Builder hit with hefty fix-up bill
WA Country Builders has been ordered to pay more than $34,000 to a Wilyabrup homeowner and to demolish and rebuild a roof and piers in the house, following a recent State Administrative Tribunal ruling.
Father and son duo Brian and Michael Gould, who own and manage Knotting Hill Estate, have been caught up in a battle with the builders since they started noticing issues with their house shortly after construction started in 2012.
The house, which was meant to be built in 300 days, remains unfinished after disputes between the owner and builders, despite a notice of completion being issued to the City of Busselton.
The case was heard by tribunal member Natasha Owen-Conway who ruled on several orders for WACB to pay the cost of rectification of 15 complaint items by the Goulds' company, Hathersage Nominees.
Michael Gould said he and his father paid for an independent report in June 2014, which said the house was unsafe.
He said he wanted the house to be built to "plans and specifications" and said he was "extremely disappointed" with the work.
"You sign a contract for the builders to build the house then it's up to the homeowners to finish it to plans and specifications," he said.
"So now we have to finish the house off."
As part of the hearing, about 40 complaints by Hathersage Nominees were withdrawn.
JWH Group building manager Terry Meyers said the company accepted errors were made during construction, and said although WACB attempted to fix issues through negotiations with the client before going to the tribunal, a suitable compromise was not reached.
Mr Meyers said the outcome provided closure on a matter which was "proving quite difficult to achieve" and said the project would now be completed to the client's satisfaction.
The house, which is being built by the Goulds for Michael and his family, is to be finished by WACB within 90 days. WACB has been ordered to pay the sum of $34,000 to Hathersage Nominees before April 15, with further orders relating to costs still to be considered.
