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GPM Pty Limited PO Box 835
Castle Hill NSW 1765
ABN: 97 094 165 563 Ph/Fax: (02) 8850 4408
Email: romeogpm@tpg.com.au
BUILDING DEFECTS REPORT Commissioned By: Solicitor/Conveyancer
Client: Mr & Mrs XXXX Property Address: XX Road, XXXXXX NSW
Inspection Date: 30 October 2013 Report Number: RG XXXX
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Report Number: RG XXXX Page 2 of 19
Index
Section A Instructions, Qualifications, etc Page 3 Section B
Documents Reviewed Page 3 Section C Introduction Page 4 Section D
Scope and Report methodology Page 4 Section E Method of Assessment
Page 5 Section F Expert Witness Statement Page 10 Section G
Executive Summary Page 10 Section 1 Inspection and Assessment Page
10 Section 2 Recommendations Page 12
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A Instructions, Qualifications, etc Instructions A1. I have been
requested by the XXXX Solicitors to prepare a building report
on behalf of Mr & Mrs XXXX (hereinafter referred to as the
Owner’s), the owner’s of the property at XX XXXXXX Road, XXXXX NSW
XXXX.
A2. The purpose of this report is to identify the cause of the
leak from within the main bathroom and determine if this is a
defect which the builder must repair under their statutory
responsibilities of the Home Building Act.
Qualifications A3. I am a civil engineer, practising as a
building consultant as well as being a
licensed building contractor with the qualifications set out in
my annexed curriculum vitae (Appendix A).
Matters upon which my opinions are based A4. In expressing my
opinions in the following report, I have relied on:
(a) my experience as an engineer for nearly 20 years; and (b) my
experience as a builder for nearly 20 years involved in project
management and construction of several projects within the
Sydney Metropolitan area;
(c) my experience as a building consultant for more than 10
years; and (d) my inspection of the premises at the following
time(s):
26 October 2013; and (e) documents provided to me, as identified
at Section B, immediately below;
and (f) reference to the Building Code of Australia, Australian
Standards, and
other relevant documents that specify required performances in
the construction; and
(g) such assumptions of fact as I have been asked to make which
I have identified in the substance of my report.
B Documents Reviewed In the preparation of this report I have
been provided with the following documentation: • Copy of the Final
Occupation Certificate No. OCXXXX dated 18 April
2009, • Copy of the Certificate of Home Warranty Insurance,
issued by HIA
Insurance Services Ltd dated 28 September 2008.
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C Introduction C1. The building is a two (2) storey attached
duplex residential dwelling of brick
veneer construction (hereinafter referred to as the Building).
C2. The Building was constructed by XXXX Homes Pty Limited, ABN XX
XXX
XXX XXX and Contractors Licence # XXXXXC (hereinafter referred
to as the Builder).
C3. The Owner’s have advised that the hand over date ‘was around
November
2008’. C4. The Occupancy Date based on the Occupation
Certificate provided is 18
April 2009. C5. The Building is classified as a Class 1a
building, pursuant to Part 1.3 of the
Building Code of Australia. C6. Defective construction presents
to the Building. The Owner’s request
advice/reporting, as instructed, to the extent of building
defects for which is the Builder is responsible to rectify under
their statutory responsibilities of the Home Building Act.
D Scope and Report Methodology D1. This report has been
generally prepared in accordance with Australian
Standard 4349.1-1995 Inspection of Buildings Part 1: Property
Inspections-Residential Buildings, to the extent that the Standard
is applicable and to the extent of those areas we are instructed to
inspect.
D2. The report is based on a visual inspection of reasonably
accessible parts of
the property, to the extent of the inspection as described, and
intrusive testing at selected locations as described herein.
