Concerns about Roof Work on New Build

LGilldeep on 22/04/2023 - 16:36
Last edited 24/04/2023 - 11:36 by 1 other user

Hey everyone, I recently had my builder finish the lock up stage on my property.

Unfortunately, there are several issues with the roof that need fixing. The blanketing on the roof is coming out, the screws used on the roof are unevenly placed and not in a consistent pattern. There are also several gaps that have been left unfilled, dents on the roof.

I've asked the builder to fix the problems before sending me an invoice, but they only added more screws and said I'd have to compromise on the look of the roof. I'm not sure what to do next, so I'm hoping the community can offer some advice.

Thank you!

Home & Garden Roofing

Comments

      • mrvaluepack on 23/04/2023 - 22:22
        +4

        Once you hand over the cash, youll probably never hear from him again.

      • Logical on 23/04/2023 - 22:24
        +3

        Do not pay. The work is completely defective. Get a lawyer now.

      • TightLikeThisx on 23/04/2023 - 23:05
        +5

        Just say "No worries I'm looking forward to paying you once the work is complete so please make sure the issues are rectified within the next 7 days so I won't be charged interest." Then call him up everyday from a different friends/familily members phone and ask him when his coming to look at it.

        There's a reason why he didn't respond to your email and said this over the phone. If you pay him he will either show up with someone who will say everything's fine when it's not or you will never see him again.

        As others have said get a building inspector to take a look at it and seek legal advice.

      • Name on 25/04/2023 - 12:08

        Tell him the invoice shouldn't have been issued in the first place as the job isn't up to code. Tell him once the roof has been rectified to a quality standard that meets code, reissue the invoice and then you will have 7 days to make payment or risk interest. Tell him to do his job as the builder managing the site because he has idiots running around ruining his reputation.

      • SpendLess on 25/04/2023 - 20:37

        I would tell him Yes 7 days to pay after the job is done. By looking at that roof its not done at all

  • stampella on 23/04/2023 - 09:51
    +5

    Don't need to purchase standards. Can start from the NCC that is freely available to all. Section 3.5.1 of volume 2 converts sheet metal roofing.
    I second what others said regarding getting others to look into this. Also you might want to inquire with VBA to see what they suggest. VBA is not a toothless tiger, but you will likely still need a private report by a good independent building surveyor to highlight any non compliance. What I'm mostly concerned about is what has been approved by the relevant building surveyor so far. Your point of contact for this stuff should not be the builder, but the RBS really.

  • shrewdster on 23/04/2023 - 10:01
    +15

    Get a reputable private building inspector in asap, not a prepurchase inspector but someone who specialises in handover stage inspections.

    Having a look at the photos, none of the colorbond is cut straight, your valleys are all wonky, the roof is not secured at proper spacing a, there is overhang on your gutters and as you’ve said your sarking/roof blanket is exposed. I imagine some screws would’ve been over tightened too, making the screw’s weather seal useless. The whole thing needs to be redone. I would not pay a cent until your building inspector inspects and gives you the OK.

    You really should’ve had a private building inspector from the beginning, before the slab was poured, and then at every stage. If the roof is like this, a visible component, who knows what the quality of all the hidden things are like e.g. assuming you’re on slab, was the slab reinforced properly, was the frame built properly, was the waterproofing done to standards, was the brick laid to standards, etc.

    I highly recommend anyone doing a new build to engage a private inspector from the get go. It might cost you a couple of grand but it will save you a tonne of headaches.

    FYI Home building insurance does not cover damages in an event caused by major structural defects.

    • Lichen6420 on 24/04/2023 - 14:41

      Looks like there was a few missed battens to. But not to worry, they drove another one home right next to it.

    • [Deactivated] on 24/04/2023 - 23:49
      +2

      Exactly.

      People spend 300-500k on a build, but cry over 3-5k on inspections which will save them 10s of thousands in the long run.

      Even the best builders have fault by trades that are missed.

  • altomic on 23/04/2023 - 10:03
    +17

    just incase you missed the general vibe of comments previously posted - that roofing is absolute shit.

    don't pay a cent.

    • drfuzzy on 25/04/2023 - 19:39

      "Your honour, the general vibe is that the roofing is absolute shit."

