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Using QBCC Warranties to Enforce High-End Quality Standards in QLD
Discover how Queensland developers can legally enforce high-end quality standards that go beyond simple code compliance. This guide explains how to use the QBCC's implied statutory warranty requiring appropriate and skilful work, strengthen your contracts, and navigate the QBCC dispute and QCAT appeal process to ensure the premium finish your project demands.

John Merlo
Dec 24, 202513 min read


How QLD Courts Use Your Experience to Deny a Builder's Duty of Care
Discover the critical legal paradox facing Queensland developers: how your commercial experience can be used by courts to deny a builder's duty of care. Learn why a written contract is your only real protection and what to do when a dispute arises.

John Merlo
Dec 15, 202515 min read


Challenging the Unchallengeable: A Developer's Guide to Overturning Expert Determinations on "Manifest Error"
Discover the narrow legal grounds of "manifest error" that allow developers to challenge and overturn a flawed but "final and binding" expert determination. Learn from the landmark Bagata v Sunstorm case what constitutes an actionable error and how to protect your project from costly, incorrect decisions.

John Merlo
Dec 8, 202512 min read


Forcing Builder Liability for AI Errors with an "AI Warranty" Clause
Standard construction contracts are defenceless against AI-generated errors, creating a huge liability gap for developers. Learn how to implement a specific "AI Warranty" clause to make your builder 100% responsible for the accuracy of any AI-generated schedules, designs, or claims, protecting your project from costly tech failures.

John Merlo
Dec 4, 202511 min read


Statutory Demands in QLD - 3 Fatal Flaws That Will Sink a Developer's Offsetting Claim
A statutory demand can trigger the liquidation of your development company. Learn the three most common and fatal flaws developers make when using an offsetting claim as a defence, from weak evidence and miscalculations to procedural errors, and discover the strategy needed to protect your business.

John Merlo
Nov 3, 202514 min read


Building a Scalable Preliminary Agreement System for Your QLD Project Pipeline
Ditch the risky, one-off preliminary agreements. This guide shows Queensland property developers how to build a scalable PWA system to standardise builder engagement, manage risk across their project pipeline, and ensure compliance with QBCC and BIF Act regulations from day one.

John Merlo
Oct 29, 202513 min read


A Developer's Legal Triage Plan for Defending a QBCC Construction Dispute
A notice from the QBCC demands a rapid, calculated response. This guide is your legal triage plan—a set of non-negotiable actions to take within the first 48 hours to assess the claim, mitigate exposure, and establish a strong defensive position.

John Merlo
Oct 18, 202512 min read


How Queensland Courts Calculate Loss of Opportunity Damages for Developers
Expert insight into how Queensland courts assess and quantify 'loss of opportunity' damages for property developers. Learn about the evidence required, the role of expert witnesses, and the strategic choice between QCAT and the Supreme Court for high-value construction disputes.

John Merlo
Oct 9, 202516 min read


The Developer's Playbook for Claim Triangulation: Maximising Construction Insurance Recovery in QLD
Discover the "Claim Triangulation" strategy, a playbook for Queensland developers to maximise insurance recovery after a major site incident. Learn how to strategically manage Contract Works, Public Liability, and Professional Indemnity policies to prevent claim denials and protect your project's financial viability.

John Merlo
Oct 2, 202516 min read


When is your QLD construction contract frustrated? Learn of its distinction from Force Majeure events
When an unforeseen event makes a construction project impossible, your contract might be frustrated. This guide explains what a frustrated contract means under Queensland law, the remedies available when there's no fault, and how it differs from a breach. Understand your rights and protect your business when the unexpected happens.

John Merlo
Aug 28, 202512 min read


Subcontractors' Charges: A Subby's Ultimate Guide to Getting Paid in Queensland
Queensland subcontractors struggling with unpaid invoices? This comprehensive guide reveals how subcontractors' charges under the BIF Act can freeze payments at the source and secure what you're owed. Learn step-by-step procedures, strict deadlines, and your legal rights to protect cash flow and prevent business-destroying payment delays. Don't let contractors' poor practices jeopardize your survival—discover your powerful legal remedies today.

John Merlo
Aug 15, 202515 min read


QLD Home Warranty Insurance: Your Complete 2025 Legal Guide
Facing issues with your builder? In Queensland, mandatory home warranty insurance is your crucial safety net against defects or incomplete work. Our 2025 guide explains your coverage, strict claim deadlines, and how to protect your home. Learn your rights and secure your investment.

John Merlo
Aug 14, 202511 min read


QBCC MFR Report Explained: A Builder’s Guide to Financial Requirements
Navigating the QBCC MFR report is a critical challenge for Queensland builders. This guide demystifies the Minimum Financial Requirements, explaining the key metrics like the Current Ratio and Net Tangible Assets (NTA) you must meet to protect your licence. Learn how to prepare a compliant report, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure the financial stability of your construction business. Get the clear answers you need to stay compliant and safeguard your livelihood.

John Merlo
Aug 7, 202512 min read


QBCC Licence Check: Your Guide to Hiring a Reputable Queensland Builder
A valid QBCC licence is the start, not the end, of your due diligence. A builder’s true reputation is found in their history.
Beyond a simple QBCC search, you must investigate the full licence record. Has it ever been suspended or cancelled? Are there restrictions? A pattern of disciplinary actions is a critical red flag that a basic check will miss. Protecting your project requires looking beyond the 'active' status to understand the builder's complete professional and finan

John Merlo
Aug 2, 202513 min read
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