Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Nov 28, 2014 11:52 am We are in NSW and doing a house extension. Local Council are our inspectors and we are up to frame inspection. We have had some problems with our builder, mostly sloppy work and errors and happy to cover them up haphazardly. My question is - am I able to phone the inspector myself before they come to inspect and ask them to please be super thorough as this builder has tried a few things on us already and is very good at talking the talk but doesn't actually follow through. We have caught the builder out on various ****** and I just want the council inspector to be aware of this and really check over the job for us. Should I give the inspector a call or not? Re: Council inspectors 2Nov 28, 2014 12:24 pm I think you are confusing compliance with quality control Your council inspector will ensure that statutory requirements are met and beyond that it is likely that there will be no interest in the quality of your build. Do you really think council inspector will read your specification and ensure builder is following it? If you are serious about monitoring quality of your build you will have to spend money and get your own independent inspector to inspect your stages of construction and advise you. Foremost Building Expert in Australia,assisting with building problems/disputes, building stage inspections,pre-contract review advice for peace of mind 200 blogs http://www.buildingexpert.net.au/blog Re: Council inspectors 3Nov 28, 2014 12:43 pm And ... if you are worried its a small amount of the total price to ensure its all done right. You need someone like BE. Re: Council inspectors 4Nov 28, 2014 6:21 pm Agree 100% get an independent building inspector. Howard Ryan and Tyrells are two reputable ones in NSW. I wouldn't rely on a NSW Council for anything due to legislation they have an out or leniency for everything should they choose! Our builder allowed our slab to be constructed contrary to approved plans at 590mm higher. He said nothing, did nothing to change it and Council as the PCA sign off both the pier and slab inspection regardless when they should not have signed them off as successful! Had we have had a pre slab inspection, at that height, there is no way our inspector would have allowed the construction to continue which would have he saved us a year of pain which in not even close to being over in NCAT and nearly $100k....Advocate for yourself yes, but do it with the right people....ones that work for you - not the builder as such. Re: Council inspectors 5Nov 28, 2014 8:35 pm Thank you. If I employ an independent building inspector do I have to let my builder know when they are coming etc... Also, does my builder legally have to comply with rectifying any defects that they find? Thanks Re: Council inspectors 6Nov 28, 2014 8:58 pm General yes you do have to let them know as they 'control' the site and access. And yes absolutely they must rectify any defects. Read your contract and see what it says about what you options are. Generally you must put it in writing to the builder stating exactly what is required. Building Expert will be able to tell you more accurately as he does this every day. Stand you ground and don't accept anything less than you have paid for or expect! Some builders are good at the talk...not so good at the walk! That is a really good attitude Akin to you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. I do enjoy watching that tik tok inspector from Victoria but he does go a little… 12 81896 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… 1 2943 Even if it's not being sub-divided and you want to keep it as Torrens title, you will still need to talk to a town planner or Council themselves, to see if they will allow… 1 11039 |