Browse Forums Building Standards; Getting It Right! 1 Nov 14, 2010 7:29 pm Hi All, I remember reading on this wonderful site about the importance of including a workmanship clause in the building contract. We are a about to sign the Prelim Contract with M, and was wondering how I go about including this in it. Any help greatly appreciated. Thank in advance! Re: Workmanship in building contract 2Nov 15, 2010 5:11 pm I could imagine you need to be fairly specific when it comes to workmanship and finish level. If you generalize, builders can get themselves out of it too easily. Not sure volume builders would want to be nailed down like that? I liked some of the Metricon display homes but doubt the finish level is typical for all of their homes.... I googled some of the larger builders and found lots of negative comments (see Notgoodenough.com.au) which worried me too much. Cheers, Razer Re: Workmanship in building contract 3Nov 16, 2010 6:44 pm If you want to know about building quality and workmanship with them then you only need to read my blog below. It is terrible and you will fight to get things fixed. I have been ever since the start of the build. We are also in SE melb Re: Workmanship in building contract 4Nov 16, 2010 10:34 pm tigerandox I remember reading on this wonderful site about the importance of including a workmanship clause in the building contract. We are a about to sign the Prelim Contract with M, and was wondering how I go about including this in it. To assist two parties in determining if there is a defect or not, the Victorian Building Comission produced the "Guide to Standards & Tolerances 2007" However, the HIA doesn't support the Victorian Building Comissions's guide as a true representation of residential construction practices and acceptable industry standards. Therefore, the HIA produced its own "Guide to Materials and Workmanship for Residential Building Work 2008". The HIA Guide covers all relevant aspects of the Victorian Building Comission's "Guide to Standards & Tolerances 2007". Here's an instruction on how to incorporate the "HIA Guide to Materials and Workmanship for Residential Building Work 2008" onto your building contract. Re: Workmanship in building contract 5Mar 07, 2012 2:27 pm zeitgeber To assist two parties in determining if there is a defect or not, the Victorian Building Comission produced the "Guide to Standards & Tolerances 2007" However, the HIA doesn't support the Victorian Building Comissions's guide as a true representation of residential construction practices and acceptable industry standards. Therefore, the HIA produced its own "Guide to Materials and Workmanship for Residential Building Work 2008". The HIA Guide covers all relevant aspects of the Victorian Building Comission's "Guide to Standards & Tolerances 2007". I'm beginning to doubt the statement above (which I made 15 months ago). Re: Victorian Building Comission - "Guide to Standards & Tolerances 2007" versus HIA - "Guide to Materials and Workmanship for Residential Building Work 2008". I feel that the HIA "Guide" might favor the builders more than the consumer because HIA is funded by builders, whereas the Victorian Building Comission's "Guide" maybe more neutral towards builders and consumers alike, as government has the tendency not to take sides. Re: Workmanship in building contract 6Mar 31, 2012 2:42 pm Hi all The most important piece of legislation that controls building workmanship standards in Victoria is Domestic Contracts Building Act 1995- section 8 -implied warranties and the division 6 -the display home standard. The simplified explanation is this: 1 All work must comply with Building Act 1993, Building Regulations, BCA and the relevant Australian Standards but that's not all. 2 Work must be carried out in a workmanlike manner, with due care and skill with new materials and on time but that's not all 3 Where there is a display home and the standard is higher than 1&2 above it must be not less than the display standard but that's not all 4 Where a higher standard is specified it must be to that standard So if the builder is telling you he has complied with 1 and that's it, it's not necessarily true. Apply test under 2 (care and skill) as follows- " You are the expert", trust your eyes" "If it looks wrong it is!" Does it?" "would you expect better from someone skilled in their art?" If the answer is yes , then yes it's defective How much skill is builder required to have? easy, visit Building Commission web site and bring up competencies required for builder's registration. You will be blown away.(remember, builder is in charge and is responsible for all work including trades). I hope this simple take promotes healthy debate. In reality there are many complicating issues and each job needs to be judged on its own merits. 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 Building Standards; Getting It Right! G’day everyone, I am reaching out to share my pre-lining building inspection report, hoping to gain insights from those who may have encountered similar instances of… 0 688 You talk about deletions, are they variations or PS and PC adjustments? pleas list them 1 16455 I've decided, after a period of confusion (my building broker told me it's probably not worth it to use a lawyer, but others have said it is a must) that I definitely will… 7 27906 |