Your builder went bankrupt. Here's exactly what to do next.

Finding out your builder has been deregistered or gone bankrupt is one of the most stressful things that can happen during a home build. Your project stops. Your money is tied up. And suddenly you're navigating a situation nobody prepared you for. If you're in that position right now, take a breath. There is a path forward.

The first thing to do is gather everything, your contract, all communication records, payment receipts, and a clear picture of exactly where the build is up to. You'll need this information for every conversation that follows, so having it organized from the start saves you significant stress later.

Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. Many homeowners have Home Indemnity Insurance that specifically covers situations where a builder cannot complete a project. Your policy may cover the cost of completing the build or compensate you for losses already incurred. Don't assume you're not covered, call and ask.

Notify the Building Commission of Western Australia. They oversee the regulation of builders in WA and can advise you on your legal rights, any recourse available, and the process for moving forward. They've seen this situation many times and their guidance is genuinely useful.

Then find a builder experienced in takeovers. This is where it gets difficult, most builders won't touch someone else's unfinished project. It requires a specific kind of expertise, a willingness to work through someone else's decisions, and the confidence to take on a build mid-stream. Patterson Construction is one of the few builders in Perth who specialises in exactly this.

When we step into an unfinished build, the first thing we do is a thorough assessment, understanding what's been done, what's been done correctly, and what the path to completion looks like. We then provide you with a transparent scope of works and a fixed-price completion contract so you know exactly what finishing your home will cost. No surprises. No runaround.

Every client we've helped through a takeover build has had one thing in common they came to us feeling overwhelmed and left feeling in control. That shift happens because of clear communication, honest timelines, and a dedicated point of contact who keeps you informed every step of the way.

If your builder has gone under and your home is sitting unfinished, call Lucas. The conversation is free, the advice is honest, and you'll leave knowing exactly where you stand.