I don't normally react to sob stories, however this is one where I do have a high level of sympathy for those impacted. They have been left to hang out to dry and it's wrong. Although it is Sydney-centric, I have no doubt essentially zilch adherence building standards and construction applies in other areas including Canberra. I have heard some terrible about construction issues in this neck of the woods including new builds. I honestly do not know the solution to rectification of the defects in places which are now uninhabitable. Normally, and understandably, we as a group do not like digging into our own back pockets to bail these individuals out but it may come to that if the State & Territory Governments face up to the reality they have completely failed these people.
The game of 'Russian roulette' facing Sydney apartment buyers
As the NSW government pushes for more housing density in Sydney, questions about the quality of new apartment buildings have re-emerged after major developer Toplace went into administration.www.abc.net.au
You only have to venture down to Bunnings on the weekend and see people that are incapable of parking a car, packed to the hilt with renovation goods.One of the things wrong with the system.
When Erika offered $700k for a home, she didn't know it was 'better suited to demolition'
Erika Vlasic received two reports about a home she wanted to buy. She said one came back with "no big issues", and the other found the property was suited to "demolition".www.abc.net.au
Or the frog going to Bunnings to diy fix the issues left by the "certified" and so competent tradies....You only have to venture down to Bunnings on the weekend and see people that are incapable of parking a car, packed to the hilt with renovation goods.
House is 4y old, sadly previous owner was incompetent and another 3 for 4 months and the house will be back to my standard...Or the frog going to Bunnings to diy fix the issues left by the "certified" and so competent tradies....
One of the things wrong with the system.
When Erika offered $700k for a home, she didn't know it was 'better suited to demolition'
Erika Vlasic received two reports about a home she wanted to buy. She said one came back with "no big issues", and the other found the property was suited to "demolition".www.abc.net.au
I see two sides to this.One of the things wrong with the system.
When Erika offered $700k for a home, she didn't know it was 'better suited to demolition'
Erika Vlasic received two reports about a home she wanted to buy. She said one came back with "no big issues", and the other found the property was suited to "demolition".www.abc.net.au
Among other defects, building inspector Mike Heathcote had found some areas of the house were assumed to contain asbestos, while others were prone to mould growth and conducive to termite activity,
Well regulation would just slow down the sales, right? Can't have someone like Mike Heathcote finding all these issues.There are more rights and protections when buying at $20 toaster than purchasing a home for $1m it seems. That imbalance is obscene.
That's the problem.Not saying all tradies are like that either as I know some definitely have high standards of their craftsmanship, but I'm sure those ones are quickly pushed out the door for someone who will cut corners, save on material costs, and pump out a greater number of jobs.
I do find it mind boggling that even for those regulations that havent been rolled back, that the rules dont seem to be enforced.
Surely that is where building standards should come in ?Not all but a large portion of trades work is on the basis that the customer is demanding the cheapest. That's to the point that many tradies automatically assume that's what the customer is after, that lowest price gets the job, unless specifically stated otherwise.
Surely that is where building standards should come in ?
Most consumers don't know what they are looking at so it's up to experts to tell them.
Cheapest price that conforms to the standards is fine, which implies that inspections must be honest and not corrupt and that builders who fall below standards should not be in the business.
Is that too idealistic ?
I tend to agree with you @SirRumpole.
I know little to nothing about building issues. When we bought this place there was an obvious visual defect. A brick pillar was leaning outwards. An inspection revealed a beam which rested on that pillar had warped. Rectification would involve replacing part of the beam and also dismantling then rebuilding the pillar. Not repairing meant there was a possibility it would fall bringing down other parts of the external wall. Insurance wouldn't have covered it as it was a known defect which should have been repaired. Despite strong resistance from the vendors they finally agreed to reduce the selling price by $20k (they had to really as the place had been on the market for seven months and no takers at the price they were asking.) Repair cost me $16k.
The point of that tale is those who certify or inspect construction stages of buildings have to be prepared to say "Nup, ain't good enough." Of course there is corruption to some extent but that applies to all occupations. It also leads to the issue of private or Government employed certifiers but the latter means public servants and you know how the population feels about them. However, the PwC saga should give people pause for thought on that aspect.
We had a second floor built on our house, to cut a long story short as you say, if I hadn't been retired and on site 24/7 it would have been a disaster.That's the problem.
Not all but a large portion of trades work is on the basis that the customer is demanding the cheapest. That's to the point that many tradies automatically assume that's what the customer is after, that lowest price gets the job, unless specifically stated otherwise.
I had some plumbing work done about 4 years ago and long story short, the plumber just about fell over when I said how I wanted it done. I wanted it done optimally not cheaply.
do not assume that crappy job is cheaper..That's the problem.
Not all but a large portion of trades work is on the basis that the customer is demanding the cheapest. That's to the point that many tradies automatically assume that's what the customer is after, that lowest price gets the job, unless specifically stated otherwise.
I had some plumbing work done about 4 years ago and long story short, the plumber just about fell over when I said how I wanted it done. I wanted it done optimally not cheaply.
Surely that is where building standards should come in ?
Most consumers don't know what they are looking at so it's up to experts to tell them.
Cheapest price that conforms to the standards is fine, which implies that inspections must be honest and not corrupt and that builders who fall below standards should not be in the business.
Is that too idealistic ?
Well, if the private enterprise system of building inspectors has failed, then why not go back to government employed ones ?
Not being ideological, but just looking at results. It's crazy to continue with a flawed system.
I was actually watching a bodgy job this morning, the house next door had a cheap second storey put on, it is a rental and the upper floor has leaked badly into the lower floor since it was put on.do not assume that crappy job is cheaper..
As a rule of thumb based on experiences in the last 5 years or so:
after asking some quotes and discussing jobs, from plumber, electrician to earthmoving:
->I would say a good half of these tradies I met in my opinion should not even be entitled to work/workas they do, as i expect better from a professional with proper equipment/toolbox than a weekend warrior,
and my surprise is that the cheapest are not the worst, not at all;
It is very difficult in this country, not sure elsewhere ?to find a proper responsible competent tradie if you do not have a good word of mouth recommendations,
And even so, I rely mostly from the recommendation of a former neighbour of mine, painter, who I fully trust and knows enough tradies.
This is an issue for the quality of buildings, their livability and longevity,but it also affects the overall cost of housing which is beyond belief considering the type of building being built in australia:
american style cheaper cladding, veneer and fibro on matchstick frames at the price of besser block and double brick in other countries...
I understand that mesh are strong and resilient but still subject to full collapse if a failure occurs in one of these links/junctions.
Just need some really high profile media personality to get seriously ripped off, by a dodgy building company, then it would get some air play.?I also agree with this too! Though someone would accuse it of being a commy/socialist move to have gov interfere and over-reach with regulation. And from that, reform is done and dusted, never to get off the ground. Unless messaging was strong from the get-go on how beneficial having those standards are for everyone, it'd get torpedoed by a lot of ppl (particularly developer groups).
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