Reasons to Get a Building Inspection

The Home Building Contracts Act defines a variation and sets out whjat must be done by both parties:

7.

(1) A variation of a contract
(a) must be in writing-
(i) setting out all of the terms of, and the cost of, the
variation;
(ii) showing the date of the variation;
and
(b) must be signed by the builder and the owner or their
respective agents.

(2) The owner or his agent must be given a copy of the signed
variation
(a) as soon as is reasonably practicable after it has been signed
by both parties; and
(b) before the work to which the variation relates is commenced.

The obligations must be met be both parties for the varioation to be considered binding. Fines apply to the builder for not following the protocol outlined withion the Home Building Contracts Act

In accordance with the Home Building Act;

It is a term of every contract that the builder is liable to make good at the cost of the builder defects in the home building work notified in writing to the builder within the period of 120 days commencing on the day of practical completion.

If the regulation or requirement pertaining to a particular defect is referenced within the Building Code of Australia then it is considered that a breach of the building code has occured. Compliance with The Building Code of Australia is mandatory and enforcable by law and at the Building Commission. Generally components of a structural nature (brick work, roof framing, waterproofing etc..) are referenced within the Building Code of Australia.

Although some standards are not referenced within the Building Code of Australia they may be used to establish whether your builder has undertaken the work in a proper and tradesman like manner and the report may still be used to identify defective work or used at the Building Commission as an expert witness report. Generally items which are secondary to structural components (kitchen cabinetry, plastering, skirting boards etc.) are not referenced within the building Code of Australia.

Building defect example

Right to inspect buildings

Practical Completion or PCI is the stage when works have been completed in accordance with the contract and all relevant statutory requirements (with the exception of minor defects or minor omissions) and the works are reasonably suitable for habitation ready for you to begin preparations for moving in.

A new home is a big investment and SHS building report will save you money and time by identifying incomplete or defective work before your builder hands the property (and any problems - including time delays or non-acceptance for defect liability rectification) over to you.

1. Has the builder performed the home building work in a proper and workmanlike manner, in accordance with the contract? 
2. Is there any incomplete building work?
3. Have all building codes been met- in particular structural requirements such as weatherproofing, waterproofing and storm water drainage?
4. Are there any structural defects including those which may cause loss of health or amenity?
5. Are all building components installed in a proper and tradesman like manner and are the building components within acceptable tolerances for square, plum and straightness?
6. Has the builder supplied and installed materials that are of merchantable quality and reasonably fit for the purpose including windows, cabinetry, benchtops, appliances etc?
7. Does the owner have concerns with the contract including variations and the like?
8. Do the building plans match what has been constructed?
9. Will any part of the building cause a loss of amenity?