Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Nov 07, 2016 1:51 pm Building with a small builder in Melbourne Victoria and have a situation, which I'd hope someone could help clarify. Upon initial enquiry in Feb 2016 with the sales team at the builders office, they advised us that since we have (by today's standards) a relatively large block of 650sq. m with a block width of approximately 17.2m that a garden bed at the front of the block could be left in place to preserve existing established garden and save on landscaping costs. This would leave a clearance of 7.2m down the driveway into the block and the house was to be built behind the existing garden bed. After demolition in August, where 133 tones of Rubbish was disposed of the newly appointed site supervisor insisted on a clear block. Seeking clarification of this, I enquired and was told that 7.2m width was insufficient for equipment and deliveries. I offered to chop all the plants at ground level and take the garden bad back to a flattened bed which would be raised by approximately 3-4" off the rest of the property and after some emailing had agreed with the builders that the garden could remain, but a clause would be added to the contract to indemnify them of damage done to the plants, which I was happy with. A few days ago, I received a call from the site supervisor, refusing to start the job until the garden bed was removed. Furthermore, the builders despite providing incorrect advice and not identifying this issue prior to demolition would not pay for any of this. I have now been forced into funding $1250 of removal and excavation work in order to have the builders fulfil the contract due to this incorrect initial advice and reneging on the proposed solution. I am still confused as to why a garden bed of approximately 6m deep x 8 m wide needed to be removed from a 650sq. block of 38m deep to deliveries on a 24 square home. Frustratingly, when I spoke to the demolition company (who incidentally have been fantastic), they confirmed that a few plants and dirt wouldn't have altered the initial price. Given I am now $1250 out of pocket, due to a mistake from my builder and don't understand why 7.2m of clearance from the crossover into the property was insufficient thought I'd ask if anyone has similar experience/ advice or could explain the above requirement? Demolition company has suggested I should take this through the VBA to resolve, but I'd prefer to resolve directly if the builders will take any responsibility/accountability over their errors. Re: Post demolition request to clear garden 2Nov 08, 2016 7:40 am [quote defaultattr=""] I enquired and was told that 7.2m width was insufficient for equipment and deliveries. [/quote] What a load of garbage. If that were true no houses would be getting built in metropolitan areas! 1) I had requested R6 ceiling insualtion batts, however I noticed that on some areas there are huge gaps which will allow hot air to sweep in, and also noticed black/grey… 0 3604 We had this happen to us last year and got charged a variation. Try and give away as much as you can that is usable to charity otherwise if you are in Sydney I have a… 1 4509 We've had the offer of a short term tenant whilst waiting for CDC/DA home approval and demolition for our knock down rebuild. It would achieve a pretty low rent as it's… 0 13760 |