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ARTICLE · 29 AUGUST 2014

Owner builders beware - of liability for building defects

Watkins Tapsell
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Many owner builders are not aware that they will have the same liability as a builder if there are any building defects.

AustraliaReal Estate and Construction
Sonja Daly
Sonja Daly
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There seems to be a lot of people now being owner builders. It may be because of the popularity of shows like The Block and House Rules and the desire to purchase property as an investment, renovate and then sell for a nice gain.

Many owner builders are not aware that they will have the same liability as a builder if there are any building defects. The owner builder gives the same promises as a builder who entered into a building contract with someone to carry out work.

The promises include that the building work was performed in a proper and workmanlike manner. A recent case in the Supreme Court on 8 August 2014 brings this home. In this case a couple wanted to extensively renovate their home.

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