Contact Consumer Protection
Tel: 1300 30 40 54
consumer@dmirs.wa.gov.au
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Ask your family or friends to recommend an architect, builder or tradesperson they have recently used. Shop around and get recommendations.
If you are using an architect, ask them to recommend two or three building practitioners who have worked for other clients, as a starting point. You should still check their references and follow the checklist below.
Contact professional associations and other industry organisations to find local building services.
Importantly, do your research on who you are dealing with and get your quote in writing.
Make sure you understand what the quote covers, and get it in writing. Document the quote and any conversations about the quality or cost of work.
Ask for a realistic estimate of how long the work will take and confirm whether the quote includes:
Ask how the tradesperson or contractor will handle:
Compare at least three written quotes and analyse them thoroughly.
Make sure you know exactly what the quotes cover – the cheapest may not include some items, or give a base rate that does not cover the cost of the actual materials and finishes you want.
Consider which builder is most likely to:
The building contract usually includes a payment schedule. The schedule sets out how much building work must be completed before the next instalment or 'progress payment' is due.
The first payment under the contract is usually a deposit and should be limited to the builder’s initial costs. For building contracts valued between $7,500 and $500,000, the builder cannot ask for more than 6.5 per cent of the contract price as a deposit.
If residential building work valued over $20,000 is to be undertaken, the law requires that a builder take out home indemnity insurance in the name of the owner before accepting payment or commencing work.
Do not pay a deposit until the builder gives you a certificate of currency for domestic building insurance for your property. This insurance covers you if the builder dies, disappears or becomes insolvent.
You can find out if a builder is registered by contacting the Building Commission on 1300 489 099.
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