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Duration: 2.39
“We’ve got a contract with our designer. We should have a contract with our builder too…right?”
Yes you’re right.
Your home is one of your biggest investments. A written contract makes sure you’re legally protected and clearly outlines what you’re paying for. This should be agreed and signed before work starts.
This video tells you:
- What a contract covers
- What other protection measures you can ask for
Okay let’s get started with your contract.
It’s a good idea to always have a contract, but if your building project is going to cost $30,000 or more, you must have a contract. It’s the law.
Most contractors will have a standard contract they use – our website gives you helpful advice about what to look for in these. If you’re in any doubt, have a lawyer take a look before signing it.
A good contract will cover:
- What you’re going to get – including the materials used, quality standards, and start and finish dates.
- The cost, what you need to pay and when. And what happens if unexpected costs crop up.
- What you need to do as the homeowner; and what your contractor needs to do.
For work costing $30,000 or more, or if you ask for it, your contractor must also give you:
A disclosure statement. This is information about their skills, qualifications, license and the insurance or guarantees they provide.
A checklist. This outlines the stages of the build and how you can protect yourself at each of these stages.
Bottom line – your home is one of your biggest investments, so you want to protect it and yourself with a contract ... right?
So, to Build it Right:
1. Always get a contract
2. Ask for a disclosure statement and checklist
3. Get legal advice before signing.