D3. The items noted in the report are observed and assessed as
to whether the
construction is defective. In assessing whether a particular
item is defective or not I have made reference, where possible, to
published and objective performance requirements pertaining to the
building industry, as available and/or applicable. Documents
stating performance requirements exist for many specific types of
construction or installations; but not for all. Where possible,
assessment as to whether an issue/item is defective will be based
on objective performance criteria contained in published
documentation. Where there is no published performance requirement
for a specific type of construction
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and/or installation, a more subjective assessment is made based
on the author’s experience of the building industry. Generally, any
assessment as to whether a particular item/issue incorporates or is
defective construction is based on the following; with importance
given to the particular reference diminishing in descending order,
as a more subjective assessment is required:
- Building Code of Australia (Vol. 1, as it refers to Class 2
& 7 buildings; hereinafter referred to as the “BCA”), and
relevant Australian Standards
- General building reference texts, manuals, articles, etc. -
Implied warranties pursuant to s18B of the Home Building Act
(NSW)
1989. - Prevailing building industry practice and experience
Where a defect issue is itemised, there is accompanying
commentary stating why the item is considered to be defective or
not so, particularly where the defect is considered to be
significant. In addition, there is, generally, commentary provided
as to an appropriate method of rectification.
D5. This report is prepared on the basis of the information made
available at this date and/or enquiries in respect of the report. I
reserve the right to amend this report and the opinions expressed
in the light of additional information being made available.
E Method of Assessment E1. BCA now known as the National
Construction Code (NCC) Series
The BCA is a statutory code given legal effect by the
Environmental Planning and Assessment Act in NSW. The BCA is law.
Compliance with the BCA is mandatory to the extent provided in the
BCA. The BCA prescribes performance requirements for each class of
building.
E2. BCA classification The BCA classifies the Building as Class
1a: a single dwelling.
E3. Home Building Act warranties The Home Building Act (NSW)
1989, Part 2C Statutory Warranties, S.18B Warranties as to
residential building work provides:
The following warranties by the holder of a contractor licence,
or a person required to hold a contractor licence before entering
into a contract, are implied in every contract to do residential
building work:
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(a) a warranty that the work will be performed in a proper and
workmanlike manner and in accordance with the plans and
specifications set out in the contract,
(b) a warranty that all materials supplied by the holder or
person will be good and suitable for the purpose for which they are
used and that, unless otherwise stated in the contract, those
materials will be new,
(c) a warranty that the work will be done in accordance with,
and will comply with, this or any other law,
(d) a warranty that the work will be done with due diligence and
within the time stipulated in the contract, or if no time is
stipulated, within a reasonable time,
(e) a warranty that, if the work consists of the construction of
a dwelling, the making of alterations or additions to a dwelling or
the repairing, renovation, decoration or protective treatment of a
dwelling, the work will result, to the extent of the work
conducted, in a dwelling that is reasonably fit for occupation as a
dwelling,
(f) a warranty that the work and any materials used in doing the
work will be reasonably fit for the specified purpose or result, if
the person for whom the work is done expressly makes known to the
holder of the contractor licence or person required to hold a
contractor licence….the particular purpose for which the work is
required or the result that the owner desires the work to achieve,
so as to show that the owner relies on the holder’s or person’s
skill and judgment.
E4. Home Building Act (NSW) (HBA) definitions
The following are definitions at Part 1, S.3 Definitions of the
HBA: residential building work means any work involved in, or
involved in coordinating or supervising any work involved in: (a)
the construction of a dwelling, or (b) the making of alterations or
additions to a dwelling, or (c) the repairing, renovation,
decoration or protective treatment of a dwelling. It includes work
declared by the regulations to be roof plumbing work or specialist
work done in connection with a dwelling and work concerned in
installing a prescribed fixture or apparatus in a dwelling (or in
adding to, altering or repairing any such installation). It does
not include work that is declared by the regulations to be excluded
from this definition. dwelling means a building or portion of a
building that is designed, constructed or adapted for use as a
dwelling (such as a detached or semi-detached house, transportable
house, terrace or town house, duplex, villa-home, strata or company
title home unit or residential flat). It includes any swimming pool
or spa constructed for use in conjunction with a dwelling and such
additional structures and improvements as are declared by the
regulations to form part of a dwelling. It does not include
buildings or portions of buildings declared by the regulations to
be excluded from this definition.
