User blogs

Tag search results for: "paul meek construction"
Jerold Hobgood

Subversiveness Backside of Shared Walls: A Neighbour Fateful Impact on Our Peaceful Home

In the Central Business District of Alexandria, Melbourne we had renovated our gorgeous refuge of some greater than 20 years, a secret special architecturally designed house and garden in the centre of the noise of the city. For 30 years, it was a beautiful sanctuary of solacement, a haven of shimmering beauty and asylum.

As an prestigious architect designer, my friend had graced our city of Sydney with numerous municipal design proposals, but of these none were more personal and loved that the modern design of the Lawrence Street, Alexandria, Victorian conversion. Featured in the Sydney Morning Herald, it was applauded as a masterpiece, blending old-world charm with neo elegance.

The Victorian transmutation was a testament to architectural creativity—a two and 1/2-story build and renovations to a Victorian terrace, offering a house for a family and a home office. The premier feature was the light tower, far above the roof with suspended stairway, acquiring the essence of the southeastern and north west sky. French style sash windows adorned the main bedroom, while timber casement windows embellish in the bathroom frame the views and filter the light.

However, this pleasant lifestyle was destroyed when our neighbour, a fencing contractor, entered the scene next door. Initially welcomed with open arms, his actions soon turned our lives upside down threatening the safety of everyone in the area. Without warning, he began demolishing a major supporting wall on our property, the main load-bearing wall of our bedroom. At one period of time he had constructed a hose from his roof diverted water into our office, causing over some several thousand dollars damage to the upstairs rooms, and undermining the footing of the house.

In addition to outline the lack of construction experience, we through investigation found that the intermediate wall did not meet the legal fire rating, a critical omission that endangered our well-being. Despite our pressing efforts to seek resolution the problem with the builder and contacting the council, the council said the builder's inspector had already approved on the building renovations, ignoring our concerns and leaving us open to harm.

In spite of getting a legal judgement in their favour and compensation for restitution, the toll was abysmal and created many unpleasant memories. They decided to sell their cherished home, we mourned the loss of our garden refuge, another casualty of proper government oversight and dicey building practices. The lack of proper oversight and appropriate governance by government and local council allowed this tragedy to unfold, highlighting the need for more accountability and legal protection for homeowners.

As we wrestle with the effects of this trial, we are left to ponder: What assistance do owners have when their sanctuaries are made vulnerable by the carelessness of dodgy construction companies?

Where to Commence - Vote the Competent and Unqualified Building Companies in Commonwealth of Australia..?

The Bankrupt, Accused, and the Collapse of Property CorporationBillion Dollar Regime Toplace

from Sept 2023

A Accused building adviser was deeply concerned with obtaining his insolvent company a very profitable construction contract — oversight of the dissolution of Accused Jean Nassif's business empire, which sunk under financial obligations in excess of $1.24 billion, inclusive $88.5 million payable to suppliers and tradespeople.

New disclosures about the downfall of Nassif's Toplace group of compaines have surfaced in documents shown to the Australian Federal Court this recently by bankruptcy managers from dVT Group of Companies. These papers uncover that secured creditors, such as banks with mortgages on Toplace properties and offshore lenders in tax havens like the British Virgin Islands, are owed $1 billion.

More Applicable Subject Matter:

Jean Nassif, and Toplace's Skyview development in Castle Hill.

Creditors without Security, have made claims totalling an estimated quarter of a billion.

Court filed claims also show that Riad Tayeh, founder of dVT Group of companies, which played a fundamental responsibility in guaranteeing his businesses designation as bankruptcy administrators. Even though being announced bankrupt in May last year with $5.4 million in debt, Tayeh, now a business advisor, and colleague Antony Resnick went to important business meetings with Toplace executives in the weeks before the companies appointment as bankruptcy managers.

Among those involved at the meetings on July 2020 was Jean Nassif's 29-year-old daughter, Ashlyn, whose legal certificate has been suspended while she fights charges related to a $150 million fraud bound to Toplace's Skyview development in Castle Hill.

Riad Tayeh was legally insolvent in July last year.

Just days before these meetings, an arrest warrant was issued of Jean Nassif, 55, who fled Sydney for Dubai in December 2022. Jean and Ashlyn Nassif are accused of fraud to secure a $150 million loan from Westpac.

In August, Resnick and fellow dVT partner Suelen McCallum were nominated voluntary bankruptcy administrators for Toplace. by Jean Nassif, Toplace's sole director, via email just hours prior. The administrators now face the task of handling one of Australia's biggest corporate collapses.

