Introduction
This report was commissioned to provide an independent expert opinion on the costs of the alleged defective building work at the site in Roxburgh VIC. The instruction followed a dispute between the Owner and the Builder regarding the quality and compliance of a comprehensive renovation. The scope of the investigation included a site inspection, review of the contract, specifications, and relevant Australian Standards.
Summary of Defects and Expert Analysis
The inspection revealed widespread, systemic failures across multiple trades, indicating a severe lack of supervision and non-adherence to industry standards. The defects were categorised as follows:
- Failed Waterproofing and Associated Issues: The most critical failure was in the bathroom wet areas. The waterproofing membrane was absent in several locations and incorrectly applied in others, leading to moisture ingress into the wall cavities. Critically, there was no waterstop installed at the shower threshold, and no shower hob was constructed, creating an immediate and severe flood risk. The subsequent tiling work was defective, with inadequate fall, leading to ponding water, and poor adhesion.
- Kitchen Installation: The installed kitchen was incorrect and did not conform to the approved plans and specifications. Cabinetry was misaligned, the island was positioned incorrectly, obstructing traffic flow, and plumbing rough-ins for the sink did not match the cabinetry cut-outs.
- Finishing and Painting: The paintwork throughout the property was of an unacceptable standard, exhibiting patchiness, visible brush strokes, and insufficient coats, requiring a complete repainting of the entire interior. Detail work, including architraves and skirting boards, showed poor mitring and filling.
Causation and Rectification Methodology
We provided costing based on the identified defects and was able to present them in the Supreme Court. Our costs are based on the Owner engaging another Builder to rectify the works to bring the property to the standard agreed upon in the contract and expected under Australian building practice.
