Monthly Archives: December 2012

Building Commission- Corruption Galore!

The recent spotlight on Building Commission focussed on kickbacks that allowed corrupt registration of builders who were not properly qualified. That’s why our building standards have been corrupted and many of our buildings look like they have been built in … Continue reading

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Building Expert Witnesses, are they independent?

Unfortunately many expert witnesses are just mouthpieces or lap dogs for their clients and that is contrary to their roles and their declarations of paramount duty to assist the tribunal or the court. What should an expert witness do? Expert … Continue reading

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Building Commission corruption

This is what I got from AIBS yesterday Dear Members RESPONSE TO THE VICTORIAN OMBUDSMAN REPORT INTO GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE VICTORIAN BUILDING COMMISSION The Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS) is the preeminent national peak body representing 2500 … Continue reading

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New house slab, top Dollar equals top job? Don’t bet on it!

Recently I inspected lab preparation for a new home by one of the premium builders. The preparations were woeful and inadequate. This is what I said : (edited) Expert Opinion:  Builder has ignored earlier warnings of inadequate preparation and has … Continue reading

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House frame, the lost art of setting out

On my independent frame stage inspections I am regularly appalled at how badly the house frames are set out. Why? It seems they are designed by a dumb computer program with no regard for workmanship. I am told that the calculations … Continue reading

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VCAT dispute,order for payment WON!

My client, a bricklayer, carried out work for owner builder at the sub  floor stage of the house. After work started on the house, owner went on overseas holiday and surprise surprise, no money to pay. After many months of … Continue reading

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Building leaks, forensic testing with thermal imaging

Building leaks are annoying and can be extremely frustrating particularly if they (as usual ) are hard to find. Recently I found a cause of roof leak on a multi million dollar penthouse apartment in a few minutes (after owners … Continue reading

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House framing, saving on inspections?

The inspection today was a perfect example why you should have your own expert keep an eye on the build of your house:   This house frame was fully loaded with roof tiles and there was a score of other … Continue reading

Posted in Building Defects, frame inspection, New Home Inspections | Tagged , , | 4 Comments