When you need a written contract
You need a written contract if you're carrying out domestic building work priced over $3,300 including labour, materials and GST.
If the work is priced at $20,000 or more, before the owner signs the contract, the building contractor must give them a copy of the:
QBCC consumer building guide—version 3 (PDF, 74KB)
This guide provides general information for home owners about:
- key building and contract issues
- how to avoid or handle disputes
- common pitfalls.
The contractor should ask their client to read, sign and date the guide as evidence that the contractor has met this obligation.
What is domestic building work?
Domestic building work includes:
- building a new detached dwelling (including a duplex)
- building a structure associated with a home such as a shed, garage, carport, retaining structure, driveway, fence, workshop, swimming pool or spa
- removing or re-siting a dwelling intended to be used as a residence
- renovating, extending, altering, improving (including painting and installing services) or repairing a house, duplex or unit
- refitting a kitchen or bathroom, and
- landscaping, paving, site work, etc.
Before you sign a contract
You should carefully check the contract papers, including any associated plans and specifications. If you have any questions or concerns you should seek legal advice before signing.
To be valid, the contract must
- in writing
- be signed and dated by each party or their authorised representative
- comply with Schedule 1B of the QBCC Act.
Read our guide below containing general information about domestic building contracts and the relevant Queensland legislation.
Domestic building contracts—information for owners and contractors (PDF, 918KB)
Which contract to use
To comply with the relevant Queensland legislation, you have a few contract options:
- use one of our contracts
- use a contract developed by a major industry association
- develop your own contract—but you must obtain legal advice to ensure it is compliant.
The QBCC produces a range of domestic building contracts which include all forms and schedules necessary to enable you to conveniently document and carry out your building project.
A warning about developing your own contract
If you want to use your own written agreement, it’s essential you get legal advice first. You risk prosecution, fines, and financial loss if you go ahead without making sure that it complies with the Queensland legislation.
