Building a home is often seen as a milestone, a dream come true for many Australians looking to settle into a comfortable retirement. However, for David Hawkins, what was supposed to be the beginning of a blissful new chapter turned into a five-year nightmare that cost him an additional $170,000 and, he believes, contributed to his prostate cancer diagnosis.

David Hawkins, a 73-year-old former air traffic controller, embarked on his home-building journey with high hopes. He envisioned a peaceful retirement with his wife in their dream home in Ashfield, northeast of Perth, Western Australia. But the reality that unfolded was far from the dream he had imagined.


The project began with promise in 2019 and quickly descended into a series of stressful events. The first major setback occurred when workers discovered groundwater during earthworks, posing a significant flooding risk. The builder's solution was to raise the house by about a metre, a plan Hawkins agreed to, assuming that the necessary council approvals would be sought. However, he later discovered that the builder had not obtained these approvals.


Despite this oversight, construction continued at a snail's pace until a significant storm in May 2021 revealed the severity of the groundwater issue. The undercroft area flooded, trapping water behind the garage walls. The builder downplayed the problem, assuring Hawkins that it would be resolved. But when work on the house came to a complete standstill, Hawkins' concerns grew.


Seeking peace of mind, Hawkins contacted the council, only to discover they had no communication from the builder regarding the alterations. When Hawkins confronted the builder and threatened to take the matter to the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT), the builder's response was a chilling threat: 'If you do that, the place will never get finished.'

Undeterred, Hawkins filed a complaint with the SAT and commissioned a geotech report. The report revealed that the builder's excavation had intersected the water table, causing flooding during the storm. The report also criticised the ineffective drainage system installed by the builder, which exacerbated the problem.

Frustrated and financially drained, Hawkins took legal action to reclaim the build in mid-2022. He was successful, but by then, he was significantly out of pocket and still faced 20 per cent of the construction to complete. With the help of his contractors, Hawkins finally moved into his home in early 2023.


The emotional and financial toll of this ordeal was immense. Hawkins suffered from mental health issues and anger, and he believes the stress contributed to his prostate cancer diagnosis. Reflecting on the tumultuous years, he fought back tears as he shared his story, not for compensation but as a cautionary tale for others.

Hawkins advises fellow Australians considering building a home to be extremely selective with their choice of builder. He urges potential homeowners to read reviews meticulously, seek references, and ensure that all necessary approvals are in place before signing any contracts.

This harrowing experience is a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls of home building. It reminds us that due diligence, constant oversight, and clear communication with builders and councils are crucial in ensuring that the dream of building a home doesn't turn into a costly nightmare.

Members of the Seniors Discount Club, we invite you to share your own experiences with home building. Have you faced similar challenges, or do you have tips for navigating the construction process? Your insights could be invaluable to others in our community looking to build their own dream homes. Let's discuss in the comments below and support each other through these significant life projects.