Resolving building problems
When building or renovating things may not always go to plan, but, you can take steps to resolve your issues.
Talk about it with the other party
You should notify the building contractor undertaking the work of your concerns. Identifying the problems with them and giving them the ability to fix them is the best first step.
Write a letter about your concerns
If talking is not successful, write a letter or email to the building contractor with the details of your issues. Give the contractor a reasonable time frame (e.g., 14 days) to respond and to organise to rectify the issues of concern.
Talk to your building surveyor
If you are unable to solve the problem with the building contractor, you could speak to the building surveyor engaged for the building project. For serious defects, such as non-compliance with the approved plans or building codes, the building surveyor may be able to issue a written inspection direction to the building contractor to fix defective or non-compliant building work. A contractor is to comply with these directions. If they do not, the building surveyor may escalate the matter by serving a building notice and a building order.
However, a building surveyor does not have the authority to settle disputes over payments of money or contract terms, or to impose the standards of finishes as specified in the building contract.
Contact CBOS for general advice
CBOS may be able to provide further information about attempting to resolve a building dispute.
You can contact CBOS by submitting an online contact form, by email at CBOS.info@justice.tas.gov.au or by contacting us on 1300 654 499.
Mediation
In the event that you cannot resolve your issue using the steps above, mediation of residential building disputes can be arranged by the Director of Building Control, part of Consumer Building and Occupational Services.
Guide to standards and tolerances
The Guide to Standards and Tolerances (PDF, 4.8 MB) is a guide to acceptable standards of workmanship. This guide has been developed to:
- Clarify quality and standards that are not already addressed in legislation, the National Construction Code, or Australian standards;
- Support the mediation process to help assess standards of building work that are the subject of a dispute;
- Help prevent disputes and provide for better quality work.
Related information
This page has been produced and published by the Consumer Building and Occupational Services Division of the Department of Justice. Although every care has been taken in production, no responsibility is accepted for the accuracy, completeness, or relevance to the user's purpose of the information. Those using it for whatever purpose are advised to verify it with the relevant government department, local government body or other source and to obtain any appropriate professional advice. The Crown, its officers, employees and agents do not accept liability however arising, including liability for negligence, for any loss resulting from the use of or reliance upon the information and/or reliance on its availability at any time.