Strata Building Defects Lawyers in Sydney & NSW

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NSW Building Defect Strata Lawyers Assisting:

Strata Lot Owners

Advice on defect claims, understanding warranty rights, representation in defect disputes & more...

Strata Lot Owners

New Owners Corporations

Managing initial defect claims, advice on builder warranties, navigating early defect disputes & more...

Owners Corporations

Developers

Defending defect allegations, contract dispute resolution, advice on statutory obligations & more...

Developers

Strata Managers

Guidance on OC defect claims, coordinating defect rectification, support in defect disputes & more...

Strata Managers

Existing Owners Corporations

Pursuing building defect claims, managing rectification processes, representation in NCAT & court & more...

Existing Owners Corporations

Our Strata Building Defect Lawyers Provide Expert Solutions For:

Our strata lawyers provide crucial advice on your legal position for building defect claims, covering liability, statutory warranties, OC responsibilities, and practical steps for claim prospects.

When building defect disputes arise, our experienced dispute resolution lawyers provide vital expert representation in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) and NSW Courts to protect your rights.

We assist in recovering costs for defective work through home warranty insurance claims and claims under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 (NSW), ensuring builders meet obligations.

Our legal services prevent disputes through clear contracts, including drafting new agreements, reviewing existing ones for risk, and advising on terms to establish robust foundations for your strata projects.

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How We Win Your Strata Building Defect Claim or Defence

1

Case Assessment & Strategy

Our strata lawyers conduct a thorough assessment of alleged defects and review all documents to formulate a winning strategy based on your specific legal rights and objectives.

Our strata lawyers conduct a thorough assessment of alleged defects and review all documents to formulate a winning strategy based on your specific legal rights and objectives.

2

Negotiation & ADR Success

We aim for efficient, cost-effective victories, with our strata lawyers skilfully negotiating with all parties and using mediation to achieve favourable resolutions without formal litigation where possible.

We aim for efficient, cost-effective victories, with our strata lawyers skilfully negotiating with all parties and using mediation to achieve favourable resolutions without formal litigation where possible.

3

Court Advocacy & Litigation Wins

If disputes proceed, our strata lawyers robustly pursue or defend your case in NCAT or NSW courts, preparing compelling evidence and advocating powerfully to secure your win.

If disputes proceed, our strata lawyers robustly pursue or defend your case in NCAT or NSW courts, preparing compelling evidence and advocating powerfully to secure your win.

4

Support Through to Victory

We provide continuous support and clear communication, keeping you informed and confident as our strata lawyers meticulously work towards achieving a successful outcome for your defect claim or defence.

We provide continuous support and clear communication, keeping you informed and confident as our strata lawyers meticulously work towards achieving a successful outcome for your defect claim or defence.

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Why Choose PBL Law Group for Your Strata Building Defect Claim & Defence

Proven Expertise in NSW Defect Litigation

Our specialist strata lawyers bring over 50 years of experience to building defect claims, with a proven track record of success in the NSW Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and NCAT.

Our specialist strata lawyers bring over 50 years of experience to building defect claims, with a proven track record of success in the NSW Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and NCAT.

Client-Focused & Practical Defect Solutions

We are committed to delivering practical legal solutions tailored to your specific strata building defect needs, providing clear, plain-English advice and strategies for the best possible result.

We are committed to delivering practical legal solutions tailored to your specific strata building defect needs, providing clear, plain-English advice and strategies for the best possible result.

Strong Advocacy & Collaborative Dispute Resolution

Our strata lawyers employ a balanced strategy of strong advocacy and effective collaboration, vigorously representing you in negotiations, mediations, or formal proceedings to resolve defect disputes efficiently.

Our strata lawyers employ a balanced strategy of strong advocacy and effective collaboration, vigorously representing you in negotiations, mediations, or formal proceedings to resolve defect disputes efficiently.

In-Depth Strata & Building Law Knowledge

Our firm maintains comprehensive, up-to-date knowledge of intricate strata and building legislation, including the Home Building Act, ensuring our legal advice on defect claims is always current and relevant.

