Building and Construction research and links
The information contained on this website is for public information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you require further explanation and legal advice please click here to contact Lawyers Qld or phone Lawyers Qld on Brisbane 07 3036 5233 or Gold Coast 07 5677 0533.
The primary Queensland Government regulatory authority for Building and Construction in Queensland is the Queensland Building Services Authority or QBSA. The QBSA licences all Queensland Builders, Building Designers and trade contractors. It also provides a home warranty insurance scheme.
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Contracts for domestic residential construction work over $3,300 in value can in most circumstances be covered by the BSA’s Statutory Insurance Scheme which provides up to $200,000 cover for non completion or defective work. The cover is for 6 1/2 years if a licensed contractor performs the work under circumstances which are explained in the policy.
The Licensed Builder, Trade Contractor or Private Certifier is responsible for paying an insurance fee to the Building Services Authority. After the Builder or Contractor pays the required fee, the BSA should provide you with a copy of the insurance policy that relates to your specific job. If you are having trouble getting a copy of the certificate of insurance click on the following link to download an insurance search request form.
You must always ensure that you receive a copy of the policy. If you are not provided with a copy, immediately contact the QBSA to establish if you are covered by the statutory insurance. The insurance is to be taken out before work commences.
The Queensland Building Services Authority website has a wealth of useful information about building and construction in Queensland. Probably the most useful service available on the site for consumers is the free online license search facility. The search facility allows consumers to instantly establish if a Builder, Trade Contractor or Private Certifier hold the appropriate BSA license. It is important to note that the Statutory Insurance Scheme is for domestic residential work and only covers consumers if they engage a BSA Licensed Builder, Trade Contractor or Private Certifier. The search will also inform consumers if the Builder, Trade Contractor or Private Certifier has a discipline record with the Queensland Building Services Authority.
If the Queensland Building Services Authority makes a decision affecting you and you do not agree with the decision, you can have the decision reviewed in the Commercial and Consumer Tribunal (for example, if the BSA rejects a claim that you have made on the Statutory Insurance). There are strict time limits which apply to reviewing a decision of the BSA. Lawyers Qld can act on your behalf in lodging and pursuing a review of a decision of the Queensland Building Services Authority.
The main legal forum for building disputes in Queensland is the Commercial and Consumer Tribunal. The Commercial and Consumer Tribunal is located at 259 Queen Street, Brisbane. The Commercial and Consumer Tribunal Website is a good source of information for consumers. The Commercial and Consumer Tribunal's frequently asked question page is also helpful.
A Solicitor from Lawyers Queensland can appear on your behalf at the Commercial and Consumer Tribunal.
Queensland eCourts
Another useful internet tool is the Queensland State Government's Queensland eCourts website. This site allows the public to search the past and future events and results of Civil matters in Queensland for free. In layman's terms this means you can enter the name of the Builder or Company name of the Builder or Building Contractor you are in dispute with and see if they are or have been involved in litigation with other parties. This information may be helpful if you suspect that the Builder or Sub Contractor is in financial difficulties. If the builder does not pay suppliers, the suppliers will often commence civil proceedings against the Builder or Contractor seeking payment of outstanding debts. You may also see if the Builder or sub contractor has a history of disputes with clients.
CALL LAWYERS QLD BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION LAWYERS FOR LEGAL ADVICE
To see a lawyer in Brisbane CBD phone 07 3036 5233 or Southport on the Gold Coast phone 07 56770533.
We hope that the information on our website is helpful. Building disputes are usually complicated and it is always best to seek professional legal advice. Please call us if you would like us to help you in dealing with a building dispute or a review of a decision of the Building Services Authority.
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The information contained on this website is for public information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
