Tile the bathroom yourself. Lay accoustic backed vinyl yourself, put the trims on yourself, install a shower screen yourself - all very easy to do, and would cost under 10k. All you really need trade wise is a sparky. Theres no excuses, just get it done man, youll be ok to do it.
Thank you very much. There are plenty of other people in worse off positions and I definitely am lucky to have the capability to complete most of the remaining work.
You can tile it, easy peasy. Grab a 500mm tile cutter and watch some videos about tiling, practise cutting a few shapes out of cheap tiles, and you'll have it done before you know it. It's actually easy with the right tools.
Sadly I've had my builder have their licence suspended recently... Well, I'm going in for Owner Builder now, as don't want to deal with the builders any more. We are only at frame stage, so lot of work ahead, but hey I think there is opportunity here to take more control of the build (I'm a project manager by trade), organise tradies, supplies etc, supported by a building inspector to provide guidance on the process, and get the job done right! Also helpful I have a neighbour who is also currently building and happens to be doing it as owner builder.. ! Are you Sydney based?
Yep owner builder is definitely the way to go. The trust has gone from these builders. You will definitely take more care and time with your own house rather than a builder who just wants to get paid
This paying for services in advance in Australia for everything must stop. If they need proof of means to cover costs, we must start insisting an escrow agreement. Escrow is a legal or financial agreement in which a third party holds money, property, or other assets for two parties that are in the process of completing a transaction. There is just far too much poor and pathetic workmanship in the building industry and far too many businesses on the verge of bankruptcy to risk your hard-earned cash.
Liked your video. I think the insurance covers you for the EXTRA cost of completion. So for example if $ 100,000 of work left in your original contract, and it costs you $ 150,000, then you should be covered for the $50k's up to maximum of $ 200k's. BUT.... if your original contract was too low for the real value of the works being done, you may not get the full $200k's maximum. Frankly, to my eyes, most of the completed works are fairly OK. And yes, you need to get a tiler for the bathroom, cabinetmaker for kitchen etc.... but you in the trade; ask around, you'll quickly get some recommendations. Your GREATEST problem will be getting your electrics and plumbing completed AND SIGNED OFF. I'd be suggesting you track down the original plumber and electrician. Do a deal ( you might have to pay them overdue invoices ) and get to complete the works. Ditto, if completing yourself, you'll need to transfer the Building Permit into your name. And before I forget, track down the guy who did the bathroom water-proofing. You'll probably need a certificate for the works done. ( and if it were my house - I'd put more waterproofing in the bathroom, it seems to be the bare minimum ). Re-interating, yes lots of little things to complete, but the bones of the house actually look OK.
Cheers mate, it does say at the bottom of my hbcf Icare insurance they only cover 20% of the original contract value. Perhaps this may be different in different states. What state are you from?
I assume you have not paid him for work not yet done. Hire another builder. Let the existing one know. He was probably too cheap that is why he has gone bust. I would argue you should have paid more anyway to reflect the true cost of the build. So put that into finishing it. Talk to the plumber sub to see what he is owed if anything and what it would cost to finish. Same for electrician. the door and cupboards you should be able to finish. Stuff happens.
Sad story mate but you aren't the first and won't be the last no doubt. It's pathetic the state of things these days and at least you are skilled enough to sort some of this stuff yourself. I am about to have a bathroom renovation completed and the demo guys after rejecting an offer for us to move it, damaged both corners of our buffet cabinet. The gyprocker decided to make a 1200 long cut with an ANGLE GRINDER inside our house and as you imagine filled the whole place with dust. The first coat of waterproofing that was done missed so many spots it would have been useless as well as them walking waterproofing boot prints onto our floor. After I painted the ceiling with aqua block as that was my job the tiler punched a hole through it and left at least 3 to 4 other dents or black marks. Then the shower screen guy flung the front door open and punched a door knob sized hole in the wall where I had recently patched it and painted the whole wall. Frustrating as hell when you are paying 20k for a modest bathroom but still not as frustrating as the situation you have been left in.
Tile the bathroom yourself. Lay accoustic backed vinyl yourself, put the trims on yourself, install a shower screen yourself - all very easy to do, and would cost under 10k. All you really need trade wise is a sparky. Theres no excuses, just get it done man, youll be ok to do it.
Thank you for the honesty. It will definitely help others. Best of luck on the next step. You seem like you are very capable of getting through it.
Thank you very much. There are plenty of other people in worse off positions and I definitely am lucky to have the capability to complete most of the remaining work.
