Monthly Archives: June 2012

Building site drainage, a case of gross negligence

Defective site drainage during construction is a major cause of foundation problems on highly reactive soil sites and it’s all to do with builders negligence. The following example relates to “P” site = Problem Site, where high soil plasticity combined … Continue reading

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18year old home, why is it structurally perfect?

I had pleasure to inspect 18 year old home for a prospective purchaser and reported that it is structurally perfect. Why?   There was absolutely no evidence of foundation movement and no cracking. There were other issues with the home … Continue reading

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Why is this 8 week old home cracking up?

If this was your new home on which you have spent over three hundred thousand dollars and over eighty thousand dollars of upgrades you would be entitled to be shocked, wild and furious with the builder. Of course you would … Continue reading

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Bored pier subsidence, would you trust this structural engineer?

My new home and property  inspection expert Nicholas has come across this situation: New home was constructed on “P”class site (P stands for problem site, usually excessive fill and drainage problems) Slab edges supported on bored piers have subsided Builder’s … Continue reading

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Your house wall has sunk, what will you do?

That was the question my client wanted answered when he booked defect inspection and report on his investment unit in Sunbury. He had already had several repair quotes from underpinning contractors but they differed wildly ( from $6500 to $15000) … Continue reading

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Frame inspection, almost perfect but?

Frame stage inspection is more than just about the frame. It’s also an opportunity to check builder’s site management of drainage which is critically important on highly reactive and problem sites. You never know what you will find. This is … Continue reading

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Building dispute mediation, This is how it is done!

I have just managed to settle and avoid  potentially costly,  distracting and ugly dispute from escalating into further costs and loss of time for both parties. My client, a contractor was in dispute with owner builder regarding final payment for … Continue reading

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Building stage inspections, are they worth it?

This week I carried out pre final inspection on a big two storey home. This is what I said: Summary of the Report Findings:  This dwelling is well constructed and nicely finished and a credit to the builder. Only minor … Continue reading

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Pre purchase building inspection, building defects we find.

A nice home was inspected yesterday, but like most things in life, not perfect. In fact it was enough to have this purchaser worried. It’s at a time like this that it is essential that good and balanced advice be … Continue reading

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Rising dampness, adding to human misery.

Recently I visited Tasmania on a holiday and whilst there i visited Port Arthur. It’s impossibly beautiful place but also depressing and shrouded in history of human misery. One of unintended contributors to misery for all, convicts, servants, soldiers and … Continue reading

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