The Building Services Board has formally cautioned an Albany building company and a supervisor after the roof of a home under construction did not comply with applicable building codes and standards.

The Board found that Ryde Building Company Pty Ltd (BC10056) and the project’s nominated supervisor, Luke Harris (BP14503), both failed in their respective obligations to properly manage and supervise a building service.

During random inspections last year, a Building Commission (now Building and Energy) inspector attended the site in the Albany suburb of Orana, where the home’s roof was nearing completion.

The inspector found that many of the roof battens and beam or truss ends were incorrectly tied down. The building plans also lacked sufficient detail about the roof’s construction.

After rectifying the issues, Ryde Building Company provided a statement to Building and Energy with assurances that it had introduced more robust procedures and documentation for future builds.

Building Commissioner Ken Bowron welcomed the Board’s decision.

“While I acknowledge the company’s cooperation in this matter, the roof issues presented a potentially significant risk to public safety,” Mr Bowron said.

“Building contractors must ensure their services are properly managed and supervised. Likewise, the nominated supervisor must be capable of identifying whether applicable building standards have been met.

“It’s not enough to simply rely on plans and specifications. Proper management and supervision involves applying skills and competence to be satisfied that the work complies with the standards.

“The vast majority of building service providers do a great job, but this case should remind everyone in the industry of their obligations – and that they could be subject to inspection at any time.”

Media contact: 0466 409 828 or bemedia@dmirs.wa.gov.au