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E5. Application of BCA and HBA In my opinion, based on the
definitions at S.3 of the HBA, this property is a residential
building within the meaning of that Act for those parts identified
as residential construction. The building work is now assessed to
be approximately two years of age and thus, the statutory
warranties pursuant to S.18B of the HBA are considered applicable
for any identified defect. In my opinion a licensed builder should
have reasonable awareness of, and/or skill in, and/or competency
of, building and construction industry accepted practices in the
construction of building works. Such awareness, skill and
competence should include a requirement to comply with the BCA,
legislative requirements, and standards and codes for individual
construction trades, to enable the building and construction to be
carried out in a workmanlike manner, meeting all statutory
performance requirements, and being fit for purpose. The BCA and
the HBA, in concert, either require specific standards of
workmanship and/or or warrant that an appropriate standard
workmanship will be delivered.
E6. Assessment of defects
Where specific construction does not meet the mandatory
performance requirements pursuant to the BCA, such construction is
considered defective; and, additionally, may be a breach of
S.18B(c) of the HBA; the construction does not comply with, this or
any other law. Where specific workmanship does not meet the
standard of workmanship described in the relevant Australian
Standards, Codes of Practice, handbooks, or other recognised
industry guides to construction practice, such construction may be
considered defective, and, additionally, may be a breach of
S.18B(a) of the HBA; the construction is not performed in a proper
and workmanlike manner. Where specific materials are used in a
construction that does not meet the standard of workmanship
described in the relevant Australian Standards, Codes of Practice,
handbooks, or other recognised industry guides to construction
practice, such construction may be considered defective, and,
additionally, may be a breach of S.18B(b) of the HBA; materials are
not suitable for the purpose for which they are used.
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In many instances, especially to do with the finish surfaces,
there are no determinative relevant Australian Standards and Codes.
In such instances, a degree of common sense needs be applied.
Hairline cracking Buildings are not static: they are subject to
differential and thermal movement, as well as numerous other
forces. Hence, cracking at the junctions of dissimilar materials is
an anticipated phenomenon. The techniques used to control
anticipated movement are invariably the issue with respect to minor
cracking, as distinct from the cracking itself. AS 2870 (1996)
Residential slabs and footings-Construction establishes
requirements for the footing systems of residential construction.
At Appendix C, AS 2870 provides a classification for the
classification of damage due to foundation movements. Table C1 of
AS 2870 provides a Classification of Damage with reference to
Walls. Table C1 provides:
Description of typical damage and Approximate crack Damage
required repair width limit category Hairline cracks < 0.1 mm 0
Fine cracks which do not need repair < 1 mm 1 Cracks noticeable
but easily filled. < 5 mm 2
Though this Standard is addressed to foundation movement,
cracking expresses little difference due to its cause. AS 2870
provides that cracking due to foundation movement, where less than
1mm, needs no repair, presumably on the basis that the cracking is
generally cosmetic, causes minimal aesthetic concern, and is easily
repaired at minimal cost.
In my opinion, this general classification can and should be
applied to all cracking as the reasonable standard of workmanship.
The NSW Fair Trading Guide to Tolerances and Standards, 2007
Edition, now adopts this classification as a guide to the
appropriate standard. This approach is adopted in this report.
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Materials Surface Imperfections AS 2311 (2000) Guide to the
Painting of Buildings establishes considerations and appropriate
specifications for painting. At Appendix C4, AS 2311 provides
inspection criteria for the final inspection of painting:
C4 FINAL INSPECTION The final inspection should ensure the
following where appropriate: (a) The painted surface shows—
(iii) uniformity of gloss, colour and opacity; (iv) correct
range of dry film thickness of paint; (v) freedom from painting
defects such as—
(A) tackiness and paint application defects; (B) brush marks,
roller coater marks, spray application defects and those
irregularities in texture, which are inconsistent with good
trade practice. NOTE: Differences in appearance will occur;
however, where such differences are not clearly discernible from a
distance of typically 1.5 to 2 m the finish is usually considered
acceptable (emphasis bolded).
(vi) general cleanliness and absence of disfigurement, related
to paint application.
NOTE: Surfaces, fixtures and fittings should be checked to
ensure that they have been masked or removed, and that all paint
spills or stains have been removed as set out in the
specifications.