      • altomic on 26/04/2023 - 08:43

        "sustained"

  • smartazz104 on 23/04/2023 - 10:20
    +1

    and said I'd have to compromise on the look of the roof.

    Tell him he can compromise on how much he gets paid.

  • bigbadboogieman on 23/04/2023 - 10:22
    +3

    Do not let this go. Roof will become a major issue as time passes by.

    • Name on 25/04/2023 - 12:11

      I'd say it wouldn't even be an issue as time passes. It'd be an issue from the very first time it rains.

  • bigbadboogieman on 23/04/2023 - 10:24
    +8

    Please name and shame the builder so we can all steer clear of this shit!

  • Devastator0 on 23/04/2023 - 10:51
    +2

    Classic dodgy/shoddy Victorian builders.

  • gromit on 23/04/2023 - 11:17

    holy crap, even I have done better for my parents Machinery shed and I have no qualifications apart from making an effort and being neat and careful.

  • cbastien on 23/04/2023 - 11:17

    I would get rid of the house even if I’m losing 100k in the process. Not worth the stress/time.

    • serpserpserp on 24/04/2023 - 09:42

      Yeah renting would be so much less stressful….

      • cbastien on 24/04/2023 - 11:19

        Serious question. What if the builder goes bankrupt and can’t finish/fix the house ? How much do you think it will cost OP ?

        • Lichen6420 on 24/04/2023 - 14:44
          +3

          There is insurance for this to cover additional costs that are required to have the build finished.

          This here is exactly why you don’t pay the builder until the work has actually been finished to standard. If you pay to early and they go belly up your under insured.

          Have a read below for the QLD scheme, it is compulsory and we had to pay it as part of our build contract, it’s like gap cover.

          Basically if your builder folds they cover the extra costs above the original contracted price to get the construction contract finished to quoted standard. Up to 200k.

          So if your builder folds and a new builder wants an additional 80k on top of the original contract price to finish the build that’s what is covered.

          The new builder has to assume a lot of risk and warranty the previous work so they won’t touch it if there is no money to be made in the scope of the original contract. Finding a builder willing to do this is actually very hard.

          Best time for a builder to fold is when they finish or near completion of a stage but you haven’t paid them yet. Worst time for is when you just paid for a completed stage and the build doesn’t progress any further.

          Withholding payment for incomplete or shoddy work is the best protection you have.

          https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/complaints-disputes/building-wor…

    • drfuzzy on 03/05/2023 - 11:51

      This mentality is why half of Australia is dirt poor. First sign of a problem sell it and lose $100,000 as you don't like "stress".

      • cbastien on 03/05/2023 - 20:02

        Do you have numbers ? Looking at GDP and average income worldwide rank, we are pretty good. Average Quality of life is also clearly higher than in most countries. Maybe Norway and Switzerland can be considered better… especially if you consider the quality of snow they get compare to us. It is going to be hard to beat them.

  • valium on 23/04/2023 - 11:22

    get the site inspection guy from tiktok out asap.

    https://www.tiktok.com/@siteinspections

  • cheaptech20 on 23/04/2023 - 12:04
    +4

    The best tool you have is holding back payment on the basis of the non compliant work.
    Write a formal letter to them and get a private inspection.

  • foolsgold on 23/04/2023 - 12:09
    +5

    There is no chance that roof wouldn't leak from day 0. Wow, horrid.
    Step one is to send the photos immediately to the building surveyor on your permit, it be on the sign at the front of your site, they can issue a rectification notice and it start a paper trail.
    Secondly, I'd get a building inspector asap, it seems like they can help at least give you some expert opinion on that.
    If you can visibly see holes in your roof, theres got to be some serious issues with other stuff on your site.

    I don't even know where to begin with what problems there are there, from sheets being creased, not correctly overlapped, theres a damn hole on one of the sheets, gutters with no correct fall, the wrap sticking out is the least of the issues!

    OP Please post some pictures of the framing especially the roof trusses from underneath and inside the house it looks like there some significant issues adding to the roof.

  • Charlieeee on 23/04/2023 - 12:22
    +3

    please keep us updated op! i'd love to hear about the outcome

  • Daniel Plainview on 23/04/2023 - 12:31
    +7

    Bloody hell - what disgraceful work!

    Absolutely no excuses and looks like it's been done by the work experience kid or a drunkard! Even worse is when flagged on it they tried to fob off - make sure you hang tough on it - and take loads of pix to document and record all comms.

    PITA is they'll likely be arseholes about things now when there's absolutely no reason it should have been so poorly done. Disgraceful lack of professionalism by the builder who should be named and shamed.

  • UFO on 23/04/2023 - 12:37
    +6

    Name and shame that POS builder!!! It's not defamation when it's the truth. Have a look at those photos, that's beyond shait.

  • Euphemistic on 23/04/2023 - 13:03
    +4

    It’s a terrible job. Do not accept it, do not pay for it. Stand your ground.

  • vince088 on 23/04/2023 - 13:40
    +1

    get the tiktok inspector - "i smell non-compliant" :D

    • moneyhungry on 23/04/2023 - 17:39
      +1

      He will get good views with this job.

  • redslert on 23/04/2023 - 13:41
    +4

    Imagine what it is like for things you cannot see!

  • sir-screwball on 23/04/2023 - 14:03
    +2

    Did I do this when I was drunk? I don't remember it but it looks like I did. Also I'm not a roofer.

    • knk on 23/04/2023 - 15:53
      +3

      I reckon we could punch a few cones and sink a few beers right now and do a better job than this in all honesty.

  • misfitt1911 on 23/04/2023 - 14:14
    +3

    These "builders" should have their builders licence revoked (assuming they have a licence).

  • pegasusx on 23/04/2023 - 14:49
    +6

    This is apprentice / DIY work. They cut the sheet ends with snips. Any professional roofer will do this with gullitne/shears.
    100% this will, not only leak, but water will pool up as the expansion foam breaks down and block your down pipe.

    Red flags not only for the roof. But check all other work if the builder think this is some how acceptable.
    **Worse case, is If the roof sheets are like that due to the poor framing of the roof beams and raffters. Then you have a bigger problem.

  • 82norm on 23/04/2023 - 15:20
    +8

    This builder obviously has no moral compass. Blind Freddy can tell you this job is not sub-standard, it’s beyond pale and taking the piss. The entire roof needs to be ripped out and re-done again, preferably not from him. This is plain wrong. Best of luck mate.

    This is good ACA story if I’ve ever one.

    • nwa on 23/04/2023 - 15:52
      +3

      OP if you don't want to name the builder, we will find out on ACA.

  • ylukman on 23/04/2023 - 16:15
    +2

    I know for sure one roofer to avoid in NSW : Alfa Roofing - Nikkolo Paton. Crap work and won't reply to rectify after payment.

    • nwa on 23/04/2023 - 19:00
      +2

      Something doesn't add up, they have a perfect 5 star google rating from 150+ reviews not a single 1-4 star rating.

      • sir-screwball on 23/04/2023 - 19:20
        +3

        There's also no such thing as buying 5 star reviews either so you know they're all legit

        • ylukman on 23/04/2023 - 23:35

          Well, you may try if you want. My experience proofed otherwise. Tenant can testify.

      • ylukman on 23/04/2023 - 23:25

        That's what I thought, until proven otherwise.

    • 42 on 24/04/2023 - 15:05

      Did you take them to Fair Trading?

      • ylukman on 29/04/2023 - 11:25

        not yet

    • Thinkswithelbow on 24/04/2023 - 19:27

      he did the most amazing work for me and repaired a hole that no one else could find.

      He was reasonably priced too. Almost half as one of the other large companies

      What was your exp ?

      He also was able to complete the work with 2cweeks of quoting…not 3 months

      • ylukman on 29/04/2023 - 11:27

        He did give quote, nice words, etc, etc, but never reply my calls, email, text, fb message after payment and called to rectify the leak. Seems he even blocked me cause I tried using my number and always failed then I tried using other number he picked up but as soon as he knew who I am then he disconnected and I can't make call from that other number.

