Building or renovating - doing the work
You're at the exciting part of your building journey - find out what you need to do, what responsibilities rest with you and how to keep your job on track
Once construction starts, your role shifts from planning to active oversight. You’re not swinging a hammer – but you are making timely decisions, keeping records and making sure required checks happen at the right time.
What you must have in place
- Building approval that matches the work being built.
- A licensed building certifier engaged for mandatory inspections at key stages.
- Your signed contract, including the schedule for progress payments and how variations are handled.
Your role vs your contractor’s
Your builder usually organises the certifier and books inspections. As the homeowner, you’re responsible for ensuring approvals exist before work begins and that inspections are completed and passed before the next stage proceeds. If you’re unsure, ask for the inspection outcome in writing and file it with your records.
Key checks to schedule
Typical inspections occur at major points in the build – for example, before a slab is poured and when the frame is complete. Your certifier confirms the work meets safety and structural standards before it continues. Keep these appointments visible in your calendar and ask your builder to flag any changes early.
Keep it on track
- Meet on site regularly. Short, scheduled walk‑throughs help catch small issues early.
- Variations in writing. If you change materials or layouts, confirm scope, cost and timing before approving.
- Progress payments as per contract. Pay only when the listed milestone is actually reached and documented.
- Keep a build diary. Date‑stamped notes and photos are invaluable if details are disputed later.
Sunshine Coast
- Some properties are in bushfire‑prone or coastal hazard overlays. Your certifier or designer can explain what that means for materials, setbacks and inspections.
- Pools are common on the Coast. If you’re installing one, you’ll need approvals before you dig and a final safety inspection before it’s filled or used.
- Aim for climate‑smart choices – shading, ventilation, water‑wise fixtures and durable coastal‑grade materials reduce maintenance and running costs over time.
Red flags and where to get help
Hit pause and get advice if: inspections are skipped, you’re pushed to pay early, or workmanship looks unsafe. Raise concerns with your builder first. If you can’t resolve an issue, contact the building regulator for dispute resolution and guidance.
What to keep
Store copies of approvals, inspection certificates, product warranties, manuals, colour schedules, and any agreed variations. You’ll need them for resale, insurance and future maintenance.
Quick checklist
- Approval matches the current plans.
- Mandatory inspections booked and passed.
- Variations documented and priced before work changes.
- Progress payments align with the contract stages.
- Build diary and photo log up to date.
- Pool (if installing) approved and final safety inspection scheduled.
- All certificates and warranties filed for handover.
Further Information
Information presented on this page aligns with the QBCC Home Owner Hub 'Doing the Work'. QBCC page was last published 9 Mar 2026.
To check for QBCC updates, visit the QBCC Home owner hub - doing the work webpage.
