ALWAYS SIGN A CONTRACT - ENGAGE A CONTRACT BUILDER

by Dwell Building Services | August 2020 | Fixed Price Contract Builder

It happens more than you’d think…hoping to save some money on GST or Home Warranty Insurance, people undertaking a large renovation sometimes do not sign a contract for the work they’re getting done.

The reality can be pretty harsh for those that do go down that path. Someone has to be responsible for the works carried out to your property, and if you don’t have a contract with your builder, you’re effectively an owner builder. Even if you don’t know you are.

Contracts exist to protect both parties, assign responsibility and prevent misunderstanding in the future.

When the quote is prepared, you, as the client get a chance to make changes and prepare for upcoming fixed costs. As the builder, we get the opportunity to outline the scope of works, progress payments and timelines.

If there’s no contract in the first place, it makes it very difficult to hold anyone to account on either side. The job can mysteriously “grow”, costs can blow out for no reason, there’s no insurance if something goes wrong, the builder may never get paid, or the time frame can drag on and on, who knows why? It doesn’t work out well for anyone!

Don’t fall prey to the old “she’ll be right, mate” attitude. Saving 10% on the GST is no compensation for a poorly done job or one that ended up costing 20% more in cost blow-outs anyway. 

Make sure you engage a reputable licensed contract builder and get it all in writing.

Dwell Building Services is licensed and insured in both Queensland and New South Wales, and we’re active members of the HIA, always using their industry standard contracts for every job.