5 Things Your Builder Hopes You Never Check in the Contract

1. Provisional Sums That Look Smaller Than They Really Are

Provisional sums are one of the most misunderstood parts of a building contract WA. A provisional sum is an estimated allowance for work or materials that have not yet been fully defined.

On paper, these numbers can make a contract price look more affordable. In reality, they often increase once selections are finalised or work begins.

Common areas where provisional sums appear include:

• Site works and earthworks
• Driveways and landscaping
• Electrical or plumbing allowances
• Kitchen and bathroom fixtures

We always recommend checking whether provisional sums are realistic for your block and your expectations. If they seem unusually low, it may mean the final price will increase later.

If you're unsure how allowances are calculated, our pre-contract review service can help identify risks before you sign.

2. Missing or Vague Specifications

A building contract is only as strong as the details inside it. If something is not clearly written, it can be interpreted differently later.

We often see specifications described in broad terms such as:

• “Standard fixtures”
• “Builder’s range products”
• “As required”

These phrases sound harmless, but they rarely define exact brands, models, finishes, or quantities.

Before signing any building contract WA, confirm that all materials, finishes, and inclusions are clearly documented. The more specific the contract, the fewer surprises during construction.

3. Exclusions That Shift Responsibility to You

Many contracts contain exclusions — items that the builder is not responsible for. These exclusions are not always obvious, and they can create unexpected costs.

Typical exclusions may include:

• Soil removal beyond certain depths
• Temporary fencing
• Council or service authority fees
• Site access preparation

If exclusions are not reviewed carefully, you may end up responsible for items you assumed were included.

Understanding these details early can help avoid budget blowouts. Our independent building inspections also help ensure work matches what was agreed to in the contract.

4. Timeframes That Allow Unlimited Delays

Construction timeframes are rarely fixed dates. Most building contracts include clauses that allow extensions of time under certain conditions.

Some extensions are reasonable, such as delays caused by severe weather. Others may be less clear and can lead to projects running longer than expected.

When reviewing a building contract WA, check:

• The stated construction timeframe
• Conditions that allow extensions
• Notification requirements for delays

Understanding these clauses helps you set realistic expectations and hold builders accountable when delays occur.

5. Payment Schedules That Don’t Match Work Completed

Payment stages should reflect genuine progress on site. However, some contracts include payment schedules that front-load costs earlier than necessary.

This means you could be paying significant amounts before work has reached the corresponding stage.

We recommend reviewing whether payment milestones align with visible construction progress. A well-structured payment schedule protects both parties and reduces financial risk.

Why Reviewing Your Building Contract Matters

Signing a building contract is one of the most important steps in your construction journey. Yet many homeowners feel pressured to sign quickly or assume the paperwork is routine.

Taking the time to review your building contract WA carefully can prevent misunderstandings, protect your budget, and give you greater confidence as construction begins.

Zac has reviewed hundreds of contracts across Perth and often finds small details that could have become major issues later. In many cases, a short review before signing prevents months of stress during the build.