All, I bought a house off the plan just over 3 years ago. I have heard talk of a 7 year warranty on building works. Is that correct? I'm in Melbourne, if that makes a difference. Since I moved in I have had to get the roof plumber back to fix a leak (ended up having to get the PIC involved...). This didn't end up costing me anything, but I don't know if that was because of the PIC or a warranty by the plumber or by a general building warranty. Over the weekend I have noticed that there is a problem with the driveway. I'll try to explain. There is a drain grate in the concrete (shared) driveway. Both my neighbour and I drive over it to get into/out of our garages. I noticed that the metal frame/lip/bracket that the grate sits in has started to bow and sag. There appears to be nothing under it on one side - I can see big chunks of concrete in the bottom of the drain pit that look like they may have once been supporting the frame. I reckon it has bowed by about 10mm from being level with the driveway. I would hate for my car to be the one over the grate when it finally fails. Anyway, is it reasonable for me to ask the builder to return and fix the problem? This doesn't seem like acceptable wear and tear after only 3 years. One other matter is in regards to the connections between the hot water service and the house. A seal failed and was leaking water everywhere. We called an emergency plumber to fix the problem (install a hose direct from HWS outlet to house, bypassing the mixer pipe). He was amazed at the "quirky" work that the original plumber did. He suggested we get the original guy back to fix the problem (i.e. do it properly this time). Should this be fixed without charge as well? Sorry for the long winded post. Any advice is appreciated. Re: 7 year builders warranty? 2Aug 31, 2009 4:01 pm damonc Hi All, I bought a house off the plan just over 3 years ago. I have heard talk of a 7 year warranty on building works. Is that correct? I'm in Melbourne, if that makes a difference. Since I moved in I have had to get the roof plumber back to fix a leak (ended up having to get the PIC involved...). This didn't end up costing me anything, but I don't know if that was because of the PIC or a warranty by the plumber or by a general building warranty. Over the weekend I have noticed that there is a problem with the driveway. I'll try to explain. There is a drain grate in the concrete (shared) driveway. Both my neighbour and I drive over it to get into/out of our garages. I noticed that the metal frame/lip/bracket that the grate sits in has started to bow and sag. There appears to be nothing under it on one side - I can see big chunks of concrete in the bottom of the drain pit that look like they may have once been supporting the frame. I reckon it has bowed by about 10mm from being level with the driveway. I would hate for my car to be the one over the grate when it finally fails. Anyway, is it reasonable for me to ask the builder to return and fix the problem? This doesn't seem like acceptable wear and tear after only 3 years. One other matter is in regards to the connections between the hot water service and the house. A seal failed and was leaking water everywhere. We called an emergency plumber to fix the problem (install a hose direct from HWS outlet to house, bypassing the mixer pipe). He was amazed at the "quirky" work that the original plumber did. He suggested we get the original guy back to fix the problem (i.e. do it properly this time). Should this be fixed without charge as well? Sorry for the long winded post. Any advice is appreciated. Yes, you're covered. Get someone like Kevin to do an inspection... let the builder know the problems. Ed "ECOECO" At 'EcoEco', we design windows, we design the best windows, we do it for you, so that when you’re happy we are happy. Tel. 1800 326 326 Re: 7 year builders warranty? 3Aug 31, 2009 9:26 pm ed @ EcoClassic Yes, you're covered. Get someone like Kevin to do an inspection... let the builder know the problems. Ed Hi Ed, Thanks for the advice. I have done a quick search and assume you mean Kevin from http://www.newhomeinspections.com.au? Does it matter that this is not a "new home" anymore (3 years old?) I guess if I got a full inspection done then the person could look at things like cracking in the render in various places and the lack of external venting for the kitchen rangehood? Your house roof does not show rusting other than some surface rust on the flashings. In my opinion you dont need to replace or paint the roof other than treat surface rust… 1 10228 Look at your bill from the electricity company. It should detail the charges. You will need to do some estimating and some calculations. Then charge the… 8 4254 Site works are just about to start on our build with Blueprint in Midvale. viewtopic.php?f=31&t=106894 2 3960 |