What are Homeowners and Builder Disputes in Western Australia?
A homeowners and builder dispute in Western Australia refers to a disagreement between a homeowner and a builder regarding the construction or renovation of a home. This can include issues such as delays, cost overruns, defects in the workmanship, and failure to comply with building codes or contracts. Disputes may be resolved through negotiations, mediation, or legal action.
In Western Australia, the Building Commission provides a dispute resolution service for resolving disputes between homeowners and builders.
What is the process of a Builder Homeowner Dispute?
The process of a builder-homeowner dispute in Western Australia may involve the following steps:
- Initial complaint: The homeowner will need to contact the builder and raise the issue, in an effort to resolve the dispute informally.
- Mediation: If the dispute cannot be resolved informally, the Building Commission will provide mediation services to try to bring the parties to a resolution. The mediation will be conducted by a neutral third-party mediator who will help the parties communicate and find a mutually acceptable solution.
- Adjudication: If the dispute cannot be resolved through mediation, the homeowner can apply to the Building Commissioner for Adjudication. This is a fast-track and cost-effective process where an independent Adjudicator will make a decision on the dispute.
- Legal action: If the dispute is not resolved through the above steps, the homeowner may consider taking legal action against the builder. This can include filing a lawsuit in court or taking the matter to the State Administrative Tribunal.
It’s worth noting that the Building Commission in Western Australia provides a free service for resolving disputes between homeowners and builders and it’s highly recommended to take advantage of it before pursuing legal action.
Call Rebus Legal on 1800 732 875 and request a free 15-minute consultation to assess your homeowner and builder claim in our conveniently located office in Victoria Park.