WA’s building regulator has developed helpful information to assist consumers affected by current challenges in the home building sector, including impacts on project timeframes and costs.
The Building and Energy resources aim to provide general guidance for people building or renovating in WA while the local industry is impacted by shortages of construction materials and skilled workers across Australia and the world.
The information is available at the “Building a home in challenging times” section of the Building and Energy website (dmirs.wa.gov.au/building-delays).
A new seven-page guide (dmirs.wa.gov.au/building-in-challenging-times) explains the current challenges and related legislation and protections, ranging from contract laws and complaints processes through to insolvency and home indemnity insurance.
“Material and workforce shortages, along with rising transport expenses and disruptions, are all contributing to project delays and unprecedented costs for builders and tradespeople,” Building and Energy Executive Director Saj Abdoolakhan said.
“These challenges are often out of the builder or tradesperson’s hands as market forces are at play, amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic and global trade issues. The effects can be frustrating for everyone involved, but I am confident that most WA building industry participants are doing their best to manage the challenges and get projects completed.
“I encourage home owners, builders and tradespeople to keep up frank and timely communication about projects. Our new user-friendly resources will also help consumers navigate the challenges by having key information at hand if they are facing delays, price increases or unfinished work.”
Additional guides are available on price increases to home building work contracts and when these are permitted; incomplete building work including concerns about a builder’s financial position; and residential building material and labour shortages.
The documents are available at dmirs.wa.gov.au/building-delays.
Further resources will be added in coming weeks as part of the consumer education component of the State Government’s recent initiatives to protect home owners and support the building and construction industry.
