[Jellyblush]

Hiya. I'm in Victoria and the very chuffed owner of a townhouse, built in 2003.

Since I moved in a couple of months ago the front door has shifted down and now scraps on the floorboards, which have become very damaged as a result. Front door is metal. Above front door two large cracks have appeared from the top corners.

I had my general handyman have a look. He says he can't fix it, it is structural (I don't even know what that means?!) and told me to look into the builders insurance.

I did this, but it seems it only lasts 6 years. My place is 9 years old.

I'm a bit lost as to where to next. Does anyone have any suggestions? Would it require a builder to fix it? Could this be claimed on my own home insurance? Anyone?

Thanks

[Illiterati]

Just bought it? Did you have a building inspection done? If so look into what guarantees they may have.

[Illiterati]

Also is it part of a strata title? There may be a sinking fund for such things.

[Jellyblush]

Yes - I did have a pre purchase inspection, and come to think of it, they do offer a guarantee should it be a structural defect. Thank you for thinking of that! It was through Archicentre who I think are reputable.

It isn't strata - what is a sinking fund?!

[Mousky]

Engage the services of a structural engineer.

I had an architect draw up plans for an extension, there were major problems. I called a structural engineer who couldnt beleive the mistakes he made (including drawing in the load bearing beam where there already were roof trusses that cant be moved).

Good luck.

[BabyHopeful]

We have had a few cracks appear since the earthquakes recently. I wonder if they've played a part in it?

[Jellyblush]

Oh, maybe! That would be frustrating, as this will be expensive to fix and no guarantee or home insurance will cover any of it if it is due to a natural disaster.

[It'sallgood]

I agree that a structural engineer would be the best place to start.

Depending on the builder, they may tell you crap!

I hate to say it, but this could be a very expensive problem for you

I agree too, you need to look into the building inspection you had done and see if you can claim anything there. But, for sure, to make any sort of claim against that builder, you'll need the expertise and report from the structural engineer anyway.

I know a little bit about this, becuase the house we built years ago, after 4 yrs, had an issue which was structural like this. We contacted the builders, who tried to fob us off and made out it would be SUCH a problem to inspect, cost us a fortune and basically? Just wanted us to p*ss off and pay someone else to fix it.
BUT"
Luckily for me though, I have a cousin who IS a structural engineer, works in just this area currently and was happy to inspect it immediately, in his own time and write a thorough report and actually discovered that the problem was related to things NOT being done as per the original approved plans and then weren't picked up by the council inspector when the final inspection was done

When this was presented to the builder (quite a reputable company that was gaining in status by then!) they just about fell over themselves with haste to fix it and rectify the problem. I'll never forget the sound of that womans voice when I said "I'm faxing through the Engineering report from X & co today..." and she said "but how did you GET that done SO quickly?" and I said " I happen to have contacts in this industry..." and she realised their company would be on borrowed time if they didn't keep that one under wraps and FAST!

It was a lucky break.

but if my cousin hadn't been there, we could have been out of pocket (he estimated) 40K or more!

Sorry, I hope for your sake, it IS just related to a bit of movement that can be rectified quite easily...but if it IS structural (such as the basic foundations of your home are moving or have moved) then depending on what it is, it can be a big problem.

All the best,
Tamm

[Jellyblush]

Oh cr@p!

Thanks for your story Tamm. Sounds like I should get onto it sooner rather than later.

Does anyone know a good structural engineer in Melbourne?!

[katpaws]

Check out the builder's website. I know of one builder that says "guaranteed 10 year structural warranty" (although i would not trust that builder but that is another long story). Some builders may have longer warranties etc.

Do you have access to the building documents ie plans and contracts? Also, contact your state's Consumer Affairs dept.