Your guide to building or renovating

Building or renovating your home is a major investment, and the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) provides clear steps to help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary stress. 

Their Home Owner Hub guides you through each stage of the process — from planning and choosing a contractor to doing the work and finalising it. 

Engaging a builder

Below is a simple checklist for engaging a builder, followed by the top five things to consider if you plan to build yourself.

• You should verify that your builder is appropriately licensed.
  The QBCC provides a licence search tool to help you check that your contractor is properly licensed before you proceed.
• You should obtain multiple quotes before signing a contract.
  Comparing quotes helps you understand the scope of work, cost differences and each contractor’s experience. 
• You should ensure that all work is covered by a written contract.
  A written contract protects both parties by setting out expectations, inclusions and responsibilities. 
• You should communicate concerns in writing if issues arise.
  If you identify defective or incomplete work, the QBCC requires you to notify your contractor in writing, list every issue and allow a reasonable timeframe (for example, 14 days) for them to respond and rectify the problems.
  Link: QBCC complaints - completion
• You should understand your responsibilities at practical completion.
  During the practical completion inspection, you will walk through the property with your builder and document any defects or incomplete items in a defects list. Contractors must repair defects noticed at handover or within 12 months of completion, provided you notify them within 12 months of noticing them.

Top five things to consider if building yourself (owner‑builder)

• You should be aware that owner‑builders carry significant responsibilities.
  The QBCC outlines that owner‑builders are responsible for ensuring their work meets standards, complies with regulations and is carried out safely. 
• You should understand that some work must legally be completed by licensed contractors.
  Certain work — including plumbing, drainage, gas fitting, chemical termite management, fire protection and building inspections — must be carried out by licensed professionals regardless of the project’s value. 
• You should be prepared to manage the risk of defects.
  QBCC’s data shows common building defects such as waterproofing failures, drainage issues, cladding defects, joinery problems and tiling faults. Waterproofing defects alone averaged around $25,000 in claims under the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme. 
• You should organise formal inspections to ensure compliance.
  You can engage a licensed building inspector to review your work, particularly at practical completion, to confirm that it aligns with plans and building codes.
• You should be aware of strict complaint and warranty timeframes.
  For structural defects, complaints must be lodged within 3 months of noticing the issue, and for non‑structural defects within 7 months of completion. You must notify your contractor first (where relevant) before a complaint can proceed through QBCC.