About Our Law Firm
With over 13 years of specialised expertise, we’re committed to serving homeowners for the region with tailored legal advice.
While our principal attorney, John Dela Cruz, is not physically located in Maitland, our legal team is dedicated to providing top-notch services to residents of Maitland and its surroundings. We understand the distinct needs of homeowners for this area and have a strong track record of helping clients protect their investments and navigate the complexities of Fair Trading contracts.
John Dela Cruz, as a seasoned specialist construction lawyer, has a history of achieving significant successes in construction law. When you choose our firm, you gain access to a team of experts who prioritise personalised service, direct communication with our principal attorney, and the use of modern technology to keep you informed throughout your case. Our exceptional 4.9-star rating and positive client testimonials on our Google Business page underline our unwavering commitment to client satisfaction.

Understanding Fair Trading Contracts
The Fair Trading Contract, a standard building contract offered by the New South Wales government, is a fundamental document for homeowners and builders alike. Designed to ensure fairness and balance, this contract undergoes regular updates to align with legislative changes and industry best practices.
Key aspects of the Fair Trading Contract encompass a comprehensive scope of work definition, detailed progress payment schedules, and provisions for dispute resolution. Standard clauses within the contract address crucial issues such as scope modifications and project delays.
One significant advantage of this contract lies in its accessibility and user-friendliness. Its fairness and equilibrium aim to minimise the likelihood of disputes between homeowners and builders.
However, it’s important to note that the Fair Trading Contract may not be suitable for every construction project. Complex or specialised work may require more detailed and customised agreements.
Compared to other building contracts, the Fair Trading Contract is often perceived as more favourable to homeowners, offering clearer dispute resolution provisions and enhanced protection of homeowner rights. Nevertheless, some builders may find it less flexible for their specific needs.

Our Services
At Contracts Specialist, we offer a comprehensive suite of services tailored to the specific needs of homeowners at Maitland and the surrounding suburbs of Rutherford, East Maitland, and Thornton. Our services are designed to ensure that your Fair Trading contract meets your expectations and safeguards your interests.
Contract Review
A contract review by Contracts Specialist involves:
- Initial Consultation: We start with a quick consultation to understand your expectations and preferences regarding the contract and the construction project.
- In-Depth Analysis: Our specialised construction lawyers meticulously study the contract in its entirety. They focus on critical clauses and provisions that have significant implications.
Unlike general practitioners, our legal team possesses extensive knowledge of construction law.
Legal Advice
When we provide legal advice, we highlight crucial provisions to help you:
- Effectively manage your contract
- Mitigate potential issues
- Save valuable time and resources
- Ensure that the work adheres to industry standards
Our objective is to empower you with the legal insights needed to navigate your Fair Trading contract with confidence and protect your interests throughout the construction process.
Benefits of Our Services
Navigating construction projects can be complex and fraught with challenges, often leading to costly legal disputes stemming from poor communication and misunderstandings. Our construction contract review and advice services offer a host of advantages to both homeowners and contractors, including:
Time and Money Savings
Minimising Legal Risks
Ensuring Satisfaction
Successful Outcomes

Meet Our Fair Trading Contract Lawyer
Allow us to introduce our Principal Lawyer, John Dela Cruz, a seasoned expert in construction law with over 13 years of experience in the field. John specialises in delivering construction contract review and advisory services to both homeowners and contractors within the vibrant NSW construction industry.
John’s professional journey is marked by a diverse range of experiences, including roles as legal counsel for a Dow 30 construction company and as a Government Solicitor. His leadership extends to being the Divisional President of the Master Builders Association (NSW), and he is the founder of Small Builders Building Software.
John’s depth of expertise in construction law is all-encompassing. He possesses a wealth of knowledge in drafting and scrutinising various construction contracts, spanning residential, commercial, and subcontractor agreements. With extensive familiarity with construction law practices across all Australian states, John excels in elucidating common legal intricacies related to commercial and construction management contracts.
Get Legal Advice
Why Get Advice?
Obtaining expert legal advice through a comprehensive contract review is crucial when it comes to your residential building contract. Here’s why it matters:
Protecting Your Investment: Building your dream home is a substantial life investment, and ensuring it unfolds without unnecessary hitches is paramount.
Managing Costs: Construction project errors or cost fluctuations can translate into significant financial consequences, often reaching into thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars.
Investing in Clarity: Seeking the right guidance on your residential construction contract isn’t just an expense—it’s an investment in itself. It pays dividends by:
- Saving you valuable time
- Significantly reducing unforeseen expenses
- Ensuring the quality of work
Our legal team is dedicated to providing expert advice and guidance to steer your construction project in the right direction. We partner with you to explore your options and devise cost-effective strategies, all while maintaining a commitment to achieving your goals efficiently and effectively.