Sunday 20 October 2013

Forensic Extrapolation of Imperfections at Our Home


If you are wondering about the unusual title of my post, then you are not alone. It refers to the pre-plaster inspection from H & Ryan Associates in association with MBS Macro Building Solutions, whose proprietor is Howard Ryan’s son – Stephen Ryan – who carried out the inspection. Poor guy, it apparently took him 7 hours to reach our site last Friday owing to the terrible bush fires raging across NSW.

Now to the findings of the report:

The comments pertain to incomplete works (defined as “works that are yet to be completed as was originally intended and lacking in part”) to cladding, dutch gable, and roof, and other items that were not properly fixed. However, the report noted  that “…allocated Site Supervisors will most likely be aware of what we have listed in this report and if not are obligated to rectify under the Home Building Act”; thus, the works are “fixable” and therefore not “fatal flaws”.


Key observations:


Garage: Metal cross strap brace to rear wall of garage is to be re-installed as bottom of bracing is damaged. Ensure garage floor is kept clean to prevent damage to slab surface.



Entry Hall: Metal cross strap brace to left side of entry is loose and needs to be tightened. Ensure studs to right side of square set opening from entry are flush prior to linings.

Stairway / Hallway: Metal cross strap bracing is loose in areas and need to be tightened. Metal cross strap braces to rear wall of stairwell are loose and need to be tightened.



Roof Trusses Area: Top floor truss speed brace tails are yet to be wrapped around and nailed to the underside of top plates.

Bathroom: Floor drainage is incomplete; ensure safe-waste trays to floor wastes are completely recessed into flooring prior to installation of waterproofing.

Master bedroom: Speed bracing to external wall within robe is yet to be wrapped around and nailed to underside of top plate. Wall noggins are incomplete in areas.

Ensuite: Floor drainage is incomplete; ensure safe-waste trays to floor wastes are completely recessed into flooring prior to installation of waterproofing,

Balcony: Incomplete

Other bedrooms: Wall noggins are incomplete in areas. Speed bracing to external wall is yet to be wrapped around and nailed to underside of top plate.

Sliding units need their base sill tracks covered and protected during this construction process to prevent construction damage, which may hinder the sill and doors intended operation.

Electrical works are incomplete. Plumbing and drainage are incomplete. Once drainage has been done, ensure safe-waste trays to floor wastes are completely recessed into flooring prior to waterproofing.

Over the past week, work undertaken included the installation of (1) sliding doors, fascia, gutter, eaves and roof tiles on the dining and outdoor room extensions, (2) fascia and gutter to the garage elevation, (3) flat tray deck roof at 2 degree pitch over part of garage (see photos of inside and outside of garage), front entry door, and (5) and some clearing of rubbish inside the house.







The next week should see electrical rough-ins, flashing on the roof, cladding work and painting/render.

2 comments:

  1. Great post. Sounds like it was worth getting. What other inspections do you think you will do?

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  2. It was indeed worth getting the independent inspection, as I am not familiar with building standards.The other inspection that we agreed to do is the PCI (Practical Completion Inspection). Cheers.

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