Wet Weather Policy

As we are approaching winter in Melbourne and seeing the terrible flooding in Queensland and New South Wales, it’s a timely reminder of how much weather can impact building sites.

Over the last few months, we’ve had a number of issues with sites being impacted by rain. Whilst we will do everything we can to work with all contractors we would like to remind everyone of the following obligations and legal requirements:

Site Drainage

  • Ensure adequate drainage is provided to sites during the whole construction process. This is to make sure no damage occurs to your property or adjoining properties during your build.
  • Soil grading away from foundations, temporary downpipes and retaining of loose soil are all integral areas that should be considered to achieve this.

Pre-Slab & Slab Steel Stages

  • Bases must remain firm, dry and level. It is the builder’s responsibility to ensure that no damage has occurred to the base, in particular to the compactness of the soil, after the pre slab inspection, prior to continuing works.
  • If there has been high rainfall event in or around the locality of the site post pre slab inspection, a representative of the builder must attend site to assess the state of the base and only continue if no damage has occurred.
  • If, as a result of the site assessment, remedial works are required within the building footprint of the site, a re-inspection of the base must be called for.
  • We believe it’s in everyone’s best interest to prevent a steel inspection failing due to the condition of the base changing, it causes unnecessary delays and extra work that could have been prevented, so please ensure that all sites are supervised and steel works are delayed where necessary.

As stated above, we will make every endeavour to work with builders and concreters to achieve results.  Please understand this policy is not implemented to delay any project.  It is in place to ensure that you have a slab fit for purpose, it is about adequate supervision and adherence to the intent of the BCA to prevent issues for you, as the builder, from structural defects.

Please feel free to contact Bre Cross or Shane Rowe if you have any questions.