About us

So, how can we help with the Security of Payment Act?

Who are we?

Firstly, we are not a law firm. We are a building and construction expert, and our role is to assist in preparing your adjudication application (if needed) in a strictly non-legal capacity. We don’t go chasing your money, issue intimidating demand letters, knock on people’s doors or give you legal advice. We have over a decade of experience in valuing construction work and preparing expert reports in relation to costs and defects. Our principal is a licensed builder with a Bachelor of Building and Bachelor of Laws degrees.

What can we help you with?

CILA was established to help small contractors in relation to the Act. We can assist you with the following:

  • Reviewing your contractual documentation, i.e. drawings, specifications, correspondence for purposes of work valuation
  • Determining/reviewing appropriate costs for variations, back charges and credits
  • Reviewing your payment claims and payment schedules
  • Assisting you in preparations of written submissions in relation to defects and correct valuation of work
  • Referring you to a competent solicitor for any legal advice in relation to the Act

What are we unable to assist you with?

  • While we can point you to a particular section in the Act, we can’t advise on what you need to do. To give you an example. You may ask, ‘I served my invoice on the 25 of October. Is that ok?  All we can say is that please refer to section 13(1A) of the Act, which states the following… Don’t let this discourage you, as a lot of the time, simple referrals will get you the answer you need.
  • We can not represent you in any capacity.

Be aware of debt collectors offering you a ‘one-stop shop’ service. What they are doing is completely illegal, as they are actually doing what only a law firm can do. For instance, they will advise you on a cause of action and then follow through with preparing your submission. This is what is called legal advice. There is no other way of putting it. Avoid at all costs. Please read our ‘Getting the Right Help’ page.