It seems a straightforward arrangement, a builder is
contracted to build a residential building. They build it and
hand it over to its owners. Contract fulfilled.
But what if it isn't that simple?
As with most products, a building can look great on the
outside but contain hidden defects. The difference is that building
defects can have very serious consequences. When a builder
skimps on their materials or workmanship, or a building is
inadequately designed, the outcome is the potential loss of
thousands of dollars in individual investment, or
sometimes more.
The recent defects discovered in Sydney's Opal Tower are
a startling example of this. The owners of units in the tower
are discovering a truth that many others in Australia have not
been unfortunate enough to have to consider — they need to be
not only familiar with their rights, but be prepared to pursue them
with claims for rectification of defects, or compensation.
