Ground Floor & Second Storey Specialists

Continued success of Complete Construction & Design is based on the key principles boutique service with volume pricing.
With so many new exciting materials available in the building industry today the possibilities are endless, building your extension, new home or renovation is only limited by imagination. Each project is delivered by a dedicated, experienced and professional team striving for the best possible finished product.
All of our projects are fixed price contracts and all are delivered on time.

We pride ourselves on knowing we have the best;

• Designs
• Trades people
• Materials
• Finishes, Fixtures & Fittings
• Energy efficient strategies
• Attention to detail

Please feel free to browse the site and contact us if you would like to talk about your project.

Complete Construction News and Information:

Some Legal Considersations when Renovating or Extending

Contracts with building companies are legal documents. 

It is important that you are aware of any legally binding commitments made by either you or your builder when signing a contract.

 What to Look For

If your building project is over $5,000, you must sign a ‘major domestic building” contract with your builder.  This contract must include the following specifics:

• Price

• details of plans and specifications

• a checklist

• implied warranties

• five day cooling off notice

Make Sure You

• include all the details that are shown in the plans and specifications.  The builder is then clear about what you want, and it will help avoid delays and variations to the contract, saving you time and money.

• seek advice from professionals such as a lawyer specialising in building contracts, architects or building surveyors.  This will help you fully understand the contract and building details before you sign.

• dispute any unfair terms in the contract.

• make sure all changes to the contract are in writing before you finally sign.

What is covered?

All building contracts include ‘implied warranties’.  This means that you have the right to good workmanship, suitable materials and work that is fit for the purpose for which it was built.

The builder is responsible for fixing the following problems:-

•   the building is not suitable for occupation

•   if it is shown that there are defects

•   the work is not done to a reasonable standard

Domestic Building Insurance

• is also called builders warranty insurance

• is taken out by the builder for you on works valued at more than $12,000

• only covers you if your builder dies, is insolvent or disappears

• covers up to $200,000 to fix structural defects, for six years and non-structural defects, for two years

To find out more about local, state and federal government information and services go to Victoriaonline

Beware! Contract Confusion!

Some extension and specialist companies, such as those dealing with bathroom renovations and kitchen renovations, will not provide detailed information and a price unless you sign a contract and pay a deposit for plans and specifications.

Signing this type of contract might mean you cannot use the plans elsewhere, despite paying for them.

If you change your mind after any cooling-off period, you may not get all your money back and could lose your plans.

Warning for potential owner builders

Be wary if a builder or tradesperson suggests you sign a building permit as an owner builder for your extension or renovation, even though they will be doing the work.

This is risky for you and may end up costing a lot more than you expect. The builder may be unregistered and/or trying to avoid their legal responsibilities.

Contact Consumer Affairs Victoria or your lawyer to get advice before you agree to become an owner builder in these circumstances.

Ensure you get the builder to sign all contract documents just as he asks you to sign them. A builder will always get the client to sign any variation orders before he actions them. You must insist the builder returns you a copy of the variation order with his signature on it. This is important because if the builder mistakenly fails to action a VO he may perhaps contest having received your signed VO in the first place and you will not have any proof to show otherwise.

Q14. If I enter into a preliminary agreement do I have to sign a contract with the builder?

No, you don’t have to sign a building contract. A preliminary agreement is a separate contract signed by you and the builder to carry out preliminary work. The type of work is usually defined on the agreement and can include things like soil tests, plan preparation, engineering, foundation design and site survey.

Although you may have a contract for the builder to carry out preliminary work you may not have a right to use the plans with another builder for reasons of copyright. If you decide to build with another builder then may be required to purchase that copyright to proceed.

Some preliminary agreements give the owner a discount if they proceed with that builder.

An excellent resource to help you understand all aspects of contracts for building projects is from Consumer Affairs Victoria.

For some frequently asked questions visit realestate.com.au