Posted to The Age (17/12/2011) on 1717/12/2011 at 3:44 PM
Commenting on "Tricks of the tradies"
http://theage.domain.com.au/real-estate-news/tricks-of-the-tradies-20101122-1835f.html
I have been waiting for article/report like this for a long time so that I can point out the flaws of these renovation shows. These shows are deceptive and misleading to consumers, namely, the TV audience and potential renovators.
They are in breach of the Australian Consumer Laws not only for reasons given above, but also for not providing relevant and useful information about the enormous amount of time, effort and money required to apply for permit, consult with architects or consultants, plan, shop and order goods, work out the logistic, engage additional labour, hire special equipment, negotiate with neighbours, just to name some critical issues. All these can cause financial losses to many inexperienced renovators, violate planning regulations and may present problems for future insurance claim. The non-financial negative flow-on effects may be more disastrous in that they cause enormous strain to relationships between spouses, family members and neighbours.
I enjoyed some of the shows, and have learnt a trick or two. I do hope that future show producers provide additional relevant information as I have listed in the above examples. It is nothing worse than causing financial hardship and ruining someone's life inadvertently.
Commenting on "Tricks of the tradies"
http://theage.domain.com.au/real-estate-news/tricks-of-the-tradies-20101122-1835f.html
I have been waiting for article/report like this for a long time so that I can point out the flaws of these renovation shows. These shows are deceptive and misleading to consumers, namely, the TV audience and potential renovators.
They are in breach of the Australian Consumer Laws not only for reasons given above, but also for not providing relevant and useful information about the enormous amount of time, effort and money required to apply for permit, consult with architects or consultants, plan, shop and order goods, work out the logistic, engage additional labour, hire special equipment, negotiate with neighbours, just to name some critical issues. All these can cause financial losses to many inexperienced renovators, violate planning regulations and may present problems for future insurance claim. The non-financial negative flow-on effects may be more disastrous in that they cause enormous strain to relationships between spouses, family members and neighbours.
I enjoyed some of the shows, and have learnt a trick or two. I do hope that future show producers provide additional relevant information as I have listed in the above examples. It is nothing worse than causing financial hardship and ruining someone's life inadvertently.
