Chris Lawler Building

23/12/2025

We have had a very busy 2025, it's whizzed by!
A massive thank you to our team, subcontractors, clients and supporters - we appreciate every one of you!
Time to rest up, recharge and get ready to go round again in 2026!
Stay safe everyone. 🎄🌟🎅🏌️🏖️

01/10/2025

Sound advice from the Building Commission. It’s so important to be informed before outlaying large amounts of money.
We are licensed, insured and provide HBCF insurance for all work over $20,000.

Asking a potential tradie the right questions upfront can help you decide if they are the right person for your job and eliminate any short or long-term problems, including costly defects or complications! 📝

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a list of essential questions to ask before hiring. These questions will help you evaluate their qualifications, experience, and suitability for your construction or renovation needs.

Make sure you read the full list of questions here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/building-or-renovating-a-home/preparing/step-by-step-guide-to-choosing-right-tradesperson-or-builder/questions-to-ask-before-hiring-a-tradesperson-or-builder

Whether you're building, renovating, or making repairs, make sure you ask the right questions! 🙋🙋‍♀️

21/08/2025

🌿✨ Custom Arbor Perfection in Razorback! ✨🌿

Take a look at this custom arbor we recently built at a breathtaking property in Razorback! 🏡🔨

Designed to complement the stunning pillars the owners chose, this handcrafted feature adds the final piece to a picturesque walkway from the main house to the pool area. Providing the ideal spot for climbing plants to flourish, and with lights on at night time this is an amazing garden focal point.

At Chris Lawler Building, we love bringing unique projects to life. If you’re dreaming of a custom feature for your home, let’s chat! 0405 107 506.

📞 0405107506

18/08/2025

🏡 Thinking of building or renovating in NSW? Here's what you NEED to know about HBCF insurance.

✅ What is HBCF insurance?
The Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) is a mandatory insurance for residential building projects over $20,000 in NSW. It provides a safety net for homeowners if something unexpected happens to their builder—such as:
🔹 Death
🔹 Disappearance
🔹 Insolvency
🔹 Suspension of licence

💡 Why it’s important (and non-negotiable):
If we’re unable to complete your project or fix defects due to unforeseen circumstances, HBCF insurance steps in to cover the costs. Whilst we hope you'll never need to enact it, life can take unexpected turns sometimes and we want to ensure our customers are fully protected.

🛑 What to look out for:
❌If a builder isn’t upfront about providing HBCF insurance, that’s a major red flag.

✅We always supply our clients with their HBCF certificate before work begins—because transparency and trust matter, and it's a legal requirement to do so! We don't cut corners.

📋 Our advice:
Whether you renovate with us or someone else, always ask if they have eligibility to provide HBCF insurance, and ensure they provide you a policy with your name on it before they start work onsite. It’s your right, and your protection.

You can check via NSW Fair Trading if your chosen contractor has provided HBCF policies before. https://verify.licence.nsw.gov.au/home/HBCF.

14/08/2025

🏠 When you're tackling a renovation, a written contract isn't just paperwork, it's your legal protection.

💡 Why a contract matters, clear, written contract outlines:
✔️ The scope of work
✔️ Project timeline
✔️ Total cost & payment schedule
✔️ Dispute resolution process

Without it, you're relying on handshakes and memory—which won’t help you if things go wrong. 😬
⚠️ In NSW, it’s actually required by law for residential building work over $5,000.
If it’s over $20,000, even stricter rules apply—including HBCF insurance.
👷‍♂️ A professional contractor will always provide a contract—no excuses.
📌 Tip: Never sign anything you're unsure about. Review it, ask questions, and get legal advice if needed.
🛑 Verbal agreements = high risk.
✍️ Written contracts = clear expectations + peace of mind.

