Blog

Causation, Expert Reports and Insurance Disputes
Causation, Expert Reports and Insurance Disputes One of the biggest misconceptions in property damage and insurance disputes is that an insurer’s expert report is necessarily

When “Close Enough” Is Not Good Enough in Domestic Building Work
The Stanley appeal shows that even where demolition is too extreme, homeowners may still be entitled to compensation for the real–world impact of defective building

My Builder Won’t Fix Defects Under Warranty: When Should You Hire a Building Dispute Lawyer?
My Builder Won’t Fix Defects Under Warranty: When Should You Hire a Building Dispute Lawyer? If your builder refuses to fix defects during the warranty

How Victorian Plumbers Can Avoid Being Sued Personally for Defective Work: Compliance Certificates, Liability Admissions and Insurance Claims after O’Connell
Victoria‘s new Developer Bond Scheme requires apartment developers to lodge a bond equal to 2% of total build costs before obtaining a building permit, with

O’Connell and Plumbing Insurance Claims — O’Connell Clarifies the Timing of Plumbing Insurance Claims
Introduction Recent commentary surrounding O’Connell v Lentelle Pty Ltd (in liq) [2026] VSCA 76 has suggested that direct claims involving licensed plumbers’ insurance have been

Victoria’s New First Resort Home Warranty Scheme: What the 2026 Insurance Reforms Mean for Homeowners and Builders
Victoria’s New First Resort Home Warranty Scheme: What the 2026 Insurance Reforms Mean for Homeowners and Builders Victoria’s domestic building insurance scheme is changing. For

Victoria’s Domestic Building Contract Reforms
Victoria’s Domestic Building Contract Reforms: What builders, owners and developers need to know as at 13 May 2026 Important timing point: The Domestic Building Contracts

Defective Plumbing Work? Why the Plumber’s Insurance Position May Need a Closer Look
The O‘Connell decision has changed the way plumbing insurance claims are being argued—but it has not removed the need for careful legal analysis where defective

How Long Do VCAT Building Disputes Take in Melbourne, and Can a Lawyer Speed Up the Process?
How Long Do VCAT Building Disputes Take in Melbourne, and Can a Lawyer Speed Up the Process? For most building disputes in Melbourne, the average

Slab Heave, Reactive Soil and Poor Drainage: Who Is Responsible When a New Home Starts to Move?
Slab Heave, Reactive Soil and Poor Drainage: Who Is Responsible When a New Home Starts to Move? Building or buying a new home should provide

Building Defects vs Non-Compliance in Victoria: What’s the Difference?
Building Defects vs Non-Compliance in Victoria: What’s the Difference? In Victoria, building defects relate to work failing implied warranty standards — poor workmanship or unsuitable

Security of Payment Act Victoria: How Construction Solicitors Can Help Contractors Recover Unpaid Invoices
Security of Payment Act Victoria: How Construction Solicitors Can Help Contractors Recover Unpaid Invoices The Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002 (Vic)

How Can Construction Lawyers in Melbourne Help Developers Navigate VBPC Rectification Orders?
How Can Construction Lawyers in Melbourne Help Developers Navigate VBPC Rectification Orders? Melbourne construction lawyers help developers navigate VBPC rectification orders by giving strategic legal

When to Hire a Construction Lawyer in Melbourne
When Should I Hire a Construction Lawyer in Melbourne? 10 Critical Situations for Builders and Homeowners You should hire a construction lawyer in Melbourne before

Developer Bond Scheme in Victoria: What Melbourne Apartment Developers Need to Know About the New 2% Build Cost Requirement
Developer Bond Scheme in Victoria: What Melbourne Apartment Developers Need to Know About the New 2% Build Cost Requirement Victoria’s new Developer Bond Scheme requires

How to Choose a Construction Lawyer in Melbourne: Expert Guide
How to Choose a Construction Lawyer in Melbourne: Your Complete Guide When building disputes, defects, or contract issues arise in Melbourne, choosing the right construction

The Pros & Cons of New Constructions Contracts in an Economic Downturn
It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, an economic downturn affects us all. Both companies and individuals take careful stock of their funds and restrict

Slab Heave on Your Property – Should You Be Worried?
Building or buying a new property can be as stressful as it is exciting. The last thing anyone wants is to discover their new structure

4 Things You Need to Know About Conciliation With the DBDRV
There’s never a good time for problems to arise in construction, whether you’re a new homeowner who is unsatisfied with the building’s quality of workmanship