SAFEGUARD YOURSELF WITH A WRITTEN BUILDING CONTRACT
Published Thursday, 15 January, 2009 at 01:55 PM
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology
The Honourable Robert Schwarten
Public Works and Housing Minister Robert Schwarten has today urged all Queenslanders, especially those impacted by recent natural disasters, to insist on a written contract when engaging trade contractors for repair or restoration work.
Mr Schwarten said the Queensland Building Services Authority had received a number of calls from concerned homeowners in recent days about interstate contractors offering to undertake repairs without a written contract.
“Your home is likely to be your greatest investment, so it pays to be cautious about who you let work on your home and how you go about it,” Mr Schwarten said.
“Having a written contract for work means both parties know precisely what needs to be done, how much it will cost, how long it will take and what their rights and responsibilities are.”
Mr Schwarten said homeowners should always ensure the contract records all agreements in writing, including the five business day ‘cooling-off’ period.
“You should also receive from the builder or contractor a BSA-approved contract information statement, which you should read carefully,” he said.
“Never under any circumstances sign any documents until you understand them. Seek legal advice if necessary.
“Never pay the full price of the work up front, don’t pay too much deposit, and don’t pay progress payments in advance of work in progress.”
QBSA General Manager Ian Jennings said homeowners should also avoid signing separate contracts for a home – for example, one for the supply of materials and the other for the actual construction.
Mr Jennings said homeowners should also avoid “cost plus” or “do and charge” arrangements with trade contractors.
“Homeowners should avoid agreeing to cash settlements with their insurers,” Mr Jennings said.
“These cash settlements can sometimes lead to complications further down the track.”
If you are engaging an interstate contractor to perform building work, ensure they are using a contract which reflects Queensland law.
“Some contractors from interstate may encourage you to sign an interstate contract, which is not in your best interests as legal requirements differ across the border.”
For further information on contracts, please phone BSA’s Customer Contact Centre on 1300 BSA BSA (1300 272 272) or visit the BSA website at www.bsa.qld.gov.au.
Media contact: Minister’s office – (07) 3237 1832, BSA – (07) 3225 2996
Mr Schwarten said the Queensland Building Services Authority had received a number of calls from concerned homeowners in recent days about interstate contractors offering to undertake repairs without a written contract.
“Your home is likely to be your greatest investment, so it pays to be cautious about who you let work on your home and how you go about it,” Mr Schwarten said.
“Having a written contract for work means both parties know precisely what needs to be done, how much it will cost, how long it will take and what their rights and responsibilities are.”
Mr Schwarten said homeowners should always ensure the contract records all agreements in writing, including the five business day ‘cooling-off’ period.
“You should also receive from the builder or contractor a BSA-approved contract information statement, which you should read carefully,” he said.
“Never under any circumstances sign any documents until you understand them. Seek legal advice if necessary.
“Never pay the full price of the work up front, don’t pay too much deposit, and don’t pay progress payments in advance of work in progress.”
QBSA General Manager Ian Jennings said homeowners should also avoid signing separate contracts for a home – for example, one for the supply of materials and the other for the actual construction.
Mr Jennings said homeowners should also avoid “cost plus” or “do and charge” arrangements with trade contractors.
“Homeowners should avoid agreeing to cash settlements with their insurers,” Mr Jennings said.
“These cash settlements can sometimes lead to complications further down the track.”
If you are engaging an interstate contractor to perform building work, ensure they are using a contract which reflects Queensland law.
“Some contractors from interstate may encourage you to sign an interstate contract, which is not in your best interests as legal requirements differ across the border.”
For further information on contracts, please phone BSA’s Customer Contact Centre on 1300 BSA BSA (1300 272 272) or visit the BSA website at www.bsa.qld.gov.au.
Media contact: Minister’s office – (07) 3237 1832, BSA – (07) 3225 2996