Browse Forums Building Standards; Getting It Right! Re: VCAT - experiences with significant foundation problems 10Nov 12, 2015 6:29 pm 3in1 Supadiverta. Rainwater Harvesting Best Practice using syphonic drainage. Cleaner Neater Smarter Cheaper Supa Gutter Pumper. A low cost syphonic eaves gutter overflow solution. Re: VCAT - experiences with significant foundation problems 12Nov 13, 2015 7:59 am Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Re: VCAT - experiences with significant foundation problems 14Nov 13, 2015 9:02 am Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Re: VCAT - experiences with significant foundation problems 19Jan 15, 2016 2:28 am t_parsons The builder is a small local builder who has a very good reputation. We thought we did our homework and chose someone that builds quality home and paid extra for it. Unfortunately that didn't occur with our build. They usually don't do waffle slabs which was one of the things we liked about them but when the soil report came back they told us a waffle with piers wouldn't move so we trusted them! Plus it was done by an engineer so we figured it must be ok. I don't really want to name them at this point since we are going through the legal process but when the time comes and if I'm able to will definitely share as I don't want others to go through what we have gone through. We do have good photos throughout the build of everything not just the pretty stuff I think at this point our builders are trying to scare us off taking it further as they know we have to outlay considerable funds for the next step which is why they are saying there are no problems even though we have evidence. Our lawyers aren't involved in the class actions but we have discussed them. SaveH2O, we have photos after the roof was put on where temporary downpipes were not installed and it seems it went on for at least a couple of months without them. I'm not sure we'll ever build again after this experience! But if we do we will make sure to have a building inspector there at every stage! I guess we were a bit complacent this time because we did so much homework choosing a builder and thought we didn't need it. How wrong we were!! Your story sounds IDENTICAL to mine. Same soil type, slab design..... damaged defective property..... Even down to the fact our Builders lawyer is also a mediator at VCAT. I agree it's a huge conflict of interest and yet nothing stops it. I have been going through VCAT for 3 years. The strain on finances/health/marriage/relationships etc. Has pretty much taken its toll. The worst part is even with all the evidence in the world, there is no guarantee that you won't be financially ruined even though you're the innocent party. OR...the Builder can deregister and start a new business in the future with a new name. On a non related note. Perhaps have a read of this article. Take special note on the article: Dona Homes (vic) and Dona Homes (Aust) are not related http://m.smh.com.au/business/property/d ... 1x5oe.html But within this article you will see that the Victorian government lacks utter protection for the consumer. However if you went to a car yard and brought a car without brakes, or the shops and brought a bag with a broken zip, or purchased a product that was defective...... consumer Affairs Victoria would be there to help you and protect you 100% But build or buy a home and discover its a defective or non compliant house and you're on your own. Left to foot the financial bill and to add salt to the wounds .... justice comes with a pricetag to those who have the deepest pockets. If you cannot afford the legal battle and let's face it many can't. Then there is no punishment for the Builder, surveyor, engineer etc. All of which ... if each had of correctly followed the Laws relevant to them .... then you wouldn't have to argue to get what you've already paid for. But they have moved on to the next poor consumer. The only thing I personally belive that VCAT provides is experience to the Builder. I have files upon files of information on this topic. If you want anything else, or to compare 'expert reports' etc feel free to send me a message. And lastly, I am truly sorry for the situation that you're in, I feel your pain. Re: VCAT - experiences with significant foundation problems 20Jan 15, 2016 2:40 am insider If you can show that the builder neglected to perform proper drainage from the start as required by the design engineer and AS2870 and show that the house is still moving you have a good case. There are at least two cases now that have set precedent Softly v Metricon,Hooper V Metricon.You could receive a pay out and your house may stop moving some time in the future. You can't fix a heave slab by underpinning it. The SOFTLEY v Metricon case is still waiting the decision of the Appeal at the supreme Court. I am not aware if the same applies to the outcome of the hooper vs Metricon case also. (But both houses are still currently standing) Just to makea point about this, an approach that some people have found sucessful in negotiating these rises down, Is to provide some workings to the builder, specifying… 4 81666 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 18058 I am not a brick expert, but rendering would be 1 option, it would be costly to do the entire house though.... 2 6672 |