Dispute Resolution

How to avoid disputes


Good quality cabinet work does not come cheap. A well-designed and constructed kitchen, including quality appliances, can easily cost as much as a new car and with proper care should last at least as long. Additionally, a kitchen, unlike a car, can increase the value of your biggest investment, your home and as the focus of your home provide considerably pleasure.

Most disputes arise because customers aren’t provided with detailed plans and specifications of the work that they have contracted the cabinet maker to do. This can sometimes lead to disagreement over aspects of the work such as dimensions, colours, door types and the like.

If your cabinet maker is reluctant to provide detailed drawings and specifications lists then perhaps you should have reservations about using them. Don’t be fobbed off with the comment that its only a small job, small jobs have the potential to become big disputes.

The other major cause of disputes is poor workmanship. This can be as simple as doors quickly and badly hung (generally easily rectified), or as complex as ill fitting bench tops and cupboards out of square.

A good first step can be to seek out a certified kitchen designer, many CMA members have kitchen design qualifications and will be happy to assist you to design your kitchen.

The first step to avoid problems is by ensuring that the cabinet maker you choose is interested in your business and competent to carry out the work. Your initial dealings with the cabinet maker will provide you with a good deal of information about their interest in your business. How did they answer the phone? Was it in a professional manner, clearly stating the business name and their name? Did the company return messages promptly and keep appointments? Trust your intuition in these situations; if you have doubts about them then it may be wise to keep looking.

In terms of competence and knowledge, it may pay to enquire about your cabinet makers qualifications and experience and that of his / her staff.

Find out also how long they have been in business, ask for proof of business registration, check to see whether they are members of any professional associations. Do they or anyone in their business have specific experience, or qualifications, in kitchen design?[/font]


Top

What to do if a dispute arises


Top

The Home Building Contracts Act

Since July 2, 2007 the Home Building Contracts Act applies to all private work in Western Australia between $7,500 and $500,000 in value. Previous to July 2, 2007 the HBCA applied to all private work between $6,000 and $200,000, except in certain isolated regions.

Where the HBCA applies, the cabinet maker must supply you with a written contract and a Notice For The Homeowner (NFTH) and can only obtain a maximum deposit of 6.5% of the contract value. Further payments are staged, based on work completed or materials obtained. Further information about the Home Building Contracts Act can be obtained from the Builders’ Registration Board on 08 9476 1200 or by visiting the Board’s website at www.builders.wa.gov.au or emailing to registrar@builders.wa.gov.au When discussing your requirements with cabinet makers ask them about the Home Building Contracts Act and make sure that there business complies with the Act before entering into an agreement.
Top