Ensuite all but complete builder AWOL!

Hello all,

Thanks in advance for any advice anyone can offer. I am not sure this is in the right spot, but the topic seems to span a number of categories this being the over riding. I apologies for the length of this post!!

We began a renovation project back in July last year where we were keen to extend our 1950's weatherboard and add an ensuite bathroom (4m x 2m off the front of our house). We went through all the proper steps, engaged a draftsperson, got engineering, certified plans etc. Then engaged builders to get quotes on the job. We got 4 quotes and picked the builder that we got the best 'vibe' off. Not the cheapest! He came with some mutual friends recommendations and a pretty solid social reputation with plenty of examples of his work available. He checked out.

The build started perfectly fine and at no stage can I fault the workmanship. But there were signs throughout the process where we began to doubt his ability to complete to job. There was clearly something going on behind the scenes with regards to money and the job started slowing down considerable. Much blame was placed on other trades (waterproofer, then tiler, then painter, then shower screen supplier etc.) Although most of the delays were cause by his negligence in ordering a particular part from Reece which then held everything up. Or so we thought. He blew practical completion by around 6-weeks with constant excuses. Finally we got to practical completion first week of February with some minor cosmetic defects which we agreed on. He had until the 19th to fix those.

As with the terms of the QBCC contract, we paid our final bill when practical completion was met in good faith assuming the documentation we required for certification would be passed on (various Form 16's, practical completion doc etc.). The 19 rolled around and he hadn't returned and in the letterbox that day a letter from the QBCC arrived stating the builder had cancelled his licence 3-days earlier and should not be allowed to complete any further building work. Naturally, we tried to contact him ASAP as we were waiting on a number of documents. Phone disconnected. Went to address on contract, moved out. I was happy to write off the minor cosmetic defects but we obviously needed a number of documents for certification.

I decided to contact out certifiers and get them out for final inspection and explain our situation. We had not really been involved in the previous stage inspections but were aware of them occurring and the results. As expected, the certifiers issued a form 61 - non-compliance basically failing final inspection. Frame and roof inspection was carried out during the build as required but the footings were not ready for inspection at that stage (three gal stumps in ground). Rather than get the inspectors out again, they agreed to accept photographic evidence for footing at final inspection (which we do not have). By the way, we have since found out the builder is filing for bankruptcy and owes a lot of people for both our job and a number of others. Money totals in the $100K's

What we now require for certification is the following:
Existing Termite barrier has been bridged between the proposed en-suite extension and the existing bedroom 1, where the suspended timber floor bearer and pole plate are attached to the existing brick wall. Rectification required.
The mandatory Footing Inspection was not carried out by Development Certification.; It is necessary to provide the following;; - A Form 16 from the Registered Professional Engineer Queensland who carried out the necessary inspection, Or copies of photographs that demonstrate compliance with the development approval.
Form 16 Termite Management Certificate required.
Form 16 Waterproofing Certificate required.

The issue we have is as we do not know the trades for waterproofing nor do we have photos of the footings, we are going to struggle. At this stage the QBCC have been fairly unhelpful but may be able to help.

A couple of questions: who issues termite management certifications?

There has been a timber bearer attached to an existing foundation wall (single brick spanning brick piers which is the front wall - the rest of the house is concrete stumps). In doing this they have clearly compromised the existing termite barrier on top of the wall. How is a termite barrier installed in this scenario?

Has anyone else ever come across a situation like this before? At this point no one seems to be interested in helping be it the QBCC or the certifiers.

Cheers,

James


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