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Building Dispute Lawyers Sydney

Defective work. Incomplete builds. Unpaid progress claims. We resolve complex disputes fast, without unnecessary cost or delay.
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Home Building Disputes Lawyers Sydney — Protecting What You Have Built

Residential building disputes are among the most stressful legal matters a homeowner or builder can face. Defective workmanship, incomplete construction, water ingress and structural problems cause real financial damage. When a dispute cannot be resolved directly, you need a building defects lawyer in Sydney who knows the legislation, the tribunals and the most effective path to a result.

At Leo Lawyers, we advise homeowners, owner-builders, builders and contractors across New South Wales. We issue and defend court and tribunal proceedings regarding the Home Building Act 1989, breach of statutory warranties, the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020, breach of a duty of care, and the relevant laws applicable to the construction industry in NCAT and the courts. 

Our building dispute services cover:

  • Defective building work and defective workmanship claims
  • Incomplete residential building work
  • Breach of building contract claims
  • Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) insurance claims
  • Statutory warranty claims under the Home Building Act 1989
  • NCAT building disputes and tribunal representation
  • Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 duty of care claims
  • Disputes between builders, subcontractors & homeowners 
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Building Dispute Lawyer Sydney

Meet Damin Murdock

Over 18 Years of Experience in Construction and Building Dispute Law

Damin Murdock
Damin Murdock has been a Panel Lawyer for the Master Builders Association and represented clients across residential building disputes in NSW and Victoria. He appears in NCAT, VCAT, the District Court and the Supreme Court and works with expert building consultants to build evidence-backed claims.
If you need a defective building work lawyer in Sydney who understands the technical and legal dimensions of a dispute, Damin provides the direct, results-focused advice you need.
“Help you stay ahead with innovative, practical and commercial advice.”
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18+ Years of Trusted Legal Excellence

