Gold Coast property: Tradies to be schooled in avoiding common new home defects amid building boom

In the midst of a home-buying frenzy and building boom, house hunters are being urged not to overlook problems with a property in the rush to secure one. FIND OUT THE ISSUES

• INSIDE GOLD COAST’S LUXURY MANSIONS
• VAN PARK TO PAY $2.3M COMPO TO VILLA OWNERS

IN the midst of a home-buying frenzy and building boom, house hunters are being urged not to overlook problems with a property in the rush to secure one.

The Queensland Building and Construction Commission has revealed the top 10 defects found in new homes on the Gold Coast as it rolls out a roadshow to help tradies avoid problems before they escalate.

QBCC data shows defective roof cladding is the number one problem found in new houses on the Gold Coast, followed closely by dodgy joinery.

Floor tiling and waterproofing, both inside and outside, round out the top five.

Defective building work is costly and common. Picture: Zak Simmonds

The QBCC is hoping its seminar on internal linings and plasterboard defects, to be held on the Gold Coast on Monday, will help reduce those problems.

Minister for Public Works and Procurement Mick de Brenni said the commission would provide free information sessions for Gold Coast tradies, small businesses that certify their own work, to make sure that they have the tools they need to benefit from the building boom.

“QBCC Tradie Tours are filling up fast and I’d encourage tradies to book now and secure themselves a ticket, however, a spot will be made for every, licensee who needs assistance,” he said.

Defective work can be very inconvenient and expensive. Picture: Mel Birt

FULL DIGITAL ACCESS: JUST $1 FOR FIRST 28 DAYS

The plasterboard seminars would be followed by assistance for licensees who needed help lodging their compulsory annual financial reporting.

Licensees in self-certifying categories are required to lodge financial reports by March 31.

QBCC Commissioner Brett Bassett said the seminars would provide an overview of the reporting process and tips on avoiding common mistakes when lodging financial reports.

“The requirement of annual financial reporting is designed to help ensure the financial sustainability of the industry,” he said.

“These requirements are designed to reduce financial failure, liquidations and bankruptcy within the industry, and ensure that people are paid for their work.”

The QBCC 2019-2020 Annual Report said there were 11,262 licensees in the Gold Coast region.

The QBCC seminar is at the Southport Sharks, from 4pm-7.45pm, registration on the commission’s website is required.

Defective building work is costly and common. Picture: Dylan Coker

Follow @Kathleenskene