You're protected this time — insurance on every single project
If your last builder left you exposed, this is the most important point on this page. Every project The Bourne Group takes on is fully insured:
HBCF covers every contract. NSW statutory home-warranty insurance - you're covered if we can't complete or fix the work.
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Contract works insurance covers the home and materials for the entire build, against damage, theft, fire and weather.
SEE THE TRANSFORMATION
BEFORE & AFTER
​Abandoned mid-build, overgrown and exposed.
Completed to the highest standard by our team.
WHAT DOES IT COST TO FINISH AN UNFINISHED BUILD?
Stage left at
Frame through to fit-out
Compliance gaps
Certification, council, engineering
Rectification
Correcting prior defects
Your scope
As-designed, or upgraded
We took over a home abandoned at frame stage in Smithfield. After a dilapidation report and structural assessment, we rectified the frame to certification and carried the project through to completion
GOOD TO KNOW
Frequently asked questions
Q
What should I do if my builder has walked away from my project? First, don’t sign anything new or authorise further work until the site is assessed. Document the current stage with photos, gather your contract and approvals, and arrange an independent inspection. The Bourne Group offers a free site visit to assess exactly where your build stands and set out your options calmly and practically.
Q
Can another builder legally take over an unfinished home or renovation in NSW? Yes. A licensed builder can take over an incomplete build once the previous contract is properly ended and the work is assessed. We handle the transition — reviewing the existing approvals, liaising with your certifier and council, and putting a fresh, fully-insured contract in place so the project can continue with confidence.
Q
How do I find a reliable builder to finish my home in Sydney? Look for a licensed NSW builder with specific experience in takeover and rescue projects, HBCF and contract works insurance on every job, a transparent fixed-price process, and completed before-and-after examples. The Bourne Group specialises in completing abandoned and unfinished builds across Sydney and the Northern Beaches, backed by builder’s licence 313109C and HIA membership.
Q
How much does it cost to finish an abandoned or unfinished build? It depends on the stage the build was left at, the rectification needed for the previous builder’s work, any compliance gaps, and your final scope. Rather than guess, we assess the site, price every item transparently, and give you a firm fixed-price contract before any work starts — so you know the number, not a vague estimate.
Q
What if my previous builder left structural issues or defects? We assess the structure alongside our structural engineer before quoting, so nothing is hidden. Any defects or non-compliant work are identified, costed and rectified as part of the fixed-price scope — and the completed work is covered by statutory warranty, giving you certainty the build is sound.
Q
Am I insured if The Bourne Group takes over my build? Yes. Every project carries Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) cover — NSW’s statutory home-warranty insurance that protects you if the builder can’t complete or rectify the work — plus contract works insurance covering the building and materials throughout construction. You receive your HBCF certificate before work begins.
Q
What happens to my home warranty insurance if my builder becomes insolvent? If your original builder held HBCF (home warranty) cover and has become insolvent, died, disappeared or lost their licence, you may be able to claim through the scheme. We can point you to the right steps with NSW Fair Trading and icare, then complete your build under a fresh, fully-insured contract of our own.
Q
How soon can you start? We can usually arrange a free site visit within days. Once the assessment and fixed-price contract are agreed, we mobilise quickly — getting a stalled site secure and active again is our priority, because delay adds cost and risk to an exposed build.
Q
Do you help with abandoned or incomplete builds across Sydney and the Northern Beaches? Yes. We complete abandoned, stalled and unfinished residential projects throughout Sydney, with particular experience in the Northern Beaches and Sydney’s premium suburbs — from luxury custom homes to renovations and extensions left incomplete by another builder.
Q
Is the first consultation free, and what should I prepare? Yes — the initial site visit, inspection and consultation are free. It helps to have your original contract, any council or certifier approvals, engineering plans, and photos of the current state of the build. With those, we can give you clear, practical guidance on your options straight away.