My builder has gone into administration after handover – What now?

So your builder handed over the keys, but now the cracks are showing. Literally.

If you’re dealing with maintenance issues, unfinished items or defects and the builder isn’t responding, here’s what to do next.

1. First, confirm what’s happening

If you think your builder has gone into administration or liquidation:

  • Check the ASIC website
  • Look for court actions or news articles
  • Contact QBE. They may already have been contacted by other clients and have updates

This happens more often than you’d think, and insurers sometimes know what’s going on before you get official confirmation.

2. Contact QBE and request a claim form

You can call QBE on 1300 790 723 or visit the QBE contact page.

When you speak to them, explain:

  • Handover has taken place
  • Some items haven’t been completed or defects have appeared
  • The builder isn’t responding to your calls or emails

They’ll send you a claim form and let you know what to include.

3. Get your documents together

You’ll need to collect:

  • The builder’s QBE policy / Certificate of Insurance number. If you don’t have a copy of this, visit QBE’s Builders Warranty Certificate Register and search by Address.
  • Your contract, including plans, addenda and any signed variations
  • Proof of payment (invoices, receipts, bank records)
  • Inspection reports or defect lists
  • Photos of what still needs to be fixed or completed

4. Fill out the claim form

Only complete the sections relevant to your situation. You’ll need to:

  • Include the total contract value and any variations
  • State how much has been paid in total
  • List the outstanding items and/or attach a defect report
  • Add any supporting photos

Send the completed form and all documents to builderswarrantyclaims@qbe.com

5. QBE will coordinate a site inspection.

QBE will arrange an independent inspection. This person will:

  • Visit your property to assess the issues
  • Write a detailed report
  • Submit it to QBE for review

Once they’ve reviewed it, QBE will let you know which items are covered by the insurance policy.

6. Start getting quotes

Once your claim is approved, QBE will ask you to get quotes to complete the approved work. Keep in mind:

  • The payout is capped at $200,000, minus a $500 excess
  • QBE can give you names of builders they work with regularly
  • Builders recommended by QBE might send their quote straight to QBE
  • If you want to stay in control, use your own builder and send the quote to QBE yourself

All quotes should be detailed, itemised and cover the full scope of what needs to be done.

7. What happens after you submit the quotes?

QBE will compare the quotes. If they’re within about 5 percent of each other and the third-party inspector determines them to be reasonable they’ll usually proceed with the lower one of the two.

They’ll then subtract the $500 excess from that amount to calculate the payout.

8. Who gets paid?

For post-handover claims, QBE often pays the builder or contractor directly.

That means you need to be confident in who you’re engaging. Once QBE approves the quote, they’ll manage the payment to that business. Make sure it’s someone you trust to finish the job properly.

Need help?

At Build Insight WA, we help homeowners navigate situations just like this. Whether it’s unresponsive builders, unfinished jobs or defect dramas, we can help you understand your rights and your options, and work in your best interest to maximise your chances of getting the best results.

Get in touch today to talk through your next step.