I'd contact a local architect first and see what they say. They may have a builder willing to take it on. Also many builder's won't take on half done project's as the previous work's must be guaranteed by the new builder. Even with home owner's warranty's they are very wary....... Unfortunate predicament for you, good luck.

Leaving you in the lurch like that is awful. I'd suggest carefully reading over your contract, particularly the clauses about delays, liquidated damages and completion. Maybe get in touch with the QBCC for advice. I don't have a good recommendation for you unfortunately (the builder we worked with was trouble), but sympathise and wish you the very best of luck.

Thanks for the information. Unfortunately the builder is family and I trusted them too much and waited for them to complete the job. Years of waiting and not "rocking the boat" lead to them making unreasonable and illogical demands in return for completing the work. After years of resorting to begging, it finally came to a head when there was a new demand that came out of the blue and was totally illogical and heartbreaking. That is when I said no more. He is financially able to complete the build and so am I but as a result of these demands, he has left me with a half build home and the comission can do nothing because he is family and the build went on for so long the insurance is no longer there. I did what they say never to do. I took up a family offer to build my home (I didn't approach them) and I didn't trust my gut.

I wish I could take a deep breath and sit down with him and work something out but as I said, this is a family member and their logic and reasoning has gone out the window. I have spoken to others who agree that the demands are unreasonable and illogical. I don't want to go to court and honestly can't afford that sort of cost on top of completing the home. The stress and disbelief that has come out of this has caused so much pain and suffering and even manifested into physical illness.

Since this saga began I now have a partner and a family of my own who have now been dragged into this and it's not fair on them. All I can do is keep hoping that there is a builder out there that can help me end this chapter and move on.

Hi gf23

I understand.

If you would like some advice and are happy to message me your contact details we can have a chat and discuss a few suggestions privately.

Cheers

I can only say in a public forum that they were not terms that would be in any contract and was something out of the blue. I am no builder but from a lay persons perspective and in broad terms I think the home needs an internal fit out with sheeting already done and a driveway to make it livable.

How awful for you! Hope your home gets finished and you get to enjoy it sooner rather then later :(

Worthwhile having a chat with Two's Company. Very generous of them to offer further assistance. Good to get an independent mediator involved be it Two's Company or an architect.

Absolutely heartbreaking. Really. I'm wondering...depending on how you are planning to finance the remainder....given it is all internal fit out. Do you still need a building approval for that?, if not- would you be able to slowly project manage the internal fit out yourself?

I spoke to counsel and because the home has not been completed the original approvals have lapsed and you have to start again. This will probably mean getting the plans re-drawn and finding all the existing certifications and getting them re approved also. Then from there I don't know. I just don't know where to start to do this on my own and I think I need to have an owner builder license. That again comes with a whole lot of other risks that I don't think I am in the head space after this episode to take on.

Hi gf23

Have you received my email this afternoon?

Cheers

Hi Everyone. It's been a while and not sure if anyone on here will even see this post but thought I would provide a quick update after almost 2 years. We finally moved in a couple of months ago and will host our first Christmas. We never did find a builder, and I did have some legal issues to sort out, including the previous building breaking in and taking anything but we had someone project manage different stages to the point that it is livable. The house is no where near finished and it has been a difficult journey but we are there.

Next year I hope to find a builder to take on Stage 2 so that I can say that after 10 years, it is finally finished.

A big thank you to Two's Company who got me started. If it wasn't for your advise and assistance I really don't know what would have happened.