Who We Help
Builders and Developers
Projects rarely run into trouble at just one stage. A planning delay can push a project into a difficult market, a payment dispute mid-construction can threaten cash flow, and a defect claim can surface years after handover, once a building is under strata management.
Archer Lawyers acts for builders and developers across the full project lifecycle, from planning and development approval through contract and payment disputes to defects and strata-related claims after completion. We advise with a commercial understanding of how these issues connect, and a focus on protecting the project and your position at every stage.
We commonly advise builders and developers on:
- Development applications, objections and planning appeals: advising on preparing and responding to development applications, objections from neighbours or third parties, and merit appeals in the Land and Environment Court
- Contract review, variations, delay and payment claims: reviewing and negotiating construction contracts, and advising on variations, extensions of time, liquidated damages and payment claims under security of payment legislation
- Defending defective work and adjudication claims: advising on and defending claims relating to alleged defective work, and representing clients in adjudication
- Statutory warranty duties under building legislation: advising on obligations under the Home Building Act 1989 and the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020
- Representation in negotiation, mediation and proceedings: representing builders and developers in negotiated settlements, mediation, and proceedings in NCAT, the Local and District Courts, and the Supreme Court
- Subcontractor and supply chain disputes: advising on disputes with subcontractors and suppliers, including payment claims, defective work down the contracting chain, and termination of subcontracts
- Post-completion strata and defect exposure: advising developers on managing defect liability and strata building bond obligations once a development has been handed over
- Due diligence and risk advice for new projects: advising on title, planning and contractual risk before a project is acquired or contracts are signed
- Insurance and indemnity issues: advising on professional indemnity, home warranty and other insurance obligations relevant to a project
Outcomes we help builders and developers work toward include:
- Keeping projects moving by resolving contract and payment disputes quickly where possible
- Protecting your position on defect and adjudication claims, whether bringing or defending them
- Practical, commercially-minded advice on planning and statutory compliance risk
- A clear, well-prepared position if a matter proceeds to negotiation, tribunal or court
- Reduced exposure to statutory warranty and building bond claims after project completion
- Subcontractor and supply chain disputes resolved without disrupting the broader project
- Confidence to proceed with a new project, backed by clear due diligence and risk advice
