Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Mar 03, 2009 7:45 pm Hi everyone,
I'm new and building a stumped home in the hills of Perth. My building supervisor refuses/excuses himself to follow the structural engineering on the house plans (that he wrote!). We got an independant engineer out and it is turning into a nightmare. I've got the shire planner out tomorrow but am hesitant to go to the Builder's Rego board (the relationship is already degenerating)....Anyone been through something similar? Re: New home (at loggerheads with builder) 3Mar 03, 2009 7:53 pm I have no advice but I just wanted to say that I'm sorry to hear about this and I hope you get some resolution soon. Blog: http://bluemistkids.blogspot.com "Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, and professionals built the Titanic." Re: New home (at loggerheads with builder) 4Mar 03, 2009 8:18 pm Can you get an independent opinion to verify what he is doing is wrong? (eg engineer or building inspector)
Annie A thankful person is a happy person. [/color]My hobby design blog: http://aviewondesign.blogspot.com/ Re: New home (at loggerheads with builder) 5Mar 05, 2009 6:38 pm thanks everyone!
he is refusing to put straps on roof braces & structure (he says a nail is good enough!), tie down stumps, there are 5mm gaps between doors/external walls, when my 6yo son could move his dividing bedroom wall the response was 'don't worry, the gyprock will make it sturdy'....i didn't speak to them at all today (we live on site) but won't be making any payments until the basic structural engineering is what the contract says (and what the shire has approved). i think i will end up going to the builder's rego board to get an independant building inspector out. Re: New home (at loggerheads with builder) 6Mar 05, 2009 6:45 pm Sorry to hear about your troubles, I do hope it all gets sorted out and it sounds like a good idea to get an independant building inspector in Re: New home (at loggerheads with builder) 7Mar 05, 2009 6:52 pm Definetly need to get someone else involved in this one...
Just for your knowledge their are a number of acceptable ways of tying together a frame... Dependant on the tie down and bracing requirements, he may be able to use alternative methods, however the structural plans would have been completed to what I assume would have been the minimal(most cost effective) solution... Best thing you can do it take heaps of photos, make plenty of notes, and keep records of everything... Electrical Engineer... Don't hold that against me... And keen owner builder... Mainly the building part!! Re: New home (at loggerheads with builder) 8Mar 05, 2009 11:35 pm Dont be afraid to contact the builders dispute tribunal. You are there to build a house to what you have paid for, not make friends with them. They are happy to take your money. I have just been through the builders tribunal process and it is very simple and straight forward. It only costs $33 from memory and they send one of their inspectors out. They are a government organisation so are independant. If something doesnt meet the building codes or specifications signed on your contract/plans then I cant see how they would give a judgement against you.
I first had an independant inspector come out and find all the faults. I then gave this list to the builder and what they didnt fix I went to the tribunal with the list of faults the inspector came out. I thoroughly recommend you first get an independant inspector out because they can give an expert, written opinion and may find other faults. goodluck!! Re: New home (at loggerheads with builder) 9Mar 11, 2009 2:11 pm thanks so much....we rang the rego board who have told us to write a formal letter of complaint to which they must respond in 10 days. handover is next week (so the builder's tell me) but the rego board and builder's tribunal tells me i have a legal obligation to pay them....otherwise i'm in breach of contract! (even though they haven't followed structural requirements)
anyway i'll do it how the rego board recommends and just make sure there is plenty of beer in the fridge for my husband (he's about ready to lose the plot!) dee Re: New home (at loggerheads with builder) 10Mar 11, 2009 7:20 pm Check your contract, because it should be stated thatthe building will comply with the relevant Australian Standards, particularly AS1684....
If this is the case, then the builder must comply with this, otherwise he is in breach of his contract... Given he has breached the contract first, I suspect you are within your rights to ask for them to comply with the contract, otherwise payment will be withheld.... Electrical Engineer... Don't hold that against me... And keen owner builder... Mainly the building part!! We already paid for somfy motors for the blinds. The quote above was purely for “pre-wiring” so the blinds company can install the motors and blinds. That’s why we… 5 16082 Hi Mofflepop, I would recommend finding a building designer to prepare plans, they should design to your specified budget. The benefit is you can tender the project out… 9 20186 |