Donnybrook Building
Inspections

Boundary fences and post depth in Donnybrook

When a fence fails and nobody accepts responsibility.

Donnybrook 3064 · 15 January 2026

Fully licensed & accredited

  • Building & Plumbing Commission (VIC) Building & Plumbing Commission
  • Australian Society of Building Consultants Australian Society of Building Consultants
  • Strata Community Association Strata Community Association
  • Building Dispute Practitioners Society Building Dispute Practitioners Society

In short: A Donnybrook investigation found a rear fence semi collapsed with inadequate post embedment.

What we investigated

A rear boundary fence found in a semi collapsed state, with the owner and builder disagreeing about cause.

Post embedment

The depth a post is set into the ground is a measurement, not an opinion. It was inadequate for the fence it carried.

Capping

Top capping not adequately fixed, with sections loose.

Why measurement settles it

Once the embedment depth is measured against the requirement, the argument changes shape.

What the report gives you

The finding, the shortfall and what should have been done.

Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Donnybrook. Licensed building practitioners.

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FAQ

Questions Donnybrook owners ask about this

Is a fence covered by the build contract?

It depends on the contract. The report establishes the facts either way.

Can this go to VCAT?

Yes, provided the report has been prepared in expert witness form.

Do you dig the post out?

No, embedment is assessed without destructive work where possible.

How long does it take?

It runs longer than a routine inspection, since the work is investigative.

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