How to check a builder’s licence in NSW
When you hire local builders in NSW to complete your renovations or build your new home, it’s up to you to make sure they are legitimate and make sure to do a builder’s licence check before hiring them.
If you end up with an unlicensed builder, then the law says that you could be responsible for any damages to property or injury to other parties. There is a lot at stake, and the costs can be incredibly high for those who fall into the trap of not doing their due diligence on builders and making sure they possess the right qualifications.
The most common mistakes people make when choosing a builder is that they take the cheapest quote and assume the builder is qualified to do the work. After all, if they aren’t qualified, then why are they quoting for the job? Unfortunately, there are builders out there who will happily take your money, do a low-quality job that isn’t up to code, and then leave you to deal with the fallout.
Fortunately, the NSW government makes it a straightforward process to check the legitimacy of a builder; all you need is an internet connection and a mobile phone or computer.
The process is quick and painless, but you don’t want to be checking the licence of every builder you are considering. Your first steps should be to source out only high-quality, reliable builders with a solid reputation in the community, and we can show you how to do that as well.
Here’s how to check the licence of your Sydney and NSW builder
All tradespeople conducting business in the NSW area are required to carry a current licence whenever doing $1,000 and over worth of work – including parts and labour. There are exceptions to this rule, as electricians and plumbers are required to carry a licence regardless of the value of the work.
Conducting an online licence check with Fair Trading NSW:
1. Ask to see the builder’s licence name and number.
2. Fire up your favourite web browser and visit: https://www.onegov.nsw.gov.au/publicregister/#/publicregister/search/Trades
3. Type the details into the search box provided. You can enter any combination of licensee name, licence number, trade, or suburb.
4. Click on the magnifying glass icon to be taken to the search results page. Here you will be able to narrow down your search further if you have been provided with a lengthy result.
5. You can now narrow down the search via postcode or select the status of the licence to check that the licence is not cancelled, expired, or surrendered.
Understandably, finding a good builder in Sydney and NSW can be a harrowing experience, but there are strategies you can use to make it easier to come up with a good result.
You can ask friends and family for references or check out a trade directory, but there is an even more efficient method. You can use a trade concierge site which vets and screens every business before listing them on their website.
Tradebusters Connect is one such website and is highly respected in the industry for their consistently great results at connecting people with reputable, trustworthy businesses of all types.
Make sure your renovations don’t turn into a nightmare by visiting Tradebusters Connect today.
Ready to speak to a trusted Sydney NSW Builder?
Ultimately any vision you have for your home renovation or build can only be achieved by working with the right experienced builder. One that “gets you”.
All the businesses listed on Tradebusters Connect have been vetted for quality so you can be sure that whoever you end up dealing with will be sure to provide value for money.
Other Useful Links:
Sydney Builders Northern Beaches
Renovation Builders Inner West Sydney
Small Builders Eastern Suburbs