Due to the recent collapse of two Perth based builders have left hundreds of houses across Perth unfinished and many people left unsure as to whether or not they will regain all of their costs.
As Reported by: Dan Wilkie of businessnews commented ‘ that as long as a builder was not receiving progress claims in advance of its work, another builder should be able to complete the house within reasonable proximity to the contract price.
However many concerned customers have told Business News about progress payments that appear to exceed value of work at various stages of construction’. Insurance claims are then compromised and in this case the two insurance companies involved in the collapse of the building companies are over run with claims with many more claims outstanding. This highlights the need for us not to put all our trust in the banks and building companies to look after your needs and to take on board the expertise of an independent building inspector –As highlighted by Adam Macdonald – Assess & Construct Pty Ltd.
This is a major concern and we recommend at the start of your build to engage in a building inspector who can advise that each stage of the build is carried out completely as each stage has certain criteria’s to be met to be deemed completed before that progress claim can be submitted.
By engaging in a building inspector you are able to gage a better understanding of what is required at each level of the build, this ensures the builder has carried out all the relevant requirements and prevents them for over quoting on unnecessary work at that stage of the build.
As a building inspector our work carried out at each stage of the build are:
- 1st Stage: Slab Claim – All concretes slab, footings and drains including isolated piers are checked they comply to the BCA and Australian standards.
- 2nd Stage: Brick Claim – All walls are checked they are completed to the right height and dimensions ready for your roof frame. And comply to the BCA and Australian standards
- 3rd Stage – Roof Cover – All roof cover coverings, flashing & tiles are checked. Comply with The Timber framing code of Australia.
- 4th Stage – Lock up – Electrical and Plumbing pre lay are completed, wall plaster, ceiling, plaster boarding, Windows, Glazing, sliding doors and any external doors ensuring the property is secured. . And all comply to the BCA and Australian standards.
- PC1 – Practical Completion – Checks made for you to be able to live in the property (Habitable) – this covers hot/cold running water, electricity and sewerage connected appropriately. And cooking appliances. The only things should be left is minor maintenance and rectification works to be completed.