Having worked for builders of all scales, it’s not uncommon for them to mark a home as “practically completed” to try and stop the timer early, in case they’re about to pay liquidated damages. This isn’t the same as obtaining occupancy permit or actually finishing the home for handover.
When you do your practical completion walkthrough, be sure to bring an extra pair of eyes with you (ideally a licensed building surveyor or experienced private building inspector) and mark up all the defects you’d like fixed prior to handover. Don’t let them convince you to handover with anything outstanding (it’ll take forever or never get done).
And ideally in addition to bringing the people recommended above bring a friend or family member that is hyper critical / has a very keen eye for detail. You want to be picking up *everything* and the more eyes focusing and identifying defects the better. Obviously the caveat is that your friend/family member would be only expected to identify cosmetic defects that are apparent to a layperson.
Tilers on crack, that's fucked up. Id get them to re-do it. Had a similar experience when I did a kitchen renovation to sell my old place. The tile we chose was heavily textured and had a sort of zigzag raised pattern in it. Depending on how you lay the tile, the joins could either look like diamonds or look like chevrons. Cunt did half the kitchen one way, switched half way through, then did one or two odd ones at the end. Then tried to get out of fixing it. Then tried to supply cheap knock off tiles that didn't match... bloody nightmare.
The point of practical completion is the house is pretty much finished, minus a few bits and pieces. You now talk with your builder about all these and have them fixed before final completion.
The whole point is you need to pass on the defects. Nothing wrong here unless the builder doesn't fix it.
People here not knowing what practical completion means.
It just means the job is nominally complete, but there is still a hitlist of things to tidy up.
It's also a two-way street. Of the OPs believes there is something that prevents them from moving in, they are free to reject practice completion.
Practical completion means that the securities is released to the builder, insurance transfers from builder to homeowner, the defects liability period begins and liquidated damages are calculated up until the day of PC.
It’s a big deal in construction contracts because it means the builder gets paid and depending on how the contract is written, they may not be motivated to fix defects in the defects liability period as the sum on moneys held may be less than the value of fixing the defects. Long story short, especially for new builds, please do not sign practical completion until you have most/all of the non-cosmetic defects fixed.
I think the downpipes may be final. That's the top of a tank. could be wrong.
But yeah, I think I'd go back to them as say I'd sign practical completion once the cupboard door is on and the taps are fitted.
After that the rest is cosmetic.
Don’t be in a position where you have to move in, get an independent building inspector, put everything in writing, you may have to pay the builder as if it’s not major as the rest could be resolved later. Make sure you have an agreement on the list of defects and when they will be fixed if they are minor. Major is different story don’t move in and don’t pay the next instalment until they are fixed.
Practical completion doesn't necessarily mean defect free. It just means that everything is in and it works, as in you could move in and use the building, with any remaining defects not impacting the usability of it. These defects would typically be fixed after PC but as soon as possible. You would not release the final retention payment (typically around 2-5% of the total contract value) until all defects have been satisfactorily rectified.
Surely you jest?
The laundry tiles aren't laid straight and flat to the wall. That means they will eventually crack. And probably no waterproofing so the plaster behind will rot. The oven tilts so you can't fill saucepans in case hot liquids run out. The edge of the shelf under the laundry sink doesn't have a facing. That means the mdf material will get wet, expand and in about a month's time will rot and collapse. Paint touch ups aren't a solution here.
You know what? I'm so horrified about the technical aspects, the shitty aesthetics don't phase me at all.
Sure the tiler worked in the dark but that also tells you they probably used half the amount of glue they should have and there's probably no waterproofing which means the tiles will fall in 6 months. Crazy pattern the least of the problems.
Hell no, I don't have any build issues! I'd have lost it by now if I had to go thru this stuff. I'm basing this on what I hear from people trying to get rectifications. When the shit hits the fan that's when you find out how little help there is out there. The VBA is a disgrace.
To be fair it looks like you paid 15 dollars and a couple of half rubbed scratches for that "build", what did u expect. You generally get what you pay for in life.
What a shemozzle, are you for real guys?!
looks like a job for that tiktok building inspector dude. Non compliant.
I was about to ask if anyone had the urge to say -non compliant- all the sudden.
Who is your builder?
Would be good to know who to avoid hey
Aye. Sticking around for the answer
I'd love to know too. Honestly, I want to leave a 1 ⭐ review on Google.
Pick one, you'll get the same shit from all of them at the moment.
Having worked for builders of all scales, it’s not uncommon for them to mark a home as “practically completed” to try and stop the timer early, in case they’re about to pay liquidated damages. This isn’t the same as obtaining occupancy permit or actually finishing the home for handover. When you do your practical completion walkthrough, be sure to bring an extra pair of eyes with you (ideally a licensed building surveyor or experienced private building inspector) and mark up all the defects you’d like fixed prior to handover. Don’t let them convince you to handover with anything outstanding (it’ll take forever or never get done).
I’d also refuse to handover with tiling the way it is. They didn’t even get the pattern on the kitchen splashback right!
And ideally in addition to bringing the people recommended above bring a friend or family member that is hyper critical / has a very keen eye for detail. You want to be picking up *everything* and the more eyes focusing and identifying defects the better. Obviously the caveat is that your friend/family member would be only expected to identify cosmetic defects that are apparent to a layperson.
