Frequently asked questions

# Answers before, during and after your project

The most common questions our clients across Brisbane, Gold Coast and South East Queensland ask about remediation and restoration.

General

## Working with a remedial builder

A general builder constructs new buildings or extensions. A remedial builder specialises in repairing, restoring and rectifying defects in existing buildings. This requires a different skill set — knowledge of deterioration mechanisms, compliance standards, heritage conservation principles, insurance documentation, and specialist repair materials — and a different approach to scoping and project management. Innovare Restoration is a specialist remedial contractor, not a general builder who also does repairs as a sideline.

The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) is the statutory body that licences and regulates builders in Queensland. A QBCC licence is required by law for all building work above a specified value. Licensed builders carry mandatory insurance through the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme, which provides statutory defect warranty coverage for eligible residential works. Engaging an unlicensed builder leaves property owners with no warranty protection and no regulatory recourse. Innovare Restoration holds QBCC Licence No. 15514239.

This depends entirely on the scope and nature of the works. For most repair activities — roof restoration, facade repairs, concrete repair — occupancy is possible with some management of access and dust. For works involving mould remediation with containment, asbestos management, significant structural intervention or post-fire remediation, temporary relocation may be required for safety. We assess occupancy on a project-by-project basis and advise clients clearly at the scoping stage.

Yes. Non-compliant buildings often require a combination of rectification of the non-compliant works, formal engagement with the relevant council or certifier, and, where necessary, a development or building works approval for the rectification works. We manage this process, including engagement with Brisbane City Council, Gold Coast City Council or other SEQ local governments. See our Council Order Rectification page.

Emergency & insurance

## Urgent response and claims

Yes. Our emergency line — 0488 773 232 — operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We prioritise emergency response for active water ingress, structural danger, fire damage make-safe and post-storm emergency securing. We aim to have a crew on site within hours for critical events across Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

We work with insurers from the first assessment. This includes attending insurer and loss adjuster inspections, preparing scope-of-works documentation in the format insurers require, maintaining a photographic record throughout the project, and preparing completion reports. We do not bypass or undermine the insurance process — we work within it, advocating for a complete and compliant repair scope on behalf of our clients.

Contact us at 0488 773 232 or info@innovarebuilders.com.au to arrange a site assessment. Following inspection, we provide a written scope of works and itemised quote. For insurance projects, we coordinate the quoting process with your insurer or loss adjuster. There is no obligation to proceed following an assessment.

Timelines & costs

## How long & how much

Timelines are highly project-specific. As a general guide:

Works | Indicative timeframe
--- | ---
Emergency make-safe | Hours – 1–2 days
Structural drying (flood) | 3–10 days
Standard mould remediation | 1–5 days
Localised concrete / structural repairs | 1–3 weeks
Roof restoration | 3–7 days
Full fire or flood reinstatement | 4–16 weeks
Heritage restoration | 4 weeks – months

We provide a programme at the scoping stage for every project.

The health effects of mould exposure are variable and depend on the mould species, the concentration of spores in the indoor air, the duration of exposure and the individual's sensitivity. Some individuals — particularly young children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions or compromised immune systems — can experience symptoms within days of significant exposure. We recommend occupants seek medical advice if they experience persistent respiratory or allergy symptoms in a mould-affected property. Our role is to remove the mould safely and address the underlying moisture cause.

Technical

## The building science

Concrete spalling results from the corrosion of embedded steel reinforcing bars. Corrosion is driven by either carbonation (CO₂ diffusion through the concrete, reducing alkalinity and removing the passive protection of the steel) or chloride ingress (from seawater, deicing salts or contaminated aggregate). As the steel corrodes, iron oxide products (rust) occupy a much greater volume than the original steel, creating internal pressure that fractures and displaces the concrete cover. It is particularly prevalent in buildings constructed in the 1960s–1980s with low-cover or high-water-cement-ratio concrete, and in coastal or marine environments such as the Gold Coast.

Hairline cracks in render and paint are often cosmetic. Cracks wider than 2–3 mm, cracks that are diagonal or step through masonry, or cracks accompanied by movement in door frames or floors warrant professional assessment. Contact us for an inspection.

Still have a question?

## We're happy to talk it through

Call our team or request a consultation — there's no obligation to proceed following an assessment.

Contact Us
Call 0488 773 232