What is Compare My Build?

An interactive comparison platform for home buyers to evaluate builders, plans, and inclusions in their region side-by-side.

What is a structural warranty in home building?

Builders may offer their own structural warranty covering specified structural elements for a stated period. That builder warranty is separate from statutory consumer rights and any state-based home-warranty or compensation scheme that may also apply.

What structural-defect protection applies in Queensland?

For eligible work, the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme can cover structural defects for up to 6 years and 6 months, subject to its claim rules and timeframes. This is separate from any extended structural warranty a builder advertises.

What does a lifetime structural warranty mean?

Some builders advertise 'lifetime structural warranties' beyond the statutory minimums. These are typically builder-backed warranties covering major structural elements for extended periods — but the terms and conditions vary significantly.

Can I transfer a structural warranty to a new buyer?

It depends on the protection involved. Statutory rights and state schemes have their own rules, while a builder-specific extended warranty may or may not transfer to a later owner. Check the written terms rather than assuming transferability.

Free for home$Spot costly upgradesCompare real builder

Free for home buyers$Spot costly upgradesCompare real builder inclusions

Home›Build Knowledge Hub›Building Process›Frame & Structure›Structural Warranties Explained

Frame & Structure

Structural Warranties Explained

What structural warranties cover, minimum requirements by state, and how to compare builder warranty offers.

5 min·Compare My Build — Independent Resource· Updated September 2026

Introduction

New-home buyers can have several different layers of protection: statutory consumer rights, state-based home-warranty or compensation schemes, and any additional warranty offered by the builder. These are not the same thing, and the rules vary by state or territory. Always separate the builder’s marketing warranty from the statutory protection that applies to your project.

State Protections Are Different

Jurisdiction	Example of current protection	What to check
Queensland	Queensland Home Warranty Scheme can cover eligible structural defects for up to 6 years, 6 months	Scheme eligibility, claim deadline and Notice of Cover
New South Wales	Statutory warranty periods include 6 years for major defects and 2 years for other defects; HBC/HBCF is separate last-resort cover for eligible work	Contract date, defect type, HBC certificate and claim trigger
Other states / territories	Different statutory rights, insurance schemes and timeframes apply	Current regulator guidance for your project and contract date

What Structural Warranties Cover

Covered	Not Covered
Foundation and slab defects	Normal wear and tear
Frame failure or movement	Cosmetic defects after warranty period
Roof structural failure	Damage caused by the owner
Major structural cracks	Issues caused by poor maintenance
Load-bearing wall defects	Appliance or fixture failures

Builder Warranty Offers

Common Builder Inclusions

›Statutory rights and state-based schemes apply separately from any extended warranty marketed by the builder
›Some builders offer extended structural warranties (e.g. 25 years, lifetime) as a marketing differentiator
›Extended warranties are only as good as the builder's ongoing business existence — ask about insurance backing
›Do not assume the builder’s maintenance period is the same as your statutory defect rights — check both
›Ask specifically: 'What does your structural warranty cover and for how long?'

Watch Out

An extended or 'lifetime' structural warranty is only useful if you understand who provides it, what it covers, the exclusions and what happens if the builder stops trading. Always read the actual warranty terms rather than relying on the headline period.