Archicentre

Consumer Quality Checks on new homes and renovations at the time of construction can save consumers thousands of dollars in building disputes and can ensure they are getting what they are paying for Archicentre, the building advisory service of Australian Institute of Architects said today. 

With the current building boom generated by housing demand and the Government's First Home Buyers' Grants being reduced, the pressure is on builders to finish their projects as quickly as possible so people can move in and stop paying rent.

Michael Cooper, Tasmanian State Manager of Archicentre said construction projects pass through several critical stages and as work progresses builder's contracts schedule payments ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars.

Mr Cooper said it is at these critical stages that the home buyer or owner builder, who is hiring tradespersons to carry out the work, need to ensure that they are getting what they have paid for and that all of the work is of an acceptable standard.

"Often home buyers and renovators believe that they are protected against bad work and faults by the Builder's Insurance or the Building Inspectors. Sadly they find, when a situation arises, the Builder's Insurance in most cases is one of last resort when a builder goes bankrupt, disappears or dies and the Building Inspector just covers construction compliance not quality of work or contract agreements."

Mr Cooper said issues such as type and quality of materials including tiles, drainage, waterproofing of areas such as shower and laundry areas, fittings, flooring, standards of finishing and construction are all areas for agreement between the home buyer or renovator and the builder. In the vast majority of cases people do not have the construction or technical knowledge to assess the building standard against the agreed contract.

Archicentre is increasingly being contacted by home buyers of new homes being constructed to carry out Consumer Quality Construction Advice Reports linked to the schedule of builder payments.

"The major reason for the use of the Archicentre Building Quality Consumer Advice Reports is that people are looking for an independent professional check of the building progress against the agreed contract to provide consumer confidence and also to reduce the risk of the building being completed with expensive faults resulting in costly legal battles.

"In some reported cases people have spent up to $250,000 in legal fees and repairs to get their new home or renovation fixed." Mr Cooper said the inspections by a fully trained architect is also often used as a communication tool between the builder and owner reaching agreement on the work done and a payment schedule which is linked back to the original contract avoiding disputes during construction. The most popular reports used by new home buyers are at the Contract Stage to set up a monitoring program against the agreed contract, Frame, Lock Up and Pre-Handover Inspection. Contract Review - an explanation of common contract terms and client/builder obligations. Base Review - after concrete footings are poured or after stumps, piers, columns or the concrete floor is completed. Frame - when the wall and roof frame is complete. Lock Up - when external walls are complete, windows and doors are fixed and the flooring is laid. Services - (pre lining) when preliminary plumbing and electrical services are complete and wall insulation is in place. Pre Handover - when the home is presented for handover. Maintenance Period Expiry - a final inspection just before the maintenance or defects liability period expires - typically three to six months after completion.

Framing inspection - checking the levels on a building project

People wanting to find out more about the Consumer Construction Advice Reports can call Archicentre on 1300 13 45 13 or send an enquiry to Archicentre through the website at www.archicentre.com.au

Media Enquiries:
Michael Cooper, Tasmanian State Manager, Archicentre (03) 6224 4738 Mobile: 0418 124 355