Any builders/plumbers in the house?

Need to ask a question if anyone has any professional experience.

The 2.5yr old house I'm (Sharen) renting had 3 downpipes (from the gutter on roof to ground) damaged by a whipper snipper probably 18mths ago - at an inspection the PM advised not to worry about it but make sure I had them fixed before I ever left.

Now the problem is - the house was built by a bulk builder (if you follow me) and since I've lived there, which was from brand new) has developed several cracks in the plaster (hairline cracks that are just getting longer - not wider)

The builder came and inspected several issues with the house the other week and as part of their inspection they have determined that the damaged downpipes are responsible for "internal subsidence" and that I should be held liable for any damage to the house because they weren't fixed ASAP when originally damaged.

I've spoken to 2 plumbers in the Ipswich area today who say that's crap!! Yes maybe they could have contributed if we had serious constant rain these past few years but that it would be highly unlikely. However a national engineering company I phoned said that yes, they could be fully responsible for it !!

I'm waiting on a call back from the Residential Tenancy Authority here in QLD in regards to same but wondered if anyone here has ever had any experience with this??

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Hi Sharen,

Well this is right up my alley mate, i am a building consultant and i specialise in Subsidence. I read broken buildings for a living mate. You may well have called my company for advice!

So. the bad news is Absolutely Yes the damage to the down pipes could cause significant issues with the house. Can you post some pics of the damage to the down pipes and the cracks in the plaster please. Happy to give you my assessment. I provide assessments and scopes of works to Insurance companies every day for damage to houses caused by broken pipes.

Given i am in Victoria i have no real concept of the weather behaviour in your town. how dry has it been. how dry has it been over the last 3 years. How dry was it 4 years ago? Have you been in drought? is the house built on a Waffle Pod concrete slab on ground?

Very interested in the photos please mate. This is my Thing.

I am unable to comment as to your liability though i am sorry, i have no idea! Does the builder still own the house?

Hey Sharen i will pm you my number mate, give me a call to discuss.

Thanks - I just got off phone to RTA ... And they have given me the number for the Tenants Union so will be giving them a call too

RTA believe it's unreasonable to lay the liability at my feet but need to investigate further legal position ... Grrrrr

I'll grab ya number and call shortly !!
THANK YOU SO MUCH

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...good onya M.R. great to see people helping out in such unique situations.

What a lovely young man ;) Thanks So Much for the chat and assistance - will send email when I get home !!

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Dont let daz fool you he's not lovely at all.

Nah really darren has helped a few times with building advice. .

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Originally Posted by Bloodyaussie

Dont let daz fool you he's not lovely at all.

Nah really darren has helped a few times with building advice. .

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Tell them about your decking build Dazz...lol

Don't hurt me, I can't myself!!!

MASSIVE ASS (pic wise) email heading your way Darren. And you boys leave him alone!!!!!!!!!! He's my new best bud and I'll protect him like a lioness LMFAO!!! Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

ETA : by the way for those that need a giggle - the flipping company I randomly rang from a google search IS the one the MUDRUNNER works for !!!! How freaky is that!!!

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Originally Posted by 2TROLLFAM

MASSIVE ASS (pic wise) email heading your way Darren. And you boys leave him alone!!!!!!!!!! He's my new best bud and I'll protect him like a lioness LMFAO!!! Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

ETA : by the way for those that need a giggle - the flipping company I randomly rang from a google search IS the one the MUDRUNNER works for !!!! How freaky is that!!!

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And did the call go something like this.... " High you've called naked building services my name is Darren how can I help you"..... " oh , ah ha..hmm ah ha..... hmm now lets see... ooh I know...."

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Originally Posted by Bloodyaussie

And did the call go something like this.... " High you've called naked building services my name is Darren how can I help you"..... " oh , ah ha..hmm ah ha..... hmm now lets see... ooh I know...."

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How did you know??? LOL

naaaaa kidding - he was awesome - although he now has pics of my bedroom LMFAO!!!

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Come on Daz... share the pics mate we could do with some smut !!!!!!!

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Originally Posted by Bloodyaussie

Come on Daz... share the pics mate we could do with some smut !!!!!!!

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I hid the toy box!! BWAHAHAHAHAHA

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Ummmmmm suppose to be studying for 2 verbal assessments in the morning - think BIG RED is gonna cause me to fail the first assessments of my course !!!!

Bugga Bummmm LOL


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Hey Sharen, you have an email. I hope that helps mate. If you are still having trouble let me know and i may be able to pull a favour from a counterpart in QLD for a site inspection.... Maybe ;)

Next time it rains, go outside with an umbrella and your phone and shot some video. Take a few pics of the water sitting in the yard and take a video of the performance of the down pipes if they are still open?

Good luck mate.

wow ... It's 4am and I woke up for no reason & checked phone to find email

That is fantastic!!!! Thank you so much - pipes have been fixed but will endeavour to get pics / video of the water at side of house

Back to sleep for a few hours for me :)

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