While urgent repairs may be needed, safety must always come first—for both you and the residents whose homes have been affected.
Below are some key tips to help ensure that any work undertaken is safe, compliant and supports better building outcomes for both you and your customers.
Please note: If you’re working on a job that has been damaged, speak to the property owner to assess the damage and, if required, reach out to your insurer to understand next steps in relation to rectification of damaged works.
1. Prioritise safety before you start work
Before any work begins, carefully assess the damage. All services must be made safe before any remedial work begins and particularly in occupied premises.
If you’re unsure of structural integrity or the extent of the damage, consult with qualified engineers or structural experts. Don’t take unnecessary risks—be mindful of any safety hazards (like fallen power lines or unstable structures).
WorkSafe Qld also provides health and safety guidance and resources for tradespeople and those in the construction industry.
2. Ensure your licences and any relevant insurances are up to date
Working without the proper licence not only compromises safety but could also leave you exposed to significant financial and legal consequences. Before you start work ensure that you have the right licence/s to carry out the job.
3. Refer to the QBCC’s range of disaster related resources
The QBCC provides a range of helpful resources to guide contractors through the recovery and rebuild process. We recommend reviewing these resources ahead of commencing work to help you avoid unnecessary risks.
- QBCC’s Natural Disaster and Recovery webpage – provides technical and general advice and resources to help you when working on disaster-affected properties.
- Contractor’s Guide to Rebuilding After a Flood – essential advice for contractors working on properties damaged by floods and is relevant for excessive water damage as well. It addresses with immediate issues (like taking steps to ensuring walls and cabinetry are properly dried), and mid-term and long-term reinstatements and restoration.
Flood Resilient Homes Guide – key insights on making homes more resilient to future flood events.
4. Make sure you have a contract in place
To protect yourself, your business, and your customers always ensure you are working under a clear, written contract. All domestic building work valued more than $3,300 requires a contract by law.
The QBCC offers the below templates, which helps safeguard both parties and ensure that expectations, timelines, and costs are clear.
5. Communicate with home owners
Once you’ve ensured the site is safe and you have a clear understanding of the job ahead, communicate regularly with home owners.
Transparency and communication are crucial to setting realistic expectations, managing timelines, avoiding confusion and reducing the chance of a dispute being escalated to the QBCC. Always explain the scope of work, costs, and any potential delays—especially as rebuilding efforts can often take longer than initially expected.
Don't wait until the natural disaster passes—get prepared now.
Rebuilding after natural disaster may take time, and we are here to help you navigate the process safely and compliantly.
If in doubt about your responsibilities, please contact the QBCC on 139 333.