Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Apr 08, 2014 10:29 am Hi, We're in the process of a new custom build, and we're debating between two builders. There is about a 5-10% cost difference between the two, but one markets themselves as a more premium builder, and the other a builder who does a lot of first homes and investments. Obviously the cheaper is the latter. For no real reason other than the fact that they are cheaper and generally target a different demographic, we're slightly concerned about quality on the latter builder, as we would like a quality build. But 5-10% cost saving is significant. So I was wondering if using a independent building inspector would solve the problem and give me the best of both worlds - which is - using the cheaper builder, and ensuring that quality is maintained. Have people had experiences with this?- do you have problems getting builders to fix things that are brought up the independent inspector? Is this a reasonable expectation? I should note that the cheaper builder is not 'cheap' per se; and that our expectations of a quality build is a reasonable expectation - we just want any major dramas to be dealt with. Re: Independent Building Inspections 2Apr 08, 2014 1:49 pm Art ... So I was wondering if using a independent building inspector would solve the problem and give me the best of both worlds - which is - using the cheaper builder, and ensuring that quality is maintained. Have people had experiences with this?- do you have problems getting builders to fix things that are brought up the independent inspector? Is this a reasonable expectation? It's a reasonable expectation, but not realistic as far as I know from builders. For example, we have a builder who is refusing to even let the independent inspector onsite! Our options: fair trading or the courts, neither of which is quick nor painless. So if you are going down this path, make sure that your contract with the builder (whichever you choose) specifies everything about the PCI - who directs them (you), when they can come onsite (whenever you want), what requirements on their reports (builder fixes everthing), who pays for them (you, meaning they work for you!), how often, etc, etc. IMO, from experience, don't sign a standard BC4 contract ever as it favours the builder in ways that will cost you 20-50% more if the builder is a mental case (hmm - yes, personal experience!), and certainly don't sign any contract not making the PCI mandatory and everything about them clear. Yes, your builder will object. Get another builder who will agree!! Don't accept a builder who won't agree (IMHO). Re: Independent Building Inspections 3Apr 09, 2014 8:52 am Thankyou for the advice. I will ensure that this clause is put into the building contract. And as you said, if they don't want to add it, there are plenty of other builders out there. Has anyone had any experience putting these sort of clauses in building contracts? Any traps for new players? Re: Independent Building Inspections 4Apr 09, 2014 1:58 pm im unsure where you are, but in VIC, it is your right for you or a representative to have acces to the property during the build. Builders will usually include a clause in their contract to stipulate that notice must be given though which isnt really an issue. I'm of the view if the builder doesnt agree to stage or progress inspections, then they intend on performing the work in a substandard manner. I mean if you were a good builder, why would you not be proud of your work? Creator of superduperonium, expert at expert things, nobel laureate, can hold my breath for 10 minutes. Re: Independent Building Inspections 5Apr 09, 2014 2:38 pm I'm in ACT, but the building is in NSW. You're quite right about access, but if your builder isn't mentally stable and refuses you access - literally locks the doors and windows - then you've got two main options - fair trading or the courts. Neither is quick, cheap or painless. DFT isn't cheap in the time it takes and you almost certainly will be appealing - we put in one complaint already and the case officer never contacted us, never contacted our solicitor, merely rang the builder who spun an excellent tale of bull, and then closed the case saying the builder was right! So while you're legally right about access, the more problematic is that the standard BC4 contract doesn't specify that the builder has to remedy anything other than what the PCA stipulates (note PCA, not PCI). Since the PCA is only interested in gross BCA issues (concrete footing are ok for example), and not whether the house actually meets the contract (ceiling light is in the right place for example), you need in the contract that the builder must allow a PCI, and then undertake to fix all remediation items that the PCI reports. I would expect a sane builder to be proud of their work. I would expect professional builders to be proud of their work and work professionally. Those sentences both have a little catch in them in our situation... Also, from the published work on the non-conformant or poor work and/or professionalism of builders in general, our situation isn't alone (see, for example, that about 6% of owners actually make complaints, while the unhappy owners not complaining has to be higher). You have mandatory building inspections and privately engaged building inspections. The difference between the two comes down to inspecting the building so it's safe and… 3 18065 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 81884 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 46854 |