24 April 2008

Kurnell Tunnelling Dispute Puts Focus on Dilapidation Reports for
Sydney Home Owners

Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects says the current dispute between home owners and builders of the Kurnell Desalination Plant over vibrations during construction will put a focus on the need for dilapidation reports to protect home owners.

Archicentre says home owners in inner and middle ring suburbs will face increasing problems as government strategies spark an ongoing surge to create medium and high rise density housing in inner and middle suburbs.


Angus Kell

State Manager ACT & NSW of Archicentre Angus Kell said next door developments could become legal, financial and emotional nightmares for home owners caught in the medium density squeeze or located near major infrastructure projects such as the Kurnell Desalination Plant.

Mr Kell said "one of the worst problems for the home owner is the thousands of dollars in repair bills and legal fees trying to prove cracking and structural damage to their homes as a result of next door construction activity.

"In undertaking Building Status Inspections for builders and for owners of homes next to building projects, Archicentre architects have reported numerous situations that would result in expensive repairs or claims unless specific protection measures were taken to protect homes from construction next door."

Mr Kell said, "home owners should record all aspects of the condition of home before work begins and point out any existing faults, using detailed descriptions and photographs.

"A Building Status Report should be registered with the contractor as an independent assessment of the home providing a win, win situation for the home owner and the contractor.

"For the home owner an Archicentre Building Status Report provides a record of the homes' condition before work commences limiting the potential for disputes and provides as an added bonus a professional audit for maintenance.

"For the contractor it provides evidence against fraud or excessive claims to assist in averting costly class actions."

Mr Kell said that major infrastructure projects such as roadways, tunnels, railway lines and bridges can cause adjoining properties major structural problems because of the need for extensive digging or pipe laying requiring heavy impact machinery to be used.

The rapid spread of medium density housing and smaller blocks in residential areas has seen an increase in building on the boundary to maximise space. In these cases a range of defects can rapidly occur in a home including:
  •   Cracking and structural damage (estimated repair costs $10,000 to $100,000)
  •   Painting and Plastering (estimated repair costs $10,000 to $50,000)
  •   Exterior Wall and Roof Damage (estimated repair costs $10,000 to $100,000)
  •   Plumbing and Drainage: cracking pipes (estimated repair costs $5,000 to $25,000)

    • The Archicentre Building Status Reports are directly aimed at cutting costly legal expenses which in many cases outstripped the cost of fixing the problem leaving everyone in a losing position.

    The Building Status Report includes:
  •   A written and photographic report with records of existing defects or items that could provide evidence in a future claim.
  •   Technical and educational sheets distributed to neighbouring owners, if necessary.
  •   Follow-up assessments and inspection reports, if damage is reported.

    • www.archicentre.com.au
    Commercial Inspections; Building Status Reports; House Inspections; New Homes; Home Renovation; Home Improvements; Design Concepts;
    New Housing Reports; Pest Inspections; Pre-Purchase Inspections; Building Progress Reports.

    Media Enquiries:
    Angus Kell State Manager NSW & ACT Archicentre (02) 9555 5111 Mobile: 0412 565 023
    Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications (03) 9818 5700 Mobile: 0417 329 201