(h) The surrounding area is clean, tidy and undamaged, and all
of the paint contractor’s materials, equipment and debris related
to the work performed, are removed from the premises or site.
The critical item in this commentary, emphasis added above, is
the recommendation that inspection should occur from a reasonable
distance. Though there may be minor surface imperfections/defects,
AS 2311, with respect to painting, recommends that where such
differences are not clearly discernible from a reasonable distance
the finish is usually considered acceptable. Because the reasonable
standard of building construction is not absolute perfection, it is
my opinion the general parameters of inspection as recommended in
AS 2311 for painting are generally applicable to the assessment of
the surface finishes of most other materials finishes.
This approach is adopted in this report.
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F Expert Witness Statement
F1. I, Romeo George of GPM Pty Limited, acknowledge that I have
read, understood and agree to be bound by the Consumer, Trader and
Tenancy Tribunal Chairperson’s Directions Number CD2003-2 with
respect to the conduct before the Tribunal of expert witnesses.
F2. This Report has been prepared and written in accordance with
the requirements of the Chairperson’s Directions CTTT CD2003-2 with
respect to the form of the experts report.
F3. I have examined the documentation provided to me and
inspected the subject areas of the building.
F4. I believe that I have made all necessary inspections and
enquiries that are desirable and appropriate to form an opinion on
the matters identified to me.
F5. No matters of significance that I would regard as relevant
have, to my knowledge, been withheld from the Tribunal.
G Executive Summary
G1. This report is based on an inspection of the interior of the
Building.
G2. Inspection and investigation revealed a defect relating to a
leaking shower recess in the main bathroom.
Section 1 Inspection and Assessment
Internal Areas 1.1 Main Bathroom
The shower recess in the upper level bathroom was tested using a
basic flood test (See Photo 1) and a water leak was found along the
floor of the adjoining bedroom (See Photos 2 & 3). This appears
to be related to a failed or incorrectly installed waterproofing
membrane. It appears that the Builder has previously sealed
perimeter joints with a flexible sealant in attempt to rectify this
issue, however, this is not a permanent solution and does not
provide an adequate solution to this problem.
Extensive damage has occurred to the particleboard floor
sheeting, carpet, plasterboard wall lining and timber skirting
boards within the bedroom area adjacent to the bathroom shower
recess (See Photos 4 & 5).
Further investigation is also recommended to verify the extent,
if any, of damage to the concealed timber wall and floor frames
adjacent to this area.
The appropriate performance requirement Compliance with the BCA,
at Section P2.2.1 as well as AS 3740 – Waterproofing of domestic
wet areas Home Building Act Breach of S.18B(a) and S.18B(b) of the
HBA.
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Photo 1 – Flood test within main bathroom shower recess
Photo 2 – Evidence of water leak onto floor of bedroom area
adjacent to main bathroom shower recess
Photo 3 – Evidence of water leak onto floor of bedroom area
adjacent to main bathroom shower recess
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Photo 4 – Evidence of water damage to carpet in bedroom adjacent
to main bathroom shower recess
Photo 5 – Evidence of water damage to plasterboard wall lining
and timber skirting board in bedroom adjacent to main bathroom
shower recess
Section 2 Recommendations 2.1 Recommended rectification
methodology 2.1.1. Main Bathroom
Remove all of the floor tiles and bottom row of the wall tiles
in the shower recess. Re-apply a waterproofing membrane in
accordance with AS 3740 – Waterproofing of domestic wet areas.
