Problems with a builder in Queensland

Publications >Problems with a builder in Queensland

 

The Queensland Building Services Authority (BSA) administers a compulsory domestic building insurance scheme (Scheme). When you sign a building contract for the construction or additions to a domestic building, the insurance is paid by the builder.

 

If you have been the victim of defective or incomplete domestic building work then you may be eligible to claim from the insurance scheme to allow rectification of the defects and completion of the works.

 

The Scheme applies where there is defective building work or where the contract with the builder has been lawfully terminated or the building company has become insolvent (liquidated or bankrupt).

 

Once a claim has been made to the BSA, an inspector will assess the defective or incomplete work and issue a notice to the builder to rectify or complete the work within (usually) 14 days. If the original builder refuses or is unable to rectify the work, the BSA will ask you to obtain quotations from other contractors.

 

Assuming these are in order, the BSA will approve and insurance payment for the lowest quotation and then you may choose any contractor to rectify the problems.

 

Insurance is usually available for minor defects up to 6 months from the date of practical completion and for structural or major defects up to 6 years.

 

The BSA also offers mediation services and may be able to assist you with general inquiries with respect to builders prior to commencement of building works.

 

Prior to entering into a contract with a builder, we recommend that you make inquiries of your builder’s qualifications, seek references from past clients and consult with your solicitor.

 

If you would like any information on the BSA or your entitlement to claim under the Insurance scheme, call Greg Rostron or Paul Rojas of our office on (07) 3009 8444.

 

For more information on the BSA visit their website at www.bsa.qld.gov.au.

 

 

Greg Rostron

Partner

 

 

"The information contained in this article is general in nature and cannot be regarded as anything more than general comment. Readers of this article should not act on the basis of this comment without consulting one of Rostron Carlyle's legal practitioners who will consider their particular circumstances".

 

Expertise

 

Rostron Carlyle's lawyers have a wide range of experience assisting people in all aspects of building and construction law.

 

Not only will you find that Rostron Carlyle is likely to have assisted someone in your exact situation, but you’ll find that a Rostron Carlyle lawyer can distill a complex legal issue into a set of actionable options for you to consider.

 

A Rostron Carlyle lawyer will be a person that you can relate to.  We'’ll talk your language. Most

importantly, a relationship with a Rostron Carlyle lawyer will be "a relationship you can rely on".

 

 

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