Experienced Building & Construction Disputes Lawyers
We protect your interests with expert legal solutions.
Helping you resolve disputes swiftly to keep your projects on track.
Building and construction disputes can delay progress, drain resources, and strain business relationships. Whether you’re a builder, contractor, developer, or property owner, MST Lawyers provides clear, practical legal advice to help resolve disputes quickly and protect your commercial interests.
Our our building and construction dispute lawyers in Melbourne act for Dispute Resolution and Litigation team have extensive experience across all stages of construction projects—from contract negotiation through to completion. We work to minimise disruption, reduce risk, and pursue outcomes through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, including proceedings in VCAT and the courts. Schedule a Consultation →
Why work with us
Experienced
Experienced litigators acting in State and Federal courts
Trusted
Trusted advisers to businesses, professionals and individuals
Strategic
Strategic focus on early resolution — without compromising leverage
Guiding you through the complexities of building & construction disputes
When construction issues arise, they don’t just impact timelines—they create stress, financial pressure, and uncertainty. At MST Lawyers, we understand what’s at stake and provide clear, practical guidance to help you move forward with confidence.
Building & Construction Disputes
Building and construction disputes can quickly escalate. We help clients resolve issues such as contract disagreements, defective work, payment disputes, and compliance concerns—always aiming for efficient, cost-effective outcomes through negotiation, mediation, or litigation when needed.
VCAT Representation
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) is a common forum for resolving building and construction disputes, including contract breaches, defective work and compliance issues. We regularly assist builders, developers, and property owners with VCAT building disputes involving contract breaches, defective work, or compliance issues under the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995. Our team supports you at every stage from initial advice and document preparation to representation at hearings, ensuring a clear, strategic approach throughout the process.
Contractor & Subcontractor Disputes
Disputes between head contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers can stall progress and damage working relationships. We work to resolve payment, performance, and breach of contract issues while preserving your commercial interests.
Security of Payment Claims
Cash flow is critical. We are experienced in security of payment claims in Victoria and help clients bring or defend claims under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002 as part of broader commercial dispute resolution strategies.
Defect & Retention Claims
Whether you’re dealing with defective work or disputes over retained funds, we’re here to protect your rights and secure the outcomes needed—be it repairs, compensation, or resolution. These matters often intersect with broader property and development disputes, particularly where multiple parties are involved
we help you move forward with confidence
Why choose us?
MST Lawyers provides expert representation in VCAT hearings, civil claims, and commercial disputes, offering comprehensive support, strategic legal solutions, and a client-focused approach to resolve matters efficiently while protecting your interests.
the lawyers dedicated to your success
Meet the team
Our dedicated team of litigation and dispute resolution lawyers brings decades of experience in handling complex disputes. We are committed to protecting your interests and providing practical, results-driven legal solutions.
OUR Clients
Serving both individuals and businesses
Our clients span industries, backgrounds, and needs, each relying on MST Lawyers for dedicated, effective legal support.
Schedule a consultation with our litigation & dispute resolution lawyers
If you need urgent building dispute legal advice, speak with our Litigation and Dispute Resolution team. Contact Mark Skermer on (03) 8540 0200 or request a consultation using our contact form.
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What our clients say
Keep up the good work MST team."FAQS
Have a question? Just ask
Litigation involves taking a dispute to court, while dispute resolution includes negotiation, mediation, and arbitration—which can often resolve matters faster and with lower costs.
This legislation is designed to help contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in the building industry get paid promptly for the work they do and the materials they supply.
It provides a quick and inexpensive process to recover payments owed under a construction contract—even if the contract doesn’t include detailed payment terms.
Key features include:
The right to make a payment claim for construction work or goods/services provided
Strict timeframes for responses (payment schedules) from the respondent
The ability to initiate adjudication if payment is disputed or delayed
Enforcement mechanisms to recover the unpaid amount, if necessary
Why it matters:
The Act is particularly useful where there’s a dispute or delay in payment. It allows you to take action without having to start formal court proceedings, helping to keep your business cash flow moving.
The Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 (Vic) sets key rules for major domestic building contracts in Victoria, including deposit limits, progress payments, variations, notice requirements, and dispute processes. It applies to many residential building works and is often relevant in VCAT building disputes.
See the Act here
https://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/in-force/acts/domestic-building-contracts-act-1995/093
It depends on the complexity of the case. Some disputes can be resolved in months, while others may take longer if they go to court.
Yes, many disputes are successfully resolved through mediation, arbitration, or direct negotiations—avoiding the costs and delays of litigation.
We provide expert legal representation, strategic negotiation, and tailored dispute resolution strategies to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
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News & Insights
Stay informed with the latest case law updates, dispute resolution strategies, and legal trends.
We deliver strategic dispute resolution and litigation services, resolving commercial, workplace, and construction conflicts efficiently while protecting your interests: