When the dream turns sour
10 MOST-ASKED QUESTIONS
Q What do you do if your builder goes broke?
This is such an awful thing to happen when you’re in the middle of what is often a once-in-a-lifetime project. If your builder is placed into liquidation, you should make contact with the liquidator as soon as possible and let them know where your build is up to. You should also make contact with the provider of your home warranty insurance or fidelity fund certificate and seek advice about your options to make a claim. Your ability to make a claim against home warranty insurance or a fidelity fund certificate will vary between jurisdictions.
MICHAEL HOPKINS
Q What are your rights if there is a major problem after the builder has finished?
If it is a new building, then there may be a contractual defects liability period of around 13 weeks for most residential properties. During this period, any defects, whether major or minor, should be brought to the attention of the builder. The relevant contract may provide some guidance as to how an owner is to communicate the
