Browse Forums General Discussion Re: Bushfire levy revoked but builder burbank still charging 3Feb 03, 2017 7:00 am 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 Re: Bushfire levy revoked but builder burbank still charging 5Feb 03, 2017 8:23 am 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 Re: Bushfire levy revoked but builder burbank still charging 7Feb 03, 2017 9:31 am Yes, you can get a lawyer however that could be an expensive option or if you get your independent inspector who is also experienced in contract administration he should not only be able to do the inspections for you but also look after you in the matters of variations, extensions of time and PS adjustments. Beware there are inspectors out there that will write up pages of defects on a list (frequently trivial) but then don't know what to do wit it because they don't have the right experience. So they give it to you and tell you to find another bus. You will pay less but get much less, frequently having to pay again. 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 Re: Bushfire levy revoked but builder burbank still charging 8Feb 03, 2017 9:49 am Tricky one. If BAL12.5 requirements are in the contract and part of the original certification then the builder is not really obliged to make the adjustment. If that was the case then you may need to go through the re-certification again. A couple of things I'm not clear on though. I wasn't aware the developer could "rescind" the BAL rating on a build. Regulations vary slightly between jurisdictions but ultimately it follows an Australian Standard. If your build is deemed to be in a bush fire zone then you need to meet the requirements. The important aspects of this discussion are: 1) What stage of the contract and build are you at? 2) What specifically occurred to alter the BAL requirements for the build? Note: I am not pretneding to be an expert in this field. I am currently building a house with a BAL rating and did extensive research on the topic prior to purchasing the block and selecting the builder. Re: Bushfire levy revoked but builder burbank still charging 9Feb 03, 2017 11:38 am arcachon A couple of things I'm not clear on though. I wasn't aware the developer could "rescind" the BAL rating on a build. Regulations vary slightly between jurisdictions but ultimately it follows an Australian Standard. If your build is deemed to be in a bush fire zone then you need to meet the requirements. The BAL map is regularly reviewed and updated, I'm not sure how often, but as the land is developed and the open paddocks disappear so does the bush fire risk. Re: Bushfire levy revoked but builder burbank still charging 10Feb 03, 2017 11:49 am building-expert -- thanks for your feedback arcachon -- Build has not started. Land just got titled and BAL map got updated. Builder got soil test done where they confirmed BAL has been revoked. Re: Bushfire levy revoked but builder burbank still charging 11Feb 03, 2017 12:39 pm Sorry, I misinterpreted the original post regarding the change in the BPA. Back to the core topic, if the build hasn't commenced then you are in a much stronger position. There is really no reason the builder cannot include the variation to remove the BAL12.5 spec. Particularly if the contract was signed pre soil test. Highly likely there would be other variations as a result of that soil test. At this point in time the best approach would be to dig your heels in. Threaten to walk and make a claim to have your deposit refunded. Not saying you should actually do this but the threat is often enough to get them to respond appropriately. There is no way I would pay for BAL requirements on a build if they were not required. Re: Bushfire levy revoked but builder burbank still charging 14Mar 15, 2017 8:14 am Hi Mily, glad it was sorted out. If you don't mind me asking, how much are they charging for site costs? My lot is in stage 151, just a little bit worries about it, as I have read posts about rocks in the area with site costing upto $25k. Re: Bushfire levy revoked but builder burbank still charging 15Mar 17, 2017 4:51 pm Hi Mily99, I'm also building with Burbank in pointcook, victoria. I also have been advised by sales that BAL will be reimbursed at final invoice. My lot has come out of BAL requirement. However sales advised flyscreens will be installed from that amount and remaining amount will be deducted from final invoice. listening to your story, probably I need to check back with my CRO However I have different with my color selection, lot of errors from studio consultant, however my CRO is taking care of me to fix the issues is a relief keep posting, and share your journey. Good luck Re: Bushfire levy revoked but builder burbank still charging 17Aug 21, 2017 2:25 pm Hi Mily99, I am building with Simonds and have similar case as yours. we chose the levy from promotion thinking that money will be refunded /credited once the Bushfire levy assessment is completed. We were told that our property does not fall under fire zone but they will still build the house as per the fire zone requirement ( upgrade of 4.6K). We actually are not satisfied by that. We have asked to use that credit on something else in the house. But our CR has been telling us, " It will make further delays with house as everything has to be changed and drawing has to be redone and this will push back out site start date by weeks." Me and my husband are debating on making the changes even though if it take to late site start. We have paid them money to build the house as our need. and just because this will give them extra work, We cant compromise with our home and hard earned money. Do you guys have to wait for long Re: Bushfire levy revoked but builder burbank still charging 18Aug 22, 2017 12:25 pm This highlights how much a good inspector is needed, what will go unnoticed with out a educated eye, how much better and fairer will builder be knowing, you got knowledge on your side. 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