Lawyers for Melbourne Builders
Legal Advice for Melbourne Builders
At Whelan Lawyers, we provide targeted legal advice to builders, construction companies and contractors across Melbourne and Victoria. Our work spans contract drafting and negotiation, security of payment disputes, building defects, project delays, variations, VCAT proceedings and risk management for builders at every stage of a project.
Builders operate in a high-pressure, high-risk environment. When disputes arise, they can threaten your timeline, your cash flow and your reputation. We help builders take control early, resolve issues quickly and protect their position with clear, commercially focused advice.
Legal Services for Builders
Builder Contracts & Project Agreements
We draft, review and negotiate building contracts for residential and commercial projects, including subcontractor agreements, consultant contracts and tender documentation.
Our goal is to ensure your rights are protected before the first shovel hits the ground.
Security of Payment for Builders
We act for builders making or defending payment claims under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002 (VIC), including:
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adjudication applications
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responses to payment schedules
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recovery of unpaid invoices
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enforcement of determinations
Fast action here protects your cash flow and stabilises your projects.
Variations, Delays & Extensions of Time
We advise builders on:
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variation disputes
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delay claims
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EOT claims
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owner-caused delays
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compensation events
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project timeframes and liquidated damages exposure
We help document your position properly and push back against unreasonable claims or refusals.
Defects, Warranty & Quality Disputes
We assist with legal issues involving:
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alleged structural defects
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water ingress / moisture issues
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workmanship disputes
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engineering or design failures
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warranty risk
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reports from building consultants or experts
We act to defend or resolve disputes efficiently, with minimal impact on operations.
Termination, Repudiation & Contract Breakdown
Builders often face unfair or premature termination attempts by owners or developers.
We advise on:
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your right to terminate
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repudiation risks
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enforcing termination for non-payment
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protecting your commercial position during project breakdowns
VCAT & Court Disputes for Builders
We represent builders in:
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VCAT Building and Property List
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Magistrates’, County and Supreme Court disputes
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expert determinations
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mediations and settlement conferences
We take a strategic, builder-first approach to litigation.
Why Builders Choose Whelan Lawyers
Focused on Builders and Construction Companies
We understand the pressures of construction projects, subcontractor management and regulatory compliance.
Senior Lawyers Only
Your matter is handled by experienced construction lawyers, never juniors.
You get fast, accurate, commercially useful advice from day one.
Practical, Industry-Ready Legal Support
We don’t just review contracts, we understand construction and the realities of site operations, timelines and commercial risk.
A Commercial Approach to Dispute Resolution
We know when to negotiate, when to push and when to escalate.
Your business goals drive the strategy.
Common Issues Builders Come to Us With
Builders often need legal help for:
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unpaid invoices
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delayed payment schedules
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disputes over variations
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allegation of defects or incomplete work
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issues with subcontractor performance
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competing expert reports
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delays outside your control
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owner refusing access or causing project obstruction
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pressure from developers to absorb additional costs
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threatened VCAT claims
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contract termination or repudiation
If you’re dealing with any of these, early legal intervention can dramatically improve your outcome.
How We Support Builders Strategically
Risk Identification at Contract Stage: Prevent disputes before they arise.
Clear Guidance During Live Projects: We advise on delays, variations, payment issues and documentation.
Rapid Action on Disputes: Immediate steps to protect your rights and cash flow.
Strong Representation in VCAT or Court: When a matter can’t be resolved, we defend your position decisively.
Speak to a Lawyer for Builders in Melbourne
Whether you build residential homes, commercial spaces, extensions, renovations or multi-trade projects, our construction lawyers provide the legal support you need to protect your work and keep projects on track.
Whelan Lawyers Melbourne CBD
Address
Opening Hours
Mon - Fri
9:00 am – 6:00 pm
