'Toxic mould' turns couple's dream home into a living nightmare
A Brisbane family is fearing for their health after discovering a mould outbreak in their recently-built “unlivable” duplex, while they say their insurer is taking too long to get them help.
Stephen and Bernadette Hall built their new Birkdale home two years ago, but their dream home soon turned into a living nightmare.
The couple live on one side, and Mrs Hall’s sister and her daughter live on the other.
It was all going well until they noticed a water mark in the garage.
“We’ve paid good faith for our house. It’s a lemon,” Mr Hall said.
His wife added: “If you feel in your gut that it is maybe not right, then you have to go an investigate it.”
According to the couple, multiple inspections confirmed there were faults in the drainage, spreading mould under the carpet in both properties.
“It’s a toxic mould,” Mr Hall said.
Under Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) insurance, faulty building work is covered for seven years.
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The Halls approached their insurer for help but say they’ve been told there will be no repairs inside the home.
“Their response was that they’re only going to be fixing and rectifying issues, externally of the house,” Mr Hall said.
The QBCC told 7 News it has engaged an independent technical expert.
“Once this investigation has been completed, we will be able to assess the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme insurance claim,” the insurer said in a statement.
The couple was forced to make a claim on their own insurance after a health report found one of the homes was “unlivable”, forcing the mother and daughter out of their house.
“We support each other we look after each other and it is very difficult for us,” Mrs Hall said.
The family is still awaiting a resolution.
