Legal advice on home renovations

Renovating is mostly tearing down walls but there's also a good dose of paperwork involved, so learn which documents you need to get in order to make sure your renovation is smooth sailing.

When you're embarking on a renovation, it's tempting to get stuck straight in so you can see results sooner rather than later. But if you're after a successful project rather than a quick one, it's best to cover your bases when it comes to the paperwork. Here are a few things you need to consider:

1. Start an ideas folder

This is a great way to sort out what you do and don't like, and by collecting pictures from magazines, brochures and other sources, when the time comes to brief your builder, designer or architect you will have some visuals to make sure you're all on the same page.

2. Council approval

Depending on the scale of your renovations, there's a good chance you'll need to obtain council approval before you start. Called a building permit or a development approval, depending on where you live, this document can apply to everything from building a shed to any work that alters the structure of your house. Because the rules vary from council to council, check with your local one, or a privately registered building surveyor, before you start any renovation.

3. Quotes

Ideally, you should obtain at least three written quotes for the same job. That way you'll be able to work out whether you're receiving a good deal. Also make sure that the quote you accept clearly states the time period for which it is fixed.

4. Insurance

Ask before you sign any contracts. Insurance requirements vary from state to state and depend on the value of the work being done, but they can include everything from home warranty insurance to builders' all-risk insurance and public liability insurance. For advice about the needs of your particular project, contact your state's Office of Fair Trading.

5. Contracts

It's important that you include every detail about your renovation in the contract, because if it's not in there, your builder isn't obliged to provide it and that can lead to disputes during and after the job. The contract should contain a number of things, including a detailed description of the work to be carried out, the contract price, the builder's registration number and clear start and finish dates.

For advice about contracts, contact the Housing Industry Association, your local Master Builders Association or seek help from a construction law specialist.