9 – Construction Law: Legal Tips for Tradies
In this episode of Tradie Success, we are joined by Fionna Aitchison Reid, Principal Solicitor/Director of Aitchison Reid, Building and Construction Lawyers. We’re going to nut out the importance of your trade business’s legal contract.
Fionna will discuss why tradies need a lawyer, how tradies can avoid disputes, and why having and understanding your contract is essential to running your business.
Stay tuned until the end, as Fionna is offering Tradie Success listeners a special deal!
Today’s guest
Fionna Aitchison Reid
| 0:47 | Introducing Fionna |
| 2:26 | Interview with Fionna begins |
| 2:52 | Why do tradies require a lawyer? |
| 3:20 | Example of a dispute |
| 4:49 | Not all disputes are to do with the actual building |
| 5:30 | What are the implications of not following the administration process? |
| 5:50 | A second dispute example |
| 8:00 | The laws are put in place to protect the consumer |
| 8:18 | How can tradies reduce the risk of dispute? |
| 8:30 | Three things you need to know as a tradesperson |
| 8:50 | #1 The law |
| 9:55 | One way to reduce risk of dispute is to have a contract |
| 10:16 | #2 Understand your contract and what the processes are under that contract |
| 10:30 | #3 Implementing your obligations |
| 11:00 | Why is the contract so important? |
| 12:12 | Having terms written in a contract means they are enforceable |
| 12:43 | Is it a good idea for subcontractors to have contracts with big builders? |
| 13:49 | Make sure you’re insured |
| 15:35 | When you change you contract, you will change your payment terms |
| 16:00 | Why it’s a good idea to have a legal professional look over the contract, particularly if a large sum of money is involved. |
| 17:22 | Can you get a standard contract? |
| 18:50 | Specialist trades require more than a standard contract |
| 20:39 | Why it’s important to use plain English, rather than ‘legalese’ |
| 21:09 | What to do if you find lawyers intimidating |
| 23:31 | Contract change in Queensland from July 1 |
| 26:20 | Big changes to payments under new act |
| 27:50 | Fionna’s special offer for listeners |
| 30:44 | Are disputes over building contracts common? |
| 32:50 | Benefits of a personalised contract |
| 33:49 | How to contact Fionna |
| 34:52 | Key take-aways |
To sum up – Ignorance of the law is no excuse, and it’s the responsibility of all tradies to be familiar with the laws and regulations of their industry.
Having a contract written in easy-to-understand language can help you and your client understand the terms and processes involved. Plus, it could be a selling point!
TWEETABLES
It isn’t against the law to be an idiot, but ignorance is no excuse! Share on X
You must understand contracts you issue AND your responsibilities. Share on X
Having terms written down in a contract makes them enforceable. Share on X
Having a contract written in plain English could be a selling point. Share on X
Want a fantastic special offer for your trade business? Visit http://bit.ly/tradiesuccess #tradies Share on X
Resources
For further information about Fionna and her services, visit arbuildinglaw.com.au
Claim Your Special Deal
Fionna’s Special Deal for Tradie Success listeners:
"Order our NEW domestic building contract pack before 30 July 2015 and only pay the old contract package price of $1,200. After 1 August our prices will increase to $1,500.00. The pack includes:
- Our compliant domestic building eContract are personalised to include your logo and address information.
- Information sheet explaining every clause.
- Notice of Commencement.
- Personalised Variation document.
- Personalised Combined Variation document/ Extension of time claim form.
- Personalised Extension of Time claim form.
- Personalised Defects Document.
- Personalised Notice of Intention to Suspend Works.
- Checklist for Suspending Work.
- Waiver Notice.
Please note that the package does not include personalised clauses because each client’s needs are different."
Contact Fionna on 1300 367 023 or visit the Aitchison Reid website to claim your special deal.
Need Marketing Help?
If you want help with marketing and growing your business, check out our list of services. We’ve helped trade business owners of all types, all over Australia to grow and manage their business with our mentoring and done-for-you marketing services.
Feedback?
If you have any comments or questions about this episode, we’d love to hear from you – simply enter them in the comments area below this episode on the website tradiesuccess.com.au
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