When you Must have a Contract (Queensland)

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Domestic Building Contracts Act

The Domestic Building Contracts Act 2000 regulates certain domestic building contracts, among other purposes.

The purpose of the act in regulating domestic building contracts is to:
• Achieve a reasonable balance between the interests of building contractors and building owners
• Maintain appropriate standards of conduct in the building industry.

The Act is administered by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC).

Domestic Building Contracts

If you carry out domestic building work valued at more than $3,300 in Queensland, the Domestic Building Contracts Act requires you to have a written contract with your clients, and to give them a signed copy and a QBCC-approved Contract Information Statement.

Master Builders produce a wide range of standard form contracts for domestic building, which fully comply with the requirements of the Domestic Building Contracts Act.

Generally, if the building project involves domestic building work valued at more than $3,300, you’ll be subject to the DBCA and required to provide a written agreement that complies with it.

“Domestic building work” is broadly defined and includes activities such as:

• The construction of a new detached dwelling (including a duplex)
• The construction of any building or fixture associated with a home, such as a shed, garage, carport, retaining structure, driveway, fence, workshop, swimming pool or spa
• The removal or re-siting of a dwelling which is intended to be used as a residence
• Renovations, extensions, alterations, improvements or repairs to a home (including a duplex or home unit) and associated work (including painting and the provision of services)
• Kitchen or bathroom refits, or
• Landscaping, paving, site work, etc.

The DBCA requires you to have a written contract with your clients and to give them a signed copy and a QBCC-approved Contract Information Statement.
These documents must be provided as soon as practicable after an agreement is reached (no later than five business days from the date of agreement) and before starting work.