Brisbane Home Show

What you need to know before building or renovating your home – Join QBCC at the Brisbane Home Show!

Image

Planning to build or renovate your home? Don’t miss the opportunity to get expert advice directly from the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) at the upcoming Brisbane Home Show from February 21-23! 

On Day 3 of the event (Sunday 23 February at 2:30pm) an all-star cast of some of the QBCC’s most knowledgeable and experienced industry experts will be delivering a presentation packed with important information for homeowners embarking on a renovation or looking to build their dream home.

Presenters include:

  • Mandy Downes, Executive Director, Regulatory Practice and Engagement
  • Chris McCahon, Assistant Commissioner, Regulatory Standards and Support
  • Gary Saunders, Assistant Commissioner, Regulatory Operations

The presentation will cover everything from finding local, licensed contractors to understanding contracts, deposits, variations, and what to do in the event of a dispute. The presentation will also touch on other key information, like pool fence regulations to ensure your project is compliant and stress-free.

In addition to the presentation, QBCC will have a booth at the event where you can speak directly with our industry experts. The team will be there ready to take your questions across all three days of the event.

Whether you’re in the early planning stages or already embarking on a project, this event is the perfect opportunity to learn practical tips on building and renovating with confidence - and get the knowledge you need to make informed decisions.

Be sure to mark your calendars and visit QBCC at the Brisbane Home Show!

  • Date: 21-23 February 2025
  • Location: Brisbane Home Show, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre 

In the meantime, head on over to the QBCC's YouTube channel and check out our home owner video series, for everything you need to know about home warranty insurance.


Last reviewed: 3 Feb 2025 Last published: 3 Feb 2025
Back to top

Building alert - external cladding installation

Recent audits on active building construction have identified non-compliant issues with the installation of external cladding.

Image

The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) Technical Standards & Services Trade Unit undertake proactive inspections throughout Queensland. Recent audits on active building sites have identified non-compliant issues with the installation of external cladding, these include:

  • fasteners used to affix external cladding to buildings
  • fastener type and required spacing of the fixing must comply with the approved wind classification of the building (refer to approved plan) and cladding type being installed (refer to manufacturers installation specifications)
  • external cladding systems shall comply with manufacturers installation specifications (e.g. vapour barrier membrane classification, insulation requirements, corner flashings, foam backing and joint tapes, etc.).

Below is an example of non-compliant external cladding found in a recent inspection, compared to a compliant example on the right.

Image
Side by side comparison of non compliant and compliant external cladding


A) Incorrect Fixing/Corrosion resistance

  • Nails/Screws: Ensure corrosion resistance is suitable for the application (e.g. ocean / saltwater) especially on waterfront properties.
  • Use Class 3 Galvanized Fibre Cement Nails or specified corresponding product. Brad Nails may well need to be Stainless Steel in all areas.
  • Always refer to manufacturer guidelines for fixing specification, proximity to ocean parameters, etc.

B) Fixing Spacings

  • Incorrect Spacing of 300mm – manufacturer specifies 200mm for this product with this type of nail.
  • Note that Brad Nails Spacing ranges from 125mm to 150mm, depending on the product and are not suitable for all products and wind loads.
  • Know your wind load of your project (N1-N6 or C1-C4).
  • Always refer to manufacturer guidelines for specific fixing spacing for your wind load.

Please Note: following the manufacturer's installation requirements for external cladding is a minimum of what the QBCC requires of all licensees.

 


 

Disclaimer: The information in this building alert is for educational purposes only. Although the QBCC endeavours to provide accurate and current information, it does not guarantee that the information communicated in this building alert will continue to be accurate and current in the future. The QBCC is not liable for any claims arising from incorrect or out-of-date information or any decisions or actions made based on the information contained in this building alert. The information conveyed in this building alert does not constitute legal or other specialist advice and should not be relied upon as such.
 


Last reviewed: 14 Jan 2025 Last published: 14 Jan 2025
Back to top

New initiative set to slash costs for Queensland’s building industry

A new initiative announced by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) is set to provide significant financial relief for industry and home owners accessing Australian Standards.

Image
QBCC media releases

Significant national collaboration and engagement between Standards Australia, the QBCC and fellow building and construction regulators, has led to a release of curated access to specialised content sets from the Australian Standards catalogue at significantly reduced rates for mobile phone users.

Included in the initiative is the newly released National Construction Code (NCC) Primary Reference Set, which features 333 Standards referenced by the NCC.

QBCC Commissioner Anissa Levy says the new arrangement is a huge win for the building and construction industry and Queenslanders who are building a home or renovating.

“Australian Standards set specifications and design procedures for goods, services and systems and they are essential for compliance with the National Construction Code requirements,’’ Commissioner Levy says.

“This initiative, which allows users to access Australian Standards via their mobile, will provide significant financial relief to those in Queensland’s building and construction industry.

“For example, accessing Australian Standards 3600:2018 (Concrete Structures) currently costs $368.96 for a web reader version. However, under the new arrangement, they’ll be able to access all 333 standards for just $110 per year via their mobile.

“The mobile option also provides greater flexibility for those in the industry, such as tradespeople, and technicians, when they are offline or in remote areas and need to access information.”

Commissioner Levy says Home owners are not left out; the initiative provides limited free access to specific standards through the Standards Australia Reader Room upon request via the Standards Australia Reader Room.

“This arrangement is a monumental win for the building and construction sector. Australian Standards are vital for ensuring that all construction work meets rigorous quality and safety benchmarks essential for compliance with the National Construction Code,” Commissioner Levy says.

“This demonstrates our ongoing commitment to supporting a sustainable and resilient industry while safeguarding lives and livelihoods.”

For more information or to access the Australian Standards Catalogue, visit the Standards Australia Store.


Last reviewed: 23 Dec 2024 Last published: 23 Dec 2024
Back to top

Access Australian Standards on the Go

Following engagement and collaboration with the Australian Building Regulators, the QBCC and Standards Australia are pleased to announce curated access to specialised content sets from the Australian Standards catalogue.

Image

This initiative includes the newly released NCC Primary Reference Set, which features 333 Standards referenced by the National Construction Code (NCC).
 
The new offering provides greater flexibility for industry professionals and stakeholders:

  • Mobile access for $110 per year: Designed for tradespeople, technicians, and workers needing offline access on remote sites.
  • Limited free access for home owners: Home owners can request access to specific standards under certain conditions via the Standards Australia Reader Room, ensuring greater support for the QBCC stakeholders.

This initiative demonstrates both of our ongoing commitments to supporting a sustainable and resilient industry while safeguarding lives and livelihoods.
 
For more information or to access the Australian Standards Catalogue, visit the Standards Australia store today.


Last reviewed: 6 Dec 2024 Last published: 6 Dec 2024
Back to top

Public Warning—Decko ECW Decking boards

Warning about installation and maintenance of the non-conforming building product DECKO ECW Decking Boards made of composite wood plastic material. 

Image
Public warning

This warning is issued by the Commissioner of the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) to the public under section 20J(1)(i) of the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991 (QLD). 

This is a public warning about the installation and maintenance of the non-conforming building product DECKO ECW Decking Boards (Product Number; HF06, HF07, HF09, and HF10) (Product) made of composite wood plastic material due to the public health and safety impact of the Product failing. The QBCC is urging consumers, contractors, and suppliers to be cautious in relation to the Product. 

Factsheet - Wood plastic composite decking boards and nonconforming building products

Should you have any concerns about the Product, please contact the QBCC on 139 333.


Last reviewed: 7 Aug 2024 Last published: 7 Aug 2024
Back to top