Hiring the best remedial building works contractor is crucial to ensure the proper restoration and repair of structural issues, addressing water damages, concrete cancer, or other significant defects in a building. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you in the hiring process:
1. Research & Recommendations:
– Start by asking friends, family, or colleagues if they have any recommendations.
– Check online platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, or local directories for reviews and ratings of contractors in your area.
2. Check Qualifications:
– Ensure they have the necessary licenses and certifications to operate in your area.
– Look for affiliations with professional bodies or industry associations.
3. Experience Matters:
– Prioritize contractors with significant experience in remedial building works, especially those who have handled projects similar to yours.
4. Get Multiple Quotes:
– Obtain at least three quotes to compare prices, the scope of work, materials proposed, and timelines. Ensure the quotes are detailed and cover all aspects of the job.
5. Visit Past Projects:
– If possible, visit some of the contractor’s completed projects or get case studies. This will give you an idea of their work quality and standards.
6. Ask Questions:
– What’s their proposed approach to your project?
– Do they offer warranties or guarantees on their work?
– How will they manage unforeseen issues or complications that arise during the project?
– What’s their communication process like? How often will you receive updates?
7. Check Insurance:
– Ensure the contractor has adequate insurance, covering potential damages to your property, worker’s compensation, and public liability.
8. Contract Clarity:
– Always work with a written contract. Ensure it details the scope of work, payment terms, timelines, materials to be used, and other essential aspects.
– It should also clarify how variations or changes to the original contract will be handled.
9. Ask for References:
– Talk to some of the contractor’s past clients. Ask about their experience, work quality, punctuality, communication, and whether they would hire the contractor again.
10. Trust Your Instincts:
– After meeting and discussing with potential contractors, trust your gut feeling. The best contractor is not only skilled but also communicates well, is trustworthy, and understands your concerns and requirements.
11. Payment Terms:
– Be wary of contractors demanding a large sum upfront. Staggered payments based on milestones or work completion stages are standard.
12. Stay Engaged:
– Even after hiring, stay engaged and informed throughout the project. Regularly visit the site, ask for updates, and ensure work is progressing as per the contract.
By taking these steps, you significantly increase your chances of hiring a remedial building works contractor who can effectively and efficiently address your building’s issues.

Remedial building works refer to corrective construction activities undertaken to repair and restore buildings or structures that have been compromised due to defects, damages, wear and tear, or any structural issues. These works aim to bring the building back to its original state or to ensure its safety and longevity.
What Remedial Building Works Can Do:
1. Concrete Repair: Over time, concrete structures can exhibit ‘concrete cancer’ or spalling, where steel reinforcements within the concrete start to rust and expand, leading to cracks and flaking in the concrete surface. Remedial works would involve removing the affected concrete, treating the steel, and reinstating with new concrete.
2. Waterproofing: If a building has water ingress issues, remedial work might involve repairing or replacing waterproof membranes, especially in areas like balconies, terraces, roofs, and bathrooms.
3. Structural Repairs: This could involve strengthening weakened structures, addressing foundational shifts, or repairing areas that have been compromised due to factors like ground movement, water damage, or poor construction techniques.
4. Façade Repairs: Over time, a building’s façade might suffer from defects, cracks, or deterioration. Remedial works can restore the façade by fixing cracks, repointing brickwork, or replacing damaged elements.
5. Roof Repairs: This includes fixing leaks, replacing or repairing roof tiles, or even undertaking complete roof replacements in severe cases.
6. Window and Door Replacement: Over time, wooden frames might rot or warp, and window panes can become loose. Remedial works can involve repairing or replacing these components.
7. Balustrade Replacement: Particularly in older buildings, balustrades might not meet current safety standards. Remedial work can replace these with ones that are compliant with current regulations.
8. Fire Safety Upgrades: Older buildings might need remedial works to ensure they’re compliant with modern fire safety regulations. This can involve adding or upgrading fire doors, seals, and other safety systems.
9. Masonry Works: Remedial work can address issues in brickwork or stone, such as repointing, replacing damaged bricks or stones, and stabilizing walls.
10. Rising Damp Treatment: Older buildings often suffer from rising damp, where water rises from the ground into the walls. Remedial actions might involve installing a damp-proof course or undertaking other treatments to stop the moisture.
11. Underpinning: If a building’s foundation is compromised, underpinning might be necessary to stabilize it. This involves extending the foundation depth or breadth to more stable soil or to distribute the structural load differently.
Engaging in remedial building works not only ensures the safety and longevity of the structure but also can enhance its aesthetic appeal and overall value. When considering such works, it’s crucial to hire experienced professionals who can correctly diagnose issues and provide effective solutions.

