The Times Australia
The Times Real Estate

.

No need for it: 3 essential tips for avoiding a building dispute

  • Written by NewsServices.com

Australian construction typically goes as planned. However, disputes sometimes arise due to a lack of communication or misunderstanding between involved parties.

These communication errors often regard a disagreement about the scope of works, delayed payments, construction delays or disagreement about construction variation.

Given that these disputes typically arise out of communication errors, it’s important to remember that this should be at the top of both parties’ priorities when it comes to avoiding conflict.

So, before you contact the best building lawyer Melbourne has on offer, here are three essential tips for avoiding a building dispute:

  1. Communicate with the other party

Communication is imperative when it comes to construction. Whether it’s communication between the builder and property owner, between the different construction teams or between site managers and builders, communication is key to getting the job done properly and safely.

When there is a communication breakdown between builder and owner, it can often result in one of the above-mentioned problems like invoice delays or misunderstandings about project variations etc.

This is why it’s vital that the builder and owner are in constant contact and ready to relay updates onto one another with records kept of what’s been said at what time.

  1. Misunderstanding the scope of the work

Every owner has an idea of how they want their property to be built, and every construction company has the skills to do it. But neither party should go in with a blind idea of how this should happen, and they should both hold a lengthy consultation about the scope of the work before any ground is broken.

This can include things like discussing the owner’s expectations about the construction and what works the builder will perform. The builder may also like to provide their own set of expectations in regards to how the property will be built i.e. what hours of the day are suitable for the owner to contact the builder.

This is also a good time for parties to go through processes of payment and discuss any issues that may arise regarding building variations, potential delays etc.

This may all sound tedious, but given that building a new property is one of the largest financial operations one can undertake, it all makes sense to cover as many specific bases as possible in order to avoid conflict down the track.

  1. Enter into a contract

Of course, this goes without saying, but you would be surprised at the number of building disputes that arise when both parties haven’t agreed to and signed a contract.

A written contract is vital for avoiding any hearsay scenarios if any building matters were to go to court, as you would have documented evidence that both parties agreed to certain works being conducted.

After the contract has been written, both parties must understand the content, effect and nature of the contract before signing it. Owners are advised to contact a building lawyer if they don’t understand some of the contract or think it doesn’t align with their interests.

This way, you can be sure that the contract doesn’t contain any clauses that might negatively affect the construction process or leave you out of pocket.

Contact your lawyer if all else fails

Of course, sometimes the above methods fail, and the only recourse may be to get the best building lawyers to quickly resolve the dispute. They can provide parties with the legal expertise and processes to help win the best outcome on their client’s behalf.

Property Times

Rubber vs Concrete Wheel Stops: Which is Better for Your Car Park?

When it comes to setting up a car park in Perth, wheel stops are a small feature that make a big difference. From improving driver accuracy to preventing costly damage, the right choice between rubber and concrete wheel stops could save you time, mon...

What Is the Australian Government First Home Buyers Scheme About?

For many Australians, buying a first home can feel like a daunting task—especially with rising property prices, tight lending rules, and the challenge of saving for a deposit. To ease this burden, the Australian Government has introduced a First ...

Flipping vs. Holding: Which Investment Strategy Is Right for You?

Are you wondering whether flipping a property or holding onto it is the better investment strategy? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Both strategies have distinct advantages and risks, and choosing the right one depends on your financial goals, ...

A Guide to Smarter Real Estate Accounting: What You Might Be Overlooking

Real estate accounting can be a complex terrain, even for experienced investors and property managers. From tracking rental income to managing property expenses, the financial intricacies of real estate demand more than just basic bookkeeping. A si...

Times Magazine

Building a Strong Online Presence with Katoomba Web Design

Katoomba web design is more than just creating a website that looks good—it’s about building an onli...

September Sunset Polo

International Polo Tour To Bridge Historic Sport, Life-Changing Philanthropy, and Breath-Taking Beau...

5 Ways Microsoft Fabric Simplifies Your Data Analytics Workflow

In today's data-driven world, businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline their data anal...

7 Questions to Ask Before You Sign IT Support Companies in Sydney

Choosing an IT partner can feel like buying an insurance policy you hope you never need. The right c...

Choosing the Right Legal Aid Lawyer in Sutherland Shire: Key Considerations

Legal aid services play an essential role in ensuring access to justice for all. For people in t...

Watercolor vs. Oil vs. Digital: Which Medium Fits Your Pet's Personality?

When it comes to immortalizing your pet’s unique personality in art, choosing the right medium is ...

The Times Features

Do kids really need vitamin supplements?

Walk down the health aisle of any supermarket and you’ll see shelves lined with brightly packa...

Why is it so shameful to have missing or damaged teeth?

When your teeth and gums are in good condition, you might not even notice their impact on your...

Australian travellers at risk of ATM fee rip-offs according to new data from Wise

Wise, the global technology company building the smartest way to spend and manage money internat...

Does ‘fasted’ cardio help you lose weight? Here’s the science

Every few years, the concept of fasted exercise training pops up all over social media. Faste...

How Music and Culture Are Shaping Family Road Trips in Australia

School holiday season is here, and Aussies aren’t just hitting the road - they’re following the musi...

The Role of Spinal Physiotherapy in Recovery and Long-Term Wellbeing

Back pain and spinal conditions are among the most common reasons people seek medical support, oft...

Italian Lamb Ragu Recipe: The Best Ragù di Agnello for Pasta

Ciao! It’s Friday night, and the weekend is calling for a little Italian magic. What’s better than t...

It’s OK to use paracetamol in pregnancy. Here’s what the science says about the link with autism

United States President Donald Trump has urged pregnant women[1] to avoid paracetamol except in ...

How much money do you need to be happy? Here’s what the research says

Over the next decade, Elon Musk could become the world’s first trillionaire[1]. The Tesla board ...