Victorian HIA New Homes Contract - 5 Things to check before signing (a checklist)
Before you put pen to paper to to sign your HIA Building Contract, it is so important you know the inner details of the contract. Many first-time homeowners aren't aware how much is spelled out in the HIA Building Contract. It outlines the entire roadmap for your home building journey, covering everything from managing variations and delays to compensation and design changes.
Here's a handy checklist to empower you with the knowledge needed before signing:
Specify a start date
To ensure there is mutual agreement on when works intend on starting
Liquidated Damages
Ensure the daily rate for liquidated damages represents a genuine pre-estimate of costs if completion of the build is late.
Understand the Special Conditions
Make sure you understand how any builder proposed special conditions impact the general conditions, and seek help from a Building Contract expert if you aren't sure.
Specify any ambiguities
Check that your contract specifies the types of finishes, colour codes, models of appliances, and specific fittings and fixtures, otherwise finishes may be installed differing from your expectations.
Defects
Clarify the defect management procedure - check the definition of defect is adequate and request the builder outlines the defect management process.
Authority Approvals
Ensure the responsible party for obtaining Authority Approvals (e.g Building Permits, Planning Permits, utility connections) is clearly defined.
How to make Building a New Home Less Complicated
My favorite thing to do is take the stress out of building a new home.
My services specialise in making the complicated simple by teaching first time home builders about what’s in their building contract before they sign.
Building Contract reviews for New Home Builds & Renovations
If you're looking for a personalised review of your Building Contract at a reasonable price, you can find out more information about my Building Contract Health Checks here.
I support clients with their HIA and Master Builders Home Building contracts from all states in Australia, including Victoria, ACT, Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania, WA, and the Northern Territory.
Building Contract reviews are for people who want to understand their contract better before they sign.
If you're a person like me who wants to dive into the details, wants education on what makes a good contract, and what to look out for - then you're a great match for a Building Contract Review with me.
Ultimately, I want you to walk away from our session with confidence to proceed with signing your contract.
We go through any of your questions like how to avoid delays, what to watch out for and how to keep costs within your original building quote.
Thanks for reading and catch you on my next post :)
Annelyse
Construction Management | M. Construction Law
