My builder walked off the job. What now?

When a builder stops turning up, it is stressful and it is easy to make a costly mistake. Go step by step.

1. Check the builder’s licence today

Search the builder on this site, then confirm on QBCC’s licence search. If their licence has been suspended or cancelled, that may explain why work stopped, and QBCC will want to know.

2. Stop paying

Tell your bank or lender in writing not to make any more payments to the builder. Don’t pay invoices or demands from other people, such as suppliers or subcontractors, until you understand where you stand.

3. Secure the site

Make the site safe and lock up anything you can. Take dated photos of everything: the work done, materials on site and anything left unfinished.

4. Get advice before you end the contract

QBCC can only look at a claim for unfinished work once the contract has been properly ended. Ending it the wrong way can hurt your claim, so talk to QBCC or a lawyer before you do it.

5. Make a claim under home warranty insurance

If your job was over $3,300, the builder had to pay for home warranty insurance before work started. That insurance may cover the cost of finishing the work.

There are time limits:

• The contract must end within 2 years of work starting. If work never started, within 2 years of signing.
• You must claim within 3 months of the contract ending.

Lodge your claim through the QBCC portal. Have your contract, payment records, photos and messages with the builder ready.

Keep a record of everything

Write down dates, calls and what was said. Save every text and email. A clear record makes every step easier.