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Building and Construction Law

Legal guidance

Practical legal guidance for your next project

Whether you’re managing a residential build, overseeing a commercial development, or trying to resolve a building and construction dispute, understanding legal matters and ensuring legal clarity can make or break your project. At McKays Solicitors, our building and construction lawyers provide clear, tailored legal advice to clients across Mackay and regional Queensland.

We understand the challenges you face in the construction industry – from contractual disputes and QBCC issues to delayed payments and site-specific risks. The role of a building construction lawyer is to simplify the legal process, reduce stress, and help you get the outcome you need with confidence.

WHo we help

Who we help

We act for clients across every aspect of the building and construction industry. That includes:

  • Property developers
  • Residential and commercial builders
  • Subcontractors and trades
  • Engineers and architects
  • Consultants and project managers
  • Homeowners and investors
  • Suppliers and manufacturers
  • Body corporates

If your project involves plans, permits, payments or disputes – we’re here to help.

Services

Our building and construction law services

Our dedicated team has extensive experience providing legal advice on construction matters of all sizes. We offer support at every stage – from initial contract negotiation to dispute resolution and litigation. Our services include:

Contract drafting and review

We draft, review and negotiate all types of building and construction contracts – ensuring your rights are protected before work begins. Whether you’re dealing with a standard HIA or QBCC contract, or something more bespoke, we’ll explain the fine print in plain English and help you avoid risk.

Payment disputes and the BIF Act

Disagreements about unpaid invoices or delayed progress payments are common in construction – but they don’t have to escalate. We regularly help clients manage disputes under the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 (BIF Act), including:

  • Issuing or responding to payment claims
  • Drafting adjudication applications and responses
  • Advice on payment schedules and compliance
  • Recovering payments through legal action

QBCC matters and home warranty claims

The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) regulates many aspects of the industry – from licensing and disciplinary action to defective work and insurance claims. Our team can assist with:

  • QBCC licensing and renewal issues
  • Directions to rectify and disciplinary proceedings
  • Defending or lodging complaints regarding defective work
  • Claims under the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme
Subcontractors’ charges

We help subcontractors secure payment through the Subcontractors’ Charges Act 1974 by preparing and serving formal notices, advising on timelines, and protecting your rights through the proper legal channels.

Construction disputes

Disputes can arise from delays, defects, safety concerns or poor communication. We aim to provide dispute resolution services and resolve issues as efficiently as possible, with a focus on practical outcomes. Where needed, we represent clients in:

  • Mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR)
  • Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT)
  • Magistrates, District and Supreme Court proceedings
we’re committed

Why choose McKays

At McKays Solicitors, we bring more than three decades of experience to every matter we handle. Founded in Mackay in 1988, we’ve grown alongside the local construction and property sectors – giving us a unique understanding of the challenges faced by builders and developers in regional Queensland.

Our building and construction lawyers:

  • Specialise in Queensland construction law
  • Speak in plain English – not legal jargon
  • Offer clear, practical advice focused on results
  • Maintain strong connections with industry bodies like the QBCC and Master Builders
  • Support clients across all project sizes and complexities

Most importantly, we're a construction law firm that keeps you informed at every step, so you always know where you stand. Whether you need urgent representation in a dispute, risk management or proactive legal support before you sign a contract, we’re here to protect your interests.

The team

Dependable building and construction lawyers

Dannielle Sanderson
Senior Associate

Dannielle’s other area of expertise is in the Building and Construction industry. Dannielle has strong ties with trade industry organisations such as Master Builders and regularly presents at industry events. Dannielle’s strengths lie in resolving disputes in the building and construction field, achieving excellent outcomes for her clients.

Location

Where we service

While McKays Solicitors is located in Mackay, Queensland, we frequently represent clients across Queensland.

We use the latest technology to facilitate virtual meetings and communications, allowing you to connect with an experienced building and construction lawyer who will listen attentively and understand your needs. This ensures you can navigate your matter with the best lawyers in Mackay without needing to visit our office.

Reviews

Customer testimonials

From the time we contacted McKays Solicitors to the end of our court matters, Marcus and his associates kept us well informed of any progress in our case. Always rang back when they said they would. Made us feel relaxed about our situation and worked hard behind the scenes to deliver a well structured plan for us to get us to the expected outcome. Thank you very much Marcus and team!

NW

Navigation through legal issues is time, mind and money consuming. My experience with McKays was as pleasant as could be with the team being professional and efficient with excellent communication. Definitely recommend.

TS

If you’re ever in need of an amazing criminal defence lawyer- Robert Beamish is honestly the most brilliant lawyer I have ever come across. Robert went above and beyond, absolutely cannot fault everything the team at McKays have done.

BC

Was appreciative of the lawyer Rob B helping out my partner legally supporting him in all decisions that needed to be made for my partner he answered all our questions for him we needed answered was great help, was kind compassionate caring of the situation spoke very kindly not discrimination like we have gotten before from other lawyers even though we have always been polite considerate. He would have to be one of the best he's had so thank you.

CS
How it works

Let's get your project back on track

If you’re facing a construction dispute, contract issue or licensing challenge, speak to the local team that understands the industry. McKays Solicitors has helped hundreds of Queenslanders manage legal risk and protect their investment.