Reinstall tiles to match existing in accordance with AS3958.1: 2007
- Ceramic tiles – Guide to installation of ceramic tiles. If tile
match is not achieved, replace all the tiles within the shower
recess. Remove the damaged sections plasterboard wall lining in the
bedroom area and replace in accordance with AS2589 – Gypsum linings
– Application and finishing. Repaint the affected area in
accordance with AS2311-2009-Guide
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to painting of buildings. If appearance, colour and texture
match is not achieved with the surrounding area it is recommended
that the entire wall sections be repainted to achieve a uniform and
consistent appearance. Remove and replace the damaged particleboard
floor sheeting in accordance with AS 1684 – 2010 - Residential
timber-framed construction. Assess the extent, if any, of damage to
the concealed timber wall and floor framing members once the wall
linings and floor sheeting have been removed and repair/replace any
of the affected wall and floor framing members in accordance with
AS 1684 – 2010 - Residential timber-framed construction. Remove and
replace the damaged carpet in accordance with AS 2455.1:2007
Textile floor coverings - Installation practice – General. If
appearance, colour and texture match is not achieved with the
surrounding area it is recommended that the bedroom floor carpet be
replaced to achieve a uniform and consistent appearance. Remove and
replace the damaged timber skirting boards in accordance with AS
1684 – 2010 - Residential timber-framed construction. Repaint the
affected area in accordance with AS2311-2009-Guide to painting of
buildings. If appearance, colour and texture match is not achieved
with the surrounding area it is recommended that the entire lengths
of skirting board be repainted to achieve a uniform and consistent
appearance.
2.2 Procedure 2.2.1.
The inspection of this Building has identified a defect relating
to the bathroom area. The defect, identified in this report, is
considered to have the potential to become serious in the future.
Rectification work is considered to be urgent for the following
reasons:
- to preserve the safety of the users of this Building, - to
ensure that the amenity of the users is maintained at an
appropriate
standard, - to ensure that the cost of rectification is
mitigated/minimised, - to ensure that the equity value to this
property is maintained.
2.2.2. This report establishes that, in my opinion, the Builder
has not fulfilled his statutory responsibilities pursuant to the
Home Building Act.
2.2.3. I recommend that the matter be referred to the Builder,
with a request to rectify within a reasonable stipulated
period.
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Any rectification works that the Builder agrees to rectify will
only proceed if the rectification methodology is approved and under
the supervision of the Owner’s or their representative. If the
Builder refuses to rectify in a manner that is considered
appropriate, the Owner’s may institute proceedings to enforce their
legal rights pursuant to the Home Building Act and any other
warranty provisions that may be applicable.
2.2.4. If the Builder refuses to rectify, we recommend the
Owner’s consider appropriate action as advised by their legal
representatives, which may include any or all of the following: •
referral of this report to the HOW insurer, for the purposes of
notification of a potential claim, and presentation of a
complaint should the Builder not respond,
• referral of this report to a legal forum for orders that the
Builder rectify in accordance with warranty provision pursuant to
the Home Building Act,
• referral of this report to the licensing section of the NSW
Office of Fair Trading.
2.2.5.
Urgent attention to these defects is recommended, to mitigate
the cost of rectification and because of potential danger to the
occupants of this building. This concludes the written report. My
qualifications to provide this advice are appended to this report.
Please advise if further explanation of this report is required
and/or if we may be of additional assistance with this matter.
Yours faithfully, GPM Pty Limited
Romeo George BE (civil) Licensed Building Contractor 30 October
2013
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ROMEO GEORGE Abridged Curriculum Vitae Address: 23 Wongajong
Close
Castle Hill NSW 2154 Ph/Fax: 028850 4408 (m) 0425 226 772 Email:
romeogpm@tpg.com.au
Qualifications: BE (Civil) - 1993 (UTS) Licensed Building
Contractor: 1994-present
Professional Member of Institute of Engineers Australia:
1988-2000 Memberships Member of NSW Master Builders Association:
2000-present Associations
Career Profile: 1988-1993 Civil Engineering Degree from UTS.
Completed 3 years of practical work experience as a student in
several local government and private organisations
1993-1995 Project Engineer & Project Manager with North
Shore Paving.
Estimating, tender submissions, contract administration and
supervision on several civil construction projects ranging in
contract value from $500,000 to $10M
1995-200 0 District (Asset) Engineer with Hornsby Shire
Council.
Responsible for the formulation and administration of
maintenance programs on civil infrastructure assets.
