The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) said owners who were keen to start repairs or rebuilding work as soon as possible could make the mistake of employing a person without the relevant licence, skills or experience to perform the work.
A QBCC spokesperson also reminded owners to contact their insurer before starting any work to discuss the damage and work they are proposing to undertake. This is to avoid potential issues with any claims lodged.
The QBCC has also reiterated the importance of waiting until homes are sufficiently dry before starting work. Timber frames, especially, need to be sufficiently dry before plasterboard can be rehung.
It is a legal requirement that building work over the value of $3,300 must be performed by an appropriately licensed individual and must be accompanied by a contract.
Unlicensed work is illegal work and potentially dangerous and can lead to owners having to spend significantly more money in the future to rectify any defective work.
Additionally, unlicensed work is not covered by the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme (QHWS), which is administered by the QBCC and is separate to any home and contents insurance policies taken out by an owner.
The QHWS protects owners in the event of defective, incomplete or subsidence-affected work.
Some work, including electrical and plumbing work of any value, can legally only be performed by appropriately licensed individuals, due to the potential risk to public health and safety with this type of work.
The QBCC website has a wide range of information available to help people before, during and after a natural disaster.
Anyone seeking to engage a person for repairs or rebuilding work should use the free Find a Local Contractor search on the QBCC website, which provides a full licence history of local, licensed, experienced tradespeople.
Information and free copies of contracts required for specific building works are available from the QBCC website, including contracts licensees should use for natural disaster repairs and demolition.
Anyone who believes their residence may have suffered structural damage during the cyclone should consult an engineer or licensed builder to determine the most appropriate course of action regarding repairs or rebuilding