Building Contract Review Services NSW

What we do

Contracts we review

CM Lawyers reviews building contracts for homeowners across Sydney and NSW from our office in Marrickville, in the Inner West. We help you understand every term before you sign, and we can also help if problems come up during construction.

New home building contracts
We review HIA, MBA and bespoke building contracts, and explain how they deal with unexpected costs, builder delays and other risks.
Renovation and extension contracts
Renovations can be just as risky as new builds. We check your renovation contract for cost blowouts, provisional sums and unrealistic timelines.
Knockdown and rebuild contracts
A knockdown rebuild needs careful contract terms for demolition, site handover and staged construction. We check that your rights are clearly set out before the first brick is laid.
Swimming pool and outdoor works contracts
Pool installations and outdoor structure builds often involve hidden risks. We review these contracts for clear timelines and for how approvals and compliance are handled.
Custom design and construct contracts
Custom builders' contracts can favour the builder. We check every term against your design, quality standards and budget expectations.
Owner-builder contracts
If you're managing your own build, clear contracts with trades and suppliers are crucial. We help owner-builders draft, review and negotiate terms that work for you.
Early dispute advice
If issues arise during construction, we prepare breach notices, help you through Building Commission NSW's home building complaint and dispute resolution process, and work to resolve disputes early.
NCAT building disputes
We can help you prepare your case for the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). Most people represent themselves there, and a lawyer can usually appear for you only with the Tribunal's permission. We can help with claims about defective work and claims to recover costs.

Step by step

How a contract review works

Step 1: Tell us about your project and your deadline
Send us an enquiry or call (02) 9557 9000. Construction timelines are often tight. Tell us when you need to sign, and we'll tell you when we can complete the review.
Step 2: Your written estimate
Before any work begins, we give you a written estimate of our costs, so you can decide before we start.
Step 3: We review the contract
We explain in plain English what the contract means for you, which terms may be worth negotiating, and what to ask the builder.
Step 4: You raise any changes before you sign
We point out any issues, explain what they could mean for you, and suggest changes you could ask the builder to make.
Step 5: Help during the build
If problems come up during the build, we can advise you early, which can help stop a dispute from escalating.

When you contact us, we'll tell you who will review your contract. You can read about the CM Lawyers team before you get in touch.

Before you get in touch

What to have ready for a contract review

You don’t need everything on this list to make an enquiry. Having some of it handy helps us understand your project and give you a clearer idea of cost and timing.

The building contract you’ve been asked to signIncluding the general and special conditions, schedules and any attachments.
Plans, drawings and specificationsThe documents that describe what will be built.
The builder’s quote or tenderIncluding any list of provisional sums and prime cost items.
The builder’s name and contractor licence numberAs they appear on the contract.
The certificate of insurance for the work, if you have oneFor example, Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) insurance.
Your key datesWhen you need to sign, any finance deadlines and the planned start date.
If building has started: progress claims, variations, letters or emails, and photosAnything that shows what was agreed and what has happened on site.
Any questions or concerns you already haveAbout the contract, the price or the builder.

There’s no need to send documents through the enquiry form. We’ll tell you how to send them to us.

Why it matters

Why a contract review matters

Many homeowners don't realise how complex and risky building contracts can be until it's too late. Builder-friendly terms, hidden clauses, unrealistic allowances and vague timelines can expose you to serious risks, including:

Unexpected cost blowouts
Construction delays with little or no compensation for you
Poor workmanship with limited recourse
Difficulty terminating the contract if things go wrong
Disputes over variations and provisional sums

A careful contract review before construction begins helps you understand exactly what you're agreeing to and can reduce your risk.

Common issues we identify

Excessive reliance on provisional sums and prime cost allowances
Onerous time extension clauses favouring the builder
Unfair dispute resolution procedures
Missing or vague specifications
No clear terms for dealing with variations or defects
Lack of appropriate insurance (such as Home Building Compensation Fund insurance)

Read: Top 7 Hidden Risks in NSW Building Contracts — and How to Protect Yourself

Act early

Ideally, engage a construction lawyer before you sign any contract. Early advice gives you the opportunity to negotiate better terms or walk away from unfair contracts altogether. It is usually easier and cheaper to prevent problems than to fix them later.

Even if your project is already underway, advice can still help. Building claims have time limits under NSW law, so it's wise not to wait.

Make an enquiry

Talk to us about your building contract

Your home is too important to risk on a handshake deal or an unread contract. Tell us what you’re building and when you need to sign, and we’ll contact you about the next step.

There’s no need to include the contract or other documents in this form.

Call (02) 9557 9000

If you need to sign soon, please call us so we can talk about timing.

Send us your enquiry

Fields marked with * are required.

We use the details you send us to respond to your enquiry. Our privacy policy explains how we collect, use and protect personal information.

What happens next

We read your enquiry and contact you to talk about your project and when you need to sign.
Before any work begins, we give you a written estimate of our costs.
If you decide to go ahead, we review the contract and explain the risks and what you could negotiate.

Our office

Level 3, Unit 3.07
18–30 Faversham Street
Marrickville NSW 2204

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Opening hours

Monday to Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm

Getting here

You can drive up to Level 3, and two hours’ free parking is available at the Wicks Place car park, 186 Victoria Road.

Building contract review for homeowners

Contracts we review

New home building contracts

Renovation and extension contracts

Knockdown and rebuild contracts

Swimming pool and outdoor works contracts

Custom design and construct contracts

Owner-builder contracts

Early dispute advice

NCAT building disputes

How a contract review works

Step 1: Tell us about your project and your deadline

Step 2: Your written estimate

Step 3: We review the contract

Step 4: You raise any changes before you sign

Step 5: Help during the build