Shower Grout and Waterproofing Problem

Lbremo on 20/04/2017 - 20:17
Last edited 20/04/2017 - 20:34

Looking for some advice please,

I bought my current house off the plan in Melbourne just under 5 years ago, and the grouting in the shower has started to crumble and crack, and by the looks of it there is a problem with the waterproofing. Two of the tiles look swollen as though water has collected behind it (hard to show in pictures), and there is also some water damage to plaster outside the shower (swollen plaster with mould growing also).

What options do I have as far as holding the builder accountable for this? This house was purchased off the plan by a small private builder (not a Metricon or similar.)

I have uploaded photos to show what I mean:
https://1drv.ms/f/s!AuPUYVkqkvg_o2zVy0m2cEN_97xJ

Thanks in advance for any help! I am lost about what to do in this situation.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • MITM on 20/04/2017 - 20:31
    +1

    Check your building guarantee - I'm sure you'll find it's 10 years for a new build.
    Shower wet area obviously hasn't been sealed properly before tiling.
    I'd be onto your Building Authority about now.

    • bremo on 20/04/2017 - 20:35

      Cheers thanks for the input. I am in Melbourne so i'm assuming you are referring to this:
      https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing-and-accommodation/bu…

      "These warranties transfer to a new owner for up to 10 years from completion of the work."

      • MITM on 20/04/2017 - 20:44
        +1

        Call them up and they will take care of everything including the cost to rectify. Generally they'll meet with the builder on site and get him to fix it.
        If he's not around any more, they will meet with 3 builders on site and get them to quote to rectify.
        The 3 builders will get together and decide between themselves who wants the job and for how much - and they will quote accordingly ;-)
        That's why builders pay into the insurance fund which is included in the price of the building - so you've effectively paid for it - it's your entitlement.

        • bremo on 20/04/2017 - 21:08

          Thanks again MITM! I think I will try to contact the builder directly and see if we can resolve it that way, which is what consumer affairs recommends as a first step. Otherwise I will raise a dispute with them. Thanks for all the infom you have steered me in the right direction.

          https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing-and-accommodation/bu…

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