Major Shake-Up for Domestic Building Contracts in Victoria
For many families, their home is the single biggest investment of their lives. As Consumer Affairs Minister Nick Staikos noted in the second reading speech introducing the reforms, a home is “the foundation of their future,” which makes it essential that Victoria’s laws around domestic building contracts are “clear, effective and modernised” to protect […]
When Construction Goes Wrong, Insurance Can Step In
Building a home is meant to be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. It’s where savings, ideas, and emotions come together to create something meaningful – a place to live, grow, and feel safe. But sometimes, the process doesn’t go to plan. Defective work, delays, or even a builder who walks […]
The Hidden Promises in Your Building Contract
When you sign a domestic building contract, you might assume that everything you’re agreeing to is written on the page. But what if we told you that, under Victorian law, you’re also agreeing to a series of promises outlined in legislation? These promises are known as implied warranties – non-negotiable obligations that apply by law […]
What’s in Your Building Contract?
Building or renovating your home can be one of the most exciting times in your life – but it can also be one of the most stressful. Between the plans, the costs, and the endless decisions, it’s easy to overlook one of the most important parts of the process: the building contract. If you’re […]
How Do I Choose a Good Builder?
At Warlows Legal, we specialise in construction law and understand how crucial it is to find a reliable builder. With countless stories of homeowners frustrated by delays, cost overruns, or general unreliability, building a home can quickly turn from a dream into a legal nightmare. To help you avoid these pitfalls, we’ve compiled essential […]
Exciting Changes Ahead for Payment Practices in Victorian Construction Industry
Government Response to Security of Payment Inquiry Recommendations Have you been affected by unfair practices in the construction industry and believe that change is needed? The Victorian Government has announced strong support for a game-changing set of recommendations from the recent Legislative Assembly Environment and Planning Committee’s Inquiry, set to reshape […]
A New Era For the Victorian Building Authority
Victorian Government Overhauls Building Regulations to Protect Homebuyers and Builders The Victorian government has unveiled substantial changes to its building regulation system, introducing a new oversight body, the Building & Plumbing Commission, which will replace the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). This change is aimed at providing stronger protections for homebuyers, builders, and renovators, streamlining […]
Standards Australia to Modernise the Standard Form Construction Contract
Background Standards Australia is in the process of updating and modernizing the AS 4000—1997 General Conditions of Contract standard to reflect legislative changes over the past 25 years. This revision aims to ensure the standard remains relevant and effective in today’s construction industry landscape. Why is this being done? AS 4000 is […]
Green Construction and Sustainability
Environmental Compliance Environmental compliance is becoming increasingly vital in the construction sector due to a global shift towards sustainability. Construction projects are now emphasizing strict adherence to environmental standards and the adoption of eco-friendly practices to minimize their impact on the environment. This not only enhances the industry’s reputation but also reduces compliance risks, positioning […]
Bryant v Badenoch Integrated Logging Pty Ltd [2023] HCA 2
The case of Bryant v Badenoch Integrated Logging Pty Ltd [2023] HCA 2 (‘Bryant’) is an appeal from a decision of the Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia. The case concerned the operation of voidable transactions in insolvency. Background Badenoch, a timber logistics business, entered into an agreement with Gunns, a timber […]