So you've noticed some dodgy workmanship on your building site and the niggling feeling that your builders aren't delivering what you've paid for in your contract.
Don't stress, it happens more often than you think. But now it's time to speak up before things get out of hand. Approaching your builder about substandard work is never easy, but with some tact and preparation you can resolve issues and get the quality you deserve.
In this article I'll walk you through how to have an effective conversation with your builder, how to refer to the right standards, and how to escalate if you need to. You've invested too much money, time and hope into your build to accept second best.
C16 - Practical Completion Inspection Checklist
$119.00 AUD
Last updated 28 Oct 2026 · Revision 5 · Free updates for life
Checklist Type: Major (Practical Completion Stage)
Form Factor: Fillable, print-ready PDF (A4, 45 pages)
When to use: Practical completion: inspecting your finished home before you accept it
A 164-point practical completion checklist for new Class 1a homes. Inspect every room and the outside, sight the certificates, and list every defect in writing before you accept.
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Identifying Non-Conforming Building Work
When you notice work that doesn’t meet building standards or code, it’s important to address it right away. Speak to your builder or tradespeople as soon as possible in a polite yet firm manner.
Identify exactly what the issues are. Double check that the work really doesn’t comply by consulting the building plans and code. Make notes about what’s wrong and in what areas. Provide photographic evidence if needed.
Request a meeting with the site supervisor or builder to discuss your concerns. Explain the problems in a straightforward, unemotional way. Focus on the facts and refer to the specific building code clauses or contractual obligations that haven’t been met. Offer to provide your evidence to support your claims.
Suggest reasonable solutions and request a plan of action to remedy the non-conforming work. Be open to negotiation while standing firm on getting the work up to standard. It may help to get advice from a building consultant on what constitutes acceptable solutions.
Follow up regularly to ensure the agreed solutions are carried out properly. Provide any access needed to fix the issues. Stay polite and professional throughout the process. Getting angry or threatening legal action prematurely won’t achieve the optimal outcome.
Reviewing Your Building Contract
When issues with workmanship or compliance arise, the building contract is your guide. Review it thoroughly to understand your rights and the obligations of the builder before approaching them.
- Double check that the work clearly breaches the contract, building code or relevant standards before raising a dispute; being certain avoids unnecessary conflict. The NCC is free to read online at ncc.abcb.gov.au. Australian Standards are harder to get at, as most now sit behind a paywall (more on that here).
- Note the specific clauses or sections of the contract that have been breached. Be prepared to show how the work fails to meet the agreed standards. Having evidence like photos, expert opinions or reports will strengthen your position.
- If the builder won't fix it, Queensland has a set pathway: raise it in writing under your contract, then use the QBCC's early dispute resolution service, then lodge a QBCC complaint. The QBCC can direct the builder to rectify defective work. Contract disputes that still can't be resolved go to QCAT.
- Know your deadlines. Under the QBCC New Home Construction Contract, the defects liability period is 12 months from practical completion (GC 29.1). Under the QBCC Home Warranty Scheme, non-structural defects must appear within 6 months of completion and be lodged within 7 months; structural defects are covered for 6 years and 6 months.
- Renegotiating aspects of the contract should only be considered if you wish to compromise. Any changes made must be documented legally to avoid future disputes. Seek legal advice before signing any revised contracts.
Approaching Your Builder Diplomatically
Deal with issues promptly, but without escalating tensions or wrecking the working relationship. Here's how:
Stay calm and composed
Take a few deep breaths to avoid getting emotional. React in a measured, reasonable manner. Yelling or threatening will likely only make the situation worse. Box breathing is a fantastic technique to remain calm and present to prevent your emotions (anger/rage) from getting out of hand.
Focus on facts
Explain specifically what work doesn't meet the standards in your contract or the building regulations, with photos or documents to back it up. Stick to the facts rather than making personal accusations. It's easy to blame someone, but it rarely leads anywhere constructive; it makes the conversation about positions rather than facts.
Suggest solutions
Have some reasonable remedies in mind to propose. Be open to alternative options, but don't compromise on the standards set by regulation or the Australian Standards. The goal is resolution, not punishment. Ask your builder for their recommended fix too. If their option differs from yours, ask them to explain their reasoning and how their solution complies with the code, regulations and Australian Standards.
Put it in writing
After speaking with your builder, follow up in writing, restating the non-conforming work and the agreed fix. Ask the builder to put their rectification method and timeframe in writing, and tell them you'll authorise the repairs in writing before they proceed. Rectifying defects is not a variation and shouldn't cost you anything, so don't sign a variation or change order for it. Inspect the repairs once done and take completion photos. Never trust your memory; photographs avoid the bias built into how we all remember things.
Stay involved
Continue to inspect work in progress to ensure proper steps are being taken to remedy issues. Provide feedback to your builder and tradespeople. While it’s best to maintain a cooperative spirit, don’t be afraid to be firm if conforming work is not completed as agreed. Your builder should be willing to work with you to resolve all non-conforming work to your satisfaction.
Don't be everyone's friend
Don't try to be friends with everyone. In my experience, tradespeople and builders often play the "we're your friend" card when it benefits them. Personally, I've never believed in this approach because it lacks professionalism and blurs boundaries in a work environment. It becomes more difficult to address issues with a friend rather than a colleague. Treat everyone respectfully, but avoid trying to be friends with everyone as they may take advantage of this.
Negotiating a Fair Resolution
Be Open to Compromise
Resolving disputes often involves some give and take, like accepting a short delay while work is redone. Don't compromise on the standard of the finished work, though, and don't pay for defects to be fixed.
Consider Mediation
If you can't resolve it directly, the QBCC's early dispute resolution service is free: a QBCC officer helps you and the builder reach an agreement. Private mediation is another option. Both are cheaper and quicker than legal action.
Escalate to the QBCC (if necessary)
If direct discussion and dispute resolution fail, lodge a complaint with the QBCC. In Queensland it's the QBCC, not council, that can direct a builder to rectify defective work. Escalating can strain the relationship and take time, but don't let the defects deadlines pass while you wait for promises.
Conclusion
Stay calm, focus on the facts and how the work fails the required standard, and be clear about how you expect it fixed. If the builder pushes back, get an independent building inspector's report and use the QBCC process.
You've paid good money and deserve quality work - don't settle for less. Approaching the situation professionally will get you the best results. With a bit of patience and persistence, you'll end up with a home that's built to standard and gives you peace of mind.
