When we think of our homes, we often envision a safe haven, a place where we can relax and feel secure. But what if the very structure of your sanctuary was compromised, not by time or natural wear and tear, but by the negligent actions of those entrusted to build it? This is the alarming reality that a seasoned house inspector has brought to light, uncovering a disturbing trend in the building industry that's not only putting Australian homes at risk but also the lives of those who dwell within them.

Russell McCarthy, an independent building inspector with years of experience under his belt, has seen firsthand the corners being cut by some builders and tradies – shortcuts that are leaving homeowners not just financially strained but also in potential physical danger. His recent inspection of a new home in Perth is a case in point. The builders had progressed to the stage of preparing for the roof installation, but McCarthy discovered a critical oversight: the primary support beam for the roof was not only off-centre but was also unsecured, merely resting atop a brick wall. This kind of fault could lead to catastrophic failure, with the roof potentially collapsing, causing untold damage and risking lives.

Home construction should follow stringent protocols as it involves people's safety. Image Credit: Pexels/Mikael Blomkvist

This incident is not an isolated one. McCarthy has inspected numerous properties over the past five years and has yet to find one without defects. The lack of mandatory independent compliance checks in Western Australia, where builders employ the compliance experts, exacerbates the issue. Homeowners seeking an independent inspection must dig into their own pockets, a cost not everyone is willing or able to afford.

The implications of such shoddy workmanship are far-reaching. Insurance companies typically do not cover non-compliant work, leaving homeowners to bear the brunt of the cost for repairs or, in extreme cases, complete demolition and rebuilding. This system has eroded trust between clients and builders, with many feeling justifiably wary of the construction process.

McCarthy's commitment to raising awareness has led him to social media, where he posts videos highlighting the dangers of these industry practices. He strongly advises homeowners to invest in an independent inspector to ensure their builders are held accountable. Skipping this step, he warns, is a gamble that could result in significant structural issues, even in new constructions.

The work of McCarthy and his company, WA Building Inspectors, has not gone unnoticed. Their efforts have compelled the Building Commission to take action against non-compliant builders, forcing them to adhere to building codes and regulations. This is a significant win for consumer protection, but the battle is far from over.

As members of the Seniors Discount Club, many of you may be considering downsizing or perhaps investing in a newly built home. It's crucial to be aware of these industry pitfalls. When engaging builders, always ensure that you have an independent inspector like McCarthy on your side. It's not just about protecting your investment; it's about safeguarding your life and the lives of your loved ones.

Key Takeaways

• A building inspector in Perth has exposed a worrying trend of builders cutting corners, which poses financial and physical risks to homeowners.
• The inspector, Russell McCarthy, identified a critical fault in a new home where the primary support beam for the roof was incorrectly installed, risking collapse.
• Western Australia's current regulation allows builders to use their own compliance experts rather than independent third-party inspectors.
• McCarthy advocates for the use of independent inspectors to ensure work is compliant, as insurance companies often refuse to cover non-compliant work.

We invite you to share your experiences with building inspections and any advice you may have for fellow members navigating the construction of their homes. Have you encountered similar issues with builders or tradies? How did you resolve them? Your insights could be invaluable to someone facing these challenges. Let's start a conversation and help each other stay safe and informed.

 

[novezar]

Back in '73-4 when our house was being built at Kirrawee, in the Sutherland shire, southern suburb of Sydney, we had our home loan through St. George Building Society. At each stage of construction. they had their own building inspectors who had to inspect & pass all inspections before any part payments were allowed. A great result for us. A top job by the builders as well who were quite fastidious with their workmanship.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Back in '73-4 when our house was being built at Kirrawee, in the Sutherland shire, southern suburb of Sydney, we had our home loan through St. George Building Society. At each stage of construction. they had their own building inspectors who had to inspect & pass all inspections before any part payments were allowed. A great result for us. A top job by the builders as well who were quite fastidious with their workmanship.

So much better than these fly-by-nighters who probably wouldn't have a Construction White Card between them!

 

[magpie1]

Now this sort of crap just adds to Australia's Home Crisis !!!

 

[novezar]

Just a foot note on my posting. Would you believe that the building company, Cosmopolitan Homes, the brick layer did "One Real Great Job". The design of the house came with an attached double garage. Our block of land wasn't quite wide enough accomodate it. I queried the management if the same brickie would do the garage which was going a bit up the yard, as he did such a great job. I was in formed that they have another brickie who specialises in doing just that particular work, doing seperated garages.

You just don't get that type of "Craftsmanship" anymore.