Build Journey Learning Center

Everything you need to know about building in Australia.

State

NSW VIC QLD WA SA

Build Type

🏠New 🔨Home 🏡Granny

🏗️Construction Stages 🚨Red Flags 🛡️Insurance & Rights

📝Before Signing Contract

🚨

Builder won't provide HBCF/Home Warranty Insurance certificate before signing

Action:Do NOT sign contract without valid insurance certificate dated for your project

⚠️

'Site costs not included' in fixed price contract

Action:Get soil test and site report BEFORE signing, negotiate fixed site costs

⚠️

Builder pressuring you to sign quickly

Action:Good builders don't pressure. Take 5-day cooling off period in NSW

🚨

Verbal promises not in contract

Action:If it's not in writing, it doesn't exist. Get everything in the contract

🏗️During Construction

🚨

Inspection requested day-of or 'already done'

Action:All inspections must be booked in advance. Request certificate before any payment

⚠️

Constant variations for 'unforeseen' issues

Action:If variations exceed 10% of contract, flag for review. 15%+ is concerning

⚠️

Builder becomes hard to contact

Action:Document all communication. 2+ weeks unresponsive = escalate to HBCF

🚨

Work proceeding without inspections

Action:STOP PAYMENT. Work without inspection may void insurance

🔑At Handover

🚨

Demanding payment before Occupation Certificate

Action:This is illegal in most states. No OC = No final payment

🚨

'Sign off now, we'll fix defects later'

Action:NEVER do this. Document ALL defects in writing before signing

🚨

Missing any mandatory certificates

Action:Do not accept keys without ALL certificates listed in contract

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