WHO ARE THE QBCC?

The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) is the regulator of the building industry in Queensland
They issue licences to contractors, provide a free dispute resolution service and administer a home warranty scheme to provide insurance cover for homes in Queensland.

WHAT IS THE HOME WARRANTY SCHEME?

Under the scheme, contractors must pay premiums on behalf of the consumer for specified residential work they carry out.
The scheme provides home owners with cover for loss where a contractor does not complete contracted works or fails to rectify defective work.

WHAT THEY COVER

Generally speaking, the scheme provides cover for residential construction work performed on class 1 and 2 buildings up to 3 storeys.  This includes residences, related roofed buildings (eg: shed, carport), swimming pools and other residential works.
Subject to the relevant terms and conditions, the scheme will pay to complete work that is incomplete, and to rectify work that is defective.
The maximum amount payable for claims is generally $200,000 prior to practical completion and $200,000 after practical completion. (This maximum can be increased if the consumer
purchases optional additional cover). Assistance is also provided in specified circumstances for loss associated with incomplete work which has been damaged by fire or storm, vandalism or theft.

EXPANSION OF COVER

The scheme will be expanded to include the following work, providing it is carried out by a licensed contractor (or by an individual where fraud or certain representations are made) and is for a value over $3,300:

• The erection, construction or installation of a residential swimming pool.
• In relation to a residence or related roofed building (eg: shed):
• All building work performed within the building envelope (internal or external parts of the building), for example, painting, tiling, plastering, roof restoration and repair work, rendering of walls, floor restoration, and glazing work.
• Anything attached to the building if it requires building approval or plumbing approval.
• Any structure attached to the external part of the building where there is no other supporting structure (eg: awning or handrail)
• Stairs or an access ramp which are permanently attached to the building.
• In relation to plumbing and drainage for a residence or related roofed building:
• Building work for the primary water supply (eg: install water tank for primary water supply)
• Building work for sewerage or drainage (eg: work on a sanitary drain connecting a residence to the sewerage main).
• Stormwater drainage (eg: repair of downpipe or gutter)
• The installation of a manufactured home fixed to land in a residential park.