Whats Incidental Building Work

Understanding Incidental Building Work: A Guide by QBCC

When undertaking construction projects, you might encounter the term “incidental building work.” This concept is crucial for ensuring that all aspects of a project are completed efficiently and within regulatory guidelines. Here, we’ll explore what incidental building work entails, with insights from the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC).

What is Incidental Building Work?

Incidental building work refers to minor tasks that are necessary to complete a primary construction job but fall outside the scope of the main contractor’s license class. These tasks are typically small in scale and value, ensuring they do not overshadow the primary work being undertaken.

According to the QBCC, incidental work must meet the following criteria ¹:

Value Limit: The total value of incidental work cannot exceed $3,300, including all labor and material costs.
Scope of Work: The work must be within the scope of a different license class than the one held by the primary contractor.
Inclusion in Contract: Incidental work can be included in the main contract, provided it adheres to the value and scope limitations.

Examples of Incidental Building Work

To better understand, let’s consider a few examples:

Painting Work: To complete the painting on a roof some rusty roof screws need to be replaced, this minor electrical work can be considered incidental, provided it does not exceed the $3,300 limit.
Plumbing Adjustments: Minor plumbing tasks, such as installing a new faucet or fixing a small leak, can also be classified as incidental work if they are necessary to complete the primary construction project.

Regulatory Compliance

The QBCC has set clear guidelines to ensure that incidental work is performed legally and safely. Contractors must ensure that any incidental work requiring a specific license (e.g., electrical or plumbing) is carried out by a licensed professional in that field ¹.

Importance of Incidental Building Work

Incorporating incidental work into a construction project offers several benefits:

Efficiency: It allows for the seamless completion of minor tasks without the need to hire additional contractors.
Cost-Effectiveness: By including incidental work in the main contract, project costs can be managed more effectively.
Compliance: Adhering to QBCC guidelines ensures that all work is performed legally, reducing the risk of fines or legal issues.

Conclusion

Understanding and properly managing incidental building work is essential for the smooth execution of construction projects. By following QBCC guidelines, contractors can ensure that all aspects of their projects are completed efficiently, safely, and within regulatory boundaries.

For more detailed information, you can visit the QBCC’s official page on incidental work ¹.

If you have any specific questions or need further clarification on incidental building work, feel free to ask!