Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Feb 10, 2007 8:30 am Hi Everyone
I was just wondering if anyone had used a lawyer in relation to a building or renovation job? Keen to get a sense of who's out there and how much they cost. Was it hard to find one who specialised in building related issues/contracts? Did you get the outcome you wanted? Best regards Re: Has anyone used a lawyer? 2Feb 10, 2007 10:18 am I was thinking of getting one to look over our contract etc. The one I found who specialises in building/construction charges like $350ph. He mentioned he had a part in writing some version of a HIA new building contract or something.
Another one I found said I didn't need a solicitor/lawyer as the standard HIA contract was written in plain english. But, to feel free to email him if I had questions about the contract. We took the second option. I just didn't have the cash for an hourly rate that high! Although my friend hired a solicitor (exact details I don't know) to assist them with their issues. They missed the settlement date on their block of land because the developer over-priced that block and the bank didn't want to lend them enough to cover the cost. They were out of pocket by just under 10k. However, their solicitor advised them to not take it any further because it was most likely going to cost them more in fees. [sneakersss] Re: Has anyone used a lawyer? 4Feb 19, 2007 8:09 am Shane Murray of Melbourne Building and Construction Solicitors P/L
http://www.liv.asn.au/directory/firms/216779.html [sneakersss] Thanks 5Feb 23, 2007 9:03 am Thanks YSSIM
Keen to hear of any others from other states if anyone has used one. Regards Re: Has anyone used a lawyer? 6Feb 23, 2007 11:44 am Not sure about other States but I can recommend:
Rowland Hassall from Hassall and Byrne in Highett Vic. The Law Institute in each state can recommend solicitors. My advice is that you don't just pick whoever you think without checking some references. What cases have they done and MOST IMPORTANT, what cases have they won that are similar to yours and at what cost. Even VCAT mediators are on the record saying that even if you win, you mostly lose because of the 'toxic costs' associated with complex building disputes. Because of all the experts (so-called) they always become complex cases - especially if one side simply refuses to settle. Most building disputes that involve solicitors are an unmitigated disaster. I know one family that has spent $600,000 on legal fees with one of Melbournes pre-eminent construction lawyers and they are no further advanced to settlement than when they started and will likely lose everything in the process. Don't forget the simple rule of BBB - Beware of Barrister cow manure!! Re: Has anyone used a lawyer? 7Feb 23, 2007 11:55 am Don't forget the simple rule of BBB - Beware of Barrister cow manure!!
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