What We Don’t Do — And Why That Matters More Than You Think

June 20, 2025

At QHI National, we take pride in the work we do. Every deck, patio, carport or modification we build is done to plan, to code, and to a high standard.

But just as important as what we do, is what we don’t do—and there’s good reason for that.

We Don’t Do Landscaping

And here’s why: we’re builders, not gardeners.

Our scope finishes when the construction finishes. We don’t replant, relay turf, or build retaining walls unless they’re specified on the approved plan. Landscaping often requires separate licensing, different insurances, and in some cases, its own council approval.

If your yard needs a tidy-up or turf after the job, we’ll recommend local landscapers. But we don’t include it in our scope—and we never pretend we do.

We Don’t Connect Power Into the House

We install conduits or run cabling to the point of termination (like for fans, lights or outlets), but the final connection into your home’s switchboard or main power must be done by a licensed electrician.

Why? Because electrical work inside the house falls under separate licensing and liability laws. It’s illegal for our team to touch it, and it’s unsafe if anyone else does without the right certification.

If you need it done, we can coordinate a licensed electrician for you—but it won’t be carried out by our build crew.

We Don’t Do Plumbing or Stormwater Connection to the Road

We’ll connect downpipes to an existing stormwater point on your property, if it’s available. But if stormwater needs to be run out to the kerb or street connection, that’s a job for a licensed plumber.

It’s not just a question of skill—it’s compliance. Stormwater connections involve local council permits and require a Form 4 from a qualified plumber. If you’re not using one, your build won’t be legally complete.

We build structures—not underground services. We’ll tell you if plumbing is needed and help you organise it if required.

We Don’t Regrow Your Lawn

Once we dig footings, cut back grass, or roll a bobcat across the site—it’s up to you to repair or regenerate your lawn.

We’ll always leave your site tidy and remove excess materials, but we don’t reseed, re-turf or re-level lawns. That’s landscaping (see point one), and again—it’s not part of a licensed builder’s scope.

Want it looking picture-perfect post-build? We can refer you to a great landscaper.

We Only Do What’s on the Scope of Works

Our job is to deliver what’s been approved by council, drawn by our engineers, and signed off by you.

That protects everyone—you, us, and your home’s compliance.

No verbal extras. No handshake jobs. No “can you just” work added on at the last minute.

If it’s not listed on your signed scope of works or approved building plan, we don’t do it. And we never will. That’s how we stay insured, compliant, and in business.

Why This Matters

We know it might seem like we’re drawing a hard line—but there’s a reason why the good builders do.

It’s not about avoiding work. It’s about:

• Staying compliant with state regulations and licensing

• Avoiding liability for work we’re not insured to do

• Delivering what we promised, not what’s assumed

• Protecting your home from dodgy extras that compromise compliance

If it’s not on the plan, it’s not in the job.

Want a clear, no-BS quote that tells you exactly what’s included—and nothing you’ll regret later?

That’s what QHI National does best.

Scott Challen

CEO, The QHI Group