Residential Building Lawyers

Home Services Building and Construction Residential Building Contracts

Construction Lawyers for Homeowners

Building a home can be a stressful experience for many, particularly for those who are first-time homeowners. Having to worry about legal disputes in addition to this can make the process even more overwhelming.

Many builders have years of experience in the construction industry. They know the tricks of the trade and often have teams of people to handle any issues.

As a homeowner, countless issues can arise during construction. These include hidden ‘extras’, complicated terminology, strict timelines, tricky processes for variations, and issues with defects and practical completion.

Our building and construction lawyers can help you understand and assist you with that process. We are here to assist you from signing the contract to handling any construction issues. Our lawyers can assist you with post-construction issues, even after the defects liability period has ended.

We can also help you with one of the most common home build issues – arguments about the costs, and payment disputes.

At Preston Law, we say you should ‘hope for the best, but plan for the worst’. Let our building and construction lawyers help you even up the playing field, and maybe even tip it in your favour.

We can help you with:

  • Understanding construction contracts;
  • Knowing your rights;
  • Knowing what to look for;
  • Dealing with issues like defects and variations;
  • Understanding your obligations, so you don’t get caught out;

and if a building dispute does arise, we can:

  • Explain your options, the risks, and what comes next; and
  • Help you navigate through the dispute resolution process.

Are you planning a new home? Our experts in Queensland Building and Construction law can help protect your best interests and avoid costly disputes.

Seek legal advice now to ensure your plans go smoothly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

My new home build has run over its completion date, what can I do?

Your options may depend on what is detailed within your contract and the circumstances. For example, most contracts will include a buffer for poor weather conditions. There may also be clauses that enable the building period to be extended if there have been any variations to your original scope.

Our lawyers can help you determine if you are entitled to any compensation due to delays in the build and provide expert legal advice on what to do next.

If I raise a dispute, will the construction of my new home stop?

If you have concerns about any aspect of your new home’s build, it shouldn’t hinder the construction progress. However, the severity of the dispute will determine the course of action. If it’s about minor defects or aspects of the build, you can usually resolve it directly with the builder.

But if the dispute is more severe, it’s best to seek advice from a qualified lawyer. This will assist you in understanding your rights and obligations, as well as identifying ways to safeguard your interests.

What should I do if I find defects after the handover is completed?

Most new homes are protected by a 12-month defect liability period. Your contract will determine the length of your specific construction.

It is essential to notify your builder as soon as you are aware of any defects. If they fail to rectify the issue, your next course of action will be to raise a complaint with the QBCC.

Should the builder provide a contract when carrying out renovations or extensions?

Absolutely – in fact having a written contract is mandatory under the Home Building Regulations Act.

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Townsville Lawyers