  • jrvb42 on 23/04/2023 - 16:19
    +4

    If the builder wants you to compromise on the quality and finish, just check that they are also happy to compromise on the payment. You'll probably find they are not keen. You have to put it in terms these pricks understand. Once you pay, you lose all bargaining power, and legally have accepted the work as satisfactory! So fix the problem now. I've just been thru similar issues. They respond much better when payment is withheld until defects are fixed.

    • burningrage on 23/04/2023 - 21:15
      +1

      The problem is their version of "satisfactory" is different to what normal human being's version of satisfactory (ie: It's not their home so they don't care)

      In my review of a (recently collapsed) volume builder, I complained about uneven roof painting and the building supervisor came back saying the building code said if it is not visible within 3m (or something like that), then it is acceptable but you could actually see the painting was uneven at slightly longer distance.

      You almost have to employ a building inspector at every stage just in order to get a fighting chance against shoddy work because they wouldn't argue back against certified building inspector. It costs money unfortunately.

  • klonky on 23/04/2023 - 16:39

    The gap in that roof is large enough for animals to get in to.

  • Herbse on 23/04/2023 - 16:43

    You haven't got your own building inspector for any part of the building stage?

  • moneyhungry on 23/04/2023 - 17:36
    +1

    How this builder accepted this work from the roofing plumbers is beyond me. This roof will leak and cause bigger problems in the near future.

  • grr1701 on 23/04/2023 - 17:42
    +1

    Disgraceful, unprofessional job completed by a total hack!

  • jaffar on 23/04/2023 - 18:10

    BL op. Hate shoddy work

  • silkysmooth on 23/04/2023 - 18:41
    +3

    Which builder is this?

  • Davo1111 on 23/04/2023 - 19:11
    +1

    If this is real. You need to get legal advice.

  • berger on 23/04/2023 - 20:38

    These pictures are a joke for attention!

    If they are of your actual roof I would be seeking legal advice and getting the whole thing replaced.

  • sillycattle on 23/04/2023 - 21:25
    +4

    Is your roof Colorbond. What I mean, did you ask for and pay for Colorbond? Get in touch with a local Bluescope Steel rep or PM me if you can't find one and I'll find one tomorrow. That is an absolutely terrible installation. That batting is supposed to stop a certain distance from valleys and gutters to avoid essentially sucking moisture up into the roof. Sheet damage like that is terrible.

    I would be concerned that the details like the right sealant, right fasteners, caps, etc have been used. Of all things to screw around with the roof is a bad one.

    If it were mine I would get a full inspection carried out. You are already out of pocket - pay for a report or pay for repairs. Only the report route will give you a stop loss.

    • sillycattle on 23/04/2023 - 21:55
      +5

      BTW that is an atrocious installation. I'm just amazed at the bent sheets, uneven lines at the gutters. I think it will need a complete re-roof because it hasn't been installed square. It is wasteful I know, but that's not storm safe let alone looking like a professional job.

  • Morphio25 on 23/04/2023 - 21:59
    +2

    And here I thought the morons responsible for the roofing/gutters on the build next door to me were bad.

    The work on this build makes the house next to me look like a Picasso.

    • serpserpserp on 24/04/2023 - 09:47
      +4

      Picasso made some pretty wonky paintings. Maybe you meant Monet.

      • zoob on 24/04/2023 - 15:35

        Picasso seems like a perfect description of this roof

        • sam-1966 on 04/05/2023 - 12:45

          Or Dali.

  • n0u on 23/04/2023 - 22:11
    +1

    I've seen work get rejected for much much less than that - I wouldn't hand over any money until it's resolved. You'll be facing issues down the track when it starts raining and possibly caves in due to water ingress (not to mention mould)

  • S onny on 23/04/2023 - 22:36
    +2

    Call your building surveyor and get him involved. Ask him how is this passed the payment stage.
    Do everything in writing and keep a record of all conversation. Even a phone call note it on a diary.

    • zeoko on 24/04/2023 - 21:18
      +3

      With phone calls best policy is to write an email to the person after you spoke to them, summarizing what was discussed and highlighting specific outcomes or conclusions and ask them to confirm.

  • john_conner on 23/04/2023 - 22:43

    Don’t pay until it’s been done properly.
    You wouldn’t pay for a car that was delivered damaged or carton of eggs that have been dropped!

