Western Australia’s building regulator, Building and Energy has developed resources and information aimed at assisting consumers affected by current challenges in the home building sector, including impacts on project timeframes and costs.
According to the regulator, its resources have been designed 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.
It said the information was available at the “Building a home in challenging times” section of the Building and Energy website.
It said a new seven-page guide had also been developed to explain the current challenges and related legislation and protections, which it said ranged 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,” the Executive Director at Building and Energy, 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,” he said.
“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.”
Mr Abdoolakhan encouraged home owners, builders and tradespeople to keep up frank and timely communication about their 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,” the Executive Director said.
He said additional guides were available on a range of issues, including price increases to home building work contracts and when they are permitted; incomplete building work including concerns about a builder’s financial position; and residential building material and labour shortages.
Mr Abdoolakhan said further resources will be added in coming weeks as part of the consumer education component of the recent initiatives to protect home owners and support the building and construction industry.
The documents explaining the current challenges, related legislation and protections can be accessed at the ‘Building a home in challenging times” section of the Building and Energy website at this PS News link.
