Build wellPlanningJust started
Staying organised through your build
Even with a great builder, a home build is hundreds of decisions, selections and payments. Staying organised protects your money, your timeline and the home you actually pictured.
Build well first
Guides for your home build
Building a home is hundreds of decisions. These guides help you stay on top of all of them — and know exactly what to do in the rare case something goes wrong.
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Staying organised
Protect your budget, timeline, and the home you pictured — before anything goes wrong.
Money & contracts
Variations, allowances, progress payments, and getting decisions in writing.
Defects & quality
Spot problems early and document them properly if quality slips.
Resolving disputes
State-by-state paths when you need a regulator or tribunal.
All guides
6 guides
Build wellPlanningJust started
Verbal agreements with your builder
Verbal agreements with your builder can be legally binding — and almost impossible to prove. Here's why on-site promises evaporate, and the simple habit that protects you.
If things go wrongMid-buildNear completion
How to Document a Building Defect So It Holds Up
A practical guide to documenting building defects properly — photos, dated records, written notices and expert reports — so your evidence stands up if you ever need it.
If things go wrongAlready in a dispute
Take your builder to NCAT (NSW)
A plain-English, step-by-step guide to resolving a building dispute in NSW — from a Building Commission NSW complaint to an NCAT hearing, and the evidence you'll need.
If things go wrongAlready in a dispute
Take your builder to VCAT (VIC)
A plain-English guide to resolving a building dispute in Victoria in 2026 — from BPC (formerly DBDRV) conciliation to VCAT, the certificate you need, and the evidence that wins.
If things go wrongAlready in a dispute
QBCC complaints (QLD)
How to make a Queensland builder fix defective work in 2026 — from a written notice and QBCC complaint to a Direction to Rectify and QCAT, plus the deadlines that catch people out.