We recommend our plain English home building contracts, which cover all types of residential building work. These clearly list your rights and responsibilities and those of the builder or tradesperson.
You can download these home building contracts for free.
Home Building Compensation Cover is compulsory for any job costing $20,000 or more.
Additional insurances mentioned in the contracts are recommended for the protection of the consumer and not legally required under the Home Building Act 1989.
We recommend that both parties seek independent legal advice prior to entering into a home building contract or reducing, restricting or removing any contract term recommended by NSW Fair Trading.
Home building contract for work between $5,000 and $20,000
Suitable for trade work, maintenance and repair work as well as smaller alterations or improvements likely to cost less than $20,000.
Home building contract for work over $20,000
The Home Building Act 1989 no longer requires contracts for work valued under $5,000 (including labour and materials), although it is recommended to have a written agreement.
Alternatively, your builder or tradesperson may wish to use their own contract or one purchased from an industry association. This is fine, as long as the contract for residential building work worth more than $20,000 contains:
- the Contract checklist for owners entering a building contract
- all of the items listed on the Contracts page.