Domestic and commercial 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.
A consumer, contractor, subcontractor or building industry professional may have a complaint related to domestic or commercial building work including:
- an unpaid debt
- the performance of the work
- a contract for the work
- a claim of negligence, nuisance or trespass other than a claim for personal injuries.
The dispute may be between:
- a building owner and a building contractor
- two or more building contractors
- a building owner or a building contractor, and any of the following:
- architects
- engineers
- surveyors
- quantity surveyors
- electricians or electrical contractors
- suppliers and manufacturers of materials used in the building work.
For QCAT to hear the dispute it must be about:
- the erection or construction of a building
- the renovation, alteration, extension, improvement or repair of a building
- the provision of electrical work, water supply, sewerage or drainage or other like services for a building
- the demolition, removal or location of a building
- any site work including the construction of a swimming pool, retaining structures, driveways or landscaping but only if associated with the erection, construction or renovation of a house or building
- the preparation of plans and specifications, or bills of quantity related to the building work
- the inspection of a completed building
- work prescribed under a regulation.
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.