Consumer Watch with Natasha Pirrottina: What to know about WA Govt’s review of home building contract laws

Building or renovating a home is usually one of life’s biggest investments, so it’s good to know specific laws are in place for home building contracts. You now have a unique chance to help shape these laws. The WA Government is taking a fresh look at home building contract legislation to ensure consumers are effectively protected and the right balance is achieved for all parties involved. As part of this review, targeted consumer and building industry surveys are under way and can be accessed at www.wa.gov.au/government/consultations Consumers are strongly encouraged to be part of the conversation on these important issues by participating in the survey, which is open until September 12, 2025. People involved in providing home building services are invited to complete the separate industry-focused survey. Led by parliamentary secretary Dan Caddy MLC and our colleagues at Building and Energy, the 12-month review is considering the Home Building Contracts Act 1991 (apart from home indemnity insurance settings because the State Government already doubled coverage for homeowners in 2022). It will also consider dispute resolution sections of the Building Services (Complaint Resolution and Administration) Act 2011. Changes and challenges in the home building sector have highlighted that these laws must be clear and certain, reflect best practice and appropriately balance each party’s rights and obligations throughout the building process. Some key topics for consideration during the review are consumer knowledge, price increases, progress payments, cooling-off periods, time extensions, building complaints and dispute resolution, contract termination, public warnings and interventions, and regulators’ powers. The survey results, along with other stakeholder engagement, will inform a consultation paper with reform options available for further public comment. Natasha Pirrottina is senior regional officer for Consumer Protection in the Mid West