Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Apr 07, 2020 1:04 pm I just want to ask for advise, My first house is almost about to be completed with handover expected in the next 5 weeks. I’m currently building in another state. Just want to ask if there is any advise as to what to do, I’m lucky to still have work but cannot take 28 days( travelling to and fro). I’m at a loss as to what to do and I’m only left with the completion payment. Any advise will be appreciated. Cheers, Mimi Re: Current pandemic with an almost completed house. 2Apr 07, 2020 1:21 pm What do you mean? It's pretty much business as usual in the construction industry, so unless something radically changes (which it would appear unlikely given the current trends) it should be completed on or near to time. What exactly is your concern? Re: Current pandemic with an almost completed house. 3Apr 07, 2020 1:45 pm dga, you must not be following the news or didn't read the OP's post properly. Depending on which state it is, you'll need to check their entry restrictions, I know in QLD (where I'm from) you cannot enter our border. You're best to check the entry requirements, some states have just a quarantine period as you've mentioned, unfortunately, you have to either take the time or pay without hand over. Do you have a friend or family member you can use for this purpose in that state who can do the PCI on your behalf? Re: Current pandemic with an almost completed house. 5Apr 07, 2020 2:02 pm dga Oh I read the post... but since there is no detail provided in the question there's no answer to be provided. dga Obviously not close enough. The OP is building in another state so would need to quarantine themselves for 14 days either way (that's even if they can enter the state) and they have mentioned that they can't afford that 28 days of quarantine. The only option I can see would be to engage a building inspector and or someone you trust to do the final inspection for you. I agree that it's not an easy situation. I wouldn't want to hand over my hard earned money without seeing the final product These are the unforseen issues with the current situation. It's effects are far reaching. Accessible Carpentry & Cabinets accessiblecarpentry@gmail.com accessiblecarpentry.com.au https://www.facebook.com/pages/Accessible-Carpentry-Cabinets/583314911709039 Re: Current pandemic with an almost completed house. 7Apr 07, 2020 8:32 pm It's obviously got to be done by someone,another builder, inspector,Tradey friend,family member, someone with a good eye for detail, it's not going to remove your legal rights, maybe a couple of days before you could get someone to Skype slowly every room so your familiar with issues to mention without the pressure of the moment. Re: Current pandemic with an almost completed house. 8Apr 08, 2020 6:39 am mimicobs I assume based on your post you have not engaged a building inspector for the previous stages. Defects with major items like the slab, frame, services, roof etc are usually identified at the earlier stages. A final inspection can still identify crooked walls, poor brickwork, however at this stage there is practically not much you can do to rectify these. The builder seeks their final 10% payment and you need the house keys. It’s most likely the only practically actionable items you will find at the final inspection will be minor cosmetic defects, which can be touched up by the builder within a few days. For any major defects identified at the inspection, or later after your payment, the builder is still legally obliged to fix these but this would typically require expensive legal action to achieve. In the current circumstances don’t be too concerned about the final inspection. This inspection is often just a cynical theatrical exercise by the builder to satisfy the owners need for involvement and to find some minor defects. In writing put the builder on notice that your ability to inspect is compromised in the current circumstances however you will inspect thoroughly later and you require all works to meet the requirements of National Construction Code or the appropriate action will be taken. For example if the walls are crooked they will be required to remove the Gyprock and straighten the frame to Australian Standards, or re-do defective brickwork. Any minor scratches and paint blemishes you can either accept or fix easily yourself. isn't a garage level with the rest of the house a given? pretty sure they 'came around' long time ago. if you have a flat block, the garage is usually level with the rest… 1 17525 2 5939 |