Lawyers QLD specialises in Resolving Building Disputes

 

Building disputes can be particularly complex: there are the legal issues, the technical building issues and the emotional issues.  Conflict can arise over the building period, quality of work, inclusions, variations, progress payments and council certifications. 

 

Lawyers Qld is uniquely equipped to help you with this type of problem because we are a Law Firm dedicated to acting for clients involved in a building dispute.

• We focus on Building and Construction Law and have access to Barrister's practicing in Building and Construction Law.

• The firm is experienced in dealings with the Commercial and Consumer Tribunal and the Consumer Trader and Tenancy Tribunal which are the forums for most building disputes in Queensland and NSW.

• Our panel of building industry experts can give you fast access to quality technical building advice and information.

 

Specialised knowledge and experience is essential to succeed.

 

We offer a web special of $295 + Gst for an initial consultation with a lawyer at either the Brisbane CDB or Southport on the Gold Coast.

 

Call Lawyers Qld on

• Brisbane      Ph 07 3036 5233  
• Gold Coast   Ph 07 5677 0533  

 

Problems with a contractor demanding money for defective work?

Typically clients come to us when contractors are demanding money for domestic building work (that is, work performed on a residence).  Often the only paperwork is a quote from the contractor.  In Queensland we have legislation called the Domestic Building Contracts Act 2000. This Act provides protection for consumers for various types of residential work if the value of the work is over $3,300.

 

If you find yourself in this situation call us and we can help protect your rights.

 

 

Queensland Commercial and Consumer Tribunal

The Queensland Government has legislated that the forum for resolving building matters is the Queensland Commercial and Consumer Tribunal.  The Tribunal was established on 1 July 2003 and superseded the Queensland Building Tribunal.  Parties to building disputes may be self represented at the Commercial and Consumer Tribunal however due to the complexity of most building disputes, parties are generally granted leave by the Tribunal to be represented by Solicitors and Barristers.

 

Until recently it was common that the parties to disputes before the Commercial and Consumer Tribunal had to bear their own legal costs in relation to matters before the Tribunal. In April 2005 the Supreme Court of Queensland heard the matter ofTamawood Ltd & Anor v Paans [2005] QCA 111.  This case set the precedent that under certain circumstances a successful party in a matter before the Commercial and Consumer Tribunal may be awarded the reasonable cost of legal representation.

 

Click on the following link to go to the Queensland Government's Commercial and Consumer Tribunal website which has general information on the Tribunal and other information on how building disputes are handled by the Commercial and Consumer Tribunal.

 

Queensland Building Services Authority (QBSA)

The Queensland Government established the Queensland Building Services Authority under the Queensland Building Services Authority Act 1991. The BSA describes their charter as "To regulate the building industry through the licensing of contractors, educate consumers about their rights and obligations, make contractors aware of their legal rights and responsibilities, handle disputes fairly and equitably, protect consumers against loss through statutory insurance, implement and enforce legislative reforms and where necessary prosecute persons not complying with the law."

The Building Services Authority's website has useful information about building in Queensland and provides consumers and those involved in the building industry with downloadable forms and links to information.

 

Click on the following link to go to the QBSA Website. One of the most useful facilities on the Building Services Authority website is the free online licence search facility.  This facility allows the public to search the names of licensed builders, trade contractors and building certifiers. The search facility allows consumers to ensure that the people performing building work are licensed. The facility also provides details of BSA directions to rectify defective work and other relevant information. The BSA's search facility also provides a record of disciplinary action against Private Certifiers and Builders.

 

Click on the following link to go to the Building Services Authority free online license search facility.

 

The information contained on this website is for public information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.