Dodgy DIY plagues our homes

The Advertiser: Dodgy DIY plagues our homes :

"Data from Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, shows 34 per cent of the group's 4419 pre-purchase home inspections since 1994 reveal some form of illegal activity.

Faults include breaches of building regulations, poor and inadequate ventilation and electrical and plumbing work carried out by unlicensed workers."

I know my experience is not a valid sample. I accept that, but even so I am surprised to hear we have so much dodgy building going on because for years I have been driven crazy by do it yourselfers and renovators who are excruciatingly meticulous about how and when things are done and if they are employing others they are so on their case it's embarrassing. I should have thought our buildings would be extraordinarily perfect beyond perfection. Trades people come at a very high price now and the waiting and waiting drives you crazy. Took me four waits and several phone calls to get new cisterns in by a very reputable plumber. The fencing took two calls. The prices are outrageous and what we do around here is reccomend trades people for their work and prices. So anyone who doesn't come flush with funds would be driven into do it yourself for all the wrong reasons and if they have a pressing problem, then yes, I can understand it being less than perfect work. Again, money talks.