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Termite Issue
BSA Case History 1
In this instance, a two storey brick veneer was constructed by a large project builder. The woman of the house has a medical condition that leaves her chemical sensitive. Their plans specifically show that Termimesh was to be installed to the slab penetrations and the chemical perimeter (Non chemical termite protection).
The photos above show the front view of the home, and the termite mud packing under the stairs.
For some reason or another, the Termimesh wasn't installed to the perimeter. (We're told that the bricks were laid beyond where the Termimesh could have been installed before Termimesh got to the job.) A variation was raised, and the client had a refund of some sorts to compensate for the Termimesh not being installed. The builder engaged Guardian Pest Control to install a chemical perimeter, and because of the home owners chemical sensitivity, they installed a concrete path around the home to alleviate the chemical concerns. For more information, please visit the following link to the recent Queensland Building Tribunal Decision in the fraud charges against Guardian Pest Control. http://www.qbt.qld.gov.au/qbtDecisions/qbsaGuardianPart6.htm
Termites have occurred to the interior of the home, and damage is shaping to be extensive. The termite entry points are all from areas under the builder's control.
The photos above show termite mud packing under the laundry tub, and the concrete path installed around the home by the builder.
Comment has been made that the home owner hasn't had annual inspections done as required. My query is simple. Has the home owner been adequately informed of the need to have annual inspections done? The builder has not produced a signed acknowledgement form showing they have advised the home owner properly. Comment has been made that the Treatment Notice in the meter box says to have the home inspected annually. The Treatment Notice does not contain contact details for the pest controller, and if the home owner doesn't know about the notice in the meter box, they can't be aware of the requirements displayed on the Treatment Notice.
In summary, because of the concrete slab laid around the perimeter of the home, there is nothing the home owner can have done to assist the termites in gaining access to the home. The chemical barrier installed by a contractor of the builder's choice has failed ahead of it's labelled expected protection period (at least 10 years under slab). The builder claims to have done everything they can to have stopped termites gaining access to the home by producing Guardian Certificates for the areas from which the termites have occurred. The Building Services Authority have concurred with the builder. The builder should be directed to rectify (repairs and treatment), and in this instance, I believe that if the Building Services Authority is of the view the builder has done nothing wrong, then the BSA Insurance should be activated to help the client with repairs and treatment.
My advice to the home owner is that as soon as the Building Services Authority can confirm their decision in writing, exercise their right to have the Building Services Authority's decision reviewed by the Queensland Building Tribunal.
There would be some so unkind as to suggest that my involvement in this instance could be likened to ambulance chasing. I reject that, and an ideal outcome in this instance would be if the builder were to repair the termite damage, and engage their own contractor for the pest control works. Some supervision of their work would be appropriate for compliance with Australian Standards and termiticide labelling. Some sensitivity will be required in the choice of termiticide in this instance.
The different bodies above in red are links to further information on each one. Please follow the links. © Mark Porter 2002
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