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Home Maintenance

Maintaining your home is crucial to ensuring the longevity of the structure over the coming years. Completing regular home maintenance will also save you time and money in the future and more importantly, it will provide you with the peace of mind that you are living in a safe home. But what does home maintenance involve?

OUR HOME MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST:

Cleaning Maintenance

This is the simplest form of maintenance. Besides giving a bright appearance, cleaning can prevent a build-up of mould and can stop moisture being trapped, which can cause rust or rot. Cleaning home maintenance should include:

Cleaning guttering as necessary to remove leaves, mud and other foreign matters

Removing rubbish accumulating close to walls

Checking that petrol and other flammable liquids are stored in a well-ventilated area as far from the main portion of the house as possible, out of reach of children and pets and away from electric motors

Cleaning aluminium window and door frames

Cleaning insect screens, checking for damage and replacing mesh if necessary

Checking for any increase in bushfire hazards through vegetation growth or accumulation of rubbish, and removing the hazards

Preventative Maintenance

Regular repainting of timber, sealing of joints and keeping vents and pipes clear can prevent damage occurring. Preventative home maintenance includes:

Making sure that exterior underfloor vents are not covered or clogged up

Checking underfloor ventilation for pests in the underfloor spaces

Checking that water drains and sumps are clear at regular intervals and after heavy rain

Checking and repairing air-conditioning and heating equipment

Corrective Maintenance

Early attention to repairs can prevent more serious damage. Corrective home maintenance includes:

Repairing and/or painting outdoor timber and structures

Checking for leaking taps and replacing washers immediately

Having inside painting and decorating undertaken when required

In bushfire hazard areas, check that your garden hose is sound and remains connected to the tap nearest the most obvious hazard, and keep a few buckets of sand and water handy

Checking underfloor ventilation for pests

Checking for leaking plumbing

Checking that the tiles on your roof are intact

Replacement

When an item has reached the end of its economic life span or it has not been maintained it must be replaced. This can be expensive.

Check exterior paint work (repainting usually needs to be completed every 4 – 6 years)

WHAT HAPPENS IF I NOTICE A BUILDING DEFECT?

Your builder is obliged to fix any building defects that occur within the relevant statutory warranty timeframe. The building works will be covered by a statutory warranty period, as prescribed in the legislation. Under this warranty, your builder is responsible for fixing structural building defects for a period of six years starting from the completion of the work or no later than the date the Certificate of Occupancy was issued, or two years for defective non-structural work. However, your builder is not responsible for maintenance work, or problems that occur as a result of a lack of maintenance.

The Master Builders Fidelity Fund was established in 2002 to protect the interests of builders and home owners in the ACT.

Income received by the Master Builders Fidelity Fund remains in the ACT, and is securely invested, and used for the betterment of the ACT building and construction industry.

The Fund issues Fidelity Certificates which provide protection for new homes or those making substantial changes, if the builder dies, disappears or becomes insolvent. The Certificates protect the owner during construction and for up to five years from the date a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.

Members of Master Builders ACT receive reduced premium rates.

For more information, please contact the Master Builders Fidelity Fund.

Phone: (02) 6175 5900

Email: canberra@mba.org.au

HOME OWNERS WARRANTY INSURANCE / FIDELITY FUND COVER

WHAT IS HOME WARRANTY INSURANCE?

In 1988, the ACT Government introduced mandatory Residential Building Insurance then, in 2002, legislated to enable Fidelity Funds to be established in the ACT. The principal purpose of the insurance or Fidelity Fund Certificate is to provide the consumer with protection against financial loss.

WHY WOULD MY BUILDER NEED THIS INSURANCE TO COMPLETE WORKS ON MY HOME?

Under the Building Act 2004 (ACT) it is a requirement that a licensed builder must obtain complying residential building work insurance (also referred to as home warranty insurance) or a Fidelity Fund certificate on behalf of the lessee from an approved Fidelity Fund scheme or insurer before commencing any building work over $12,000. There are some exemptions provided and if you’re not sure about what is needed, have a chat with your builder.

Fidelity Fund certificates or home warranty policies are required for construction of a class 1 building or class 2 building (town house, units, apartments) up to 3 storeys in height, and certain alterations or additions to an existing residence where the work is valued at $12,000 and is structural in nature.

