Building disputes
Before you make an application
Parties are required to participate in a dispute resolution process with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) before making a commercial or domestic building dispute application to QCAT.
A letter from the QBCC advising of the outcome of this process must be provided when commencing a QCAT application. Failure to participate in a QBCC dispute resolution process before filing an application for a building dispute may result in the dismissal of the application.
QCAT decides disputes related to building activities including:
- domestic and commercial building work
- disciplinary proceedings against building certifiers and contractors.
QCAT also reviews decisions made by:
- the QBCC related to disciplinary proceedings, licencing and permits
- the QBCC related to rectification of work, insurance claims, exclusions and bans for domestic building work
- an adjudication registrar.
QCAT cannot review a decision an adjudicator made under the Building and Construction Industry Payments Act 2004.
If you wish to make a complaint against a builder, please contact the Queensland Building and Construction Commission.
The Department of Housing and Public Works' Building and Development Dispute Resolution Committees review local councils' and private building certifiers' decisions. QCAT cannot review these decisions.
Descriptions of QCAT's jurisdiction on this website are general information only. They do not definitively describe the types of applications on which QCAT can make decisions. The relevant legislation determines QCAT's jurisdiction. If you are unsure about your legal rights, you should seek legal advice. Your individual circumstances should guide any actions taken to resolve your dispute.