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Customer Rights

Getting Defective Work Fixed

Identifying Defective Work

  • Not matching specifications
  • Not meeting Australian Standards
  • Poor workmanship
  • Wrong materials used
  • Incomplete work

Your Rights

Under consumer law, you can require:

  • Free repair or rectification
  • Refund if work can't be fixed
  • Compensation for damage caused

Steps to Take

  1. Document the defects thoroughly
  2. Notify tradie in writing immediately
  3. Give opportunity to inspect and rectify
  4. Set reasonable deadline
  5. Escalate if not resolved

Getting an Expert Opinion

  • Independent building inspector
  • Written report with photos
  • Identifies defects and standards breached
  • Estimates rectification costs

If Tradie Won't Fix

  • Lodge Fair Trading complaint
  • Consider tribunal action
  • Get quotes for rectification
  • Claim costs against original tradie

Don't

  • Have someone else fix without documentation
  • Destroy evidence of defects
  • Wait too long to act
  • Pay final invoice for defective work

Need Help?

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