Russell McCarthy in the Media

I get asked to comment on building quality in WA fairly often. Here’s where I’ve appeared, with links to the original stories so you can see them for yourself.

9News Perth (Channel 9)

Live interview, 16 October 2023

I spoke live on 9News Perth about the early signs of major building defects, and why regular inspections save owners from much bigger repair bills down the track.

Read our write-up of the interview

Yahoo News Australia

14 October 2024: Tradie’s alarming discovery at new build exposes costly problem for Aussie homeowners: ‘Wild West’

Sophie Coghill’s story covered my call for independent inspections to be mandatory in WA, because builders’ own site supervisors are the ones signing off the work. Our write-up

20 January 2025: Disturbing detail in $350 apartment leaves Aussies disgusted: ‘Not good enough’

Yahoo asked me about a $350 a week rental with a toilet in the middle of the room, and why it falls short of basic building rules on ventilation and privacy. Our write-up

RAC

2023: Common structural problems in WA homes

RAC featured the structural problems we find most often in Perth homes, drawn from our own inspection reports. Our write-up

Media enquiries

If you’re a journalist looking for comment on building quality, defects or new builds in WA, call me on 1300 23 63 63 or email info@wabuildinginspections.com.au.

Russell McCarthy, Registered Builder (BP104751) and Lead Building Inspector at WA Building Inspections Perth.