Impartial and independent advice to help you through the process can:
- Significantly reduce the likelihood of disputes and stress during construction
- Protect and understand your rights and ensure you are aware of your responsibilities
- Clarify any discrepancies between your contract documents
- Put you at ease as we walk you through each section of the contract, explaining the terms and clauses,
ensuring you have a clear understanding of all the information - Reduce the risk of costly variations as once signed, any changes to your contract can result in
additional costs, no matter how small the change is - Retain your rights to a cooling-off period: The Domestic Building Contracts Act states that if you
appoint “an Australian legal practitioner” to review your documentation, you “cannot withdraw from a
contract”. We are building professionals, therefore the five day cooling-off period still applies
The word ‘quality’ means different things to different people. To us, it is a standard that is second to none.
It means no cutting corners; it’s done right. It’s professional. It has class. It does what it should do and looks like it should look. Quality doesn’t compromise.
Absolutely! Many of our clients enlist our services after discovering the complexity of the construction process. Our support is especially valuable during the build. Site inspections at key stages (typically Pre-pour, Frame, Pre-plaster, Waterproof/Fix and Final) can highlight important items that do not meet the Building Code of Australia, Victorian Building Authority Standards and Tolerances and relevant Australian Standards.
Architects/Draughtspersons are design professionals. Their main focus is on design and not always on the ‘how’ it is constructed or the cost and quality of construction. We bring building expertise to the table during the design phase of a project – this is called ‘buildability’. We add value by looking at choice of materials, how new works are integrated with existing parts of the building and opportunities for cost savings, while taking a logical approach to problem solving.
We are based in Geelong and service home owners, Builders and Architects throughout Victoria.
The design phase. Spend the time ironing out all the kinks before your design is finalised. There’s no need to rush! This will minimise project delays and budget blowouts, and make the building process a lot less stressful (for everyone!).
While we have a keen eye for detail, we do not check that the fixtures, fittings and furnishings installed is what you selected. For example, we will check that the carpet has been installed with no ripples, bumps, stains or poor joins, however we won’t look to see if it is the colour you chose. Our main purpose is to ensure that the structural integrity and general workmanship of your build meets industry standards.
For a standard home being custom designed through to handover, 12-24 months is typical.
Simply put, the builder is required to warrant the project for 10 years as per section 134 of the Building Act. This states; “despite anything to the contrary in the Limitation of Actions Act 1958 or in any other Act or law,
a building action cannot be brought more than 10 years after the date of issue of the occupancy permit.” This is also referred to as the “prescribed period”.Another form of protection is the defect liability period for defects identified post handover. This is
typically 3 months but can range up to 12 months and will be outlined within the specific Major Domestic Building Contract.There is also Domestic Building Insurance (DBI). This insurance should be taken out by the Registered Building Practitioner for projects over the value of $16,000 but only covers the project if the builder goes missing, dies or becomes insolvent. This covers the build structurally for 6 years and 6 months and for 2 years for non-structural items. More information can be found at the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA) website:
www.dbi.vmia.vic.gov.au.
We work independently for our clients. If you would like us to be involved with client-builder meetings we are happy to do so. Depending on your preference, we can either liaise directly with your builder, or you can pass on our inspection reports to them.
None. Manse Group cannot make your builder do anything, however with the help of the law i.e. Building Act, Building Regulations, BCA, Australian Standards and the VBA’s Guide to Standards and Tolerances, you can rest assured that any defect we identify is based on facts and known industry standards.
Our recommendations are always unbiased and 100% facts-based. With the project documentation (contract, specifications and drawings), and the law and industry standards on our side, rest assured that everything that can be done, will be done to achieve the desired outcome.
The Victorian Building Authority states that “Domestic building work more than $16,000 will require domestic building insurance and will cover costs up to $300,000 to fix structural defects for six years, and non-structural defects for two years from 1 July 2014.” CLICK HERE to read more
It depends on the level of support you’re after and the size, cost and location of your project. We are happy to discuss your needs and talk through pricing so please get in touch.
We certainly do! Forget socks and jocks, a Manse Group Gift Voucher is the most thoughtful gift you could possibly give. Your loved one will treasure your gift and their beautiful new home forever. Vouchers are available for any value, a specific inspection or a quality assurance package of your choice. Our personalised service will provide guidance through the new build process making it less stressful… and you’ll go down in history as being the best gift-giver ever!
How do we get started?
Simply get in touch to arrange a complimentary consultation. Contact
us to discuss.