⭐✅ At Chris Lawler Building, we provide our customers with electronic contracts, based on Housing Industry Association templates, so you can be sure what you're signing is industry standard. ⭐✅

For more info on contract requirements, refer to the Fair Trading website: https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-property/building-and-renovating/preparing-to-build-and-renovate/contracts

10/08/2025

🔍 Comparing quotes? We want you to renovate with confidence.
✅ Are the contractors quoting actually licensed to do the work?
If the answer isn’t a confident “YES” backed by a license number—you're taking a real risk!
👷‍♂️ In NSW, any contractor doing residential building work over $5,000 must hold a valid contractor licence. No exceptions.
👷‍♂️Specialist work requires a specific licence. ie. Builder, electrician, plumbing.

Why it matters:
⚠️ Unlicensed work is illegal
⚠️ You won’t be protected by HBCF insurance
⚠️ There’s no guarantee they’re qualified or experienced
⚠️ You’ll have limited options if something goes wrong
💡 Licensed = accountable. It means they’ve met industry standards and are monitored by NSW Fair Trading.

📋 How to check:
Ask for their licence number and verify it yourself via the NSW Fair Trading website—it takes 2 minutes and could save you thousands.

🔒 Peace of mind starts with a licensed professional. Don’t risk your biggest investment.

⭐✅At Chris Lawler Building, we are qualified builders - Licence 451928C.

https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/check-a-builder-or-tradesperson-licence

07/08/2025

🛑 Getting multiple quotes and not sure who to go with?
Ask all contractors if they're insured and to provide a current certificate to prove it.
If they’re not, you could be left footing the bill if things go wrong. 😬
✅ Why contractor insurance matters:
Proper insurance—like public liability and workers compensation—protects you and your property if:
🔹 Someone is injured on-site
🔹 Your home is damaged during the job
🔹 A worker claims compensation
📉 Without it?
You could be held legally and financially responsible—even if it wasn’t your fault.
👷‍♂️ A responsible, professional contractor will have:
✔️ Public liability insurance
✔️ Workers compensation (if they have employees)
✔️ HBCF insurance (for jobs over $20K in NSW)
📋 Ask to see their certificates of currency before work begins. It’s your right—and your protection.
💡 If they dodge the question, that’s your sign to move on.
🔐 Insured contractors = safer projects, fewer surprises.

26/07/2025

🟡 SPOTTO! We’re on the streets of Penrith! 🏗️

Have you spotted us yet?
Chris Lawler Building is now featured on several bus shelters across the Penrith area — keep an eye out as you drive or stroll around town! 👀🚏

We’re proud to be part of the local landscape - doing quality work for locals. 🐾

📸 If you see one, snap a photo and tag us — just for fun!
Let’s see who can spot them around Penrith.

19/06/2025

🔨 Alfresco & Deck in Leonay! 🌿

We recently wrapped up a beautiful new deck & alfresco area in Leonay for one of our valued repeat clients.

It’s always a pleasure to be invited back, and this project was no exception – a clean, functional outdoor space perfect for relaxing and entertaining.

Thanks again to our amazing client for trusting Chris Lawler Building with another part of your home. 👏

Want a beautiful outdoor space by summer? Give us a call on 0405 107 506 to get things rolling!

19/06/2025

📣 Rare Availability Alert! 🛠️

It doesn’t happen often – but we’ve got some rare openings in our schedule! If you’ve been thinking about starting your next project, now’s the perfect time. ✅✨

Whether it’s a renovation, deck, or something custom – lock in your spot with Chris Lawler Building before it fills up again.

📞 Get in touch today and let’s bring your vision to life, call Chris on 0405 107 506.

09/06/2025

Let there be light! ☀️😎

Check out this recent window addition we completed in Werrington!

This upgrade completely transformed the space—bringing in loads of natural light and creating a more open, airy feel inside.

It’s amazing what a well-placed window can do to brighten up your home and boost both comfort and style.

Thinking of making a change to your home? Chris Lawler Building is here to help you bring your vision to life.

24/04/2025