Our Building Disaster

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Newcastle George
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Our Building Disaster

Post by Newcastle George »

We have spent the last 3 months living in our bus while having an upstairs extension, 2 bedrooms/bathroom/rumpus, to our house built. We moved back into the pre-existing lower level a week ago and on doing so I began to check the quality of the work etc. Below is what I have found and advised the builder. NOT AT ALL HAPPY!!!

George


External

Front gates (both) damaged – both villaboard panels broken at bottom
corners -eastern brick pillar wobbly, may fall over. Painting with a non
matching colour did not conceal the fact.

Engine oil stains on driveway
Cladding above top front bedroom window uneven and not attached
Cladding cover mould at top NE corner distorted and has been cut
Front steps damaged – 6 places
Eaves above front door incorrectly fixed- out of level
Replacement brickwork not cleaned
Cladding on rear walls not in line horizontally – look beneath windows
Insufficient downpipes – another required on NE corner
Gutter leaking at internal corner adjacent to rumpus room – have video
Ridge capping not set correctly at SW corner of office (ex bed3)
Decking damage where removed and replaced


Internal Lower Level

Front door step tread insufficiently supported – can pass ruler under
Tread does not extend full width of opening – not weather nor vermin proof
Front door incorrectly hung – side gaps not parallel to jambs
Skirting not secured correctly and gaps in external mitres
Floor of pre-existing doorway not concreted
Plasterboard angle above door not set
Incorrect architrave around front door – should be maple to match door
jambs and stairs
Ditto for skirting beneath initial risers
Timber attached to stairwell walls – prefer flush set or maple
Opening to family room not sanded – 45 degree internal angle paper lifting
from plasterboard
Kitchen wall extension not in line with existing wall
Water damage to laundry and wc ceilings, cornice and walls
No replacement ventilation provided for laundry and bathroom


Upper Level

Ceilings have 10mm plasterboard fitted, not Unispan – 13mm was specified
Trusses are at 600mm centres per plan – 450mm is max allowed for 10mm


Ceiling insulation not fitted correctly – just thrown in
Top tread of stairs not flush with floor
Stair handrails not finished/shaped correctly
Top balustrade requires proper support
Linen press RHS door incorrectly hung – both doors too close to floor
Cavity slider needs moulding either side of closed door
Front wall of rear bedroom has insufficient stud adhesive
Wall of robe in front bedroom has insufficient stud adhesive
There is a distinct sewer smell in bathroom despite adding water to wastes
WC sits at an angle away from wall – stabilised by a messy heap of silicone
Floor wastes full of cement, badly formed – Will contribute to odours
Bathroom vanity does not sit evenly on floor and only secured by 2 screws
Vanity mirror doors require adjustment
Glass door hits on tile edge when opened
Wall tiles specified to extend min. 1400 mm up wall – now 1200mm
Area for shower is not as per plan
Water flows away from main floor waste

TV antennae, where are they and when will they be reinstalled and
connected?
George, Julie, Leonie & Sean - Kotara, Newcastle
DIY 11.5M 1979 Bedford, Nissan/UD FE6T motor
BernieQ2
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Re: Our Building Disaster

Post by BernieQ2 »

Bugga George where did you find these 'misfits' bit like that "cowboy builders" show on TV.
Do you have recourse against them? Have you paid them?
Bernie.
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Newcastle George
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Re: Our Building Disaster

Post by Newcastle George »

Yes Bernie, we do have recourse and have not made any final payment. We also have an independent Building Inspection report which covers the worst of it.

George
George, Julie, Leonie & Sean - Kotara, Newcastle
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BernieQ2
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Re: Our Building Disaster

Post by BernieQ2 »

Even if and when you win its still a pain in the arse.
Especially at this time of the year no doubt you were planning a great Xmas.
Keep your chin up.
Bernie.
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Newcastle George
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Re: Our Building Disaster

Post by Newcastle George »

The use of 10mm plasterboard over 600mm centres does not meet the building code so the ceilings have to be replaced or alternatively, furring channel and either 13mm or boral's 10mm Unispan be placed over the 10mm, and all cornices removed and replaced. We were hoping to have painters in after the new year but everything is now up in the air.

George
George, Julie, Leonie & Sean - Kotara, Newcastle
DIY 11.5M 1979 Bedford, Nissan/UD FE6T motor
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Dot
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Re: Our Building Disaster

Post by Dot »

Had a similar experience but no where near that disaster of yours George. I just got the council building inspector to put a stop work order on my job and I never paid the original builder a red razooooooo as I had to buy all the materials over again.. They make you sick these types of "professionals" stick to your guns and enjoy the holidays.
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Re: Our Building Disaster

Post by dream4red »

Oh dear, poor George and Leonie, Nobody deserves to be treated like that. Do name the builders on every forum that allows it. You cannot be sued for defamation if you are telling the truth, so go for it and save as many people as you can from this lout of a wrecker.
Lots of luck getting help to have it fixed and I hope it is fixed in a speedy, safe manner. Your family has suffered more than their share of misfortune, you deserve better treatment, so go for it and get your ounce of flesh.
Deborah


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Kelvin12
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Re: Our Building Disaster

Post by Kelvin12 »

This sort of thing seems to be getting worse these days. Councils don't seem to carry out to many inspections or if they do they don't do them properly.

Dirk
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Dot
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Re: Our Building Disaster

Post by Dot »

Kelvin12 wrote:This sort of thing seems to be getting worse these days. Councils don't seem to carry out to many inspections or if they do they don't do them properly.

Dirk
So right there Dirk, my botch job was only a very small one compared to George's and it was in 1989 and the council building inspector said "It is just a small job" but me being me Insisted he come and slap that "stop work" order on it. He did but only after a song and dance. Go for it George :D
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Re: Our Building Disaster

Post by dream4red »

Do call in city hall George, just stay away from the local builder who happens to be a mayor...wink wink nudge nudge. Thinking of you all, mate. xxx
Deborah


Just get out there and enjoy life

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