You can tile it, easy peasy. Grab a 500mm tile cutter and watch some videos about tiling, practise cutting a few shapes out of cheap tiles, and you'll have it done before you know it. It's actually easy with the right tools.
How did you, a qualified carpenter let some of that bad work pass??
Builder went bust before we could go to defect stage.
Sadly I've had my builder have their licence suspended recently... Well, I'm going in for Owner Builder now, as don't want to deal with the builders any more. We are only at frame stage, so lot of work ahead, but hey I think there is opportunity here to take more control of the build (I'm a project manager by trade), organise tradies, supplies etc, supported by a building inspector to provide guidance on the process, and get the job done right! Also helpful I have a neighbour who is also currently building and happens to be doing it as owner builder.. !
Are you Sydney based?
Yep owner builder is definitely the way to go. The trust has gone from these builders. You will definitely take more care and time with your own house rather than a builder who just wants to get paid
In my experience with builders, you need to be there every day overseeing the work that is done. So may as well manage it yourself.
That sucks mate the industry has really gone to shit i hear these horror stories a lot best of luck in the future
Yeah the industry needs a complete overhaul otherwise nothing will change
This paying for services in advance in Australia for everything must stop.
If they need proof of means to cover costs, we must start insisting an escrow agreement.
Escrow is a legal or financial agreement in which a third party holds money,
property, or other assets for two parties that are in the process of completing a transaction.
There is just far too much poor and pathetic workmanship in the building industry and far
too many businesses on the verge of bankruptcy to risk your hard-earned cash.
This is 100% right, something needs to be incorporated to protect the purchaser
Liked your video. I think the insurance covers you for the EXTRA cost of completion. So for example if $ 100,000 of work left in your original contract, and it costs you $ 150,000, then you should be covered for the $50k's up to maximum of $ 200k's. BUT.... if your original contract was too low for the real value of the works being done, you may not get the full $200k's maximum. Frankly, to my eyes, most of the completed works are fairly OK. And yes, you need to get a tiler for the bathroom, cabinetmaker for kitchen etc.... but you in the trade; ask around, you'll quickly get some recommendations. Your GREATEST problem will be getting your electrics and plumbing completed AND SIGNED OFF. I'd be suggesting you track down the original plumber and electrician. Do a deal ( you might have to pay them overdue invoices ) and get to complete the works. Ditto, if completing yourself, you'll need to transfer the Building Permit into your name. And before I forget, track down the guy who did the bathroom water-proofing. You'll probably need a certificate for the works done. ( and if it were my house - I'd put more waterproofing in the bathroom, it seems to be the bare minimum ). Re-interating, yes lots of little things to complete, but the bones of the house actually look OK.
Cheers mate, it does say at the bottom of my hbcf Icare insurance they only cover 20% of the original contract value. Perhaps this may be different in different states. What state are you from?
I assume you have not paid him for work not yet done. Hire another builder. Let the existing one know. He was probably too cheap that is why he has gone bust. I would argue you should have paid more anyway to reflect the true cost of the build. So put that into finishing it. Talk to the plumber sub to see what he is owed if anything and what it would cost to finish. Same for electrician. the door and cupboards you should be able to finish. Stuff happens.
The key word in your argument is “assume”. Unfortunately your assumption is incorrect, 90% has been paid
Is Escrow a thing in Aus?
Not really unfortunately
To be honest, I've seen a lot worse than that. I've lived in a lot worse. Go to your bank. Have a chat with them. They will help you. Good luck.
Yes I definitely am lucky and there are plenty of people in worse positions than me
Sad story mate but you aren't the first and won't be the last no doubt. It's pathetic the state of things these days and at least you are skilled enough to sort some of this stuff yourself. I am about to have a bathroom renovation completed and the demo guys after rejecting an offer for us to move it, damaged both corners of our buffet cabinet. The gyprocker decided to make a 1200 long cut with an ANGLE GRINDER inside our house and as you imagine filled the whole place with dust. The first coat of waterproofing that was done missed so many spots it would have been useless as well as them walking waterproofing boot prints onto our floor. After I painted the ceiling with aqua block as that was my job the tiler punched a hole through it and left at least 3 to 4 other dents or black marks. Then the shower screen guy flung the front door open and punched a door knob sized hole in the wall where I had recently patched it and painted the whole wall. Frustrating as hell when you are paying 20k for a modest bathroom but still not as frustrating as the situation you have been left in.
Unfortunately trades just don’t care these days, not all of them but a fair chunk just want to get paid and leave
@@scared_media All too common and no pride in one's work.