Overview
Queensland's Home Warranty Scheme (QHWS), run by the QBCC, paid out $55.7 million in approved claims to home owners in the 2025-26 financial year. Claims covered incomplete work, defective work, and subsidence.
What the scheme covers
The scheme applies to any residential building or renovation project valued over $3,300. Standard cover provides:
- Up to $200,000 for incomplete work
- Up to $200,000 for defective work or subsidence
- Optional top-up cover that increases the maximum entitlement to $300,000
How claims work
Queensland's scheme is one of only two in Australia that operates on a first-resort basis. This means home owners can lodge a claim with the QBCC even if their builder is still trading - there is no requirement to wait for insolvency or to pursue court action first.
Premium requirement
The contractor is required to pay the QHWS insurance premium before work starts. Home owners receive a Notice of Cover from the QBCC via email once the premium has been paid.
Claim timeframes
Strict timeframes apply to lodging claims:
- Non-completion claims - must be lodged within 3 months of the contract ending
- Structural defect claims - must be lodged within 3 months of first becoming aware of the defect, and within 6 years 6 months of the cover start date
- Non-structural defect claims - must be lodged within 7 months of work being substantially complete
Key actions
- Before signing a building contract, check the contractor holds a QBCC licence at qbcc.qld.gov.au.
- Confirm the contractor has paid the QHWS premium before work starts. If a Notice of Cover is not received via email, contact the contractor.
- Note the claim timeframes before work begins.
- To access cover above $200,000, ask about optional top-up cover that increases the maximum entitlement to $300,000.
- Read the QBCC's Home Owner Hub for a free guide on avoiding common building pitfalls and understanding protections, available at qbcc.qld.gov.au.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.