Building A New House: Following All Building Regulations

Building a new home? It may be worth considering investing in independent new build property inspections.

How much do you know about the latest Australian building regulations? The National Construction Code 2016 (NCC) runs into three volumes. It is a big document and is updated regularly. Unless you work in construction, it’s almost impossible to wrap your head around its contents. And even if your new home meets the National Construction Code, all other relevant Codes and Australian Standards, AND is accepted by local council, will it meet your family’s specific needs? Here are some tips on how to ensure the home you are planning is going to work for you and the Code.

When the dream home becomes a nightmare

Unfortunately we have all heard the horror stories of people who moved into their brand spanking new house only to discover:

• “Uneven plaster work and paint so thin you can see through it.”
• “The bathtub is separating from the walls and the tile grout is falling out.”
• “The laundry area has a bad smell coming from the drain.”
• “A number of the windows won’t lock at all and seem to have not been put in correctly.”

… and the builder isn’t returning calls.

The house was approved by the builder’s ‘expert’ inspector at the end of the build and you feel you have no-one to turn to. You’re stuck in a home that has loads of issues you can see, and a horrible feeling that there even more flaws you can’t see… yet.

Independent new build property inspections can provide you with peace of mind, safe in the knowledge that those kinds of faults will be identified early and corrected at the builder’s expense.

An independent building inspector can protect your investment

Enlisting the services of an independent and experienced building inspector can save you a lot of heartache, time and cash. An inspector will examine the work at regular intervals and follow up issues with the builder. Inspecting the quality of work and ensuring compliance with the relevant building codes minimises final payment mucking around. Your project can be finished on time and without delays.

Independent new build property inspections have the potential of saving you thousands of dollars in future finishing, rectification and/or unnecessary landscaping costs after your builder’s contractual obligations have expired. When you choose to sell your home, it will have a rock solid pedigree. A house that can be maintained easily and which does not require regular repairs will be much more attractive to potential purchasers.

Choose an experienced, independent inspector

You ideally want to engage a building industry veteran who has an intimate knowledge of the National Construction Code, Australian Standards, Building Acts and Regulations as well as all other industry acceptable standards and tolerances. Being an independent building inspector, they are acting on your behalf, rather than as a contractor of your builder, and will be dedicated to quality follow up. Check for industry qualifications and personal recommendations and go with a local inspector like Action Property Inspections.

Compensation and remediation

An experienced, independent building inspector can provide evidence before tribunals and building boards, representing your interests if your builder refuses to fix the issues they have identified. This gives you a much better chance of having defective work reconstructed or gaining substantial monetary compensation. It can also save you the stress of trying to represent yourself.  If regular new build property inspections have been undertaken throughout the build, there will be significant documentation available to substantiate any claim you may have against the builder.

What to expect from new build property inspections

Your building inspector can do regular site visits and provide you and the builder with a comprehensive and detailed written report. The builder then fixes the defects identified, at their cost – not yours! Typically, reports will include photographs highlighting what is wrong and notes on how it should be corrected. The report is also a legal document that can be used as evidence if the builder argues that they should not have to repair substandard work.

Investing in the services of an independent expert building inspector will ensure your new home meets all relevant building regulations, and could save you a lot of time and heartache!

Contact Action Property Inspections to book an independent property inspector for your new build.