    Wow that roof is more uneven than if they had used smiths crisps for sheeting…

  • Cluster on 23/04/2023 - 23:40
    +2

    I have never done roofing work, but if I DIYed that as my first effort I would be ashamed.

    The entire roof needs to be redone. Simple as that. There is no saving it.

  • Ace26 on 23/04/2023 - 23:53

    like many have said here, don't pay anymore and arrange a comprehensive inspection done from a reputable company, I used Nathan from newhomeinspections in Vic and he was super thorough with each phase of the build and builder had corrected all issues with evidence.

  • stewy on 24/04/2023 - 01:15
    +2

    Be careful listening to all the advice here of don't pay. Make sure you read your contract and thoroughly understand it, get legal advice if in doubt. Builder's contracts are usually heavily in their favour and I wouldn't be surprised if you are in breach of contract by not paying, which can open a whole can of worms more than just the 20% interest the builder is telling you about.

    As for the shoddy work, now is the time to hire a private inspector to inspect and document the defects (although your builder will likely try deny access). Then follow the defects process within your contract plus look to follow the VBA's complaints process.

    • Eeples on 24/04/2023 - 02:01
      +1

      I don’t get it. Why pay when the roof is not completed to standard?

      • stewy on 24/04/2023 - 11:45
        +2

        It's been a while since I read a building contract but they are usually written by the builder's associations and are heavily in the builder's favour. So wouldn't surprise me if it's written in a pay now, dispute defects later sense.

        If the OP breaches the contract then the builder can probably stop work and start passing on delay costs on top of the interest.

        It's really not as simple as saying don't pay. OP needs to read and thoroughly understand their contract. The OP really should be seeking legal advice from a lawyer that has experience in home building disputes.

        • Knightelf on 24/04/2023 - 15:31
          +8

          I am a lawyer and I would not pay the guy regardless of what the contract says. Possession is 3/5 of the law. You can kiss your money goodbye if you paid the guy and risk never getting it rectified. Someone with this kind of ethic will 100% run off with your money. This builder will never sue with this shoddy roof and the potential for this to go public / countersued. (Not legal advice, just what I would do).

    • Name on 25/04/2023 - 12:20

      Good point to read the contract. I'd also read it through the lens of should the invoice have even been issued in the first place given that standard of work. Like that work is beyond a small defect. It will need to be completely redone and it should be redone before they start to enclose the building.

  • ConsumerAffairs on 24/04/2023 - 02:13
    +1

    A building inspection is the least of the problems with this, this metal roof installation wouldn't pass a plumbing inspection in which this falls under.
    I wouldn't be overly concerned about the framework underneath, any good roofing plumber would and should be able to cover any sloppiness in the frame without affecting the quality of the roof.
    The depth and alignment of the sheets into the spouting is a big no no as this shows that the sheets are out of alignment and potentially haven't been lapped correctly, the wool hasn't been peeled back off the sisalation in the valleys which will lead to water drawing back up the sheets causing leaks, the roof hasn't been correctly screwed down, the capping is a shit show that will let vermin in and looks like it was completed with offcuts and as for the rest, it's all aesthetic and won't affect the functionality of the roof BUT any good roof plumber would have corrected it or more to the point, wouldn't have let it happen in the first place.
    I wouldn't be paying any more cash out until you have a guarantee this roof gets rectified, get pictures of the display home roof as a comparison because they make sure those houses are faultless.

  • RefusdClassification on 24/04/2023 - 03:37
    +9

    Typical Australia. You pay a fortune for a house and you get bottom of the barrel quality. Everything is so cheap, and by cheap I don't mean "bargain" but rather low quality with minimal effort.

    • jellykingdom on 25/04/2023 - 21:25

      The crazy part is all of the red tape regarding building certification etc
      We have mountains of paperwork but still nothing stops the terrible workmanship

    • Ghost47 on 25/04/2023 - 23:18

      It's absolutely disgusting and sad.

  • kiwimex on 24/04/2023 - 07:43

    Do not pay for that roofing job, it is totally unacceptable. I would be requesting a complete replacement.

  • ialam99 on 24/04/2023 - 08:12

    I think its worth asking your builder that if they're picking up a brand new car and they notice some dents on the panels and the dealer is explaining to them that they'll just need to compromise on the look of the brand new car, how would they respond to that?

