JAD Homes Managing Director, Julian Dall ‘Olio had big career goals at an early age. As a young builder with an aspiration of becoming a building developer, Julian found the Master Builders legal department to be invaluable.

Julian started a carpentry apprenticeship at 16. Once qualified, he worked on commercial building sites but soon went on to work with family in the domestic industry. There he gained experience working with different trades.

“I always had ambitions to be a builder, to be my own boss. I just loved building houses,” he explains.

Julian came to Master Builders when he decided he wanted to get his Domestic Building Manager registration (DB-M) at 23-years-old.

“I wanted to get my own projects, aim for the top and be a developer,” he said.

“I did my research at the start and I wanted the ongoing support that Master Builders continues to provide. That’s a big help for me, just knowing I can pick up the phone and get advice anytime.”

The legal department has been a priceless resource for Julian who describes Head of Legal, Angelo Simonetto as a ‘mentor’.

“Angelo has helped me a lot with getting my registration.  I had a bit of a hiccup with my application and Angelo helped me boost my knowledge and ensure that I was up to scratch with everything, so I was able to get my registration,” Julian said.

Julian used Master Builders contracts and regularly calls on the legal department for contract advice.

“Contracts are a very important part of the building process and can easily bring you undone.”

“These days being a registered builder is very risky; everything needs to be documented,” Julian said.

“Angelo has taught me everything I know about contracts. If I have a job and have a question about my contracts, I’ll just call Angelo or flick it to him in an email and ask him to have a look at it. He’ll then just ask me to make any changes or make changes for me and send it back.”

“Angelo helped me when undertook my first New Homes contract with an owner,” he said.

“He clearly explained how to best use prime cost and provisional sum allowances in my contract as well as how to correctly complete variations requested by the owner, ensuring that I get paid in-full and on-time.”

“I have even learnt that should a dispute unfortunately arise, that Master Builders have an excellent selection of external lawyers on their panel that can help and are experts in building and construction law and are available to us members at very competitive rates.”

“I’ve been extremely fortunate in that I have never had to pay for any of the legal advice I have obtained through Master Builders. The beauty of your membership is the priceless advice, constant support and brilliant service they offer.”

“The help I’ve had from Angelo, I can’t explain how much he’s helped me. He’s more of a mentor for me, just a great relationship and support.”

Julian has also utilised other Master Builders products and services including legal seminars, training and insurance.

“I like the fact that Master Builders is a one-stop-shop for everything. They have everything I need to keep me up-to-date with changing legislation. That’s very important, it’s just so crucial these days.”