2000-present Principal of GPM Pty Limited: Project Managers and
Building Consultants. Supervised and project managed several
building construction projects throughout the Sydney Metropolitan
area. Reported on the building condition of more than 4000
completed properties or buildings under construction. Prepared more
than 300 Building Defects and Dilapidation Reports.
mailto:romeogpm@tpg.com.au
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF INSPECTION AND REPORTING In these terms
and conditions unless the context otherwise requires:
‘Applicant’ means the person or organization for whom the
inspection is carried out and to whom the Report is addressed.
`Building Consultant’ means GPM Pty Limited, and includes its
agents, servants and subcontractors carrying out one or more
inspections.
`Inspection' means the view and examination of the Property.
`Property' means the property to be inspected. `Report' means the
findings of the inspector/s consequent on an inspection
reduced to writing for the exclusive and confidential benefit of
the Applicant. The word `person' shall be deemed to include a
corporation, words importing the singular or plural number shall be
deemed to include the plural or singular of it respectively and
words importing the one gender only shall include each other gender
as the case may require.
1. In consideration of the fee advised and payable by the
Applicant to the Consultant, the
Consultant shall inspect the property and shall make a report
thereon. The Consultant shall only be bound to inspect and report
on the part of the property that is clearly accessible, including
ceilings and sub-floors through existing manholes, trapdoors or
other suitable openings.
The Consultant shall not be obliged to open up and inspect
roofs, walls or sub-floors where no such access exists. Reasonable
sub-floor access means any space with clearance from ground to
underside of joists no less than 600 mm (vertically) and 600 mm
wide (horizontally). The Consultant shall not be required to
inspect those areas that require specific Occupational Health and
Safety cover and/or are precluded pursuant to that legislation.
2. The report is based solely upon a visual inspection by the
Consultant on those parts of the Building to which reasonable
access is available at the time of inspection, provided always that
if the inspection is prevented or inhibited by any obstacles
including, but not limited to, cladding or lining materials,
surface coverings, fixtures and fittings, furniture, soil and
plants (fixed or otherwise), the Consultant shall base his report
upon a visual inspection of those parts of the building that are
able to be inspected without removing or displacing such
obstacles.
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3. The Report is based on the condition of the property, the
prevailing structural, soil and weather conditions at the time of
inspection. Prolonged periods of wet or dry weather may cause
structural changes to the property.
4. The Consultant shall not be liable for the non-disclosure, in
the report, of the existence
of defects not readily apparent upon a reasonable inspection of
the Property (i.e. latent defects). Deliberately concealed faults
may not be detected. The Consultant shall not be required to test
materials forming part of the Property (i.e. no intrusive
testing.
5. The Applicant hereby certifies that the Owner of the Property
or the authorised agent
of the Owner has consented to the Consultant gaining access to
the Property. If the Consultant is refused access to the Property
whether such refusal is lawful or not, or the Consultant cannot
reasonably gain access to the property without danger of injury or
without trespass to land, the Consultant shall not be bound to
enter the property and shall be entitled nevertheless to receive
from the Applicant his reasonable expenses of travelling to and
from the Property.
6. Only the exterior of single storey roofs shall be inspected.
Other roof surfaces are
inspected from ground level where possible.
7. The Report is based solely on a visual inspection, and on the
factual condition of the Property at the time of inspection. The
Report does not take into consideration the following, unless
expressly stated: a. the design specifications of the Property (if
any), or whether the Property was
erected in accordance with the design specifications; b. the
method of construction of the Property; c. whether the erection of
the Property was properly supervised; d. whether the Property
complies with all local building Codes or authority’s
requirements, or consent authority’s Conditions of Consent
approval; or any other Statute, Ordinance, Regulation or
Standard;
e. whether there are defects in title, breaches of covenant as
to the user or any encroachments, or any breaches of the law in
relation to the Property;
f. whether the drainage layout, sewers and downpipes were
approved, or comply with the requirements of the relevant
authority. The Applicant should make all necessary inquires of
Councils and other Authorities;
8. The Consultant will not be responsible for failing or
omitting to include advice in the
Report in respect of: a. latent defects in the Property or in
the fixtures or fittings attached thereto, whether of
a structural nature or otherwise; b. defects which may arise
after the inspection from any cause whatsoever, including
but without limitation, abnormal weather, or abnormal uses or
abuses of the Property, or the fixtures or fittings attached
thereto;
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c. structural defects in the Property, or in the fixtures and
fittings attached thereto; and d. `unknowables' defects such as,
but not limited to, the course and efficiency of drains
when the inspection is carried out in dry weather; obstruction
of sewer pipeworks by roots or subsidence; obstruction and debris
in cavity masonry; chimneys which may require rebuilding or
cleaning and the existence of asbestos.
