Background: The land was titled in August 2018. Contract signed with builder to build a single story 25sq house in September 2017 (Standard Master Builders Association of Victoria HC6 Edition 2.2 - 2017 contract). They are a small project builder based in Melbourne.
My fault: I didn't specify any condition that the builder must start construction within say 8/12 weeks after the land is titled. It's my first house, and I thought a standard contract would have such conditions.
Details: now it's been more than a year, and the builder is doing everything to stall, the builder got me to collect all documents required (admin work) that other builders get for their client, I still did just so that start the work. They said it's their policy.
I have been asking them for a construction start date, but they say nothing, they don't receive phone calls, or reply to emails, only reply to text if they are in the mood, but is telling me no builder give out construction commencement date, etc. And that he has 100 years of experience, and I am nothing more than a big fool.
I know a client who has cancelled their contract, and they agreed on refund (minus a costs/penalty), but they still didn't refund him, and is refusing to give him a date when the refund will be made.
What are my options? Do we have builder ombudsmen or a similar government body?
Thank you in advance.
Lawyer up.