Building disputes can cause more issues among property owners and builders than almost any other type of dispute. Often we view the results of low quality building work that leaves home, or property investment owners desperately upset, and builders leaving a trail of unfinished or defective building work behind them.
Most of the time, a builder delivers what you pay for. There could be a few issues that can be ironed out, but generally you end up with a property that is as it was designed.
If your builder leaves your property with bad workmanship issues, not only can it be stressful, but it could end up costing you a lot. If you have a dispute with a builder over a defective building, it is important to seek expert advice from an experienced building and construction lawyer as soon as possible. It is also important to ensure that they are familiar with the building code of contract and the relevant Home Building Act and Home Building Regulations in New South Wales.
An experienced building and construction lawyer will be able to advise you on the best course of action to take, whether it is a matter of raising the issue with the builder and giving them time to remedy the issue, or to take the building dispute to court.
Also if you are a builder with a dispute against a developer or tradesperson, you will also need to seek expert legal advice, to discover what options you have.
In order to make a claim in a building dispute for defective or incomplete work, you will need to know an approximate cost to fix that work. Your lawyer will advise you on how to work this out, and that will usually involve talking to another building expert, or arranging for a building inspector to inspect the defects or incomplete work.
It is also important that you have kept all copies of any documents, such as contracts, invoices and any written communication with your builder, and take photographs of the work that is the subject of your construction dispute, so that you have evidence to support your claim.
The same applies if you are a builder that is instigating a building dispute.
If your building dispute is going to court, make sure your lawyer has access to experienced building and construction law barristers, who can represent you.
Contact Buckley Lawyers now, for advice on building and construction disputes, and your peace of mind.