Queensland’s Building Services Authority (BSA) has reminded home owners to stick to the rules when entering into building and repair contracts with tradespeople.
BSA general manager Ian Jennings says home owners should not sign waivers on building or repair contracts that would remove the five-day cooling-off period.
He also urged home owners to use only licensed contractors and to use the cooling-off period to obtain other quotes. At least two are recommended.
"Check the contractor’s licence numbers using the BSA’s free online licence search," he says. "We also advise against paying money in advance."
BSA has developed a new contract pack designed to enable homeowners and contractors to record their arrangements for the repair of a flood or cyclone damaged home.
The new contract, which should not be used for routine repairs or full home construction, has a brief and straightforward format which fairly balances the interests of homeowners and contractors.
The authority has a range of fact sheets on all aspects of building or renovating.
For more information go to the BSA's website or call 1300 272 272 (7am to 5pm weekdays).
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