Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Feb 13, 2018 4:32 pm Hi all, We are in the process of selling the house we built in 2014. It’s currently under contract and B&P was done yesterday. The issue we are having is that the only thing they were able to pick up during the inspection was that 1 weep hole has been partially obstructed by our aggregate driveway. The driveway was poured by the builder during construction. We had noticed it whilst living here but never thought it to be an issue. The buyers are now saying to us that they want the issue rectified so that they can reinspect the property to ensure no termites. We have a copy of the report and it clearly states no termite activity is or has ever been present. We are doubfounded and at a loss as to what they’re expecting us to do about the situation. Any advice? Surely they’re not expecting us to drill a hole in an aggregate driveway 😡 Re: Building and Pest Inspection 2Feb 13, 2018 8:02 pm The bottom line is that your home is for sale "warts and all "as it is and you are under no obligation to do anything. It is the buyer that has to choose whether to buy or not. I understand that you want the sale to proceed but there is a problem. The fact that the concrete paving is obscuring weep hole means that the paving is at least 75mm too high and non compliant. If I was doing your pre final inspection i would have picked it up and recommended demolition and reconstruction of paving for compliance before you pay him. I have successfully forced a builder to demolish and reconstruct paving for a member on this forum. Your house is still under builder's warranty and it is still your right to ask for reconstruction but it is a much bigger mountain to climb because you don't have builders last payment as leverage and it may actually cost you more in legals to force it than its worth. The buyer may walk or use the defect to lower the offer- you loose! Mathematics is simple. No inspections, you save hundreds, late,r your loss-thousands, perhaps tens of thousands. To all others , another reason to have your home independently inspected during construction 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: Building and Pest Inspection 3Feb 13, 2018 8:11 pm Thank you for your reply. Can you please explain more about how they could have lowered the paving? As it’s to the garage wouldn’t this then mean a step up into the garage? This was our first home and we learnt a lot during the build. This has been our only issue so I feel we’ve gotten out of it pretty unscathed compared to others. We’re certainly more prepared now for the next build. As for the buyers, if they want to walk away that’s their perogative. Certainly seems a ‘mountain out of a mole hill’ situation, especially considering the price we’ve already negotiated with them. Either way, we’re in no hurry to sell so will happily keep it on the market if it comes to that. Re: Building and Pest Inspection 4Feb 13, 2018 8:35 pm Was your home built as per approved drawings? Do you know? I am currently working on a defect report for my client where she is blamed (not the builder) for balcony leaks over her garage and VBA stated (without checking approved drawings) it was because she did not clean box gutters. Guess what? The gutter is not compliant and has no overflow but there is more, (I just got the drawings from the council) approved drawings show no box gutter all but instead floor wastes in the balcony floor which were not put in. Builder has varied construction detail without revisiting design implications and without re-approving variation.The consequence? Builder's works not compliant and is non conforment with the plans and yet owner is blamed. Dont't assume you will get what's in your drawings. 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: Building and Pest Inspection 5Feb 13, 2018 8:49 pm I would assume so but like you mentioned we can’t always assume. Their solicitor has requested our termite barrier installation certificate as well as the Form 21 which we have supplied so I guess we’ll wait to hear back. Their main concern is ensuring there are no termites, which according to their report there is no evidence of any on the property at present nor ever been any. At the end of the day there isn’t really anything we can do to rectify the situation so they’ll either accept that or move on. I get the feeling they’re fishing for a discount, however they won’t be getting one. 4 1852 Hi group, have some damage to the door frame and skirting board. It's a side door to the laundry area. Only has a security door. I had a termite inspection (note drill… 0 5053 Brass fly wire, you will need to cut it, shape it and jam it into brick slots 1 7464 |