Maylands Couple's Dream Home Construction Descends into Costly Nightmare
A couple from Maylands claims they are being financially drained by a home construction project that has gone disastrously wrong, forcing them to pay thousands of dollars in rent and mortgage repayments while being locked out of their defect-riddled property. Rob and Pina Martin entered into a contract with Sovereign Building Company based in Balcatta back in November 2023, but more than two years later, their anticipated dream home remains incomplete and burdened with severe structural and cosmetic issues.
From Dream to Dismal Reality
"It was supposed to be our dream home. Instead, it has transformed into an absolute nightmare," Pina Martin expressed, revealing that she now rarely visits the site due to the distressing conditions. The situation has escalated to a point where the couple feels trapped in a cycle of mounting expenses and unresolved problems, with no clear resolution in sight.
Damning Inspection Reports Highlight Critical Flaws
A building defects report commissioned by the builder from Home Integrity in September 2024 delivered a scathing assessment, categorizing the number of major defects as "high," minor defects as "high," and the overall condition of the build as "below average." This was followed by a second report from Delve Building Inspections, commissioned by the Martins a month later, which identified four major defects, one safety hazard, and an additional 59 defects throughout the property.
The extensive list of problems includes:
- The roof frame not being correctly strapped down, posing potential safety risks.
- Brickwork that requires inspection by a structural engineer to assess stability.
- Tiling and waterproofing that fail to meet Australian standards, risking water damage.
- Unsecured pipework that could lead to plumbing failures.
- Walls that are out of level and not square, indicating poor craftsmanship.
Rob Martin pointed out one particularly egregious example, stating, "This wall has been redone five times. Initially, it was built incorrectly, and despite attempts to fix it, it remains bowed and defective."
Regulatory Intervention Falls Short
In August of last year, Building and Energy issued Sovereign Building Company with a directive to rectify 49 defects within 70 days, prioritizing the brickwork issues. However, almost none of these defects have been addressed, and the deadline has now expired, leaving the Martins in a precarious position with little recourse.
Builder's Response and Controversial Offer
Builder David Savietto, who claims to have constructed 500 homes over 17 years, agreed to an interview under the condition that he could bring his own film crew. "I've seen your stories with other builders who have run from their issues. I haven't run from mine," Savietto asserted. He acknowledged that out of his many projects, a couple have not met expectations, but defended his overall record.
In a recent development, Savietto has proposed fixing the problems using acrylic render, which he describes as a premium product. When questioned if this offer was merely an attempt to cover up mistakes, Savietto responded, "Look, mistakes have been made. We're here to rectify the issue and make things right."
However, Rob Martin remains skeptical, warning, "Once you've seen these defects, you can't unsee them. Accepting a cover-up isn't a solution to the underlying problems."
The couple continues to advocate for proper repairs and accountability, emphasizing the emotional and financial toll this ordeal has taken on their lives. Their story serves as a cautionary tale for prospective homeowners, highlighting the importance of thorough due diligence and robust contractual protections in the construction industry.
