What is the NSW HIA Lump Sum Contract?
The NSW HIA Lump Sum Contract is a widely used contract in the Australian construction industry. It is a standard form of agreement that outlines the terms and conditions between a homeowner and a builder for the construction of a residential building. The contract includes details such as the scope of work, payment provisions, and dispute resolution procedures. Under this contract, the builder is entitled to progress payments as the work is completed, with the final payment made on completion of the work. It is important for both homeowners and builders to understand the key provisions of the contract to ensure a smooth construction process and avoid any disputes. One of the critical aspects of the contract is Clause 17, which deals with progress payments, and it is essential to understand the provisions of this clause to make informed decisions and avoid disputes related to payment.
Progress Payment Claim
A progress payment claim is a written request for payment submitted by a builder or contractor for work completed to date. Under the NSW HIA Lump Sum Contract, the progress payment claim is typically made monthly, although it can also be made at other agreed-upon intervals. The progress payment claim must include the following information:
- The amount claimed for work completed to date.
- The reference date for the claim.
- The relevant payment period.
- A description of the work completed.
- The name and address of the person making the claim.
It is important to note that a progress payment claim is not the same as a payment claim under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 (NSW). However, a progress payment claim made under the NSW HIA Lump Sum Contract is still subject to the payment schedules and dispute resolution procedures set out in the Act.
Related Content: Understanding Progress Payments and Their Role in Building Contract
Progress Payment Process
The progress payment process in the NSW HIA Lump Sum Contract involves several steps that both the builder and homeowner should follow. Understanding these steps can help the homeowner to ensure that they are making payments in accordance with the contract, and that the builder is held accountable for meeting their obligations. Here are the steps in the progress payment process:
Payment Claim: The builder submits a payment claim to the homeowner. The payment claim must be in writing and clearly state that it is made under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 (NSW).
Payment Schedule: If the homeowner disputes the payment claim, they must provide the builder with a payment schedule within the required timeframe. The payment schedule must identify the payment claim to which it relates, and indicate the amount of the payment (if any) that the homeowner proposes to make.
Payment: If the homeowner does not dispute the payment claim, they must pay the claimed amount on the due date for the progress payment to which the payment claim relates. If the homeowner disputes the payment claim and provides a payment schedule, they must pay the scheduled amount on the due date.
Adjudication: If the homeowner disputes the payment claim and the builder disagrees with the payment schedule, either party may seek adjudication of the matter through the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 (NSW) adjudication process.
Final Payment Claim: Once the building work is complete, the builder must submit a final progress claim. The final progress claim must be accompanied by a supporting statement and statutory declaration, and must be made under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 (NSW).
Final Payment: The homeowner must pay the final progress claim amount within the timeframe specified in the contract, unless they have a valid reason for withholding payment.
Understanding the progress payment process and the rights and obligations of both parties can help to prevent disputes and ensure that the building project runs smoothly. It is important for both builders and homeowners to seek legal advice if they have any questions or concerns about the progress payment process or the NSW HIA Lump Sum Contract.
Security of Payment
The Security of Payment Act in NSW is designed to ensure that people in the construction industry are paid on time and for the work they have done. The Act establishes a process for resolving disputes related to progress payments, including those made under the HIA contract.
Under the Act, a person who has performed construction work or supplied related goods and services can make a security of payment progress claim to request payment for the work they have done. This progress claim must be made in accordance with the requirements of the Act, including providing a payment schedule if requested.
The progress payment schedule under the Act sets out the amount of a progress payment that a respondent proposes to make and the reasons for any proposed reduction in the amount claimed. If the respondent fails to provide a payment schedule or fails to pay the claimed amount, they may be liable for the claimed amount plus interest and costs under the Act.
It is important for builders and homeowners to understand the requirements of the Security of Payment Act in NSW when making and responding to progress claims under the HIA contract.
Related Content: Homeowners Guide to the Security of Payment Law
HIA Contracts and Progress Payments
In the construction industry, many builders use the Housing Industry Association (HIA) building contract to establish a framework for progress payments. The HIA contract specifies how payments will be made throughout the project, including the payment amount, payment timing, and any conditions for payment. The HIA contract can provide some certainty and structure to the payment process for both the builder and homeowner. However, it is essential to understand that the HIA contract is not a substitute for the legal requirements outlined in the Security of Payment Act. While the HIA contract may provide some protections, it is still necessary to comply with the Act’s requirements. It is important to carefully review the HIA contract’s payment schedule and any clauses related to payment to ensure that you understand the payment process fully.
Options for Homeowners
When homeowners receive a progress claim they disagree with, they have legal rights and options available to them. Firstly, homeowners can review the progress claim and check that it complies with the HIA contract and relevant legislation, such as the Security of Payment Act. If there are discrepancies or issues with the progress claim, homeowners can request more information or clarification from the builder. If the builder is not forthcoming or the homeowner still disputes the progress claim, they can withhold payment until the matter is resolved. Homeowners can also issue a payment withholding request under the Security of Payment Act, which triggers a formal dispute resolution process.
If homeowners are unsure about their legal rights or the progress claim process, they should seek professional advice. This can include consulting with a lawyer who specializes in construction law, engaging an independent quantity surveyor to assess the progress claim, or seeking mediation or adjudication services from a dispute resolution organization. It is important for homeowners to act promptly and ensure they have a clear understanding of their rights and options to protect their interests and avoid potential disputes with the builder.
Get Expert Construction Contract Review and Advice
Get Your HIA Contract Reviewed Now
Step 1: Simply fill out this form and upload your contract.
Step 2: We’ll review it and return to you with a fixed fee quote.
Minimise construction risks on cost, time, and quality.
Get Home Building Contract Review and Advice now.
Conclusion
Understanding the key provisions of Clause 17 of the NSW HIA Lump Sum Contract, the progress payment process, and the Security of Payment Act in NSW is crucial for both builders and homeowners. Builders should ensure that they comply with the contract and legal requirements when making progress payment claims, while homeowners should understand their legal rights and options if they disagree with a progress claim. Seeking professional advice from a construction lawyer is recommended to avoid potential legal disputes. As a construction lawyer with extensive experience in advising homeowners and builders, I recommend seeking professional advice to ensure that you understand your contractual and legal obligations. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need legal assistance.
