RESOURCES FOR HOME OWNERS
If you live in QLD, chances are you’ve already been through an insurance claim. If not, and you’re going through it for the first time, it can be confusing with many different parties playing a role. We’re here to make your life easier so we’ve put together some resources for home owners navigate the insurance repair process.
How do I know what repairs you are completing?
We will send you a scope of works which tells you what works your insurance company has approved. This will also be included as part of the contract you have with us.
What happens if you find more damage after repairs begin?
We do our best to cover all the damage in our scope of works however there will be times we come across issues we couldn’t foresee. In these instances, we submit a variation to your insurance company for the additional works required.
How soon can you start the repairs?
Once the contract is signed and the excess is paid (if applicable), your repairs will be scheduled and we will advise a start date. The start date will depend on many factors including availability of material and trades. Weather will also play a factor. We will keep you updated throughout the process to ensure you understand what is going on and when.
How long will the repairs take?
You will be given a time frame for repairs in your contract with us.
Why do I have a contract with you if my insurance company is paying?
By law, builders must have a contract in place with home owners. Within the contract there is a Special Clause saying we will request payment from your insurance company.
What contract do you use?
We use the Master Builders Residential Renovation Contract – Level 2.
Can you tell us what our policy covers?
This is a question for either your loss adjuster or your insurance company. Our role is to complete the repairs they approve.
Can I still live in the property while you undertake repairs?
This depends on what repairs we are undertaking. In most cases, home owners remain onsite. However there are some scenarios which require home owners to vacate (no bathroom or kitchen facilities or contamination). Again, this is something you need to discuss with the loss adjustor or your insurance company.
What standard/quality of materials do you use?
Your insurance company requires us to quote on a like for like basis or as close as commercially possible. For example, if we are replacing your garage door, we will quote on replacing it with the same door (or as close as commercially possible).
Can I change the Scope of Works?
It depends on what you want to change. Have a chat with us and let us know what you’re after. The below are a few different examples:
- Cosmetic Changes – If you are thinking you would like to make a cosmetic change such as paint colours, we can normally accommodate requests. However if extra costs are involved (ie specialized paint or changing from a dark colour to a light colour) the home owner needs to pay the difference in cost.
- Upgrades – For example, your insurance company has approved replacing your 3m garden shed but you want a 6m shed. In this case you have a couple of different options. You can either request a cash settlement for the shed and remove it from our scope of works altogether. Or we can do a variation for the difference in cost which you pay direct to us.
- Structural Changes – Structural changes become more difficult and must be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Can I ask you to use tradespeople I know?
Again, this is evaluated on a case by case basis. At a minimum, all trades must go through an onboarding process with us and provide copies of licenses, insurance and WPH&S documents.