Resnick filed an affidavit in the Federal Court indicating that while Toplace's assets are valued at approximately $1.47 billion, its debts are nearly the same amount. Despite this, several owners' corporations have filed claims amounting to nearly $124 million to address serious defects in Toplace's buildings.

Further complicating the administrators' task a staff member suggested there may be another $400 million in loans involving Nassif entities that are not yet under administration. adding that Toplace's financial books had not been properly updated since 2021.

Sydney Buildings Falling Down... Nightmare on Builders Street?!

Continuing from my opinion piece "Holding the Line" (https://shorturl.at/4xbiF), the following stories outline a persistent sickness within the Sydney housing and property market. Despite recently updated NSW Building Property legislation, many investors are forced to buy homes that do not guarantee the safety of their money and investment.

These stories often go unnoticed and become the burden of socially righteous politicians in search of votes. The diminishing hope that government and local councils will provide a safe pair of hands for Australians striving to live the Aussie homeowner dream is disheartening.

Failures of Governance

- New Tower Block Evacuated Amid Cracks Concern: (https://t.ly/8b5Xd)

- Opal Tower Evacuation Amid Structural Concerns: (https://t.ly/vy_eG)

 Betrayal Behind the Walls: A Neighbor's Ordeal

In the heart of Alexandria stood my friends David and Anne's sanctuary—a walled garden amidst the chaos of city streets. For 30 years, it was a place of solace and safety. David, an esteemed architect, had graced our community with numerous urban projects, none as beloved as the Lawrence Street Victorian conversion. Hailed as a masterpiece, it blended old-world charm with modern elegance.

The Victorian conversion featured a two-storey addition and renovations to a late Victorian terrace, highlighted by a light tower soaring above the main structure with suspended stairs. French windows adorned the bedroom, while timber casement windows in the bathroom welcomed views and filtered light.

As the design set a precedent, builders and designers began poaching the concept. Paul Meek, a builder, purchased the single-storey terrace adjoining my friends' and sought to incorporate David's design concept into his new renovation.

Life was reasonable until Meek began demolishing the upper walls and roof of his terrace, causing horrendous noise and damage to David and Anne's wall. When confronted, Meek revealed large cracks on their wall but refused entry for inspection.

Eventually, David hired an unbiased engineer to inspect the wall at his and Anne's expense, as the City of Sydney had failed to include a Dilapidation Report in Meek's Development Consent.

The wall damage was just the beginning. David and Anne experienced flat car tires from builders' screws, water damage in their home, and other disruptive issues. Despite legal advice, they struggled to hold Meek accountable. Offers from Meek to repair the damage were refused, and my friends settled for a small sum for walls and ceiling damage.

Meek's negligence continued with a faulty stormwater system, causing further damage and concerns about termite risks. Complaints to the Council and Building Certifier were dismissed, leading to a futile letter of demand from David's solicitor.

After repeated flooding incidents and confrontations, David and Anne sought conciliation through the NSW Community Justice Centre, but the Meeks refused. Left with no choice, David and Anne sold their house and retired to the NSW far south coast. The legitimacy of private certifiers approving building works remains under scrutiny by State and Local Government and Royal Commission investigations.

 Conclusion

"We did everything we could to resolve these issues; however, although we received minor compensation, it was nothing compared to the stress we endured trying to get our neighbor to build responsibly, and a state government and local council who could do nothing to protect us due to a lack of proper governance."

Australian homeowners are left to ponder: What other disasters are waiting to destroy their dreams? What recourse do house, apartment, and property owners have when their sanctuaries are threatened by greed, incompetence, and negligence? Even with recent legislation in NSW, it fails to provide complete protection for homeowners.

Neda Hafele

Treachery the Other-side of Connecting Walls: A Neighbour's Calamitous Impact on Our Award winning Refuge

In the heart of Lawrence street Melbourne we had renovated our gorgeous sanctuary of some 30 years, a secret garden amidst the noise of the city streets. For over 20 years, it was a gorgeous refuge of solacement, a oasis of beauty and safety.

As an honoured architect, my friend had graced our city of Sydney with numerous municipal design proposals, but of these none were more personal that the progressive design of the Lawrence Street, Alexandria, Sydney, Victorian style conversion. Conspicuously in the Sydney Morning Herald, it was acclaimed as a creative masterpiece, blending old-world magic with neo elegance.

