Yes, often more than you’d expect. A lot of homeowners get told some version of: “It’s a standard HIA/Master Builders contract, nothing can be changed.” It sounds convincing… and it’s exactly why people sign while feeling uneasy. But the truth is, the biggest risks usually aren’t in the “standard” template wording. They’re in:

• Special conditions (extra clauses added by the builder)

• Allowances (hidden un-fixed works)

• Time and delay clauses (how extensions of time work)

• Variation processes (how price changes are triggered and approved)

• Missing detail (what’s not included but you assume is included)

The majority of builders agree to the recommendations in a Building Contract Health Check, but sometimes they don’t. Either way, a review still gives you a huge advantage, you go into your build signing knowing exactly what you’re agreeing to, where the cost/time risk sits, and what to watch for during the build.

And if you do want to push for changes, it’s not about rewriting the contract, it’s about making small easy tweaks that tighten the already customised parts so they’re clearer and fairer for you.

They’re standard templates yes, but the details of how the contract is filled in is not standard. This is the barrier that keeps people stuck: “If it’s industry standard, I’m probably fine.”

The template might be standard, but once it gets filled it in and added to, it becomes a completely new document. The risk isn’t “the HIA contract” or “the Master Builders contract.”

The risk is:

• what’s been added

• what’s been changed

• what’s been left vague

• what shifts cost/time risk onto you without you realising

The Building Contract Health Check service Build Together has created is less about “legal fine print” and more about the practical aspects of your contract:

• What could cause unexpected price increases?

• What could trigger time delays that you can’t push back on?

• Where are you exposed to paying more or waiting longer?

• What should be clarified before you sign?

Most people only discover the pain points after signing - when it’s harder, more expensive, and is too late to fix.

HIA and Master Builders contracts across every state and territory in Australia.

Common contracts include:

• Master Builders New Homes Contract

• Master Builders Residential Building Contract

• Master Builders Home Improvement Contract

• Master Builders Home Building Works Contract

• HIA New Homes Contract

• HIA Lump Sum Building Contract

• HIA Residential Building Contract for Alterations & Additions

• HIA Alterations, Additions and Renovations

Contract reviews can be done whether you’re building with a volume builder, custom builder, or architectural builder - new builds, renovations, knockdown rebuilds, granny flats, dual occupancy, and investment builds.

You can still get support if something comes up during your build.

Common situations include:

• A variation you’re unsure about

• A delay claim / extension of time (EOT)

• Wanting a second opinion about what the contract actually allows

If you’ve had a Building Contract Health Check in the past, you can send the issue through to be assessed against your specific contract, with practical next steps. Fees depend on what the issue is and how complex it is (confirmed at the time).