u/KeyScore3283

I'm after some advice on whether I have any grounds to pursue my pre-purchase building inspector, and what's the best way to do it.

I bought a townhouse in Victoria earlier this year and had a pre-purchase building inspection done beforehand.

The inspection report rated the bathroom as generally okay apart from a binding door. There was no mention of any issue with the detached shower waste or grate.

During my pre-settlement inspection, I discovered that the shower waste grate wasn't actually fixed to the floor. The entire grate assembly simply lifts straight out by hand (photos attached). It wasn't just loose, it wasn't attached to the tiles at all.

I queried this with the building inspector, and this was their response:

>

Upon moving in, I also found out that there was also a pipe adapter like thing that could be easily pulled up when I lifted the grate.

I then had a plumber look as some pics of it (attached), and he told me that it looks like there is no puddle flange installed.

• Is this potentially negligence by the building inspector?
• Has anyone successfully pursued a building inspector over something similar?

I understand pre-purchase inspections are visual only, and I'm not expecting inspectors to uncover concealed defects. My concern is that the inspector didn't just fail to identify something that was obviously out of place in the report untill I brought it up.... in fact, he also specifically stated that a compliant puddle flange was installed.

I'd appreciate any opinions from anyone who's been through a similar situation or has knowledge on how best to navigate this.

Thanks!

I don't think it's worth gearing with up lawyers because that will just drag on and risk mounting cost. But are there avenues through regulatory bodies or ACCC to mediate?

I'm after some advice on whether I have any grounds to pursue my pre-purchase building inspector, and what's the best way to do it.

I bought a townhouse (built 2010) in Victoria earlier this year and had a pre-purchase building inspection done beforehand.

The inspection report rated the bathroom as generally okay apart from a binding door. There was no mention of any issue with the detached shower waste or grate.

During my pre-settlement inspection, I discovered that the shower waste grate wasn't actually fixed to the floor. The entire grate assembly simply lifts straight out by hand (photos attached). It wasn't just loose, it wasn't attached to the tiles at all.

I queried this with the building inspector, and this was their response:

>"The observed shower grates located in each inspected shower cubicle has a puddle flange which has been installed to AS3740 Waterproofing standards And does not appear to be defective at the time of inspection. Whilst the sealant at the junction between the puddle grate cover And tile edge may not be as aesthetically pleasing as a newly constructed dwelling, The current status of the building element is deemed fit for purpose And not a building defect for a building of this age. Below is an Extract from the Australian standard which shows a profile of The required waterproof installation requirements for your perusal." And he included a screenshot of how a puddle flange should be installed as per standard.

Upon moving in, I also found out that there was also a pipe adapter like thing that could be easily pulled up when I lifted the grate.

I then had a plumber look as some pics of it (attached), and he told me that it looks like there is no puddle flange installed.

• Is this potentially negligence by the building inspector?
• Has anyone successfully pursued a building inspector over something similar?

I understand pre-purchase inspections are visual only, and I'm not expecting inspectors to uncover concealed defects. My concern is that the inspector didn't just fail to identify something that was obviously out of place in the report untill I brought it up.... in fact, he also specifically stated that a compliant puddle flange was installed.

I'd appreciate any opinions from builders, plumbers, building inspectors, or anyone who's been through a similar situation.

Thanks!

I don't think it's worth gearing with up lawyers because that will just drag on and risk mounting cost. But are there avenues through regulatory bodies or ACCC to mediate?

https://preview.redd.it/m3ruqcv9afbh1.jpg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=84792a0158d4e02f633aeeb220b600ea4c692513

https://preview.redd.it/41modiv9afbh1.jpg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b27762ea9bbf2b64ee789e057725dab48a68286b

https://preview.redd.it/ob8d4ev9afbh1.jpg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=126c3a019a9ec01a5c68cdab89c75d51a75384ad

https://preview.redd.it/wcc8vdv9afbh1.jpg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f86fd07715fe86f62ecbbefd9db87271ca3623bc

https://preview.redd.it/8w5b4dv9afbh1.jpg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8b03ce069b93db45df1dfe26ffff1e003ad6bf47

Report only states a defect with the door and nothing else.

Pic in report shows the grate dislodged

Hi, i've got a 16 year old place and thought to regrout (and reseal/caulk) the 2 upstairs shower. A bit of a preventative measure.

One is 180 x 100. The other is about 90 x 90.

Anyone has recommendations for someone reputatable and good?

How much should I budget for?

Inner south melb.

Thank you.