Fidelity Fund certificates or home warranty policies are not required for class 10 structures such as swimming pools, fences, landscaping, mail boxes or garages (unless structurally adjunct to the class 1 structure). The appointed Building Certifier may assist if you are unsure about these requirements.

WHEN CAN A CLAIM BE MADE?

A claim may be made for incomplete building work if the builder becomes insolvent, disappears or dies, during the contract period. A claim may also be made for defects that come to light after completion of the project in the Statutory Warranty period if the builder dies, disappears or suffers an insolvency event.

The legislation provides that a Fidelity Fund certificate or home warranty insurance policy provides maximum coverage of $85,000. If no work has been completed, and only a deposit paid, the maximum that you can claim is $10,000. There are strict timeframes for making a claim, so it is recommended you make enquiries about claiming on your home warranty insurance or fidelity fund certificate as soon as you are aware of any grounds for a claim.

How Labour And Material Shortages May Impact Your Build In 2023

The last few years of lockdowns and COVID-19 restrictions has created a ripple effect down the supply chain. From a shortage of workers to rising material costs and delays on imported materials, the pandemic is still having a substantial impact on residential construction. Pressures may start to ease once supply levels return back to a normal level but it’s important to expect that delays and shortages, and even price increases, will likely continue for the foreseeable future. It’s essential that you factor in delays and rising materials costs into your budget and building timeline

WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2023:

• Material shortages due to the impacts of COVID-19 will continue to occur and as a result, delays from a backlog of orders will be noticed. This could mean delays in your build timeline.

• Unfortunately for some products, price increases will continue in 2023. This could have an impact on the cost of your build.

• The building and construction industry continues to face skilled labour shortages, an issue that Master Builders Associations across the country continue to advocate for. This could also result in delays in your build timeline.

• Most residential building contracts will include terms that allow for extensions of time if there are unavoidable delays. They may also include terms that allow for the value of the contract to be increased if the prices of materials rise.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

• Make your material selections early and try to limit any variations to your plans.

• Continue to have open and honest lines of communication with your builder about any concerns you may have.

• Understand that in most instances, your builder has no control over material delays or price increases.

• Read your contract and be sure to seek legal advice before signing any contracts.

• Factor in some price increases to your budget.

• Be flexible about your chosen fixtures and fittings as this may assist in shortening project delays.

SO, DOES THIS MEAN I SHOULDN’T BUILD MY DREAM HOME IN 2023?

Definitely not! While some trades and materials continue to be impacted, be rest assured that your dream build can still become a reality. By working closely and flexibly with your builder, you have the tools and means to create the dream home you’ve always wanted.

Asbestos

The word asbestos rings alarm bells with many people, especially those of us in the ACT. Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals, exposure to which can cause life-threatening illnesses.

Asbestos is present in nearly every home that was built before 1985 and is usually located in the eaves or in wet areas like bathrooms and laundries. The experts tell us that when materials that contain asbestos are in good condition and are left undisturbed, they do not pose a risk to your health.

Silica

Silica is also a naturally occurring mineral that is found in many rocks and soils. When silica takes the form of ‘crystalline silica’ it can become a health hazard. Material containing silica is hazardous when blasted, crushed, cut or drilled by machinery.

Welcome

It is the word ‘undisturbed’ that makes all the difference. If you are doing home repairs or renovations yourself, then you need to be aware that this might disturb asbestos fibres. If your home was built prior to 1985, Master Builders ACT recommends that you engage a qualified tradesperson to conduct any repairs or renovations as they ought to be familiar with both safety and compliance obligations in respect of asbestos.

You can read more about asbestos here: http://www.asbestostaskforce.act.gov.au/

Silica is commonly found in many ordinary items used in the construction of a home, such as engineered stone benchtops, asphalt, bricks, cement, tiles and pavers. Similar to asbestos, the danger of silica to you and your family is limited when it is left undisturbed. However, if you decide to carry out modifications or renovations to your home (such as modifying the kitchen benches), Master Builders ACT strongly recommends you engage a qualified tradesperson who has completed the 10830NAT – Course in Crystalline Silica Exposure Prevention course (mandatory in the ACT from 1 July 2023). This will ensure that any work is carried out safely, with the appropriate equipment and in the appropriate manner.