As per last DFT inspection with the builder on 30/07 (1.5 months ago) the rectification order came out to rectify all defects by 07/09. The builder sent out a communication that they will come for three days 22/09-24/09 to do rectification.
So for waterproofing from the outside and floorboards damage the builder did re-seal in a couple of spots and then sprinkle the water to make impression they are testing something - without actual floor removal to see exactly whether the water is coming in or not.
For the bathroom leakage problems the builder said they have to demolish the bathroom to find a root cause. This issue was ordered by the tribunal to be rectified before 18/04/2014! Now 6 months of constant delays and trying to slow down the process by suggesting small steps to test the water leakage and at least two weeks of waiting between those steps the builder "decided" to demolish the bathroom. That still means the issue is not fixed despite the tribunal order.
Hoping it's going to finish before Christmas. Otherwise will be stuck well until end of January at least.
I am also looking forward to see the end of it at all at some stage. It's not funny at all, but the builders we were "lucky" to stick with are jokes.
I only see a couple of reasons why these people managed to stay in the industry for quite a long time (director of the building company says he is "40 years in business" every time he comes to inspect the defects):
a) majority of people just let go with the problems and fix it either at their own expense or using insurance;
b) Fair Trading involvement does not impose any penalty on the builder (at least in our case) and then consecutive tribunal cases require some time and follow-up from the property owner's;
c) majority of construction firms are similar in using cheap materials, labour and not implementing quality control - ridiculously high prices for property in Australia will surely make them good money and provide demand for property especially from foreign investors and they take advantage of the situation; instead of increasing quality or work and improving customer experience they just cut corners as much as possible and then just use any trick possible to refuse or delay the rectification process.
Stay tuned for further updates!
Other posts from this story.
Also have a look at my post regarding strata living and what to look at before and when you buy a strata unit.
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