Publications

Queensland construction site manager in high-visibility orange and navy workwear and white hard hat reviews financial documents on tablet at sunset, with calculator and QBCC Licence Certificate visible on makeshift desk, timber-framed residential buildings under construction in background

QBCC Minimum Financial Requirements (MFR): Your Complete 2026 Guide to Financial Compliance

A comprehensive guide to the QBCC's Minimum Financial Requirements (MFR) for 2026. Learn about the recent reforms for sole traders, NTA and Current Ratio requirements, and the serious consequences of non-compliance to protect your builder's licence in Queensland.

John Merlo

7 hours ago14 min read

Excavator discovering unexpected underground rebar and old foundations at Queensland construction site - latent condition requiring immediate work stoppage and contractor notification

Latent Conditions in QLD Construction: Your 2026 Guide to Unforeseen Site Surprises

Discover how to manage unforeseen site surprises in Queensland construction. Our 2026 guide covers everything from identifying a latent condition and executing the claims process to understanding the roles of the QBCC and QCAT in building disputes.

John Merlo

2 days ago12 min read

Construction contract showing liquidated damages clause on architect's table with Queensland building site at golden hour

Liquidated Damages in QLD Construction

A comprehensive 2026 guide for builders and owners on liquidated damages in Queensland construction contracts. Learn the difference between a valid clause and an unenforceable penalty, how to calculate a defensible rate, and the critical role of Extensions of Time (EOTs). Understand the QBCC's dispute resolution process and when to escalate a matter to QCAT.

John Merlo

3 days ago17 min read

A miniature wooden house model sitting on blueprints on a desk, protected by a glowing, translucent blue energy dome. The dome shields the house from a heavy rainstorm and debris falling in the dark background, symbolizing protection, insurance, or safety in construction

Your Guide to Statutory Warranties in Queensland's Domestic Building Industry

A comprehensive 2026 guide for homeowners and builders on Queensland's statutory warranties for domestic building work. Learn about the 6.5-year structural and 12-month non-structural warranty periods, the QBCC's enforcement role, and how to make a claim for defective work.

John Merlo

Jan 3014 min read

Secure metal safe with glass window displaying gold bars inside, wrapped with heavy chains and padlock, mounted on concrete wall in rainy urban night scene with neon-lit city buildings in background

The Ultimate Guide to Security of Payment in Queensland's Construction Industry

A comprehensive 2026 guide for Queensland contractors on navigating the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017. Learn about making valid payment claims, the adjudication process, and how the QBCC enforces payment to protect your cash flow.

John Merlo

Jan 2717 min read

A weathered, cracked vintage stopwatch rests on a pile of bricks and wet mortar at a construction site, with a silhouetted crane visible under a dark, cloudy twilight sky in the background.

The Prevention Principle in QLD Construction

Discover the Prevention Principle in Queensland construction law. Our 2026 guide explains how a principal-caused delay can void liquidated damages, the importance of EOT clauses, and what happens when time becomes "at large." Learn how to protect your rights in a construction dispute.

John Merlo

Jan 2514 min read

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