The Victorian conversion was a testament to architectural creativity—a three-story addition and renovations to a late Victorian terrace, offering a house for a family and a studio. The premier feature was the light tower, high above the roof with floating stairs, capturing the essence of the south east and northwestern skies. French sash windows dressed the main bedroom, while timber casement windows embellish in the bathroom frame the views and filter the light.

However, our beautiful existence was shattered when a new neighbour, a builder, moved in next door. Initially welcomed with open arms, his illegal actions soon created absolute chaos threatening the safety of everyone in the area. Without proper notification, he began demolishing our brick supporting wall, the main load-bearing wall of our master bedroom. At one point he had constructed a hose from his roof diverted water into our office, causing several thousand dollars damage to the upstairs rooms, and undermining the footing of the house.

In addition to outline the lack of building experience, we discovered that the intermediate wall did not meet the legal fire rating, a critical omission that threatened our well-being. In spite of our urgent efforts to seek resolution the problem with the neighbour's and contacting the council, we were informed the builder's inspector had already signed off on the building renovations, ignoring our concerns and leaving us vulnerable to harm.

In spite of receiving a judgement in their favour and recompense for restitution, the toll was abysmal and created many unpleasant memories. They were forced to sell their beautiful home, we mourned the loss of our award winning sanctuary, another victim of government negligence and dangerous construction practices. The lack of proper oversight and appropriate governance by local government created the environment for this tragedy to unfold, heightening the necessity for greater responsibilities and protection for owners.

As we wrestle with the consequence of this ordeal, we are left to ponder: What recourse do homeowners have when their sanctuaries are made vulnerable by the neglect of others?

When to Begin - Vote the Competent and Unqualified Building Companies in Commonwealth of Australia..?

The Insolvent, Defendant, and the Collapse of Building CompanyToplace

from June 2023

A Fugitive adviser was comprehensively concerned with getting his insolvent registered company a very moneymaking construction contract — managing the dissolution of Suspect Jean Nassif's business empire, which drowned under financial obligations surpassing $1.24 billion, including $88.5 million payable to suppliers and tradespeople.

New disclosures about the downfall of Nassif's Toplace group have emerged in documented evidence shown to the Australian Federal Court this month by administrators from dVT Group of Companies. These papers uncover that secured creditors, such as banks with mortgages on Toplace properties and offshore lenders in tax havens like the British Virgin Islands, are owed one thousand million.

Further Applicatory Subject Matter:

Jean Nassif, and Toplace's Skyview construction in Castle Hill.

Creditors without Security, have made claims totalling an est. $244 million.

Australian Federal Court claims also tell that Riad Tayeh, company founder of dVT Group of companies, which played a central responsibility in assuring his companies designation as administrators. In spite of being proclaimed bankrupt in May last year with millions in debt in debt, Tayeh, now a business consultant, and business colleague Antony Resnick attended important business meetings with Toplace executives in the weeks leading up to the firm's appointment as administrators.

Included in those involved at the meetings on June 2020 was Jean Nassif's 29-year-old daughter, Ashlyn, whose legal practicing certificate has been suspended while she fights charges related to a $150 million fraud bound to Toplace's Skyview construction development in Castle Hill.

Riad Tayeh was legally financially bankrupt in June 2022.

Just days before the meetings, an arrest warrant was issued of Jean Nassif, 55, who escaped to Dubai in December 2022. Jean and Ashlyn Nassif are accused of creating false documentation to secure a $150 million loan from Westpac.

In June, Resnick and fellow dVT partner Suelen McCallum were nominated voluntary administrators for Toplace. by Jean Nassif, its sole director The bankruptcy managers now face the task of handling one of Australia's biggest corporate bankruptcy's.

According to Toplace's website, Jean Nassif's company has delivered around 30,000 residential units, shopping centers, and commercial properties throughout Sydney. Despite this, several owners' corporations have filed claims amounting to nearly $124 million to address serious defects in Toplace's buildings.

Further complicating the administrators' task a staff member suggested there may be another $400 million in loans involving Nassif entities that are not yet under administration. adding that Toplace's financial books had not been properly updated since 2021.

Unveiling the Shadowed Realities of Urban Development:A Call to Action for Justice and Accountability

In the bustling urban landscapes of our modern cities, where gleaming skyscrapers pierce the heavens and vibrant communities thrive, lies a shadowed underbelly of systemic issues plaguing the building industry. Behind the facade of progress and prosperity, a complex web of social, financial, and justice issues unfolds, casting a pall over the lives of countless individuals.

