Building & Construction Disputes
Defective Building Work, Builder Disputes & Construction Claims
Whether your builder has abandoned the project, delivered defective work, made a security of payment claim against you, or you are facing a strata or development dispute — submit one request and get connected with a building and construction lawyer who can assess your rights and next steps.
⚠ Building and construction claims have limitation periods — typically 6 to 10 years depending on the defect type and state. If a builder has abandoned your project or a notice has been issued — mention it in the form so your request can be prioritised.
What You Can Submit
Building and construction matters handled at all stages.
From defective work and contract disputes to strata issues and development application objections — submit your matter and a building lawyer will follow up.
Defective Building Work
Structural defects, waterproofing failures, subsidence, cracking, and other building defects — including pursuing rectification through tribunals, courts, or home warranty insurance.
Builder & Contractor Disputes
Disputes with builders, subcontractors, tradespeople, and project managers over work quality, delays, cost blowouts, and contract breaches.
Building Contract Disputes
Disputes about what a building contract requires, variations, progress payment disputes, and termination of building contracts.
Incomplete or Abandoned Work
When a builder stops work, abandons a project, or becomes insolvent — including options for recovering deposit payments and completing the work through alternative means.
Home Warranty Insurance Claims
Making or disputing home building compensation fund claims (formerly home warranty insurance) for defective or incomplete residential building work.
Strata & Body Corporate Disputes
Disputes between lot owners and owners corporations, by-law enforcement, strata levy disputes, building defects in strata schemes, and NCAT/VCAT strata matters.
Development Application Disputes
Objecting to or appealing development approvals, challenging planning decisions, and disputes about the scope or conditions of development consents.
Security of Payment Claims
Adjudication claims under state security of payment legislation — for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers seeking rapid recovery of unpaid construction debts.
Owner-Builder Disputes
Legal issues arising from owner-builder projects — including disputes with tradespeople, defect liability, and disclosure obligations on resale.
When to Act
Building and construction disputes that require legal action.
Builders, developers, and insurers rarely concede liability without legal pressure. Early legal advice protects your position, preserves evidence, and identifies the fastest path to resolution.
You have discovered defective building work
Structural defects, waterproofing failures, subsidence, and non-compliant work must be documented and reported promptly. Statutory warranty periods are typically 6 years for minor defects and up to 10 years for major structural defects — but they vary by state.
Your builder has abandoned the project or gone insolvent
Builder abandonment or insolvency mid-project leaves you with incomplete work, lost deposits, and urgent recovery decisions. Acting quickly — securing the site, making a home building compensation fund claim, and engaging a new builder — limits the financial damage.
You have received a security of payment claim
Under state security of payment legislation, respondents typically have only 10 business days to serve a payment schedule. Missing this deadline can result in the full claimed amount becoming automatically payable — regardless of whether it is disputed.
The builder is demanding payment for variations you didn't authorise
Disputed variations and cost blowouts are among the most common building disputes. Understanding your contract rights — and what variations require written approval — before making any payment is critical to preserving your legal position.
You have a strata or owners corporation dispute
Disputes over building defects in strata schemes, levy enforcement, by-law breaches, and committee conduct can be resolved through NCAT, VCAT, or BCCM tribunal processes — often without expensive court proceedings — but procedural steps must be followed correctly.
A development application or planning decision is affecting you
DA objections, planning appeals, and challenges to conditions of consent have strict timeframes. Missing the objection period or appeal window at the Land and Environment Court, VCAT, or Planning and Environment Court removes your ability to challenge the decision.
How It Works
One request. The right building lawyer.
Describe your building dispute in plain language — you do not need to know the legal process. A building and construction lawyer will review your matter and explain the options available.
Submit Your RequestDescribe your dispute
Submit the form with your contact details, state, the type of building matter, and a brief summary. Mention the approximate value and any notices or deadlines.
Request is reviewed
Your matter is reviewed with the dispute type, urgency, and location in mind so the right building lawyer can be identified.
Follow-up is arranged
A building lawyer contacts you to discuss your matter. Security of payment claims, abandoned projects, and imminent deadlines are treated as highest priority.
Information That Helps
What to include in your request.
The clearer your summary, the easier it is to identify the right building lawyer and assess the urgency of your matter.
Type of project — new home, renovation, commercial, strata, or other.
Nature of the dispute — defects, incomplete work, payment, contract, or other.
Approximate value of the contract and the amount in dispute.
Whether a building contract was signed, and any variations agreed to.
Whether a home warranty insurance policy or security of payment claim is involved.
Any tribunal proceedings, adjudication claims, or court documents already issued.
Urgent building situations
If any of the following apply, include it clearly so your request can be flagged as urgent.
Submitting this form does not create a lawyer-client relationship and does not replace formal legal advice.
Coverage
Building and construction requests accepted from all states and territories.