Your Warranty Obligations
As a tradie, you provide warranties:
- Implied warranties: Work will be done properly
- Statutory warranties: Required by building legislation
- Express warranties: Additional promises you make
Statutory Warranty Periods
- Structural work: 6 years in most states
- Non-structural: 2 years typically
- Products: Manufacturer warranty applies
When a Customer Complains
- Listen to their concern fully
- Inspect the issue in person
- Acknowledge if it's your responsibility
- Propose a solution and timeline
- Follow through promptly
- Document everything
Valid vs Invalid Claims
Likely Valid
- Defective workmanship
- Work not done to standard
- Materials failed prematurely
Likely Not Valid
- Normal wear and tear
- Customer misuse
- Work by others damaging yours
- Changes customer made
Protecting Yourself
- Clear warranty terms in contract
- Completion photos
- Customer sign-off on completion
- Maintenance instructions provided
- Good communication records