Author Archives: Building Expert

Swimming pool safety, you will never sleep easy!

Posted on August 25, 2013 by Building Expert

This is what I found on a recent pre purchase inspection: A well  constructed swimming pool with a complete pool safety fence but the gates did not shut and latch properly. The gates got out of adjustment due to small … Continue reading →

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Roof leaks! How will you know?

Posted on August 7, 2013 by Building Expert

Not all roof leaks are immediately obvious. Sometimes it is only a small amount of water that gets in and it will take time for ceiling lining to show damage. This can happen in any home and even new home. … Continue reading →

Posted in Building Defects, New Home Inspections, pre final inspection | Leave a comment

VCAT win! Building Expert comes up with the goods again!

Posted on August 7, 2013 by Building Expert

Back in December 2102 I reported that my client bricklayer got a default judgment for “no show”by the owner builder and his expert. Well, guess what, somehow owner got a second bite at the cherry and the matter was re … Continue reading →

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Excavation in rock, 45K claim destroyed by building expert evidence!

Posted on August 7, 2013 by Building Expert

Recently I was asked to provide expert evidence in a dispute regarding excavation in rock for a home in Epping Victoria. Builder (well established mid tier builder) had made variation claim of 45K as adjustment against provisional sum in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Building Disputes- Expert Witness, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Pre slab inspection is essential for your peace of mind!

Posted on July 15, 2013 by Building Expert

We always recommend pre slab inspection for your peace of mind. Why? It is so that another pair of expert eyes goes over the preparation in case something was missed. Frequently we find inadequate attention to detail and even serious … Continue reading →

Posted in New Home Inspections | Leave a comment

Last chance building inspection

Posted on July 4, 2013 by Building Expert

Our building control system does not require pre plaster inspections, so why should you have one?I now call them LAST CHANCE INSPECTION. We do a lot of them for very good reasons. The following are just some items we look … Continue reading →

Posted in Building Advice, New Home Inspections, pre plaster inspection | Leave a comment

Building expert evidence prevails in court!

Posted on July 2, 2013 by Building Expert

Recently I appeared in court proceedings in a dispute regarding quality of workmanship. Owner builder (but a professional in the building field) claimed cost of demolition and reconstruction of paving upon which contractor applied finishing works. The works were around … Continue reading →

Posted in Building Advice, Building Defects, Building Disputes- Expert Witness, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Building Expert evidence prevails in VCAT

Posted on June 25, 2013 by Building Expert

Recently I appeared as expert witness in a failed bathroom tiling dispute. The tiles had failed and had cracked because of defective waterproofing and shower enclosure leaks caused swelling of tiling sub strata. The home was approximately seven years old. … Continue reading →

Posted in Building Advice, Building Defects, Building Disputes- Expert Witness | Leave a comment

Guide to standards and tolerances, It’s useless!

Posted on June 24, 2013 by Building Expert

Anyone reading about Guide to Standards and Tolerances would think it provides a reasonable view as to what is acceptable in domestic building construction. Nothing could be further from the truth. In reality the guide is used by builders as … Continue reading →

Posted in Building Defects, New Home Inspections | 1 Comment

Building dispute resolved! Builder caves in!

Posted on May 30, 2013 by Building Expert

Recently I was assisting my client in his dispute with the builder. Workmanship was plainly defective but the builder (top tier builder) refused to fix  drummy floor tiles (hollow sounding when tapped) claiming that “it was within tolerances” Here we … Continue reading →

Posted in Building Disputes- Expert Witness | 1 Comment