Why investing in private inspections for your build is money you need to spend to prevent Building Disputes in Victoria
In today’s economic climate, where rising interest rates and the cost of living have made it harder for many homeowners to stretch their budgets, every penny counts. Yet, when it comes to a new home, one expense you shouldn’t overlook is investing in independent building inspections. Though it might feel like a cost you can scrimp on, the truth is that investing in thorough independent inspections could save you a significant amount of money and heartache in the future.
Lengthy legal battles: the reality of the current market
With interest rates dropping slightly recently, there’s been a sense of relief for those feeling the pinch, but the reality of homebuilding and construction is still a long and often financially taxing journey. Not only are costs spiralling but delays and legal bottlenecks are increasingly common. We’ve all heard the stories of how slow the legal processes can be, and waiting times at the Domestic Building Disputes Resolution Victoria (DBDRV) and Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) have never been longer.
When things go wrong with a new build, homeowners are often left with no choice but to enter a prolonged and emotionally exhausting battle with their builder. The process is mentally draining, financially burdensome, and often involves waiting months or even years before an issue is resolved. And with a mounting backlog of cases, it’s easy to feel as if you’re stuck in a never-ending cycle.
The hidden costs of not being proactive with independent inspections
One of the most unfortunate situations that many homeowners find themselves in is when they simply can’t afford the legal fees, building expert witness reports, or the associated costs to fight their builder in court over defects. Instead of addressing the issues early on, they end up living with subpar construction, which can affect everything from the safety and durability of their home to its resale value.
This is where manse Group’s independent stage inspections during the build come in. While many builders will claim that their work meets the required standards, our report will provide an unbiased opinion and identify any potential issues before they escalate. These inspections can identify defects, quality issues, or even simple oversight early on, preventing minor issues from snowballing into major (and costly) problems later.
If serious defects are discovered down the track such as leaking bathrooms, mould, issues with the roof or floor or non-compliant balconies, the home may be uninhabitable or unsafe and need to vacated in order to be repaired. The burden of moving out is both emotionally and financially taxing. Having to vacate, even temporarily, can disrupt your life in so many ways. Homeowners are forced to find alternative accommodation, often at their own expense, and the emotional strain of living in limbo can be overwhelming. The process of fixing the defects—whether it’s repairs that take weeks or even months—adds more uncertainty to life, forcing you to deal with the hassle of moving twice, constantly coordinating with contractors, and dealing with the stress of living out of boxes.
Why independent building inspections are critical
When you’re investing in something as important as your home, a proactive approach to ensuring its quality and safety will save you far more than you could ever spend on independent building inspections. Here are a few reasons why independent inspections should be a priority:
- Catch issues early: Building defects can often go unnoticed during the construction process. An independent inspection can spot problems such as structural defects, poor workmanship, or substandard materials early, before they become bigger—and much more expensive—issues. The sooner you address these, the less you’ll have to spend on repairs down the line.
- Peace of mind: With so many homeowners facing the burden of unresolved construction defects, the stress of navigating legal battles or enduring costly repairs is enough to take a toll. Independent inspections allow you to relax, knowing that your new home is built to the minimum standards, and that you won’t be facing surprises later on.
- Accountability: Many builders might dismiss minor issues or argue that repairs are unnecessary, but an independent inspection report can hold them accountable by providing a detailed, professional assessment of the situation. This evidence could be invaluable if a dispute arises in the future.
- Long-term savings: Investing in independent inspections may feel like an added expense now, but the long-term savings are immeasurable. By identifying issues early on, you can save significant amounts on repairs, avoid the cost of legal disputes, and even protect your property’s value. It’s a small price to pay for what could potentially save you thousands of dollars in the future.
An expense you’ll never regret
Anyone who has been through the ordeal of a building dispute will tell you they would have done things differently if given the chance. A proactive approach to inspections can in many cases help to resolve issues earlier and spare homeowners from the emotional and financial toll of dealing with defects and construction delays. This is why getting an independent inspection at critical stages of the build—pre-pour, frame, pre-plaster, waterproof-fi and final stages—is one of the smartest investments you can make.
In the end, the best advice we can share for any new homeowner is this: don’t wait for problems to arise. Be proactive in safeguarding your investment. Independent inspections are an essential part of that process, and though they may seem like an added expense, they are one of the most cost-effective decisions you can make for the future of your home.
So, while the cost of independent stage inspections for your new build in Geelong can sometimes feel like a financial stretch in the short term, it’s an investment that can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run. Don’t wait for your dream home to turn into a nightmare—take the necessary steps now to protect yourself and your future.
Contact our friendly team today.