    I would engage with a reputable building inspector to check through everything because if this is what they've done with the roof, who knows what else is done with the rest of the house.

    Darbecca based in the western surburbs of melb is one ive used in the past but there are plenty of other reputable ones as well.

  • h0mbre on 24/04/2023 - 09:11
    +14

    Builder here.

    Don't pay anything, get a building inspector to give you an inspection report on all the defects in the work (if you can't do this yourself).

    (profanity) me, this shit just depresses me.

    I'm sorry to say but there is no rectifying this abortion without aesthetic or structural compromise, the entire roof needs to be redone.

  • CocaKoala on 24/04/2023 - 09:44
    +4

    Jeez, this is painful to see. As others have pointed out these are the things you must do to protect your capital:

    1. DO not pay any money to the builder and stop talking to them until you get legal advice
    2. Talk to a solicitor now and follow their advise to the letter.
    3. Get a qualified independent building inspector and get them to list all the defects and if it's repairable or the whole thing needs to be redone (sadly I think it's the latter).
  • sraymond on 24/04/2023 - 09:51
    +5

    My sons is a roofer. I sent him the pics.

    Yeah that’s a shocker.
    Almost none of that is fixable either. Needs full replacement.

  • serpserpserp on 24/04/2023 - 09:52
    +3

    Is your builder a volume builder? I'd be concerned if they are pushing for payment. Perhaps the subbie hasn't been paid in ages and is just doing poor work because of it.

  • anzacpaul on 24/04/2023 - 10:53
    +1

    Any builder worth their salt would tear strips off of a roofer for a job like that.

    Absolutely terrible.

  • Piranha2004 on 24/04/2023 - 11:15

    Get onto site inspections since youre in Victoria

  • notfrodo on 24/04/2023 - 11:21
    +2

    Who is the builder? Just so that others don't have to go through this.

  • Venustrap87 on 24/04/2023 - 11:28

    This is a disgrace

    Tell ur builder to fix the mess

  • lew380 on 24/04/2023 - 11:31

    The builder had to be on meth or some "performance enhancing" medication to do this kind of a job haha

  • dealsucker on 24/04/2023 - 11:40
    -6

    Not being racist here guys but the OP name sounds Indian. Is this an Indian builder you are working with? This is absolutely horrendous work. DO NOT PAY A PENNY.

    Can you name the builder?

    • freefall101 on 25/04/2023 - 19:40
      +1

      Not being racist here guys but

      Not being condescending here but a tip, if you have to actually write this then you’re probably more racist than you think you are.

    • Ghost47 on 25/04/2023 - 23:20

      This is like saying "I'm not racist my wife is Asian" lmfao.

  • johnfuller on 24/04/2023 - 11:41
    +1

    no way in hell that roof was done by a roofer

    • yokel on 24/04/2023 - 13:10
      +2

      yeah its not even fit for a shed

  • venturis on 24/04/2023 - 11:59
    +5

    I don't think it's been mentioned already but the most appropriate course of action in my view would be to immediately file a complaint with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA).

    If you were based in the West Coast of Australia I could give you much more information on the process but it will be similar to the Building Commission in WA.

    You can file a complaint for faulty, not proper or not proficient building work at any stage of the construction and a specified number of years after practical completion (during the statutory warranty period).

    Its relatively low cost to file a complaint. Its the very first thing you should do to protect yourself. Based on teh photos and in conjuction with a building inspection report you would have no trouble demonstrating to the VBA the work was faulty. You may also be able to recover the cost of the the building inspection from the builder.

    • madreece on 24/04/2023 - 12:20
      +1

      Great advice venturis.

      Stay away from the Tictoc idiot and deal with the people who have the powers to get things rectified.

      https://www.vba.vic.gov.au/plumbing is your starting point. As others have said, beware of not paying your progress payment as you will be in breach of contract. Your building contract should have info in the back regarding conflict resolution.

      Good luck, and this is one of the worst roofing jobs I have seen.

  • Brick50 on 24/04/2023 - 12:05

    https://www.facebook.com/totaltools/photos/a.139777871695150…

    Looks like OP's house

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