Residential contracts

If you carry out residential building work valued at more than $3,300 in Queensland, you must comply with the Domestic Building Contracts Act 2000.

The Act requires you to have a written contract with your clients and to give them a signed copy and a BSA-approved Contract Information Statement. These documents must be provided as soon as practicable after an agreement is reached (no later than five business days from the date of agreement) and before starting work.

The type of contract you use for your building work will depend on the size and complexity of the project. The contract you use must comply with requirements set out in the Act. We strongly recommend using a standard form contract, such as one of Master Builders contracts.

Master Builders wide range of residential contracts have been specifically tailored for the building and construction industry. Each contract allocates risk fairly, outlines obligations in detail, and complies with the requirements set out in the Act.

Visit the Master Builders eShop to purchase residential contracts online (available to members only) or download the contract order form. You can also visit your local Master Builders office to purchase contracts over the counter.

This section of the website provides a basic summary of Master Builders residential contracts, and should be used as a guide only. For more detailed advice and contract support, contact Master Builders.

Residential Building Contract

The Residential Building Contract is a lump sum contract to be used for new houses, duplexes or major residential works, including extensions and alterations. It is a contract between a contractor and residential owner. It is also suitable for use when an architect is acting as an agent on behalf of the owner.

The Commentary on Master Builders Residential Building Contract gives an in-depth explanation of each item in the Residential Building Contract, and explains exactly how to fill out each part of the contract. 

Download a sample Residential Building Contract or purchase the contract from the eShop.

Residential Renovation Contract

The Residential Renovation Contract is a lump sum contract to be used for large residential renovation or alteration works up to the value of $1 million (guide only). It is a contract between a contractor and residential owner.

Download a sample Residential Renovation Contract or purchase the contract from the eShop.

Minor Works Contract

The Minor Works Contract is a lump sum contract to be used for minor works up to the value of $80,000; however, it can also be used on projects of a greater value (such as a trade contractor undertaking bricklaying, landscaping or the construction of a large deck). It is a contract between a contractor and residential owner.

Download a sample Minor Works Contract or purchase the contract from the eShop.

Trade Contract

The Trade Contract is a lump sum contract for use by a trade contractor when contracting directly with a residential owner. The Trade Contract is recommended for use by trade contractors when undertaking a specific trade (i.e. bricklaying, landscaping, concreting or plumbing).

A Trade Contract should not be used in place of a subcontract.

Download a sample Trade Contract or purchase the contract from the eShop.

Simple Works Contract

If the cost of building work exceeds $3,300, it must be covered by a regulated building contract. However, irrespective of the value of work, a written contract is always preferred to a verbal agreement.

The Simple Works Contract is a one page contract for use when dealing direct with a client for residential building work where the contract value is less than $3,300.

Download a sample Simple Works Contract or purchase the contract from the eShop.

Pool Building Contract

The Pool Building Contract is a lump sum contract for use in the construction of a swimming pool or spa, when contracting directly with a residential owner.

If a pool is being built as part of a residential project (such as a house or duplex) for a contractor, then a subcontract should be used.

Download a sample Pool Building Contract or purchase the contract from the eShop.