Remedial Building Works are specialized in addressing and rectifying defects, damages, and structural issues in buildings or structures. Here’s a list of jobs or tasks that they can typically help with:
1. Concrete Repair:
– Addressing ‘concrete cancer’ or spalling.
– Repairing cracks and damage in concrete structures.
– Treating rusted steel reinforcements within concrete.
2. Waterproofing:
– Repairing or replacing faulty waterproof membranes.
– Addressing water ingress issues in basements, balconies, roofs, and bathrooms.
– Installing appropriate drainage systems.
3. Structural Repairs:
– Strengthening or stabilizing weakened structures.
– Repairing damage caused by ground movement, water damage, or poor construction.
– Addressing foundational shifts.
4. Façade Repairs:
– Restoring deteriorated façades.
– Fixing cracks or damages on external walls.
– Repointing brickwork.
– Treating or replacing damaged cladding.
5. Roof Repairs:
– Fixing leaks or damages.
– Replacing broken or aged roof tiles or shingles.
– Addressing gutter and downpipe issues.
6. Window and Door Repairs:
– Repairing or replacing rotting wooden frames.
– Addressing issues with window panes, seals, or sashes.
– Upgrading doors and windows for better insulation or security.
7. Balustrade Repairs:
– Replacing or repairing balustrades that are non-compliant with safety standards.
– Addressing wear and tear in balustrades, whether they’re wood, metal, or glass.
8. Fire Safety Upgrades:
– Installing or upgrading fire doors, sprinklers, alarms, and other fire safety systems.
– Ensuring buildings are compliant with modern fire safety regulations.
9. Masonry Repairs:
– Repointing or repairing brickwork.
– Replacing damaged bricks or stones.
– Stabilizing or treating masonry walls affected by moisture or settling.
10. Rising Damp Treatment:
– Installing damp-proof courses.
– Undertaking sub-floor ventilation improvements.
– Addressing mold or moisture damage on walls.
11. Underpinning:
– Stabilizing compromised foundations.
– Extending foundation depth or breadth for better structural support.
12. Floor Repairs:
– Addressing issues in timber floors, such as rotting or warping.
– Repairing or leveling concrete floors that have settled or cracked.
13. Pest Damage Repair:
– Repairing structures damaged by termites or other pests.
– Recommending preventative treatments.
14. External Works:
– Repairing or replacing damaged retaining walls.
– Addressing drainage or erosion issues around the building.
When hiring professionals for remedial building works, it’s essential to ensure they have the necessary experience and credentials to handle the specific issues your building or structure faces.

The cost of remedial building works in Australia can vary significantly based on the type and extent of the defects, the location, the materials required, labor rates, and other factors. Here are some general points to consider:
1. Nature of the Job: Smaller tasks, like minor crack repairs or localized waterproofing, will cost less than more extensive projects such as underpinning or complete façade restorations.
2. Materials Used: High-quality materials or specialized treatments will drive up the cost.
3. Labor Rates: Depending on the region and the expertise of the workers, labor rates can vary. Specialized tasks usually command higher rates.
4. Access & Complexity: Jobs in hard-to-reach areas or those requiring specialized equipment can be more expensive.
5. Extent of Damage: Addressing severe structural damage or widespread issues will obviously cost more than minor repairs.
6. Consultation & Diagnosis: Some firms may charge for an initial inspection and diagnostic report, which can be a separate cost.
7. Permits & Compliance: If certain permits are required, or if there’s a need to comply with heritage or conservation regulations, costs can increase.
While it’s challenging to provide specific numbers without details, here are some broad estimates (as of my last update in September 2021):
– Minor crack repairs: Starting from AUD $250 and can go up based on extent.
– Waterproofing: Can range from AUD $500 for minor areas to AUD $10,000+ for larger areas or complete waterproofing of sections of a building.
– Structural repairs: Can be quite variable but expect costs from AUD $2,000 to $20,000+ based on the severity and complexity of the issue.
– Façade repairs: Starting from AUD $1,000 for minor repairs and can go into tens of thousands for extensive restorations.
– Underpinning: This is a significant job, and costs can range from AUD $10,000 to $100,000+ depending on the size of the property and the extent of work required.
These figures are ballpark estimates and can vary significantly. To get an accurate quote, you should consult with a remedial building contractor or firm who can inspect the site and provide a detailed breakdown. Always obtain multiple quotes to ensure you’re getting competitive pricing and understand all the inclusions and exclusions in a quote.

When hiring a professional for remedial building works, it’s crucial to ask the right questions to ensure that the job will be done correctly, efficiently, and within your budget. Here are some questions to consider:
1. Experience and Credentials:
– How long have you been in the remedial building industry?
– Do you have any professional accreditations or memberships with relevant industry bodies?
– Can you provide references or examples of similar projects you’ve completed?
2. Scope of Work:
– What do you see as the primary issues that need addressing?
– What is the proposed solution, and are there alternative methods to consider?
– How long do you estimate the project will take?
3. Cost:
– Can you provide a detailed written quote?
– Does the quote include all materials and labor?
– Are there any potential additional costs that might arise during the project?
4. Materials and Techniques:
– What type of materials do you intend to use, and why?
– Are the materials compliant with Australian standards?
– Can you explain the techniques or methods you’ll be using?
5. Warranty and Follow-Up:
– Do you provide a warranty or guarantee for your work?
– How do you handle follow-up if there are issues after the job is completed?
– Do you offer any maintenance or inspection services post-completion?
6. Permits and Insurance:
– Will this project require any permits, and if so, will you handle obtaining them?
– Are you fully insured in case of accidents or damages during the project?
– Do you have workers’ compensation insurance for your team?
7. Project Management:
– Will there be a dedicated project manager or point of contact?
– How often will I receive updates on the project’s progress?
– How do you handle delays or unforeseen complications?
8. Preparation and Cleanup:
– What do I need to do to prepare the site or area for the work?
– How will the site be left at the end of each workday?
– Who is responsible for cleanup and debris removal at the project’s conclusion?
9. Subcontractors:
– Will you be using any subcontractors, and if so, what is their expertise?
– How do you ensure the quality of work from subcontractors?
10. Environmental and Safety Concerns:
– How do you ensure the safety of the site during work?
– Do you take any specific environmental precautions, especially if dealing with potential toxins or pollutants?
11. Payment Terms:
– What are your payment terms (e.g., deposit, progress payments)?
– Do you offer any financing or payment plans?
By asking these questions, you’ll gain a better understanding of the contractor’s capabilities, the scope of the project, and what to expect throughout the process. Always do your research, get multiple quotes, and trust your instincts when choosing a contractor.