Queensland to make home owner, builder disputes easier

Changes at the Queensland Building and Construction Commission will make the resolution of issues between home owners and builders faster and cheaper.

The process is a new early dispute resolution service that stops home owners and builders having to wait until the end of the contract, explained Minister for Housing and Public Works, Tim Mander.

“Contract disputes are never pretty but when you’re talking about disputes between mums and dads who are making the biggest investment of their lives, and builders whose livelihoods could be on the line, it’s only natural that emotions can run high,” Mander said.

“In the past there was no assistance for families, or for builders, until the contract had either been terminated or completed, which meant the process could drag on for months.

“This new service will significantly reduce the cost that disputes can place on consumers and contractors as well as substantially reducing the time it takes to resolve them, without legal action.

This measure comes into effect today, and comes with an internal review process allowing anyone dissatisfied with its decision to have it reviewed at the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) without the requirement to appeal.

“Also from tomorrow, customers will be able to access information and advice from the Commission at any time of the day or night thanks to a new 24/7 call centre,” said Mander.

“The website has also been given a major overhaul with almost 70% of information now accessible within two clicks and 100 per cent of information accessible within three clicks.”