If you are about to sign a construction contract with a builder, you need to note a few standard things and some major points. Even those are long, boring documents, you must spend the time reading those papers page by page. If you proceed in ignorance of these things, you risk being ‘bitten’ later on. Today I will talk about some key provisions when signing the contract.
1. Check the builder's license
When you want to hire a builder to undertake a construction project larger than $10,000, you need to check whether the builder has a builders license. It would help if you also made sure that:
the builder's registration with the Victorian Building Authority is current. 
The license covers the type of work you need.
The name and number on the licence match those on the contract.
Checking the builder's license information will ensure that you deal with law-abiding builders, who would most likely do the right thing.
2. Check that the builder is insured

When the contract amount is greater than $16,000, the builder must have domestic building insurance for the owner. Only licenced builders are eligible to purchase insurance. So make sure the name of the builder/building company to whom the DBI policy is issued is consistent with the name of the builder/building company on the contract and the building permit.

3. Scope of work 
The scope of work must be precise, both in terms of what the builder needs to do and what the builder will not do. It must be written very specifically to prevent any misunderstanding and confusion. A contract also needs to state that the builder must comply with all existing project plans, specifications and building codes. By specifically set forth within the agreement, discrepancies in the future as to the duties and obligations of the contractor will be significantly minimised.
4. Payment Terms
The payment terms and schedule can be a bit sensitive issue for the contractual parties. Disagreements cause most construction disputes with payment, so it is best to ensure that the method of progress payments is clearly stated. Construction contracts usually have an instalment clause that specifies the percentage of payments to be made when the construction of the building reaches a certain stage.
5. Time frame
Usually, the contract will specify when it is to begin and when it is expected to end. Although neither the builder nor the owner wants delays in the project, many construction projects are delayed. The owner should read the contract about the liquidated damages and negotiate with the builder for the compensation method for the damage caused by the delay.
6. Dispute Resolution Clause
The Dispute Resolution Clause sets out the measures to be taken in the event of a disagreement. This agreement sets out the steps to be taken to resolve the problem before it escalates. For example, resolving a problem through communication, mediation or arbitration can avoid costly and lengthy legal proceedings. A well-drafted dispute resolution clause can save you a lot of time and money and provide flexibility in resolving problems.
7. Termination Clause
Ideally, the builder completes all work according to plans and specifications within a specified time frame, and the owner pays all amounts due according to the payment schedule. Unfortunately, the ideal situation does not always happen, and if the relationship breaks down, consider terminating the construction contract. This is the time to check the terms in the construction contract to see if a prescribed procedure must be followed in the termination clause. If there is such a procedure, follow it strictly, or you may be charged with a breach of contract.

Those are critical provisions for signing a construction contract, and you can contact me if you have any questions. I wish you good luck to build your new home.

如果你即将和建筑商签订一份建筑合同，有一些关键的地方需要注意，即使这份建筑合同是份冗长又无聊的文件，也一定不能偷懒。如果不做功课就签订了合同，可能会在施工过程中碰到不少麻烦。今天我会介绍一些签订合同时的注意事项。

检查建筑执照(builder licence)

当你要雇佣某个建筑商承接大于一万澳元的建筑项目，就需要检查施工方是否拥有建筑执照。除了检查是否有执照，还需要查看：

执照是否过期。

执照是否涵盖了你需要的工作种类。

执照名字和号码和合同上是否一致。

检查建筑商的执照信息可以确保你正在和守法的建筑商打交道，签订的合同有法律效力。

检查施工方是否购买了保险

当合同金额大于一万六千澳元时，建筑商需要给业主购买建筑保险。有施工执照的建筑商才有资格购买保险。业主需要检查保险证书和建筑合同中的承包商名字，公司号是否一致，如果名字和公司号有不一致的地方就需要小心，可能有猫腻。


工作范围（scope of work）

工作范围必须写得非常具体，既写明建筑商需要完成的工作，也要写明建筑商不做的内容，以减少双方的误解和混淆。除此之外合同还必须规定建筑商必须遵守现有的项目计划，规格和建筑法规。通过对工作范围的规定，可以大大减少今后对于承包商职责的争议和纠纷。

付款条款

对于合同双方来说，付款条款可能是一个敏感的问题。大多数建筑纠纷都是由付款方面的分歧引起的，所以最好确保清楚地说明进度付款方法。建筑合同通常是分期付款条款，规定了建筑施工到了某个进程时付款的百分比。

 

项目时间

一般合同都会列明是什么时候开始，预计什么时候结束。尽管施工方和业主都不希望项目的延时，但是很多建筑项目都会延期。业主要看清合同里关于延期的赔偿条件，和建筑商协商好延期造成损失的赔偿方法。

 

争端解决条款（Dispute Resolution Clause）

争议解决条款规定了在发生分歧的情况下应采取的措施。这条协议规定了在问题升级之前解决问题的步骤。比如通过沟通，调节或者仲裁的方法解决问题，从而避免昂贵而漫长的法律诉讼。一个精心起草的争端解决条款可以为你节省大量的时间和金钱，灵活地解决问题。

 

终止条款（Termination Clause）

理想的情况下，建筑商在规定的时间内按照计划和规格完成所有的工程，业主则按照付款时间支付所有应付款。遗憾的是，理想的情况并不总是能实现，如果双方关系破裂，就考虑终止建筑合同。这时候需要检查建筑合同中的条款，看看终止条款中是否有必须遵守的规定程序。如果有这样的程序，请严格遵守，否则可能会因为错误地终止合同而被指控为违约。

 

这里是我总结的签订建房合同的注意事项，如果有问题可以和我联系。祝大家建房愉快。