You have made the exciting decision to build a brand-new home. Unfortunately, your builder was not all that “fantastic” and your brand-new home is riddled with defects.
Where to now?
First request the builder, in writing, to fix the defects. All new enrolled homes contain a warranty, requiring the builder by law, to rectify any:
1. workmanship related defects that occur in the first 3 months after occupation. Workmanship defects are things such as loose door handles, peeling paint, cracked sinks and so forth – after this period, these “defects” are considered normal wear and tear for you as the homeowner to maintain.
2. roof leaks that occur in the first twelve months after occupation.
3. major structural defects that occur in the first five years after occupation.
Second, if the builder is not capable or able to rectify the defects, the National Home Builders Registration Council, or NHBRC for short, may use its own warranty funds for repair. There is a process to be followed where you lodge your claim online, show proof of your notification to the builder and confirm that the builder is not coming to your assistance.
PROTECTION BY THE NHBRC?
Only available to enrolled homes.
NB – YOU MUST REQUEST (i) a certificate of registration of your builder with the NHBRC and (ii) the certificate of proof of enrolment of your home before any construction starts.
