Perhaps the reason why you are having a dispute is because your builder has not taken you seriously. Anyhow, you have tried everything and are getting nowhere. What will you do next?
- Prepare building expert defect report and serve builder with a request to respond within seven days. The cost $ 800
- No satisfactory response? Upgrade report to VCAT standard with particulars of claim and cost estimate to rectify with another builder. The cost $ 1000
- Make VCAT application. The cost , claim amount under $10,000 -$37.90, under $100,000- $314.10, over $ 100,000-$629.30
- Bring your building expert to VCAT compulsory mediation. The cost $ 1500/day
The likely cost for a relatively simple dispute is $ 3,600-5,000, more complex disputes add thousands, (engage a lawyer add thousands)
If your mediation fails and you don’t get a settlement be prepared to increase the above estimate 5-10 fold to go to the full hearing.
Don’t go to your mediation without your building expert, you might be blown away by the other side.