9. Whilst comments may be made concerning plumbing in the
Report, the testing of taps,
sewer disposal systems, hot water systems and wastewater
drainage facilities is specifically excluded. Similarly, whilst the
Report may include comments upon the electrical installation, the
testing of power points, light and switching points, is
specifically excluded.
10. Although comments may be made in the Report on the existence
of destructive
insects, present or past, or destructive fungal growth, and of
the existence of damage that may have been caused to building
materials (particularly timber) and the condition of materials
damaged by insect or fungal growth; the Consultant shall not be
held responsible for identifying these defects.
11. This report is not a pest inspection and the Consultant is
not qualified to perform such
inspections. The Applicant is responsible for arranging
comprehensive inspections of the Property by a qualified pest
consultant and for any necessary preventative treatment as
recommended.
12. The Consultant does not have, or express, expertise in pest
inspection, timber
infestation, structural engineering, surveying or strata record
inspections. If recommendations are made in the Report that such
‘specialist' inspections and/or reports should be obtained, and
such recommendations are not compiled with, the Consultant shall
not be responsible for that area of the subject property.
13. Cost estimates, if any, provided in the Report are a guide
to expenditure, and not
accurate quotation prices for rectification of defective work,
unless stated otherwise.
14. Defect reports are not necessarily exhaustive or complete of
all defects identified. In most instances, defect items that are
considered relatively insignificant (in relation to loss of
amenity, ease of rectification and/or cost of rectification) are
assessed as commercially inappropriate to pursue, and are therefore
excluded from the report.
15. Where an oral report is given the Consultant shall not be
held responsible for any
matters whatsoever should the Applicant misconstrue and/or fail
to understand such Report. The written Report shall prevail at all
times.
16. The Report shall not be used by the Applicant for any
purpose other than that
nominated in the Application, or for making an assessment with
regard to purchase of the same. The Report shall be for the private
and confidential use of the Applicant only
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GPM Pty Limited XX XXXXXX Road, XXXXX NSW XXXX
Report Number: RG XXXX Page 19 of 19
and may not be reproduced in whole, or in part by any person,
nor may it be used or relied upon by any person other than the
Applicant. The Report always remains the intellectual property of
the Consultant.
17. The Applicant hereby acknowledges and agrees to the full
extent permitted by law that
in the event that the Consultant's services herein constitute a
supply of services to a `consumer' as defined in the Trade
Practices Act, 1974 (the Act), as amended, and in all other cases
whether arising in contract or tort, the liability of the
Consultant to the Applicant shall in the case of any and all loss
sustained by the Applicant be limited at the discretion of the
Consultant to:
a. supplying the said services again; or b. the payment of the
cost of having the said service supplied again. The Consultant
shall be totally excluded from any and all legal liability where
any account remains outstanding for in excess of sixty days.
18. The Consultant shall not be liable for failure to perform
any duty or obligation that it may have under this agreement, where
such failure has been occasioned by an act of God, fire, flood,
industrial disturbance, inevitable accident, inability to obtain
labour or transportation, war, or any cause outside the reasonable
control of the Consultant.
19. The Report is invalid unless the all fees have been paid
with respect to the preparation
of the advice, and the Report is valid for 60 days from the date
of invoice for the Report.
20. The Report is not a guarantee; it is a professional opinion
on the condition of the
inspected property.
21. These “Terms and Conditions” and “Cost Agreement” contain
the entire agreement between the Applicant and the Consultant. The
Applicant acknowledges that no employee or agent of the Consultant
has any right to make any representation, warranty or promise in
relation to the inspection service and Report.