Browse Forums Building A New House 1 May 08, 2007 10:36 pm Hi All
Has anyone had any success in receiving a refund for the cost of hiring an independent inspector to highlight faults in a home? I've been having disputes with my builder since xmas, all faults i've mentioned to them, that do not comply with the relevant aust standards (yes iv'e checked) were told to be ok on numerous occasions by my supervisor, senior supervisor and construction manager. I basically had no choice but to hire an inspector to provide a report highlighting the facts, which i mentioned to begin with. To make matters worse i lodged a complaint with the Builders Registration Board in WA and they also confirmed that all the faults i mentioned do not comply. The BRB has now issued my builder an "ORDER TO REMEDEY", but because i did not mention the cost of the inspector in my orginal complaint the BRB has no case, they also mentioned they do not usually award fees associated in lodeging a complaint. I've requested for a refund directly with my builder but they persist to tell me it was my choice to hire an inspctor, just like it was there choice to continue to build my home that does NOT comply with the relevant standards. What can i do to get my $550 back, i know it's not much money in the scheme of things but it's the principal. To top things off there repairs to the brickwork are worse than before, i wish they just render my entire home to hide all there defects. Thanks Anthony Re: Refund For Independent Inspector 2May 08, 2007 10:41 pm Every state has a small claims tribunal that can rule on these things. In NSW it's the Department of Fair Trading's CTTT. Only costs $31 to lodge a claim and it's quick, easy and effective. You need to have a good case, which I think you do have. Basic argument is that you pointed out defect, they stated that there were t building standard (do you have this in writing). This forced you to hire someone.
Good luck, Casa Re: Refund For Independent Inspector 4May 29, 2007 11:09 pm After reading your story, I will definitely hire an inspector for my house.
Compared to the amount of money you spent for the whole house, a few hundred dollars is definitely worth it! Also, think from the other way Anthony, if it wasn't the inspector you hired, you would probably have more trouble and defects which you wouldn't noticed. Cost wise and health wise you might have gained a lot more than the $550 you spent. All the best! Cheers Allan http://building-our-first-house.blogspot.com/ Re: Refund For Independent Inspector 5May 30, 2007 10:45 pm Just a little update.
After 6 months of fighting with my builder i'm glad to say i have a small victory. The builder has agreed to render my entire home to match the front elevation. This will hide there high quality brickwork Just a tip for you all, i would strongly recommend a independent inspector, think of it as insurance. I've also been told that when you start fighting with your builder they always try and wear you down, just dont give up. Fight for what you have paid for "A quality home" Thanks All Anthony Re: Refund For Independent Inspector 6May 31, 2007 12:14 pm Good one Anthony Pity they couldn't get it right the first time. I would send it to the certifier who is technically your representative and working on your behalf not the builder's 1 2254 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 81847 It is true that a builder can ignore your independent inspection report as it is not part of the contractual arrangement but that is stupid because he cannot avoid fixing… 9 46834 |