shane71

Well we finally completed in august this year after signing up on Jan 05 !!!! . Three and a half long years to build a 3 by 2 townhouse . We also recived a cheque last month for the post box that was never built, this was promised to us when we completed.
The companies involved were as follows,

<snip>
Do not touch these companies .

moneypenny20

I've taken the company names out of your post. For your own security more than anything.

BE tries not to be a name and shame forum, although I'm sure if someone is planning on building in Perth and wants their names and the reason you are not happy they can ask you via PM.

Hope you're happy in the house now.

TiddlyPom

You can get a cheap post box at Bunnings or make your own.

Here's a bit of inspiration for you.
http://www.waymarking.com/cat/detail...b296b493c&st=2

I'm glad your house is finished now. Good luck!

HelenTD

I was also going to start up a thread warning people about building a new home in Perth. We have had a terrible time and it's not over yet. I'm happy to PM anyone who has also had problems to see if we can help each other out, or prevent it happening to anyone else.

moneypenny20

No problem with airing problems with a build, just don't really want the 'don't use xxxxxx they're crap' comments because a) it could be a one off and b) if there's any legal problems, it could come back to haunt the poster.

HelenTD

Actually, Moneypenny, it is more likely to haunt BE. One building company obviously scans the websites for mentions of its subsidiaries and contacts the website threatening them with legal action. This is the type of bullying behaviour you can expect from some Perth builders - imagine what it's like being one of their "customers".

moneypenny20

We've had some issues before but because the site is a US one and operated from there, I think there's little a local Aussie builder could do - not for want of trying I guess. If DIAC can scan the forums and work out who someone is from the stuff they post and their username, a builder can work out whether the poster is a customer as well and would have more luck suing you for defamation and libel.

HelenTD

Ah, yes, the wonder of being sued for telling the truth and having evidence of it!

moneypenny20

Have to be pretty damn silly to do that but hey, there are some pretty dumb people out there

HelenTD

Yes, but we didn't realise how dumb we were. Imagine believing that there's consumer protection in WA. Esther Rantzen, where are you?

moneypenny20

Wasn't meaning you. Just generally, there are some stupid people about Is there no CAB or anything? I'm sure we have them over here, not had to inquire so not totally sure.

HelenTD

I think that there's a cheap legal advice service, but I saw them once and all they could advise was to go and see a lawyer. The real problem in WA is an agency called the Building Disputes Tribunal - you can lodge a dispute with them and get your case heard before a panel of 3: a legal person, someone from the Consumer Protection Dept (WA govt), plus a builder. You have to prepare all the paperwork yourself, the builder gets a copy, and off you go to the hearing. This is Perth, remember, so what you find when you get your hearing, is that the builder on the panel knows your builder, and it's all very matey. Our experience is that the legal and consumer panel members tend to believe the builders and not the consumer, despite our evidence. This happened to us - the BDT dismissed items that did not comply with:
1. the Building Code of Australia (leaking/plumbing issue)
2. the relevant Australian Standard (safety and hygiene issue)
3. WA gas regulations (a fire risk)

We have been left with a huge mess, a house that would be unsellable and extreme discomfort. At times, I think of Churchill - we will never surrender!

moneypenny20

That sounds horrendous and should obviously be totally independent. Hope you get some closure at some point. Unfortunately any action ends up costing you and the chances of getting it back even if they are found negligent is poor. No help unfortunately but you have my sympathy, not that it's worth much.

HelenTD

We'll take all the sympathy we can get, thanks (though a fairy godmother would be great too). I just don't want anyone else to walk into building a new home in Perth without being aware that it can all go pear-shaped. You have more protection buying an electric toaster than building a new home. Now that it's the long school holidays, it really hits you how bad our situation is, as we're home all day and it's too unpleasant to invite any friends of ours or the kids over.

infinjohn

Hi All, this is a little worrying considering this isnt the first time i've heard of this happening. Weve bought land in Perth and are considering to build in August of next year. I guess a little deeper research into the different buidlers will definitely be beneficial. Will let everyone know what i come up with...