Our firm maintains comprehensive, up-to-date knowledge of intricate strata and building legislation, including the Home Building Act, ensuring our legal advice on defect claims is always current and relevant.

Speak to us Now or Request a Consultation.

We will call you within 24 hours.

Meet Our Team

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Common Strata Building Defects and Related Issues in NSW

Identifying building defects early is crucial for any NSW strata scheme. These issues, from minor annoyances to significant structural problems, can impact property value and resident safety. Understanding common defects helps owners corporations and lot owners seek timely legal advice and explore options for dispute resolution effectively.

Key Defect Types and Rectification Challenges

Common strata building defects in NSW include structural and facade issues like cracks, water leaks, mould, and problems with cladding or balconies, which pose serious safety and cost concerns. Additionally, defects in building services (e.g., plumbing, electrical, HVAC, lifts) and neglected common property maintenance disrupt strata living. Significant challenges also arise from delays in defect rectification or construction completion, leading to ongoing disruption, worsening existing issues, and disputes with builders, often requiring expert legal guidance.

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Speak to us Now or Request a Consultation.

We will call you within 24 hours.

Expert Strata Insights & Practical Guides​

Frequently Asked Questions About Strata Building Defects Delays and Claims

A strata building defect is a fault or issue in a strata building’s construction or materials, and responsibility for fixing it primarily depends on whether the defect is located in common property or within an individual lot. Generally, the owners corporation is responsible for repairing defects in common property, while lot owners are responsible for defects within their own lot. However, exclusive use by-laws can modify these responsibilities, potentially making a lot owner responsible for the upkeep and repair of a designated common property area.

The time limit to make a building defect claim in NSW varies depending on whether the defect is classified as a major (structural) or non-major (non-structural) defect. For major defects, the statutory warranty period is generally six years from the completion of the building work, while for non-major defects, it is typically two years. It is crucial to act promptly and seek legal advice from a strata lawyer to ensure you understand and comply with these strict timeframes under NSW legislation.

If a builder delays the rectification of building defects in your strata scheme, several legal options are available, including negotiation, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and formal legal proceedings. Initially, your strata lawyer can assist in negotiating directly with the builder or engaging in ADR processes like mediation to encourage timely defect rectification. Should these methods prove unsuccessful, it may be necessary to commence formal proceedings in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) or the courts to compel the builder to complete the required work.

Yes, an owners corporation in NSW can often make a claim under home warranty insurance for building defects related to defective or incomplete residential building work, particularly if the builder has become insolvent, disappeared, or died. Eligibility for a claim depends on specific criteria, including the nature of the defect and the timing of the claim relative to the insurance period. Navigating the process for a warranty insurance claim can be complex, so obtaining legal advice is recommended to ensure all requirements are met for your strata building.

The Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 (NSW) significantly impacts strata building defect claims by introducing greater accountability for builders, designers, and other building practitioners involved in construction work. This legislation establishes a statutory duty of care owed by these practitioners to owners corporations and subsequent lot owners, making it easier to establish liability and pursue claims for building defects. The Act aims to improve building standards across NSW and provides an important avenue for resolving defect issues in a strata scheme.

The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) plays a vital role in resolving strata building defect disputes by offering a specialised and accessible forum for hearing such matters. NCAT has jurisdiction over many building defect claims, particularly those under the Home Building Act 1989 (NSW), and its processes are often more informal and cost-effective than traditional court litigation. The tribunal can issue various orders, including directing a builder to rectify defects or ordering compensation to be paid to the owners corporation for losses incurred due to a building defect.

PBL Law Group can assist with building contract disputes in strata schemes by providing expert legal advice on contractual terms, identifying breaches, and outlining your legal rights and obligations. Our strata lawyers can review building contracts to pinpoint potential issues, negotiate with builders or developers to resolve disputes, and advise on the most effective dispute resolution pathways. Should negotiations fail, our law firm is experienced in representing strata schemes in formal dispute resolution processes, including mediation and proceedings before

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