Do I need to have my building contract independently reviewed?
Impartial and independent advice to help you through the process can:
- Significantly reduce the likelihood of disputes and stress during construction
- Protect and understand your rights and ensure you are aware of your responsibilities
- Clarify any discrepancies between your contract documents
- Put you at ease as we walk you through each section of the contract, explaining the terms and clauses,
ensuring you have a clear understanding of all the information - Reduce the risk of costly variations as once signed, any changes to your contract can result in
additional costs, no matter how small the change is - Retain your rights to a cooling-off period: The Domestic Building Contracts Act states that if you
appoint “an Australian legal practitioner” to review your documentation, you “cannot withdraw from a
contract”. We are building professionals, therefore the five day cooling-off period still applies
What does the word ‘Quality’ mean to Manse Group?
The word ‘quality’ means different things to different people. To us, it is a standard that is second to none.
It means no cutting corners; it’s done right. It’s professional. It has class. It does what it should do and
looks like it should look. Quality doesn’t compromise.
It means no cutting corners; it’s done right. It’s professional. It has class. It does what it should do and
looks like it should look. Quality doesn’t compromise.
I have already chosen my builder, can Manse Group still help me?
Absolutely! Many of our clients enlist our services after discovering the complexity of the construction
process. Our support is especially valuable during the build. Site inspections at key stages (typically
Pre-pour, Frame, Pre-plaster, Waterproof/Fix and Final) can highlight important items that do not meet the
Building Code of Australia, Victorian Building Authority Standards and Tolerances and relevant Australian
Standards.
process. Our support is especially valuable during the build. Site inspections at key stages (typically
Pre-pour, Frame, Pre-plaster, Waterproof/Fix and Final) can highlight important items that do not meet the
Building Code of Australia, Victorian Building Authority Standards and Tolerances and relevant Australian
Standards.
I am using an architect/draughtsperson, so what advantages would your project management
services offer?
services offer?
Architects/Draughtspersons are design professionals. Their main focus is on design and not always on the ‘how’
it is constructed or the cost and quality of construction. We bring building expertise to the table during the
design phase of a project – this is called ‘buildability’. We add value by looking at choice of materials, how
new works are integrated with existing parts of the building and opportunities for cost savings, while taking a
logical approach to problem solving.
it is constructed or the cost and quality of construction. We bring building expertise to the table during the
design phase of a project – this is called ‘buildability’. We add value by looking at choice of materials, how
new works are integrated with existing parts of the building and opportunities for cost savings, while taking a
logical approach to problem solving.
What area does Manse Group Service?
We are based in Geelong and service home owners, Builders and Architects throughout Victoria.
What is the most important part of the building process?
The design phase. Spend the time ironing out all the kinks before your design is finalised. There’s no need to
rush! This will minimise project delays and budget blowouts, and make the building process a lot less stressful
(for everyone!).
rush! This will minimise project delays and budget blowouts, and make the building process a lot less stressful
(for everyone!).
Do you check fixtures, fittings and furnishings?
While we have a keen eye for detail, we do not check that the fixtures, fittings and furnishings installed is
what you selected. For example, we will check that the carpet has been installed with no ripples, bumps, stains
or poor joins, however we won’t look to see if it is the colour you chose. Our main purpose is to ensure that
the structural integrity and general workmanship of your build meets industry standards.
what you selected. For example, we will check that the carpet has been installed with no ripples, bumps, stains
or poor joins, however we won’t look to see if it is the colour you chose. Our main purpose is to ensure that
the structural integrity and general workmanship of your build meets industry standards.
What is the typical project length from start to finish?
For a standard home being custom designed through to handover, 12-24 months is typical.
How long does a builder have to warrant my build?
Simply put, the builder is required to warrant the project for 10 years as per section 134 of the Building Act.
