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Questions to ask a QLD builder before you sign

Short answer

Before signing, get five things in writing: the QBCC licence number and class, the exact legal entity you are contracting with, the home warranty premium in the contract price, a fixed-price contract with a deposit within the legal cap, and progress payments tied to work done. In Queensland the deposit cap is 10% for work over $3,300 and under $20,000, and 5% for work of $20,000 or more.

These questions take one conversation. They expose most of the problems that turn into disputes. Get the answers in writing.

1. What is your QBCC licence number, and who holds it?

Ask for the number. QBCC says to ask to see the licence card or the digital licence before you sign or pay. Then check it yourself on the QBCC licensee register. Confirm the class covers your work. Confirm the licence holder matches the entity on the contract. See how to check a builder’s licence in QLD.

Get the full name and the ABN or ACN. This is the entity you would pursue if something goes wrong. For a contract over $3,300, the contract must show the contractor’s name and licence number as they appear on the licence.

3. Is the home warranty premium in the price?

Most residential work over $3,300 needs cover under the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme. QBCC says the premium must be included in each quote. The contractor pays it to QBCC on your behalf before work starts. QBCC then emails you a Notice of Cover. See how to check QLD home warranty insurance.

4. What is the deposit, and is it within the cap?

The deposit cap depends on the contract price:

  • Over $3,300 and under $20,000: 10% of the contract price.
  • $20,000 or more: 5% of the contract price.
  • Off-site work more than 50% of the price: up to 20%.

For work of $3,300 or less, QBCC recommends you never pay more than 20% before work starts. If you pay more than the lawful deposit, you cannot recover the excess in a home warranty claim.

5. Is it a fixed-price contract?

Ask for a fixed price. Non-completion cover under the home warranty scheme is not available for cost-plus or construction management contracts.

6. How are progress payments structured?

Progress payments must be relative to the work completed. QBCC recommends tying them to clearly defined construction stages. Never pay before the due date in the contract. Paying ahead reduces your home warranty protection.

7. Will I get the contract documents in time?

  • The contract must be written, dated and signed by both parties before work starts.
  • The contractor must give you a signed copy within five business days.
  • For a contract of $20,000 or more, you must get the QBCC Consumer Building Guide before you sign.
  • You generally have a five business day cooling-off period for contracts over $3,300.

The check the questions can’t answer

The quote does not show every public record. Check the builder for the QBCC licence, its classes, and QBCC suspensions and cancellations. This is free. Open each source and its date. Build Watch covers NSW builders only. Start with how to check a QLD builder.

Sources checked 20 Oct 2026.

Sources

Related questions

What is the maximum deposit a Queensland builder can ask for?
For a contract over $3,300 and under $20,000, 10% of the contract price. For a contract of $20,000 or more, 5%. Up to 20% is allowed when off-site work, such as made-to-measure cabinetry, is more than 50% of the contract price.
Do I get a cooling-off period in Queensland?
Generally yes, for contracts over $3,300. You can withdraw within five business days. It starts the day after you receive a signed copy of the whole contract and, for contracts of $20,000 or more, the QBCC Consumer Building Guide.
Should progress payments be tied to dates or to work done?
To work done. QBCC says progress payments must be relative to the work completed. For example, the contractor cannot claim more than 50% of the price, including the deposit, until at least 50% of the work on site is done.

Put the records beside your quote

Search the exact business on your quote. Read the source dates and gaps before you decide.

Find your builder See a QLD sample report

Updated 20 Oct 2026