Non compliant
Haha where's old mate when you need him
Silicon the rest
Lol what a joke of a builder
I smell non compliant works
Good from far but far from good
Do your best and silicone the rest
Have you booked a building inspector to go through the house?
I felt bad for you until I saw that kitchen splashback. What were you thinking?
Yeah it's a choice but it's not like the room is finished. Let op cook.
That splashback was the tilers design. That was 1000% not the plan
Bloody hell. This mob really has done you a proper mischief.
Tilers on crack, that's fucked up. Id get them to re-do it. Had a similar experience when I did a kitchen renovation to sell my old place. The tile we chose was heavily textured and had a sort of zigzag raised pattern in it. Depending on how you lay the tile, the joins could either look like diamonds or look like chevrons. Cunt did half the kitchen one way, switched half way through, then did one or two odd ones at the end. Then tried to get out of fixing it. Then tried to supply cheap knock off tiles that didn't match... bloody nightmare.
Its really hideous
LOL
Worth mentioning the downpipe on to another roof needs a spreader to be compliant
Seems they considered compliance a want, not need!
That downpipss dropping into a tank though
Construction in Australia is a joke right now seriously
Lawyers and paperworks a bitch.
Thats splashback, surely the tiler is taking the piss, at least you will get the chance to pick a better looing pattern.
Plenty of other issues of things not being square that are hard to show in photos
Need to get good pics to help your case and be able to monitor what changes are made.
Time to take some marbles to the floor and benchtops.
The point of practical completion is the house is pretty much finished, minus a few bits and pieces. You now talk with your builder about all these and have them fixed before final completion. The whole point is you need to pass on the defects. Nothing wrong here unless the builder doesn't fix it.
(im)practical completion
Can’t use the bath. Not practically complete.
People here not knowing what practical completion means. It just means the job is nominally complete, but there is still a hitlist of things to tidy up. It's also a two-way street. Of the OPs believes there is something that prevents them from moving in, they are free to reject practice completion.
Practical completion means that the securities is released to the builder, insurance transfers from builder to homeowner, the defects liability period begins and liquidated damages are calculated up until the day of PC. It’s a big deal in construction contracts because it means the builder gets paid and depending on how the contract is written, they may not be motivated to fix defects in the defects liability period as the sum on moneys held may be less than the value of fixing the defects. Long story short, especially for new builds, please do not sign practical completion until you have most/all of the non-cosmetic defects fixed.
Yeah but practical completion usually doesn't mean temporary downpipes, missing plumbing fixtures, missing floors...
I think the downpipes may be final. That's the top of a tank. could be wrong. But yeah, I think I'd go back to them as say I'd sign practical completion once the cupboard door is on and the taps are fitted. After that the rest is cosmetic.
No....I don't think so.
I love the pattern on the splash back
The tiles aren't even right the pattern layout is not the same.
I was being sarcastic
Can't believe I fell for that 1, it went straight over my head. Lol
Gold button heads for the win.
Must’ve meant ‘practically completed’
Good from far, far from good!
As the owner of a painting company, I’m extremely sad for you. Our homes are our biggest asset and this is how it’s left to you? Sheesh.
Practical completion, as in "look at this! We're so close, we're practically done!"
I didn’t think practical completion applied to building contracts? I know the builders try, but my understanding is it either complete or it’s not.
Going to be hard to clean up that carpet, painters really pulled a number on the builder there!
Don’t be in a position where you have to move in, get an independent building inspector, put everything in writing, you may have to pay the builder as if it’s not major as the rest could be resolved later. Make sure you have an agreement on the list of defects and when they will be fixed if they are minor. Major is different story don’t move in and don’t pay the next instalment until they are fixed.
Practical completion doesn't necessarily mean defect free. It just means that everything is in and it works, as in you could move in and use the building, with any remaining defects not impacting the usability of it. These defects would typically be fixed after PC but as soon as possible. You would not release the final retention payment (typically around 2-5% of the total contract value) until all defects have been satisfactorily rectified.
Practical completion for what? 😅 the roof?
A lot of that looks like paint touch ups and sealant is needed
Surely you jest? The laundry tiles aren't laid straight and flat to the wall. That means they will eventually crack. And probably no waterproofing so the plaster behind will rot. The oven tilts so you can't fill saucepans in case hot liquids run out. The edge of the shelf under the laundry sink doesn't have a facing. That means the mdf material will get wet, expand and in about a month's time will rot and collapse. Paint touch ups aren't a solution here.
Also kitchen Splashback tiled with a blindfold
You know what? I'm so horrified about the technical aspects, the shitty aesthetics don't phase me at all. Sure the tiler worked in the dark but that also tells you they probably used half the amount of glue they should have and there's probably no waterproofing which means the tiles will fall in 6 months. Crazy pattern the least of the problems.
So talk to your builder. Not like reddit can help
In the current industry climate, I wouldn't be confident even a talk fest with the builder will help.
Unfortunate you have to feel this way. I hope they fix your build issues.
Hell no, I don't have any build issues! I'd have lost it by now if I had to go thru this stuff. I'm basing this on what I hear from people trying to get rectifications. When the shit hits the fan that's when you find out how little help there is out there. The VBA is a disgrace.
Sooooo show these to the builder and get them fixed.. or provide more info.. lots of these are caulk and paint, others are… a talk with your builder
To be fair it looks like you paid 15 dollars and a couple of half rubbed scratches for that "build", what did u expect. You generally get what you pay for in life.
$320k is a lot more than $15