Monthly Archives: February 2012

Building inspection reports, builder refunds my inspection fees to the owner

I had the displeasure of conducting new home stage inspections for a client whose builder was doing a particularly bad job. It’s a major volume builder but it looked like the house was put together by amateurs, a tragedy after … Continue reading

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Insurance claim- a good outcome

Recently I was called to a home suffering from serious roof leaks and water pouring down ceilings and light fittings. I prepared a report for the owners and now wish to share the outcome with you Branko, We have finally … Continue reading

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Commercial tenancy- unfit for occupation

My client is a tenant in a commercial property suffering from regular roof leaks and stock damage. I was commissioned to inspect and prepare a VCAT report. This is what I found This is what I said: A summary of … Continue reading

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Property maintenance neglect could cost you plenty

The first rule of property ownership and maintenance is vigilance. The owner here forgot, and the leaking down pipe connection to drain caused foundation softness and subsidence. The repair bill here? About $12,000 Expensive mistake

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Fire safety, risking your life is not an optional extra, its’ standard with our building control system.

The following examples of defective fire separation wall between residential units (at two separate locations) will send shivers up your spine. If you live in a residential unit, you won’t be sleeping easy tonight! One of the above defects was … Continue reading

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What’s the difference between our building control system and Edam cheese?

This is not a joke and is definitely not funny! It’s your investment and your life at risk! There is almost no difference. Our building control system is as full of blind spots as cheese is of holes. There is … Continue reading

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Some builders never learn, why? because they know there is no punishment and they will get away with it!

Over 12 months ago I had the displeasure of inspecting particularly poorly constructed dwelling, and among many other thing this photo speaks for itself. Then last Friday, here we go again, the same builder In heavy rains this foundation will … Continue reading

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Slab heave, my first ACA appearance

Yesterday my first contribution to ACA was aired. I was happy to assist the desperate complaint of people whose home building dream is ruined. Here are some clarifications: 1  There is nothing wrong with building on highly reactive clay soils … Continue reading

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New home inspection, It’s not always bad news!

Occasionally and regrettably not often enough I get the pleasure to inspect a finished home that is a credit to the builder. This is what I will typically say: “This dwelling is well constructed and nicely finished and a credit … Continue reading

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Building Commission, Ssssht, just don’t mention safety!

The Building Commission is a statutory authority that oversees the building control system in Victoria.  We ensure the safety, liveability and sustainability of our built environment. Mr Arnel said the Commission accepted the Auditor-General’s findings that there was room for … Continue reading

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