Helllloooooo Listeners! This is the last episode of the Owner's Hour Series. So sad! We've really enjoyed producing the Owner's Hour Series and we hope it has been a valuable resource. In this episode, we provide a very high level overview of the building certification process and why it's so important to a new home build or renovation project. We reflect on the achievements and milestones of 2022 and discuss what we are creating at Hearthstone Legal in 2023! ...

Hi Listeners! This is the second episode of our special Women in Business Series! Mardee believes that as a small business owner, it is important to surround yourself with a supportive and passionate network of people with different skills and ideas. In this series, Mardee talks to amazing women in business to share stories, business tips and thoughts about life, owning a business and everything in-between. In this episode, Mardee sits down with Donna Dale. Donna is a pool s...

Hi Queensland property owners! This is our second last episode of our Owners' Hour series. In this episode, we talk about something we have received a lot of inquiries about lately - when can a builder increase the price to build or renovate your home? We talk about fixed price contracts and share some of our client's stories (no names used of course!) as a way of explaining when a builder could legally increase the contract price under a fixed price contract, and when it may not be allowe...

Hi listeners! This is the first episode of our very special Women in Business Series! Mardee believes that as a small business owner, it is incredibly important to surround yourself with a supportive and passionate network of people with different skills and ideas. In this series, Mardee talks to amazing women in business to share stories, business tips and thoughts about life, owning a business and everything in-between. In this episode, Mardee sits down with Renee Shae. Renee...

Hi Queensland property owners! Episode 4 of our Owners’ Hour Series is here! In this episode, we invent a new technical legal term for building disputes - the “argy bargy” - and explain some things to think about before terminating a residential building contract, kick the builder off your property and start legal proceedings in the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) or the courts. We laugh about this episode being more like a dating service…. we talk about wha...

Hi Queensland property owners! Welcome to Episode 3 of our Owners' Hour Series! In this episode we discuss the role and functions of Queensland's building industry regulator, the Queensland Building and Construction Commission or QBCC. We give a brief overview of the Queensland Home Warranty Insurance Scheme and discuss the kinds of decisions the QBCC makes and how these decisions can impact your building project. We laugh about how we always left our assignments at law school to the last...

Hi Queensland property owners! In this episode: we discuss the things that you need to think about when you receive your building contract and how to navigate the language, what your obligations are and what you should consider. We discuss the laws around requesting and approving variations, the difference between prime cost and provisional sum items under a residential building contract and provide tips on how to avoid potentially costly misunderstandings and miscommunications w...

Hi Queensland property owners! In this episode: we discuss the things that you need to think about when choosing a builder to build or renovate your home. Building or renovating a home is a huge financial and emotional investment. We want to make sure you have everything you need to choose the best person to support you in building the house of your dreams. Got some thoughts on today's episode? Please join our conversation on our Instagram page @hearthstonel...

It's the last episode of Tool Box Tuesday! We do a recap of the 10 Building Commandments, answer some listener questions and have a general chit chat before bringing this season of Law Clarified to an end. **DISCLAIMER: Please note, topics discussed in this podcast are for general information and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute or seek to replace legal advice and should not be applied to your individual circumstances. If in doubt, please seek qualified leg...

Episode 7 of Tool Box Tuesday wraps up the 3 part series on Litigation. Today focuses on debt recovery processes. For further information about possible review rights and what you need to do, contact us at podcast@hearthstonelegal.com.au **DISCLAIMER: Please note, topics discussed in this podcast are for general information and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute or seek to replace legal advice and should not be applied to your individual circumstances. If in...

Episode 6 of Tool Box Tuesday continues with Part 2 of a 3 part series on Litigation. Today focuses on claims for outstanding money. For further information about possible review rights and what you need to do, contact us at podcast@hearthstonelegal.com.au **DISCLAIMER: Please note, topics discussed in this podcast are for general information and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute or seek to replace legal advice and should not be applied to your individual circums...

Episode 5 of Tool Box Tuesday dives into Part 1 of a 3 part series on Litigation. Today focuses on reviews of QBCC decisions - what decisions are capable of review, how and when you should review and what can you expect from the process. For further information about possible review rights and what you need to do, contact us at podcast@hearthstonelegal.com.au **DISCLAIMER: Please note, topics discussed in this podcast are for general information and entertainment purposes only a...

Episode 4 of Tool Box Tuesday takes a look at the roles and responsibilities of the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (the "QBCC") and what you should do if you have to be involved with QBCC processes. For further information about the QBCC, how you might be impacted by decisions and what you need to do, contact us at podcast@hearthstonelegal.com.au **DISCLAIMER: Please note, topics discussed in this podcast are for general information and entertainment purposes only and...

In episode 3 of Tool Box Tuesdays we consider how, when and why an extension of time might be necessary during a building project and the issues that time can cause. Extensions also have a massive impact on practical completion - which is where most of the disputes happen. Getting your house handed over late, or not getting paid your practical completion payment can cause a lot of stress for everyone involved. For further information about extensions of time, bringing a project t...

In episode 2 of Tool Box Tuesdays, we discuss variations - what are they, how they work and how they can go terribly wrong. Variations can cause a lot of issues for builders and homeowners - but, by following a few simple rules - those woes can be avoided. For further information about variations and understanding your obligations, contact us at podcast@hearthstonelegal.com.au **DISCLAIMER: Please note, the topics and information discussed in this podcast are for general information a...

In our first episode of Tool Box Tuesday, we explore the basics of what makes a contract and how communication is such an important element in business and in managing contracts and parties expectations. If you would like further information about building contracts, check out our website at www.hearthstonelegal.com.au or send us an email at podcast@hearthstonelegal.com.au **DISCLAIMER: Please note, the topics and information discussed in this podcast are for general information and e...

This is the pilot episode where we ramble on during a sound check and talk about the ambitions and ideals for our podcast! This isn't legal advice - we know, we're lawyers - but we're speaking generally about the things that we've encountered over the course of our careers. Let us introduce ourselves, it's a bit of fun, it's a bit sweary' but at least there's substance to follow in future episodes. If you want to find out more about us, visit us at www.hearthstonelegal.com.au&n...