Building Defect Claims.
Grimshaw & Co has represented over 5,000 clients in building defect claims, including property owners and bodies corporate. We have built our practice around this work.
What Building Defect Claims Involve.
Building defect claims sit at the intersection of property, construction and insurance law. They often involve multiple parties, expert witnesses and complex legal analyses. We take instructions from claimants or defendants.
WHAT WE DO
Building Defect Claims We Handle.
We act for homeowners, bodies corporate, developers, contractors and design professionals across a range of building disputes. Claims we commonly act on are:
Our Lawyers.
Led by partners Bryan Easton, David Powell, and Gareth Lewis, our building defect team has spent over two decades handling a wide range of complex claims.
HOW IT WORKS
Our Process.
❖
STEP #1 - Initial Review
You provide a brief overview of your matter and your objectives. One of our team will review your position, consider your options and identify how we can assist.
❖
STEP #2 - Engagement & Strategy
Your lawyer will advise on the best approach and the likely steps and costs. You will have a clear understanding of how the legal process will work.
❖
STEP #3 - Resolution
We will work with you and expert witnesses to progress your case and achieve the best possible result.
Frequently Asked Questions.
-
The starting point is the initial review. We assess whether the facts give rise to a valid legal claim, who may be liable, and the compensation. We will identify any limitation periods that may affect your ability to proceed.
-
Depending on the circumstances, claims can be made against builders, subcontractors, developers, architects, engineers, councils, and insurers. We identify the responsible parties and advise on the best strategy for each claim.
-
A leaky building claim arises when a property has weathertightness failures. Typically, moisture penetrates the building envelope and causes damage to underlying building elements. These claims often involve multiple defendants and require specialist building and legal expertise.
-
It depends on the complexity of the claim and whether it is resolved at mediation or requires a court hearing. We will give you an estimate of the likely timeframe for the legal process.
-
The WHRS was a government-administered claim resolution process designed for leaky building claims. It is now largely defunct.
-
Yes. A body corporate can bring claims on behalf of owners where defects affect common property or other building elements for which the body corporate is responsible. We have acted for body corporate clients in many significant building defect trials and appeals.
-
Most claims are resolved before a formal hearing, through negotiation, or mediation. However, some matters proceed to a court hearing. We will advise on the best method of resolution.
-
Legal costs depend on the complexity of the claim and how far it proceeds. We will tell you about costs from the outset and will give you an assessment of whether the likely recovery justifies the expense.
READY TO BEGIN?
Tell Us About Your Matter.
Complete our enquiry form by clicking on the link below. Please provide a brief outline of your situation and your objectives. One of our team will contact you.