Storm damage repairs in Queensland: how to avoid storm chasers

After a storm in Queensland, any repair worth more than $3,300 must be done by a QBCC licensed contractor. Plumbing and drainage need a licence at any price. Using a licensed contractor also means home repairs over $3,300 are covered by home warranty insurance, and you can use QBCC’s dispute service if something goes wrong.

What should I do first after storm damage?

1. Make sure the house is safe. Stay well clear of fallen powerlines. Call Energex on 13 19 62 in south east Queensland, or Ergon Energy on 13 16 70 everywhere else.
2. Take photos and videos of the damage before anything is cleaned up or fixed.
3. Call your insurer before you book any repairs, even emergency ones, and get their OK in writing. AFCA, the insurance complaints body, warns that work done without permission may not be covered. Insurers either ask for at least 2 written quotes or arrange the quotes themselves.
4. Check the licence of anyone who quotes, before you agree to anything.

How do I spot a storm chaser?

Storm chasers are people who turn up after a storm offering quick, cheap repairs. Many are not licensed. QBCC warns that unlicensed contractors take advantage of people who don’t want to wait for an insurance claim.

Warning signs:

• They knock on your door rather than you calling them.
• They can’t show you a QBCC licence, either the plastic card or the digital one on their phone. QBCC’s advice is simple: if they can’t show you their licence, show them the door.
• Their ad or quote has no QBCC licence number, or the name doesn’t match the licence.
• They want cash, or a big payment before they start.
• They push you to sign today.

Search their name or licence number on this site, then confirm today’s status on QBCC’s licence search.

Do I need a written contract for storm repairs?

Yes, for any job worth more than $3,300. QBCC recommends one for smaller jobs too. QBCC has a free natural disaster repairs contract made for this kind of work.

The contract should name you and the contractor, give their licence number, the address, the price, the start and finish dates, and when you pay. Any change to the work should be written down and signed by you both.

How much deposit can a storm repair contractor ask for?

The same limits apply as for any building work: 20% on jobs of $3,300 or less, 10% on $3,301 to $19,999, and 5% on $20,000 or more. See How much deposit can a builder ask for for the details.

Should I get my roof checked after a cyclone?

QBCC recommends that owners of older buildings have the roof framing inspected after a cyclone. Damage to the frame and tie downs often can’t be seen from outside.

Signs worth checking:

• the roof feels spongy or moves when walked on
• a lot of squeaking when someone walks on the roof
• gaps between the roof battens and the rafters or trusses
• loose roofing screws or nails

Roof repairs must meet the current building code, which should leave the roof stronger than before.

Who fixes the parts QBCC doesn’t license?

• Electrical work: electricians are licensed by the Electrical Safety Office, not QBCC. Don’t touch a switchboard that got wet. Stay away from damaged solar panels, batteries and their cables, because they can still be live with the power off. A licensed electrician must check them, and may need to test the wiring before the power can be reconnected.
• Asbestos: houses built before 1990 are likely to have some. Don’t break or move it yourself. Call Workplace Health and Safety Queensland on 1300 362 128 or use a licensed asbestos removalist.
• Erosion and landslips: use a licensed structural landscaper or builder. You may also need an engineer.

Should I use my insurer’s builder or my own?

Your insurer may send a builder from its own panel, let you choose a licensed builder yourself, or pay you cash to arrange the repairs. Each choice changes who fixes faulty repairs later. See Storm insurance repairs.

Do I need council approval to repair storm damage?

It depends on the work. Rebuilding a verandah or pergola may need approval. Ask your local council, or a QBCC licensed building certifier, before work starts.