Warranty and aftercare

The scheme is administered by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) and applies to residential construction work valued at more than $3,300.

The insurance premium is paid by the owner. We collect it and pay it to the QBCC within 10 business days of the contract being signed, or before work starts if that is earlier.

The cover depends on your contract type. Fixed-price contracts are covered for non-completion and for defects. Cost plus contracts are covered for defective work only.

Non-completion

Fixed-price contracts only. Applies where the contract ends before the work is complete, within two years of signing or of work starting. Claims must be lodged within three months of the contract ending.

Structural defects

Defects you become aware of within six years and six months of cover starting. Claims must be lodged within three months of becoming aware of the defect. This can include subsidence or settlement caused by defective work.

Non-structural defects

Defects you become aware of within six months of the work being substantially complete. Claims must be lodged within seven months of substantial completion.

Before completion

A defect that was apparent before the work was substantially complete cannot be claimed afterwards, so please raise anything you notice before handover.

A summary only. The full terms are set out in the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Regulation 2018 (Schedule 6). Checked November 2026.

Before you sign, we explain the cover that applies to your contract and the time limits for making a claim.

For the first 12 months after handover, we maintain a register of defects and return to rectify them.

Please report anything you notice in the first six months promptly: non-structural defects must be claimed within seven months of completion.