Issues After Build

AusOwner91 · Jan 04, 2023 2:21 pm

We have been in our newly built home for 4 months and a few things have started to become noticeable the more we live in it.

When looking at neighbouring mailboxes which are level with their lawn/gardens, Ours is much higher almost as if the cement wasn't leveled to the garden bed, it's problematic because when it rains the bark/soil just runs off the concrete exposing the concrete around (which is messily done). All our garden beds were built high too so when it rains the bark and soil just runs onto the pathway or driveway.

Since we moved in and its first use the oven makes this awful buzzing sound we sent an email the first day but getting in contact with the people meant to fix it is impossible.

We have found a few issues with the laminate flooring, gaps between the edging and the floorboards, corners that are have at least a 4cm gap and one edging in the kitchen that's coming away from the cupboards.

The paint has some cracks but this is minor compared to other issues, I just want to check as we are first time owners/builders are these covered under the 12 month guarantee and worth chasing up on?

Thanks in advance for any replies

Noname · Jan 04, 2023 2:47 pm

AusOwner91

We have been in our newly built home for 4 months and a few things have started to become noticeable the more we live in it.

When looking at neighbouring mailboxes which are level with their lawn/gardens, Ours is much higher almost as if the cement wasn't leveled to the garden bed, it's problematic because when it rains the bark/soil just runs off the concrete exposing the concrete around (which is messily done). All our garden beds were built high too so when it rains the bark and soil just runs onto the pathway or driveway.

Since we moved in and its first use the oven makes this awful buzzing sound we sent an email the first day but getting in contact with the people meant to fix it is impossible.

We have found a few issues with the laminate flooring, gaps between the edging and the floorboards, corners that are have at least a 4cm gap and one edging in the kitchen that's coming away from the cupboards.

The paint has some cracks but this is minor compared to other issues, I just want to check as we are first time owners/builders are these covered under the 12 month guarantee and worth chasing up on?

Thanks in advance for any replies

the mailbox/garden related stuff, probably nothing you can do. those issues dont sound like they fall under any tolerances.

The oven needs to be looked at. Its a warranty issue. The builder should be inspecting, but you may also wish to contact the manufacturer (which is what the builder would likley do anyway). We had this same issue with a westinghouse freestanding cooker in our first house. Builder didnt respond, manufacturer didnt respond. I gave up chasing them. The should eventually went away afer a couple months. Not suggesting you do the same though.

I cant picture what youre talking about regarding the edging and corners. The bead/scotia doesnt form a continuous line in all circusmstances. So without pics its hard to picture what youre refering to. However, it shoudlnt be coming away from its position. So that should be looked at as a warranty issue.

Minor paint cracks are expected and due to settling of the house. there is a tollerance described in your state's "guide to standards and tolerances", which if you havent looked up you, should be your first port of call.

BuildingandLegal · Jan 11, 2023 8:44 pm

Your letterbox, isn't covered by QBCC complaint, you can ask the builder but probably wont get any traction.

Your oven is covered by a manufactures warranty, not by the builder, your handover pack should have the relevant contact details on who supplied the oven, like Harvey Norman comercial, RT Edwards, Winnings etc. YOU need to call them for a service. Again not a QBCC issue.

Paint chips, cracks etc. 1st get a note book, jot down a room name for each double page, to record location and what the defect is. Before noting any defects download the QBCC Standards and Tolerance Guide, its free (each state building body has their own version) it clearly explains what light, and how far back you should stand when detecting a defect. That is the bible the inspectors work from. Once you have read & understood the distance requirements start documenting the defects. PRIOR to 12mths (say month 10) contact the builder and request your 12mth minor defect warranty inspection and advise them how many defects they need to address. It is your responsibility to identify them and be able to point them out at the time of inspection. If a crack goes to >5mm call the builder immediately.
Also make sure you haven't planted trees/gardens next to the house and that the ground for the first 1m out from the slab grades AWAY from the house, otherwise the builder has grounds to argue that the cracks are movement due to abnormal moisture due to ponding next to the slab and they can walk away!
Good luck