CPD Holdings Pty Ltd t/as The Bathroom Exchange v John Baguley and Daniela Baguley
[2014] NSWCATCD 120
At a glance
Source factsCourt
NCAT Consumer and Commercial
Decision date
2014-06-11
Source
Original judgment source is linked above.
Judgment (28 paragraphs)
Mr Peter Snelgrove for the builder, CPD Holdings Pty Ltd t/as The Bathroom Exchange (cross applicant / cross respondent) File Number(s): HB 13/20778 and HB 13/27768
APPLICATION 1These two applications have a somewhat protracted history which is worth reciting for a better understanding of the respective claims and to assist in formulating any costs application. 2I have throughout these reasons referred to the "builder" and the "home-owners" to avoid confusion with the use of the terms claimant/cross-claimant, etc. 3Application HB 13/20778, the builder's claim, was filed in the CTTT on 18 April 2013. The application sought orders for payment of the sum of $31,182.20 allegedly outstanding under a contract for performance of residential building work by the builder for the home-owners. 4It was not the first application filed by the builder in relation to this dispute. On 13 January 2013 the builder had filed his first application seeking orders for payment of $26,000.00. That application was withdrawn by the builder on 15 March 2013. 5On 8 February 2013 the builder filed a statement of claim in the Local Court seeking orders for payment by the home-owners of $10,205.17. That claim was transferred by order of the Local Court to the CTTT on 9 May 2013 and was withdrawn by the builder on 1 August 2013. 6The home-owners' claim (HB 13/27768) was filed in the CTTT on 23 May 2013 seeking orders for compensation for allegedly incomplete and defective work and for liquidated damages in the total sum of $21,219.35. 7Both matters came before me for hearing on 1 August 2013. The parties were unrepresented and underprepared. The matters were adjourned with comprehensive directions for exchange of documentary material and leave granted for the home-owners to file and serve an amended application. It was noted at that time that both parties agreed the contract remained on foot. Accordingly the parties were advised of the effect of the decision of the Court of Appeal in Brewarrina Shire Council v Beckhaus Civil Pty. Ltd. [2006] NSWCA 361 and it was suggested they may wish to seek legal advice as to the implications for their respective cases. 8The matters next came before me for directions on 19 September 2013 at which time it was noted the home-owners' claim was amended to seek orders for $96,813.30 plus costs. Leave was granted for legal representation, further directions were made and the matters were adjourned for a two day hearing on 9 and 10 December 2013. 9At that time the home-owners withdrew their reliance on the expert evidence of Mr Grieve, previously filed, and sought to rely on the evidence of Mr. Stanton, handed up at the hearing. 10The matters were again adjourned for the builder's expert to consider the Stanton report and the issue of costs was reserved. 11As the CTTT was abolished on 1 January 2014 the two matters proceeded before NCAT pursuant to the transitional provisions of the NCAT Act Schedule 1 and the relevant statutory provisions that were in place prior to 1 January 2014. 12At a directions hearing on 26 May 2014 the admissibility of reports filed by the builder on 8 May 2104 and by the home-owners on 15 May 2014 was clarified. Directions were also made for the parties' experts to conduct a joint flood test and to file a joint report on the outcome. 13It was also noted that the three experts now relied on by the parties were to meet on 10 June 2014 with a view to clarifying issues remaining in dispute and to identify the evidence relied on in that regard. 14The experts did meet on 10 June 2014 but were unable to file a joint report until the following morning. 15As a result of the meeting of the experts and as a result of certain concessions made throughout the hearing on 11 June 2104 it was possible before adjournment at the end of the day for the parties to reach full agreement on all issues necessary to fully dispose of the builder's claim. 16It was agreed that the builder was entitled to orders that the home-owners pay it the sum of $24,818.00. That amount was calculated as follows Contract price 54,848.00 Variations conceded by the home-owners 11,263.00 Variations for which agreement was reached 2,300.00 68,411.00 Less agreed negative variations 1,700.00 Adjusted contract price 66,711.00 Less the sum paid by the home-owners 41,893.00