Social Issues: Within the heart of our cities, amidst the glittering skyline, lies a tale of dispossession and displacement. Hardworking Australians, striving to build a future for themselves and their families, find themselves ensnared in a web of deceit and betrayal. Behind closed doors, corporate entities manipulate the legal system, stripping individuals of their homes and livelihoods with callous disregard for human dignity.

Financial Issues: As the towers of commerce rise ever higher, so too do the stakes in the high-stakes game of urban development. Bent building codes, crumbling infrastructure, and shady dealings characterize an industry teetering on the brink of collapse. Behind the glossy facades of luxury apartments and office complexes, lies a landscape littered with broken promises and shattered dreams.

Justice Issues: In the halls of power, where decisions are made and laws are enacted, the voice of the people often falls on deaf ears. Despite mounting evidence of corruption and malfeasance, the guardians of justice remain silent, complicit in the systemic failures that perpetuate inequality and injustice. From neglected building inspections to lax regulatory oversight, the failures of governance are laid bare for all to see.

Examples of Problems in the Building Industry:

1. Mascot Towers: The Mascot Towers debacle serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by lax regulatory oversight and corporate greed. Residents, once proud homeowners, now find themselves facing financial ruin as their homes crumble around them. Despite years of warnings and red flags, authorities turned a blind eye, leaving residents to bear the brunt of the consequences.

2. Opal Tower: In Sydney's Opal Tower, cracks began to appear shortly after its completion, prompting a mass evacuation and raising questions about the integrity of the building's construction. While investigations continue, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in rushed development and inadequate quality control measures.

3. Building Defects Epidemic: Across the country, reports of building defects and structural failures have become alarmingly common. From leaking roofs to collapsing balconies, the epidemic of building defects underscores the need for urgent action to address systemic issues within the industry.

Summary:

As the shadows of injustice loom large over our cities, it is imperative that we stand together and demand accountability from those entrusted with our safety and well-being. The time has come to shine a light on the systemic failures that perpetuate inequality and injustice in the building industry. Through collective action, we can hold the government accountable for its failure to protect our basic human right to trust that proper governance is carried out. Let us unite in solidarity, petitioning for justice and initiating legal proceedings to ensure that the voices of the people are heard and that the wheels of justice turn for all.

Paul Meek Builder,

Antwan Pummill

Subversiveness Backside of Shared Wall: A Neighbour Disastrous Impact on Our Idyllic Refuge

In the Central Business District of Alexandria, Melbourne we had renovated our beautiful refuge of 30 years, a walled special architecturally designed house and garden in the middle of the noise of the city streets. For 30 years, it was a beautiful home of solacement, a haven of shimmering beauty and asylum.

As an honoured architect, my friend had tirelessly provided to our city of Sydney with numerous urban design proposals, but of these none were more personal and loved that the progressive design of the Lawrence Street, Alexandria, Victorian conversion. Featured in the Sydney Morning Herald, it was acclaimed as a creative masterpiece, weaving old-world magic with modern elegance.

The Victorian transmutation was a testament to architectural inventiveness—a three-story build and conversion to a late Victorian semi-attached, providing a house for a small family and a studio. The premier feature was the light tower, far above the roof with suspended stairway, capturing the essence of the southeastern and northwestern skies. French style sash windows dressed the master bedroom, while timber casement windows decorate in the bathroom frame the views and filter the light.

However, our beautiful existence was shattered when a new neighbour, a fencing contractor, entered the scene next door. Initially welcomed, his actions soon created absolute chaos threatening the safety of everyone in the area. Without warning, he began demolishing a major supporting wall on our property, the major load-bearing wall of our bedroom. At one point he had constructed a hose from his roof diverted water into our office, causing over some several thousand dollars damage to the upstairs rooms, and undermining the footing of the house.

To compound matters, we through investigation found that the intermediate wall lacked the required fire rating, a critical oversight that threatened our safety. Despite our pressing attempts to seek resolution the problem with the builder and contacting the council, we were informed the builder's inspector had already approved on the construction, ignoring our concerns and leaving us open to fire.

Despite getting a legal decision in their favour and compensation for restitution, the emotional toll was abysmal and created many unpleasant memories. They were forced to sell their beautiful home, we mourned the loss of our award winning sanctuary, another casualty of government negligence and unsafe building practices. The lack of oversight and governance by government and local council allowed this tragedy to unfold, highlighting the demand for more responsibilities and legal protection for homeowners.

