Brisbane construction lawyers for builders, homeowners and subcontractors

Practical legal advice on building contracts, defects, payment claims and disputes, for clients across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Queensland.

4.9 Google rating
Fixed-fee contract reviews, done within a week
$220 initial consultation

      
 4.9 
   Top Rated Service
 verified by Trustindex 
 Trustindex verifies that the company has a review score above 4.5, based on reviews collected on Google over the past 12 months, qualifying it to receive the Top Rated Certificate.

Who we act for

Legal help for every side of a building project

We act for home builders, homeowners and subcontractors, so we understand how a dispute looks from each side of the contract. Choose where you fit to see how we can help.

Builders and contractors

Payment disputes, defect allegations, variations, delays, termination and QBCC directions to rectify.

Homeowners

Defective or incomplete work, delays, disputes over progress payments, and contracts you are about to sign.

Subcontractors

Unpaid invoices, BIF Act payment claims, adjudication, back-charges and subcontract reviews.

Legal services

Construction law services in Brisbane

From the contract you sign to the dispute you need resolved, we cover the whole life of a building project.

Construction disputes

Negotiation, mediation, QCAT and court for building disputes.

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Building defects

Expert evidence, rectification, and defect claims and defences.

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Payment claims and adjudication

BIF Act payment claims, payment schedules and adjudication.

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Building contracts

Fixed-fee contract reviews, drafting and negotiation.

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QBCC matters

Licensing, complaints, directions to rectify and reviews.

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Arbitration

Arbitration of construction and commercial disputes.

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Litigation

Building and commercial disputes in QCAT and the courts.

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Commercial law

Commercial contracts and advice for construction businesses.

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Prefer to settle out of court? See mediation and alternative dispute resolution. Building on the Gold Coast? See our Gold Coast construction lawyers. Business contract gone wrong? See our contract dispute lawyers.

Why Becker Watt

Practical advice from lawyers who know building

We focus on building, construction and commercial law, and we give you straight answers about cost, risk and what happens next.

We act for every side

Builders, homeowners and subcontractors. That experience helps us anticipate the other side’s arguments and give you realistic advice early.

Mediation before court

We try to resolve disputes through negotiation or mediation first. It is usually faster and cheaper, and court remains an option if it does not settle.

Fixed-fee contract reviews

Priced on the size of the contract and confirmed before we start. Most reviews are done within a week.

Brisbane and the Gold Coast

From our Fortitude Valley office we act for clients across Queensland, including many on the Gold Coast, by phone, Teams or in person.

Recent outcomes

For a property owner

Builder returned to fix defective work

A builder finished a project and said the work met the required standard. It didn’t. We obtained an independent expert report and took the matter to the QBCC, and the builder came back and fixed the work.

For a pool company

Pool waterproofing claim defended

A homeowner sued a swimming pool company over waterproofing problems. We acted for the pool company, which had done the work properly. The damage came from how the pool was being used, and our client was successful.

Client reviews

What our clients say

      
 4.9
 4.9
 Top Rated Service
   Verified by Trustindex   Top Rated Service
   4.9 Excellent rating Last 12 months 
  New reviews collected regularly Recent review activity detected 
  Responds to customer reviews 94.5% response rate within 48 hours 
  Verified by Trustindex Based on real customer reviews Learn more 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Caroline Hughes 
 93 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had been trying to resolve a construction problem on my own for too long. Becker Watt helped clarify the legal side. Once they became involved, I felt much more confident
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Stryker Faulk 
 102 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My QBCC matter felt confusing at first, but the lawyers explained each step in plain language
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Nikki Gayle Inot 
 106 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The lawyers helped me avoid turning a building dispute into a bigger fight than it needed to be
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Aria Lopez 
 116 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Their approach was calm, organised, and easy to follow throughout the entire matter
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Zac Fallbrown 
 116 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't recommend Conor and the team at Becker Watt Lawyers highly enough. They assisted us with a  construction dispute and went above and beyond throughout the entire process.

From the outset, they were professional, knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely committed to achieving the best possible outcome for our business. Their advice gave us confidence every step of the way, and they worked to secure an excellent result.

If you're looking for a legal team that truly cares about its clients and delivers outstanding results, I would not hesitate to recommend Conor and his team at Becker Watt Legal.

Thank you again for your exceptional service and support.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Cainan Lima Neves 
 119 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The team recovered most of the outstanding payment from a construction invoice dispute, which was a huge relief financially
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Blaire Moon 
 120 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really happy I contacted this firm when I did
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   paraman paraman 
 121 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The outcome was better than I expected, and the process felt well managed
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Thomas Diaz 
 122 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had problems with delayed construction work and poor communication from the contractor. Once Becker Watt got involved, things finally started progressing properly
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   LINA CHERRAJ 
 128 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A contract issue with my builder became stressful very quickly. Becker Watt helped me understand what the agreement actually allowed and what steps could be taken next

Construction law made simple: builders, contractors and homeowners

Our team

Meet our construction lawyers

A Brisbane team focused on building, construction and commercial law. You deal directly with the people working on your matter.

Hayder Shkara

Director

Stacey Speck

Operations Manager

Conor Stensness

Associate

Kal Moore

Solicitor

Jon Staby

Law Graduate

Priyanka Pau

Paralegal

Construction law questions

How much does an initial consultation cost?

Our initial consultation is $220 (including GST) for a 30 minute consultation, which can be conducted via phone, in person or Teams.

Can Becker Watt review my residential contract?

Absolutely. We charge $2,500–$2,800 (excluding GST and disbursements) for contract reviews, with a 3–5 business day turnaround.

What types of construction matters do you handle?

We work with developers, builders, subcontractors, and consultants on contracts, disputes, compliance, and commercial agreements. We provide clear, practical advice tailored to your project.

My builder won't fix defective work. What should I do?

Put your concerns in writing and keep photos, reports and emails. An independent expert report is usually the next step. Most residential building disputes then go through the QBCC’s dispute resolution process before they can go to QCAT. See our building defects lawyers page, or call us to talk it through.

I'm a subcontractor and haven't been paid. What are my options?

If your contract is covered by the BIF Act, a properly made payment claim requires the other side to pay or respond with a payment schedule, and a dispute can go to adjudication. The time limits are strict, so get advice early. See payment claims and adjudication.

Do you act for clients on the Gold Coast?

Yes. Many of our clients are on the Gold Coast. We meet by phone, Teams or in person at our Fortitude Valley office. See our Gold Coast construction lawyers page.

How can you help prevent disputes on my project?

We identify risks upfront, review contracts, and provide strategic guidance to avoid costly delays and legal issues, keeping your project on track.

Why choose Becker Watt over other construction lawyers?

We combine decades of legal expertise with deep insight into Queensland’s construction industry, delivering advice that is not just legally sound but practical and actionable for real-world projects.

Blog

Latest construction law updates

Payment Schedule Under the BIF Act (Queensland): How to Respond to a Payment Claim

If you’ve been given a payment claim and don’t plan to pay it in full, you must give the claimant [...]

BIF Act Payment Claim Requirements (Queensland): A Checklist for a Valid Claim

A payment claim that misses one requirement can fail. And you may not find out until the other side pushes [...]

HIA vs Master Builders: Which Contract Suits Your Project Best?

When building or renovating a home, one of the biggest decisions is the contract you sign with your builder. Two [...]

Get in touch

Talk to us about your matter

Initial consultations are $220 (including GST) for 30 minutes, by phone, Teams or in person at our Fortitude Valley office.

Phone07 3269 4888
Email[email protected]
OfficeLevel 11, 269 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
HoursMonday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

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