1000 homes, six suburbs. Who is to blame? Just 18 months old and these homes are cracking under the strain, and the families that own them are forming a massive class action. But could mother nature be the only one to blame?
Response from The Building Commission, Victoria:
The Building Commission continues to investigate, and is working with the industry, to determine the extent and cause of the slab heave issues in isolated parts of the western suburbs of Melbourne.
Volume builders are responding to the issue and working closely with homeowners affected to rectify the issues. Many homes have been repaired or are in the process of repair.
The slab heave issues appear to be affecting houses built around 2009 near the end of the drought. Houses built since do not seem to be experiencing this level of slab heave.
Slab heave can also be the result of landscaping and the installation of drainage systems close to the home.
The Building Commission will continue to work with the industry to examine the cause of the slab heave issues and encourages affected homeowners to work with their builders to rectify the situation.
All houses are designed to experience some movement in the slab. It would appear that this movement has been exaggerated in some cases and indications to-date are that the effects of this are non-structural.
The volume builders have assured the Building Commission that they are prepared to work with affected consumers to rectify the situation. Homeowners who believe they may be affected should contact their builder.
NOTE: The Building Commissionis a statutory authority that oversees the building control system in Victoria. We ensure the safety, liveability and sustainability of our built environment.”
