Building and renovating: preparing and signing a contract
This is where expectations become obligations. A clear, compliant contract protects both parties and prevents most disputes. Part 3 walks you through the nuts and bolts of contracts.
What you must have in place
- The final drawings and specifications that will be built.
- A contract that sets out scope, price or pricing method, timeframe, progress payments, variations and dispute steps.
- Evidence that statutory insurance and approvals will be arranged at the right times.
Your role vs your contractor’s
You review the documents carefully and ask for plain‑English explanations of anything unclear. Your contractor must provide compliant paperwork, set out a fair progress payment schedule and include all required consumer information.
Key checks to schedule
- Walk through the progress payment stages and match them to tangible milestones.
- Confirm who obtains building approval and books mandatory inspections.
- If you’re adding a pool, confirm the approval and final safety inspection pathway before excavation.
Keep it on track
- Ensure all allowances (PC/PS) are realistic for your taste and today’s prices.
- Put a variation process in writing — scope description, cost, time impact and approvals before work changes.
Local lens: Sunshine Coast
- If your land sits in coastal hazard or flood‑affected areas, make sure your drawings reflect those requirements and your contract price includes compliance.
- In bushfire‑prone pockets, confirm the assumed bushfire attack level and materials selections align with it.
Red flags & where to get help
Be cautious if you’re asked to pay large deposits, to sign without complete drawings, or to proceed without the required consumer information. Seek independent advice before you sign.
What to keep
Signed contract, all attachments, approved plans, proof of statutory insurances, the progress payment schedule and a contact list for your contractor and certifier.
Quick checklist
- Final drawings and specifications attached to the contract
- Progress payments linked to real milestones
- Variation process documented
- Approvals pathway and inspections responsibilities agreed
- Warranties and statutory insurances confirmed
Further Information
Information presented on this page aligns with the QBCC Home Owner Hub 'Getting started'. QBCC page was last published 18 February 2024.
To check for QBCC updates, visit the QBCC Home owner hub - Contracts and payments webpage.
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