Archicentre

Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Australian Institute of Architects, has renewed its call that home buyers should check the insulation status of properties they are purchasing as a safety issue to protect their families.

Mark Stewart

Mark Stewart, Chief Executive of Archicentre said a legal opinion obtained by Archicentre showed that legislation basically supported the 'buyer beware' approach with generally little or no onus placed on vendors having to reveal if the home they were selling had been part of the Federal Government's now closed Home Insulation Program. "However vendors need to be mindful of their legal obligations not to misrepresent their properties by concealing faulty insulation. "It therefore is important for all home owners with properties for sale who have had insulation installed to have their homes checked before the sale to protect against any potential legal liability relating to the sale and to ensure the home is safe.

"Currently tens of thousands of homes are changing hands every month in Australia, many of which may have been subject to faulty insulation installation.

We are urging anyone who is purchasing a property to also directly ask the questions: Has the home been involved in the Government Insulation Program? Has the home been checked by a qualified person? If so by whom and is there supporting documentation? If there is any doubt prospective purchasers should have it independently checked by a qualified electrical contractor if foil has been used, or an architect or engineer if bulk insulation has been installed.

"If the home has been checked, the prospective purchaser should request to see the appropriate documentation."

Mr Stewart said it was in the interest of all purchasers to have the home assessed for compliance and safety by accredited people for both peace of mind, to ensure there are no insurance issues and to avoid any future potential legal implications.

"It is also in the interest of any real estate agent handling the sale of such a property to alert their client and potential purchasers to this issue and that having a check on the status of the insulation, by an electrician, architect or engineer is a positive selling point."

People with concerns about the safety of their insulation are encouraged to call 13 17 92 to arrange a safety inspection.

www.archicentre.com.au

Media Enquiries:
Mark Stewart, Chief Executive Archicentre (03) 9819 4577 Mobile: 0409 448 890
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications (03) 9818 5700 Mobile: 0417 329 201