Shoddy builder complaints soared to a record 5669 in Queensland last year. This is up nearly 25 per cent in 12 months, with 28 builders barred for life.
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The Building Services Authority said most complaints related to bungled plasterboard installation, defective tiling, leaking roofs and cracks in concrete paths and driveways.
There also were complaints about slapdash paint jobs inside and out, the installation of timber windows and doors that did not shut and the inadequate waterproofing of bathrooms and especially shower cubicles.
Much of the poor workmanship was rectified voluntarily by contractors following investigations by the BSA.
Most complaints were cosmetic issues and not structural faults likely to cause homes to collapse, BSA general manager Ian Jennings said.
There were 101 complaints about damage caused by subsidence, Mr Jennings said.
In its annual report to Parliament, the BSA said there was an increase in complaints about incomplete work due to the financial collapse of several building companies.
The BSA said it had banned 91 individuals and 50 companies from holding licences for five years and 28 individuals were barred from holding licences for life.
All of those barred for life from holding licences had been involved in repeat financial collapses in which sub-contractors and suppliers had not been paid, said Mr Jennings.
The dramatic rise in complaints was due to the collapse of Real Property Constructions Pty Ltd, Newport Homes Pty Ltd, and Enric Pty Ltd.
A total of 1750 homeowners were compensated $32.4 million from the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme, Mr Jennings said.
“This is the highest amount ever paid by the scheme,” he said.
The BSA immediately suspended the licence of Real Property Constructions in February when it became aware the company could no longer pay its debts.
“There were 233 homes left unfinished, as well as 87 people who had paid deposits for the construction of homes,” he said.
“The collapse affected customers from the Gold Coast north to Hervey Bay.”
Under BSA direction, work on 205 homes had been completed by June.
“Contributing factors to the collapses have been poor business planning, bad cash flow management and involvement with wealth creation companies,” Mr Jennings said.
The Top 10 defects in new construction
- Internal plasterboard installation
- Ceramic floor tile installation
- Roof drainage
- Concrete paths and driveways
- Internal paint application
- Timber window and door installation
- Aluminium window and door installation
- External paint application
- Waterproofing shower recess
- Steel sheet roof cover
Source: Building Services Authority annual report
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Rick Adlam [HomeMate] has been working in the homebuilding since 1985 as a new home consultant with Iconic builder AV Jennings. He has also worked in home design consultancy with Dixon Homes, VillaWorld, Galaxy Homes, Merlin Homes, Simonds Homes, Award Homes and Orbit Homes. Rick currently consults in the development of Mr Mortgage for mortgage brokers and HomeMate for new home buyers
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