Question: Our building is 18 months old. During regular inspections, our fire services company has identified a number of non-critical and non-conformance fire defects. Who is responsible to fix these defects?
Our seven lot building was completed in mid 2021. We engaged a fire services company that carried out their 6 monthly inspection at the end of 2021. There were a number of non-critical and non-conformance defects identified and the yearly inspection in mid 2022 reaffirmed these defects, plus identified additional defects.
We are perplexed to receive a bill for $3,500 to remedy defects on a new build. Who is the overarching entity where we can check our rights concerning the items raised? The builder has stated these items are out of warranty and not their concern.
Answer: It appears unusual for an installation to be non-compliant within the first 6 months of occupancy.
Without any details about the nature of the defects, it is impossible to comment, however in saying that, there are two types of defects, normal wear and tear or damages and defects / non- conformances that relate to the original installation. Normal wear and tear items are the responsibility of the owner / occupier or in this case, the Body Corporate.
It appears unusual for an installation to be non-compliant within the first 6 months of occupancy. Should the defects relate to the original installations, then the responsibility is with the installer who certified the installation as compliant.
The QBCC is the managing body and provides information, advice and regulation to ensure the maintenance of proper building standards and remedies for defective building work.
Stefan Bauer
Fire Matters
E: sbauer@firematters.com.au
P: 07 3071 9088
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