Ryan
Ryan
★★★★★
Damin has once again proven himself as an invaluable, professional and fair lawyer. He honoured his fixed price quote despite the hours exceeding what we expected and fully delivered the outcome I was after for my capital raise. 10/10 would recommend using Damin if you're a startup looking for the right advice.
Ben D
Ben D
★★★★★
Excellent and responsive review of our SAFE note and Directors Resolution to get this in place and circulated Commercial Law
Allister Samasuwo
Allister Samasuwo
★★★★★
Damin delivered excellent documents and took the time to explain the complex aspects of the challenges we faced. It was an altogether positive experience working with him.
Richard Savoie
Richard Savoie
★★★★★
Damin is a perfect blend of deep experience, attention to detail, and awareness of the 'big picture' when it comes to helping startups with legal matters.
Marcus Tehan
Marcus Tehan
★★★★★
Damin's legal support, advice, knowledge, professionalism is highly commended, and always willing to go the extra mile, highly recommend.
Luke Muscat
Luke Muscat
★★★★★
Damin was a great help and his business advice was outstanding. Will be working with him in the future on all our legal matters.
Ryan
Ryan
★★★★★
Damin was thorough, easy to communicate with and had my companies best interests at heart when providing advice. Would definitely use again.
Ben D
Ben D
★★★★★
Great help at short notice Within a week Damin had his head around a complex situation and delivered all the documents and supporting emails and processes we needed to get things done, with a great result.
Jason Jin
Jason Jin
★★★★★
Great experience and excellent legal advice! We had a consultation with Damin on our shareholder agreement. Damin is super helpful and provided tons of good advice to us. Damin is very patient to break down the legal jargon, and takes the time to understand our needs, and provides tailored advice for our start-up. I would highly recommend Damin to other entrepreneurs.
Katie
Katie
★★★★★
Damin quickly understood the nature of the issue we were seeking advice on. From there he was able to provide the key areas of consideration, not just on the strength of our case, but also on some tactical and strategic options for closing the matter out. In short, Damin rapidly provided the information we needed make a decision and move forward.
Allister Samasuwo
Allister Samasuwo
★★★★★
Another great experience. I'm very satisfied after working with Damin again. His knowledge and attention to detail stands out.
Jason
Jason
★★★★★
Amazing as always! Damin spent well over the allocated time to ensure all our questions were answered and requirements met. He is an absolute champion and at the top of his game. Thanks as always!
George Mariasson
George Mariasson
★★★★★
Exceptional! Damin showed a great knowledge of the relevant laws I needed for a startup I am creating. I really appreciated his ability to express what seems esoteric to me into simple to understand instructions. Thank you!
Elena
Elena
★★★★★
Great Experience! This is my second engagement with Damin and as usual the process was seamless. He is professional and prompt with responses and went above and beyond to ensure that all of the risks were covered. I would highly recommend him and no doubt we will be engaging him again.
Kurt
Kurt
★★★★★
I needed to review and refine my Client Agreement, Terms & Conditions, Indemnity Waiver and Privacy Policy due to the impact COVID-19 had on my business. Damin and his Team where very helpful in initially finding out exactly what I needed and within a very short space of time, I had documents which where refined and completed with quality. I would not hesitate to recommend him or his team. Efficiency and Quality without the issues.
Adam
Adam
★★★★★
Easy & Helpful in Drafting Our Contract. The document Damin and his team created was just what was needed and tailored perfectly around my requirements. I learned quite a lot in the process as they patiently addressed my questions. Highly recommended.
Barry
Barry
★★★★★
Excellent Knowledge and process. Damin really took a grasp of what we required and developed our requirements into an excellent set of documents. He was very patient and gave more than allocated time to get us to our desired outcome. We will be definitely using him for further requirements as they arise. Thanks Damin.
David Hammat
David Hammat
★★★★★
Ive used Damin twice and both times he has been, fantastic! He is skillled and experienced and that really helps guides the process smoothly. Both times hes been incredible reasonable in the fee that hes charged.
Ricardo Medeiros
Ricardo Medeiros
★★★★★
Leo Lawyers were outstanding—prompt, professional, and generous with their expertise. I contacted them about a WhatsApp impersonation matter and they provided clear next steps and reassurance at a stressful time. Their communication was fast, thoughtful, and easy to understand. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.
Michelle McKenzie
Michelle McKenzie
★★★★★
"Damin's analysis of a pressing Strata issue- demonstrates: 1. His responsive approach 2. Guidance and extensive knowledge of NSW SSMA Legislation 3. A clear way forward as to strengths & (weaknesses) of my case combined with probable outcomes. His helpful counsel was administered without cost. Thank you Damin. I appreciate your kindness."
Dean Tomich
Dean Tomich
★★★★★
Very professional and knowable Law Firm. Full recommendation
Elizabeth Nicholson
Elizabeth Nicholson
★★★★★
Leo Lawyers, led by Damin Murdock, are exceptional. Damin is highly knowledgeable in corporate law and an expert litigator who provides clear, practical advice. His quiet confidence and genuine care make you feel completely supported. The firm’s size means you deal directly with senior people who know your matter inside out. I would highly recommend Damin and Leo Lawyers for anyone needing expertise in Commercial, Technology or Construction Law, or a strong litigator.
John Colley
John Colley
★★★★★
Thank you for sharing your positive experience. We are pleased that Damin could provide the responsive support and specialized expertise in NSW Strata Schemes Management Legislation required for your strata matter. It is our priority to offer clear, strategic direction regarding the merits of a case and potential results for our clients in New South Wales. We appreciate your kind words and are glad we could assist you during this time.
Kimberly Gundani
Kimberly Gundani
★★★★★
Damin is amazing—knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely committed to his clients. He guided me through every step of my case with clear, concise advice, handled all negotiations on my behalf, and delivered an outstanding outcome beyond my expectations. His attention to detail and warm, professional manner made a stressful process feel seamless. I couldn’t recommend him more highly to anyone seeking top-tier legal support.
Chris Kasputtis
Chris Kasputtis
★★★★★
I've engaged Damin for many years now for a variety of legal issues in business. Well versed in areas of commercial law, great communicator, negotiator and prompt to respond to inquiries.
Eila Jameson-Avey
Eila Jameson-Avey
★★★★★
I was a nervous wreck by the time I was referred to Damin with a possible court case pending. He was calm and had a good knowledge of my unique case. And I know should I require his services in the future he will supply a professional and sound counter, which makes me feel secure and relaxed regardless of what may present legally.

