Building your new home is exciting, so much so that you often forget to stop and think about what happens if things don’t go according to plan.
What if your builder runs out of money and skips town? What can you do if your newly “waterproofed” ceiling begins leaking after a week? What can you do if your island bench installation ends up costing twice as much as you were quoted?
These are just a few examples of problems that can occur when building or renovating your home.
That is why having an understanding of NSW Building laws is helpful before you run into trouble.
What is The Home Building Act?
The Home Building Act 1989 (NSW) (the Act) is the legislation that governs all residential building work and specialist work in New South Wales. It sets out the rights and obligations of homeowners, contractors and builders in the construction process and is designed to give homeowners protection against non-compliant workmanship, defects, and non-completion of work. To access the Act please click this link Home Building Act 1989 NSW
How can the Act help you?
One of the most important roles of the Act is the requirement for a valid home building contract. This is a legally binding agreement between a builder and a homeowner. Under the Act, a home building contract must include certain information, such as the names and addresses of the relevant parties, the scope of work, the price for the work, and the completion date.
Another crucial aspect of the Act is the requirement for builders to provide their client homeowners with home warranty insurance, also known as the Home Building Compensation Fund. For further information please click the following link: Home Building Compensation Fund. The Home Building Compensation Fund is a form of insurance which covers homeowners in the event of a defect or non-completion of work. It can cover the cost of rectifying any defects that occur within six years after the work’s completion or any unfinished work up to $340,000.
Should a dispute arise with your builder or trade, Connor & Co Lawyers has experiences lawyers that can help you resolve your dispute. Speak to one of our lawyers today on (02) 9299 6696 to receive tailored advice for your particular situation.