Builders told to be flexible with customers as storm strikes

MASTER Builders Queensland has urged members who have signed contracts to build homes to work with customers to discuss alternative time frames and contract variations.

The peak body fears the “extreme supply problems” facing builders and suppliers, and having a devastating impact on the progress of building works, will continue throughout 2022.

“A number of factors have come together to create a perfect storm,” MBQ told members. “A sudden surge in demand created by the HomeBuilder grant, a spike in interstate migration, and relaxed mortgage lending criteria, all in an environment of continued low interest rates.”

MBQ deputy chief executive officer Paul Bidwell said builders and suppliers were experiencing “unprecedented” supply issues across all building materials and trades.

“This is having a significant impact on the progress of building works as well as causing a massive spike in the cost of some materials and trades,” he said. “Some timber deliveries are being delayed by 12 months and bricklayers, tilers, carpenters etc can be impossible to secure even at significantly higher rates.”

In addition, ongoing natural disaster insurance repair work continued to monopolise many trade contractors and unusually wet weather has led to a backlog of work.

Repeated lockdowns and international shipping delays continue to disrupt building material supply chains.

“Where contracts have been signed, we urge contractors to work closely with their clients to discuss alternative time frames and contract variations,” said Mr Bidwell.

A MBQ survey revealed the problem was reaching “critical levels”.

The Queensland Building and Construction Commission has introduced the Accelerated Builder/Consumer Dispute Framework as a temporary independent mediation service to help builders and consumers find a way through the current challenges. For details visit qbcc.qld.gov.au