Gold Coast Industry Info Session

Understanding the risks: Structural vs non-structural defects

QBCC’s Top 5 Structural & Non-Structural Defects for 2025

Defective work continues to be a leading cause of financial loss, project delays, disputes, and licensing issues across the Queensland construction industry. As a builder or contractor, understanding your obligations—and the most common areas of non-compliance—is essential to protecting your business and your licence.

Register now for our Brisbane Information Session to gain practical, actionable insights to help you lift your quality standards, avoid costly rectification work, and reduce the risk of fines or demerit points.

Not all defects are the same and they have different consequences. Understanding the distinction is vital as well as your responsibilities at each stage of the statutory warranty period.

We’ll break this down for you, including what you are liable for and when.

We’ll also cover practical methods for improving your business processes to prevent non-conforming or defective work and enhance overall quality.

We’ll show you:

• How to implement Inspection Test Plans (ITPs) and holding points for critical trades like water and flood testing.
• The importance of post-completion communication with your clients and how to document the handover (including clear maintenance schedules) to limit liability and effectively manage client expectations.

Worried about an active QBCC complaint? If a complaint is lodged, you need to know the rules. We will explain the QBCC process and how to handle a Direction to Rectify (DTR).

• The QBCC complaint timeline: What happens after a complaint is lodged, and your right to access the site.
• Responding to a DTR: Understanding the strict compliance period and the severe consequences (public licence record, demerit points) for non-compliance.

You cannot afford to miss this.

Our Speaker

Karen Haworth

Manager – Building and Planning Services | Master Builders

With over 21 years’ experience in the building and construction industry, Karen is a widely respected and in-demand expert when it comes to delivering technical building, planning, contractual and legislative advice. With a strong background in design and managing and coordinating built form developments from feasibility to turnkey, Karen is also an experienced and qualified mediator, and convenes the committee for the Institute of Building Consultants.

Karen provides advice and guidance to members and her peers in the residential and commercial space and is consistently sought after for commentary in the media and for panel discussion to share her contemporary and extensive industry knowledge.