Building & construction lawyers · Sydney
Building and construction law for owners, builders and developers.
Contracts, payment claims, variations, defects and building disputes across NSW. Advice given early, while it can still change the outcome.
Book a free first meeting
By phone or video. Email enquiries@phontos.com.au
Michael Phontos
Principal · Construction lawyer
I’ve developed, built and litigated construction projects for 35 years.
Most building disputes come down to the documents: what was written down, when, and by whom.
Who we act for
Home owners
Getting your home finished, with your rights protected.
- Contracts, before you sign
- Variations, before you pay
- A builder who has slowed, stopped or left
- Defects and NCAT claims
Builders & trades
Getting paid, and keeping your margin.
- Progress claims and payment schedules under the Security of Payment Act
- Variations that hold up
- Contracts that protect your margin
- Adjudication, NCAT, arbitration and court
Developers
Risk allocated on purpose, from the start.
- Head contracts and consultant agreements
- Contract administration during the build
- Delay, defects and completion disputes
How an engagement starts
The first meeting is free. We learn about your project and tell you honestly whether you need a lawyer at all. Often a letter is enough.
Email enquiries@phontos.com.au- 1Email us a few times that suit youand a line about the project.
- 2We talk by phone or videoabout what’s happened and what you want.
- 3You get a straight answeron your options.
Michael also built eSiteOffice — software that runs residential building contracts: the notices, the deadlines and the records. Its free guides to NSW building law are written by Michael.