Dodgy Builders

Hi there and welcome to Canberra.

I would suggest you to take a look at Transition homes, Transitionhomes.com.au. I have used their services. Their services were of high standard and definitely very professional. Also unlike other big builders, they actually offer you personalized services which was what we really needed.

In terms of painting, I highly suggest you to do it yourself because not only will you be saving money but you can do it according to your convenience. I have had some really bad experiences with painters where they were really rude or did not come at the time mentioned. It became a real hassle because everything was a mess and when they don’t show up, the house stays in that condition which is really annoying.

I hope everything works out with you.

John boy, has RA previously considered listing preferred service providers?

R recommendations would need to Be somehow vetted to stop self promotion and the like.

On these notes, is there anything like an Angie’s List in Canberra (or Australia)? We had a major home renovation project in the US and picked a builder with an A rating on Angie’s list. He did not want his rating messed up so he dealt with all the problems quickly and effectively.

http://www.angieslist.com/

mtb_rider said :

JeanPierre9 said :

I am thinking that it is about time to start to name and shame these builders and tradies, let me know what do you think?

The list would be too long! 🙂
Just list the good ones – that’ll keep things nice and short – and support the builders/tradies doing quality work

I’d love the RA to put together a section for lists of things like this. My partner and I are looking to build next year and it’s just pot luck. A section listing good builders, good tradies, good car mechanics, good eats, etc would be handy for both the newbie and Canberran alike. I’ve been here for over 10 years and some things are still a tough call on who to use and who not to use.

As a last note, i’d avoid the name and shame for legal purposes- not point having yourself or the RA sued for defamation.

JeanPierre9 said :

I am thinking that it is about time to start to name and shame these builders and tradies, let me know what do you think?

The list would be too long! 🙂
Just list the good ones – that’ll keep things nice and short – and support the builders/tradies doing quality work

JeanPierre9 said :

I am thinking that it is about time to start to name and shame these builders and tradies, let me know what do you think?

My wife and I are in the process of getting quotes for an extension. We’ve had trouble with builders committing to giving us a quote so I have no idea what it’s like when they’ve actually started the job.

I endorse a name and shame. People deserve to know who is dodgy. On the same token I’d appreciate it if anyone can recommend any good builders they’ve dealt with. In the infant stages of our project I’d like to at least get someone who is going to do the right thing all the way to the end.

I am thinking that it is about time to start to name and shame these builders and tradies, let me know what do you think?

Jean Pierre,
I am basically in the same situation, but with a swimming pool. I have spoken to a property lawyer who advised that putting in a small claim (unto $10,000) to the adminand Civil Tribunal (ACAT) maybe a cost-effective first step. Intend to do this after the job is finished. If the claim is successful, other, more contentious issues could be referred to a higher court.

I have involved the Swimming Pool and Spa Assn (SPASA) from the first examples of poor delivery. At first they were helpful, but it took a fair bit of convincing of their CEO, before he could see that his member was bringing the Assn into some disrepute – which they do not like. It takesssome time and good documentation.

its not just us poor residents that are being ripped-off by some in the building trade. An architect friend has also described to me the difficulties of dealing with a well-organised body who ride roughshod over the whole industry.

However I have found or heard of a relatively large number of good builders. It’s a shame that there is not a place where we can find good honest builders and tradesmen who may charge a little more but that provide good quality work and customer service. How does one organize such a listing without getting bogus testimonials or bad references from difficult clients? A Choice for the construction trade?

thatsnotme said :

JeanPierre9 said :

he is not a member of mba or hia.

Although I’m sure it’s cold comfort to you, if nothing else this thread has taught me that if I ever need a builder, I’ll make sure they’re a member of a professional association before taking them on!

I hope things can work out for you.

All the best in your hunt for a “professional” association of any relevance or influence to builders.

Jamie Wheeler said :

Can’t say I’ve actually heard a good building experience in Canberra. There’s the odd good tradesman about but generally they’re very few and far between. Bad builders and tradesmen appears to be a feature of Canberra. With any luck the forecast of a heavy fall in building and renovation work will happen this year. With all the government cut backs there should be an impact. This time there’ll be no school building program to keep the housing industry propped up artificially. It’s about time they experienced some competition for work requiring decent service to customers.

I’ve had nothing but excellent experiences with licensed builders who are members of associations. That’s not to say that they don’t get things wrong but when they do they fix it and we all get on with our lives.