Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Jul 04, 2017 1:21 pm My contract states that progress payments must be paid 7 days from the invoice. I've read a lot of people saying on this forum that you cannot withhold a progress payment based on a private inspector's report. I am just wondering then, what is the point of having a private inspector if you cannot force the builder's hand to act on what might be in the report? We have employed a private inspector for each of our stages and we are about to complete stage 1. I'm just wondering if he does find something wrong, what avenue do I have to get the Builder to fix it?? Re: Private Inspections 2Jul 04, 2017 1:47 pm I'm not sure that you can force a builder to comply.. .and I also dont think you should hold back payment unless the work is actually not done at all, as they will charge you a penalty on it... I personally didn't get an inspector for that very reason, but a lot of people have found them to be worth their weight in gold. Re: Private Inspections 3Jul 04, 2017 2:13 pm Although the penalties seem high at first glance you are only paying them on the value of the progress payment not the entire contract. You could also reduce the penalties by paying a portion, Say 60%. Check this link for some more thoughts; https://anewhouse.com.au/2014/01/delayi ... -payments/ The Harder You Try - the Luckier You Get ! Web site http://www.anewhouse.com.au Informative, Amusing, and Opinionated Blog - Over 600 posts on all aspects of building a new house. Re: Private Inspections 6Jul 04, 2017 3:05 pm We never had a problem with our builder agreeing to fix things the inspector picked up. The advantage is these things were picked up and corrected preventing more problems further down the track Our build thread with Smart Homes for Living in Wellard https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=86092 Re: Private Inspections 7Jul 04, 2017 3:51 pm bashworth Although the penalties seem high at first glance you are only paying them on the value of the progress payment not the entire contract. You could also reduce the penalties by paying a portion, Say 60%. Check this link for some more thoughts; https://anewhouse.com.au/2014/01/delayi ... -payments/ Thanks for that Bashworth, you make a good point that I hadn't thought of. That was an interesting read. Appreciate your always informative answers. Re: Private Inspections 8Jul 04, 2017 3:53 pm SilentBoB We never had a problem with our builder agreeing to fix things the inspector picked up. The advantage is these things were picked up and corrected preventing more problems further down the track Thanks SilentBoB. We had the same lovely experience the first time we built, some 17 years ago now! Here's hoping that the same applies to this build this time around. Re: Private Inspections 9Jul 04, 2017 6:59 pm I would never not get a private inspector. They are worth their weight in gold and then some. You can always put in writing that the builder is not to commence next stage until the defects are fixed and proof is provided. If they then refuse, escalate. Re: Private Inspections 10Jul 04, 2017 7:15 pm I think if builder refuses to fix items that a quality inspector raises, then you have chosen the wrong builder, you should always speak to 2_3 other customers that went with your builder I certainly did and got exactly what previous customers stated, it's not full proof, but beats checking out a best possible build display that nearly all won't and can't get, in fact most display home builders never in tend giving you that same result. A good inspector let's the builder know, I have knowledge, and if you included a pre contract inspection, it pulls things back your way, and notifys you of potential contract problems that should be avoided. Re: Private Inspections 11Jul 04, 2017 9:52 pm Managing the relationship with your site manager and their boss, the construction manager is key. I have had to withhold every single payment request because the works were either inadequate, not up to standard, the invoice prematurely issued or items that were supposed to be fixed weren't. Many project builders just don't have the time to care about your home as much as you ever will. The Construction reports are absolutely essential because it allows the builder to provide their contractors with an independent report saying their work needs rectification and it enables the discussion to happen. On one site meeting I had, the Construction Manager had the gall to tell me that they work to a tolerance so something are passed over. I laughed and said , so you'll build a roof that is 98% complete then and it has 2% holes? He shut up pretty quick. The fact of the matter is that you, me and all of us here are happy to pay, but only if there is acknowledgement that the issues identified will be fixed in a timely manner and that it is agreed there are issues in the first place. Stand your ground. Get the report and make sure everything that is to be fixed is agreed in writing. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. FACT. Cheers Nom Newhaven 36 by M Blog - North Shore Newhaven (http://nsnewhaven.blogspot.com.au) Build - https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=85092 Re: Private Inspections 12Jul 04, 2017 10:38 pm In answer to ayaman, private inspector has no legal standing and no power of enforcement but is simply your consultant to alert you of the issues early, advise and direct you to steps you should take. Having said that do not underestimate the power of knowledge, expertise and experience. Once builder knows you have someone looking after you you will be taken more seriously and respectfully. Many of my clients were mistreated until I showed up, then the game was up. Builder will know that if defects are not fixed, issues will escalate and cost everone more money, lost time and grief. I have been inspecting for over a decade now and rarely do things escalate because we detect early and nip it in the bud. If they do then more often than not I will get best result possible. It is more than likely that on my next inspection I will report issues I have already delt with on other jobs, perhaps many times. Often there are multiple options but which one is the best? As a builder myself I can take a balanced view and fine balance can only come from extensive experience, your advantage. 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 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 18025 Hi everyone, Looking for some advise. We are about to build an above ground pool in our backyard. There is a private sewer line running under the pool at 1.6m… 0 11731 If you already have a contract, is the inspection cost stated in there? If not they would be forced to issue you a variation which you could of course object to. 12 25826 |