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The QBCC Direction to Rectify: A Builder's Complete 2026 Guide
A comprehensive guide for Queensland builders on how to handle a QBCC Direction to Rectify. Learn about the process, your legal options for compliance or appeal, and the severe penalties for non-compliance.

John Merlo
Feb 1915 min read


QBCC Excluded Individuals: The 2026 Guide to Director Bans After a Company Collapse
A comprehensive guide to the QBCC's Excluded Individual policy for 2026. Learn what triggers a three-year or lifetime ban for directors after a company collapse, how to challenge a notice, and the steps to mitigate your risk.

John Merlo
Feb 1713 min read


The QBCC Fit and Proper Person Test: Your Complete 2026 Guide
A comprehensive guide to understanding and passing the QBCC's 'fit and proper person' test in 2026. Learn about the core assessment criteria, your absolute duty of disclosure, and your legal options for challenging a negative decision from the QBCC.

John Merlo
Feb 1710 min read


Repudiation in QLD Construction Contracts
A comprehensive guide for builders and homeowners on understanding and navigating repudiation in Queensland construction contracts. Learn to identify a serious breach, follow the correct legal process for termination, and avoid the costly pitfalls of wrongful termination with insights into the roles of the QBCC and QCAT.

John Merlo
Feb 1117 min read


Practical Completion in QLD
A comprehensive guide for builders and owners in Queensland on navigating the critical milestone of practical completion. Learn about contract clauses, the roles of certifiers and superintendents, managing defects, and resolving disputes with the QBCC and QCAT.

John Merlo
Feb 1014 min read


QLD's Chain of Responsibility Law: A 2026 Guide for the Construction Supply Chain
A comprehensive 2026 guide to Queensland's Chain of Responsibility laws for non-conforming building products (NCBPs). Learn about your legal duties, the QBCC's powers, and how to protect your business in the construction supply chain.

John Merlo
Feb 915 min read


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
Feb 614 min read


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
Feb 317 min read


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


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


The Subcontractor's Shield: Using Insurance Clauses to Defeat Unfair Back-Charges and Set-off claims in QLD
A comprehensive guide for Queensland subcontractors on how to strategically use their subcontract, insurance policies, and the BIF Act to challenge and defeat unfair back-charges and set-off claims from head contractors. Learn the step-by-step defensive playbook to protect your payments and your business.

John Merlo
Oct 8, 202520 min read


QBCC Notice Received? Your First 48-Hour Director's Response Plan
A QBCC notice triggers a critical 48-hour window for directors. Learn the essential first steps, from engaging a lawyer and preserving documents to understanding the risks of personal liability, to effectively manage a QBCC investigation and protect your company.

John Merlo
Sep 26, 202514 min read


QBCC Direction to Rectify: The Homeowner's Guide to Creating a Legal Paper Trail for Warranty Claims
Builder unresponsive? Learn to issue a formal QBCC 'Direction to Rectify' and build the essential legal paper trail to escalate your QLD home warranty claim.

John Merlo
Sep 17, 202518 min read


Queensland Defects Liability Period: Your Essential Rights & Remedies Guide
Discovering faults in your new home or renovation is stressful. This guide explains the Defects Liability Period in Queensland, detailing your rights against structural and non-structural defects. Learn about the critical timeframes for QBCC complaints and the Home Warranty Scheme, and understand how to navigate disputes with your builder. Empower yourself with the knowledge to protect your investment and ensure your home is built to the standard you expect.

John Merlo
Aug 27, 202515 min read


Deed of Covenant: An option to meet the financial requirement for a QBCC license
Your accountant says you have a Net Tangible Asset (NTA) shortfall and need a QBCC Deed of Covenant. What does this mean for your business and personal assets? This guide explains, in simple terms, what a Deed of Covenant is, how it solves NTA issues, and what your obligations are. We'll help you understand this key document so you can protect your business, your wealth, and your future in the construction industry.

John Merlo
Jul 31, 202512 min read


QBCC Contract: How to ensure your contract is compliant with QBCC Act
This article outlines the essential compliance requirements for a QBCC contract under Part 4A of the QBCC Act.

John Merlo
Mar 16, 20254 min read


QBCC Licence and Nominee Responsibilities: Everything You Need to Know
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) plays a pivotal role in regulating Queensland’s construction industry. A QBCC licence is essential for individuals and companies undertaking building work, ensuring compliance with legal, financial, and operational standards. For companies, appointing a qualified nominee under their QBCC licence is equally critical. This article explores the significance of a QBCC licence, the responsibilities of nominees, and how bo

John Merlo
Feb 6, 20254 min read


Queensland Home Warranty Scheme: Your Guide to Protecting Your Residential Investment
This detailed guide explores every facet of the scheme, from legislative foundations to recent reforms.

John Merlo
Jan 30, 20255 min read


QBCC Adjudication: Why Choose Adjudication Over Litigation for Disputes
QBCC adjudication offers a fast, cost-effective way to resolve construction payment disputes under the Building Industry Fairness Act 2017.

John Merlo
Jan 26, 202515 min read


Navigating the Adjudication Process: A Comprehensive Guide to Resolving Payment Disputes in Queensland
This article delves into the adjudication process, outlining how to apply for adjudication, the role of adjudicators, and the specific steps

John Merlo
Jan 10, 20256 min read
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