FAQ
How can I be sure my builder is licensed and insured?
Qualified builders and trade contractors are registered and licensed by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC). Before engaging any builder or contractor, you can request to see their license or verify it online via the QBCC website.
All builders are also required to hold public liability insurance to cover any potential injuries on your property during construction. You can request to see a copy of this insurance before work begins on your project.
Is My building Work Insured?
For all residential building projects over $3,300.00, QBCC Home Warranty Insurance is mandatory. This insurance provides protection for homeowners for up to six years, covering issues such as defective workmanship or non-completion.
Importantly, only licensed building contractors are eligible to obtain this insurance—another reason to ensure your builder is properly licensed before work begins.
Understanding Your Building Quote: PS & PC Items
When reviewing your building contract or quote, you may come across Provisional Sum (PS) and Prime Cost (PC)allowances. These are common in construction projects and are used when certain details aren’t finalised at the time of quoting.
What Is a Provisional Sum (PS)?
A Provisional Sum (PS) is an estimated cost for work that involves both labour and materials, where the exact scope is not yet known—often due to hidden or inaccessible site conditions.
Common PS items include:
- Excavation
- Concreting
- Tiling
- Painting
Once the work is completed, if the actual cost is less than the PS amount, the difference is refunded. If the cost is higher, the client covers the additional expense.
What Is a Prime Cost (PC) Item?
A Prime Cost (PC) item is an allowance for fixtures and fittings that haven’t been chosen at the time the contract is signed.
Typical PC items include:
- Tapware and basins
- Toilets and vanities
- Light fittings
- Kitchen appliances
- Cabinet hardware
As with PS items, if your selections cost less than the allowance, you’ll be credited the difference. If they exceed the allowance, you’ll pay the additional amount.
Why These Matter:
Understanding PS and PC items helps you manage your budget and avoid surprises during construction. Always review these allowances carefully and speak with your builder to ensure they reflect realistic expectations for your project.
Choosing the Right Builder & Comparing Quotes
When planning a renovation or extension, it is important to understand that quotes can vary widely between builders. Each builder has their own methods and pricing approach, which makes direct comparisons challenging unless they’re all working from the same level of detail.
To ensure you are comparing like-for-like, provide each builder with:
- Final architectural plans
- Structural engineering designs
- A detailed list of materials
- Fixtures and fittings specifications
Remember, the cheapest quote isn’t always the best. Provisional Sums (PS) and Prime Cost (PC) allowances can differ significantly, and materials that seem cost-effective may not suit your project or deliver lasting quality. Choosing poorly can lead to unexpected costs or disappointing results.
Look for a builder who:
- Has experience with projects similar to yours
- Works with reputable suppliers and skilled trades
- Communicates clearly and builds rapport
- Delivers high quality workmanship within a reasonable timeframe
Making the right choice at this stage sets the foundation for a successful, stress-free renovation.
Where do I start?
Understand your goals, set a realistic budget, and discuss your ideas with your builder. Be open to their suggestions—they bring valuable experience—and choose someone who works closely with other industry professionals and maintains a consistent team. This collaborative approach ensures you receive expert guidance throughout the process and confidence that the final outcome will reflect your vision.
- Engage the right experts early on – bringing in knowledgeable professionals from the start ensures you receive valuable guidance and the necessary expertise.
- Planning and Development is a critical stage in your building journey. The choices made during this phase will have a lasting impact on the overall success of your project.
- Building Approvals and Certification can be managed by you or delegated to your architect, designer, draughtsperson, or builder. This involves submitting the required documents to a private certifier for council approval.
- Construction begins once your design is finalised and all necessary approvals and certifications are in place.
- Completion and Compliance – After construction is complete, final compliance checks must be conducted in line with your approvals and certifications. A certifier will inspect the finished work to confirm it meets quality standards, complies with approval conditions, and aligns with the Building Code of Australia.
Project Management & Communication
It is important that your builder works with a consistent, trusted team of professionals. A stable crew helps maintain quality control, reduces the risk of delays or rework, and ensures a high standard of workmanship throughout your project.
Effective communication is essential. Make sure you know exactly who is managing your build day-to-day. Builders have varying approaches, and unclear communication can quickly lead to misunderstandings, delays, or unsatisfactory outcomes.
Choosing a builder who values structure, consistency, and open communication will help ensure your renovation runs smoothly and is completed to a high standard.
At Dickson Renovations & Construction, we pride ourselves on a hands-on approach. When you partner with us, you will work directly with Ross Dickson, the owner and builder. We are known for our dedication, integrity and reliability.
We collaborate closely with our trusted and experienced subcontractors, with whom we have built strong relationships over the years, and use only top-quality materials from leading suppliers, ensuring that every project meets the highest standards.
We place great importance on quality, communication, and time management and make it a priority to listen to your needs and keep you informed throughout every stage of your project. Our adaptable approach allows us to work closely with you to achieve your goals, even if adjustments are needed along the way.
Our aim is to fulfil your objectives, whether your project is large or small. We understand that major construction can be stressful and time-consuming, so we work to minimise these challenges. We want to ensure that you have a positive experience throughout the building process and achieve the home or renovation you envisioned during the planning stages.