Our Building Dispute Services

1. Defective Building Work Claims

We act for homeowners in claims involving poor workmanship, water damage, structural defects and non-compliant construction. We work with independent building and engineering experts to document defects and pursue rectification or compensation through NCAT or the courts.

2. Incomplete Building Work

If your builder has abandoned the job or left work unfinished, you have rights under the Home Building Act 1989. We advise on terminating the contract, recovering costs incurred engaging a replacement builder, and pursuing any outstanding claim for the loss caused by the incomplete work.

3. Breach of Building Contract

Most residential building contracts in NSW are based on HIA or MBA standard forms. When a party fails to meet their contractual obligations, whether that is a builder missing milestones or a homeowner refusing to pay progress claims, we advise on the breach, the available remedies and the most practical resolution.

4. Uninsured and Unlicenced Building Works

We represent homeowners in claims against unlicensed or uninsured builders. An unlicensed builder is generally not entitled to payment unless a court decides otherwise. Similarly, builders without home warranty insurance for works exceeding $20,000 forfeit their right to payment. These laws are complex, engaging an experienced lawyer is essential to protect your rights.

5. Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) Claims

If your builder becomes insolvent, dies or disappears before completing the work, you may be entitled to a claim under the Home Building Compensation Fund through iCare. We assist homeowners in preparing and pursuing HBCF claims, including situations where a claim is disputed or rejected by the insurer.

6. NCAT Building Disputes

The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal is the primary forum for residential building disputes in NSW. We prepare applications, manage evidence, work with building and engineering experts and represent clients at NCAT hearings. We also advise on appeals where an NCAT decision needs to be challenged.

7. Design and Building Practitioners Act Claims

The Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 introduced a statutory duty of care owed by building practitioners to owners of land. This duty extends beyond the contract and gives property owners additional grounds to pursue defective building work claims. We assist in the scope of this duty and act in claims under the Act.

Dealing with defective building work or a builder dispute?

Speak directly with an experienced building dispute lawyer, Damin Murdock, Today.

Get Expert Advice
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Your Rights Under NSW Building Law

Residential building work in NSW is governed by the Home Building Act 1989, the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 and the Building Commission NSW. Homeowners who cannot resolve a dispute directly can lodge a complaint with the Building Commission NSW, and if the matter still cannot be resolved, bring an application to NCAT. In Victoria, you must lodge a complaint with the Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria, and then to VCAT.

Understanding which forum applies and  what evidence is needed to succeed is where experienced legal advice makes a real difference.

Key protections for homeowners in NSW include:

  • Statutory warranties under the Home Building Act 1989 for residential work
  • A six-year warranty period for major defects and two years for non-major defects
  • Access to the Home Building Compensation Fund when a licensed builder cannot complete the work
  • Duty of care claims under the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020
  • NCAT proceedings for disputes involving residential building work

Expertise Across All Construction Sectors

Our reputation for handling high-stakes technical complexity means we manage disputes across a vast range of project types. Whether you are dealing with a bespoke residential build or a large-scale commercial strata development, we provide the specific industry knowledge needed to enforce your rights.
  • Residential New Builds
  • Multi-Dwelling Townhouses
  • Remedial Building Works
  • Strata & High-Rise
  • Heritage Renovations
  • Industrial Warehouses
  • Commercial Fit-Outs
  • Mixed-Use Developments
  • Civil & Infrastructure

Whatever your building dispute, we have got your back.

Construction Law

Contract Disputes

Debt Recovery

Commercial Law

Shareholder Disputes

Startup and Business Law

Who We Work With

Our building dispute lawyers in Sydney act for clients on both sides of a dispute. We represent homeowners left with defective or incomplete work and builders who need to defend against exaggerated or unfounded claims. 

Whatever your position, we assess the facts honestly and advise on the most practical path forward.

  • Homeowners and owner-builders
  • Residential developers
  • Licensed builders and contractors
  • Strata owners and owners corporations
  • Subcontractors
  • Property investors

Need a building dispute lawyer in Sydney?

Book a consultation with Damin Murdock today.

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Leo Lawyers is built on the foundation of delivering legal excellence and outcomes, hence the name LEO.

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