Browse Forums General Discussion Re: Consumer Affairs Victoria 8Apr 24, 2012 6:20 pm Let's name and shame government departments instead. 13-08 Moved in 13-05 Build restart 13-04 VMIA compensation 12-08 Builder liquidation 12-03 Fixing 11-12 Lockup 11-11 Frame 11-09 Slab 11-09 Start 11-07 Contract 10-11 2K deposit 10-06 Titled land Re: Consumer Affairs Victoria 10Apr 26, 2012 1:47 pm It's a ridiculous situation we now have where we have to consider whether the items remaining are worth fighting over. We now have 2 of our 3 showers useable but the unrepaired water damage includes the bathroom cabinets, broken floor tiles, achitraves and swollen floor boards. Unpainted doors and downpipes are probably not worth the stress. I think that the builder has a general rule that if they leave the last 5% of items unfinished the purchasers will give up. I don't know if thats common and I'm just being stubborn. I'll definitely do some research with regard to VCAT, what have I got to loose except for money and my sanity? Re: Consumer Affairs Victoria 11Aug 05, 2012 1:23 pm mudmap, see my comment here. The builder might have shut up shop.
viewtopic.php?f=31&t=8915&p=903117#p903117 Re: Consumer Affairs Victoria 12Aug 05, 2012 2:38 pm I agree with mudmap it's ridiculous situation, the law does not protect the consumer, it only pretends it does. We have Consumer Affairs with no power of enforcement, they can only get you the result if both parties operate in good faith. Sometimes just lodging a VCAT claim will kick start the builder to take you seriously and you can do that without breaking the bank. The problem is if the builder is obstinate ( there are some serial offenders out there) then you will need to spend money on expert evidence and representation. Don't be scared go for it. There are stories on people taking on builders and winning (there is nothing like winning!) but you must do your homework well and be well prepared. But also be prepared for the cost and that you may not like a decision. Wherever possible try to settle your differences and yes you are right, some builders know you have a tough hill to climb to get justice and will hope you will drop off because it's too hard. I think nothing will improve until we have a system of demerit points for builders, get enough and their bank account is frozen, but don't hold your breath. There is plenty of info on VCAT web site, read it, and some useful blogs on my web site with actual cases 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: Consumer Affairs Victoria 13Aug 30, 2012 12:08 am NDH has been appointed an external administrator. Let's continue the discussions here viewtopic.php?f=31&t=59131 Was building with NDH:
Re: Consumer Affairs Victoria 14Aug 30, 2012 11:09 am Couldn't agree more with Building-Expert. We have had problems with our builder since the day we signed contract. Nearly 12 months on and we are going to VCAT, Consumer Affairs was a pointless exercise for us. Yes its costing us alot of dollars but am now glad that we continued the process as the builder has another handfull of cases against him going through VCAT. Re: Consumer Affairs Victoria 15Aug 30, 2012 12:33 pm funny thing, i dont understand why people are not going to the building commission to get an expert commission report. it is cheap and will usually persuade any builder to fix the defect, leighton at clark new homes Re: Consumer Affairs Victoria 16Sep 01, 2012 11:29 am Hi Leighton Actually, many people have been to Building Commission and have been disappointed, when they have wasted their time then they come to me. What I don't understand is how anyone can think they will get anything useful from a body that has been subject of corruption and incompetence investigation. If they can't run their own house how will they fix yours? Do they think it because it's free? Well. If it's free it's not worth having and may actually be detrimental to your claim. I have had Building Commission inspector on site (a registered engineer) that did not know terminology of house framing members, another one (a building surveyor) did not know BCA (I had to teach him site levels) and a building inspector (on the board of Building Practitioners Board) that had no academic qualification other than a lowly certificate, yet he was assessing applicants from the boot of his car in his spare time. The only time I have seen a half decent report, my client a lady said that the inspector was extremely rude and demeaning to her. I have spent lot of time writing blogs on the subject and about my experiences so if you read them you will get a good picture as to what people are up against. 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: Consumer Affairs Victoria 17Sep 03, 2012 10:16 am building-expert Hi Leighton Actually, many people have been to Building Commission and have been disappointed, when they have wasted their time then they come to me. And you have what power to make builders fix defects that you find? Unfortunately the only way is VCAT but even if you get a finding in your favour, they still may not pay up. VCAT are the only body that have the legal power to issue a notice that is legally binding. Re: Consumer Affairs Victoria 18Sep 03, 2012 11:02 am Lets hope builders start to realise the 'power of the internet' and sites like this one to highlight poor performances. Publising shody workmanship on thses sites you would think can wipe out alot of expensive advertising. Re: Consumer Affairs Victoria 19Sep 03, 2012 11:12 am chrisandkate building-expert Hi Leighton Actually, many people have been to Building Commission and have been disappointed, when they have wasted their time then they come to me. And you have what power to make builders fix defects that you find? Unfortunately the only way is VCAT but even if you get a finding in your favour, they still may not pay up. VCAT are the only body that have the legal power to issue a notice that is legally binding. Yes I have the power of knowledge, to empower my clients to get the best result possible, often under difficult conditions. Yes you are right , you can get the judgment and still not get paid. The road to justice is usually a steep hill to climb and I am road side assistance. 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 For reference, this is the Austlii reference. My take on this is, that they would be breaking the law denying access to a homeowner in Victoria, or their agent from having… 1 10212 Hey everyone Not for me or anyone I know, just generally interested. For a single allotment house, are you allowed to take the fence on both sides of your house and… 0 21589 |