As we grapple with the effects of this ordeal, we are left to consider: What assistance do homeowners have when their greatest financial investment are threatened by the negligence of dodgy construction companies?

Where to Begin - Vote the Best and Unqualified Building Companies in Australia..?

The Insolvent, Fugitive, and the Collapse of Building CompanyBillion Dollar Regime Toplace

from Sept 2023

A Suspect adviser was extensively involved with acquiring his insolvent registered company a very profitable building contract — supervising the collapse of Insolvent Jean Nassif's business empire, which went under debts in excess of $1.24 billion, including $88.5 million payable to suppliers and onsite builders.

Brand New revelations about the ruin of Nassif's Toplace corporation have emerged in evidence given to the Australian Commonwealth Federal Court this recently by administrators from dVT Group of Companies. These evidence unveiled that secured creditors, such as banks with mortgages on Toplace properties and offshore lenders in tax havens like the British Virgin Islands, are owed $1 billion.

More Relevant Info:

Riad Tayeh, and Toplace's Skyview construction in Castle Hill.

Unsecured creditors, have made claims totalling an estimated quarter of a billion.

Court claims also tell that Riad Tayeh, business founder of dVT Group of companies, played a key duty in securing his businesses designation as administrators. Despite being proclaimed bankrupt in July 2022 with millions in debt in debt, Tayeh, now a business consultant, and colleague Antony Resnick attended essential business meetings with Toplace top managers in the days before the firm's appointment as bankruptcy managers.

Included in those at the meetings on June 2019 was Jean Nassif's 29-year-old daughter, Ashlyn, whose legal practicing certificate has been suspended while she fights charges relating to fraud tied to Toplace's Skyview construction development in Castle Hill.

Riad Tayeh was declared financially bankrupt in June last year.

Just before the meetings, an arrest warrant was issued of Jean Nassif, 55, who fled Sydney for Dubai in October 2022. Jean and Ashlyn Nassif are accused of creating false documentation to secure a $150 million loan from Westpac.

In July, Resnick and fellow dVT partner Suelen McCallum were appointed voluntary bankruptcy managers for Toplace. by Jean Nassif, Toplace's sole director, via email just hours prior. The bankruptcy managers now face the task of handling one of Australia's largest corporate collapses.

With reference to Toplace's website, Jean Nassif's company has delivered around 30,000 residential units, shopping centers, and commercial properties throughout Sydney. Administrators are also investigating more than 3,000 residential apartments still under development.

Further complicating the administrators' task is the web of intercompany loans among Nassif's entities, which amount to $319 million. adding that Toplace's financial books had not been properly updated since 2021.

Resolution Reached for Mascot Towers, Owners to Finally Escape Longstanding Struggles...

After five years of enduring legal battles and financial burdens, relief may be in sight for the long-suffering apartment owners of Mascot Towers in Sydney. A landmark deal brokered by the New South Wales government offers a pathway for owners to sell their properties individually, potentially freeing them from debt and uncertainty.  The majority of owners have opted to accept the government's proposal, which involves selling to a third-party commercial consortium rather than pursuing a collective sale.

As part of the agreement, owners will receive a portion of the $30 million building price, along with means-tested support from the state government. Additionally, banks have agreed to reduce loan balances by up to 40% for owner-occupiers, enabling them to move out without financial encumbrances.

However, this debt-relief option is exclusively available to those who resided in the property prior to its evacuation in 2019 due to structural defects. Eligible owner-occupiers, along with select investors, may qualify for government assistance of up to $120,000, depending on their income and assets.  While the deal offers a fresh start for many, it comes with the realization that property values have significantly depreciated since the original purchase. Despite this drawback, the Minister for Fair Trading, Anoulack Chanthivong, views the agreement as a crucial step towards closure for affected owners, describing it as the end of a "dark chapter" in the state's building history.

The next phase involves determining the extent of government support for owners and ensuring that lenders fulfill their commitments. The journey towards resolution began in 2019 when residents were evacuated due to structural concerns, prompting a prolonged battle for justice and financial relief.  Throughout this ordeal, owners faced the burden of ongoing levies, mortgages, and remediation costs, exacerbating their plight. The evacuation prompted a grassroots campaign urging regulatory reforms and developer accountability, culminating in the current agreement.

To date, the NSW government has allocated $21 million in support to affected owners, underscoring its commitment to addressing the repercussions of defective building practices. As the community looks ahead to a new chapter, the resolution of Mascot Towers stands as a testament to perseverance and collective action in the face of adversity.

Paul Meek Builder,