This states; “despite anything to the contrary in the Limitation of Actions Act 1958 or in any other Act or law,
a building action cannot be brought more than 10 years after the date of issue of the occupancy permit.” This is
also referred to as the “prescribed period”.Another form of protection is the defect liability period for defects identified post handover. This is
typically 3 months but can range up to 12 months and will be outlined within the specific Major Domestic
Building Contract.There is also Domestic Building Insurance (DBI). This insurance should be taken out by the Registered Building
Practitioner for projects over the value of $16,000 but only covers the project if the builder goes missing,
dies or becomes insolvent. This covers the build structurally for 6 years and 6 months and for 2 years for
non-structural items. More information can be found at the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA) website:
www.dbi.vmia.vic.gov.au.
This states; “despite anything to the contrary in the Limitation of Actions Act 1958 or in any other Act or law,
a building action cannot be brought more than 10 years after the date of issue of the occupancy permit.” This is
also referred to as the “prescribed period”.Another form of protection is the defect liability period for defects identified post handover. This is
typically 3 months but can range up to 12 months and will be outlined within the specific Major Domestic
Building Contract.There is also Domestic Building Insurance (DBI). This insurance should be taken out by the Registered Building
Practitioner for projects over the value of $16,000 but only covers the project if the builder goes missing,
dies or becomes insolvent. This covers the build structurally for 6 years and 6 months and for 2 years for
non-structural items. More information can be found at the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA) website:
www.dbi.vmia.vic.gov.au.
What correspondence does Manse Group have with my Builder?
We work independently for our clients. If you would like us to be involved with client-builder meetings we are
happy to do so. Depending on your preference, we can either liaise directly with your builder, or you can pass
on our inspection reports to them.
happy to do so. Depending on your preference, we can either liaise directly with your builder, or you can pass
on our inspection reports to them.
What authority does Manse Group have with my Builder?
None. Manse Group cannot make your builder do anything, however with the help of the law i.e. Building Act,
Building Regulations, BCA, Australian Standards and the VBA’s Guide to Standards and Tolerances, you can rest
assured that any defect we identify is based on facts and known industry standards.
Building Regulations, BCA, Australian Standards and the VBA’s Guide to Standards and Tolerances, you can rest
assured that any defect we identify is based on facts and known industry standards.
What if my builder disagrees with an issue/defect that Manse Group identifies?
Our recommendations are always unbiased and 100% facts-based. With the project documentation (contract,
specifications and drawings), and the law and industry standards on our side, rest assured that everything that
can be done, will be done to achieve the desired outcome.
specifications and drawings), and the law and industry standards on our side, rest assured that everything that
can be done, will be done to achieve the desired outcome.
What if my builder dies, disappears or goes insolvent?
The Victorian Building Authority states that “Domestic building work more than $16,000 will require domestic
building insurance and will cover costs up to $300,000 to fix structural defects for six years, and
non-structural defects for two years from 1 July 2014.” CLICK
HERE to read more
building insurance and will cover costs up to $300,000 to fix structural defects for six years, and
non-structural defects for two years from 1 July 2014.” CLICK
HERE to read more
How much does Manse Group’s services cost?
It depends on the level of support you’re after and the size, cost and location of your project. We are happy to
discuss your needs and talk through pricing so please get in touch.
discuss your needs and talk through pricing so please get in touch.
Do you offer gift vouchers?
We certainly do! Forget socks and jocks, a Manse Group Gift Voucher is the most thoughtful gift you could
possibly give. Your loved one will treasure your gift and their beautiful new home forever. Vouchers are
available for any value, a specific inspection or a quality assurance package of your choice. Our personalised
service will provide guidance through the new build process making it less stressful… and you’ll go down in
history as being the best gift-giver ever!
possibly give. Your loved one will treasure your gift and their beautiful new home forever. Vouchers are
available for any value, a specific inspection or a quality assurance package of your choice. Our personalised
service will provide guidance through the new build process making it less stressful… and you’ll go down in
history as being the best gift-giver ever!
How do we get started?
Simply get in touch to arrange a complimentary consultation. Contact
us to discuss.
