A license is legally required for jobs over $5,000 in NSW
Homeowners will always need a tradesperson to do installations, repairs, and renovations for them. The problem is, many homeowners don’t bother to check if a person claiming to be a tradie has a licence to practice his or her profession. Even odder is the fact that, as discovered in a study commissioned by the NSW Government Fair Trading, many homeowners think licensing is important, but don’t check.
Only half think licensing is important
Studies which was conducted by independent research company Instinct and Reason afew years ago revealed that 54% of people think licensing is important, but don’t bother to check. Seen in light of the assertion by Fair Trading that it receives hundreds of complaints about unlicensed tradespersons every year, it may be a little surprising that homeowners don’t verify a tradie’s licence all the time.
Most trade professions, particular in the home building space like builders, carpenters, painters, handymen, tilers, kitchen, and bathroom renovators are required by law to secure a licence before they can practice- in NSW especially for jobs over $5,000. All electricians and plumbers require one regardless of the value.
So put bluntly, tradies who are working without the proper licences are doing something that is illegal. The thing is, the study says, only 54% of the study’s subjects know that it is illegal for an unlicensed person to conduct work in NSW. In case you’re one of the remaining 46%, consider yourself informed. And just one other inside tip from us- and purely from experience. Here it is!
If you do come across a tradesman that is operating without a licence, you need to ask yourself is that the type of individual you would want in your home? What does it say about that person that has made the decision to operate illegally? Our point is, profile wise such individuals are more than likely to be operating in other ways that may not be totally above board, perhaps without insurances, or asking you for large cash upfront payments or taking shortcuts with the quality of work. Think you get my point, and honestly, it’s not worth it.
So the next time you hire a tradesman for any kind of work, please make sure that he/she has the proper licence, among other things. If you ask for a licence and he/she gives you a number and some documentation, you have to verify the information here before making a hiring decision. You don’t want to be added to those who constantly file complaints about unlicensed tradesmen, do you?
If you are looking for good and licensed tradesmen why not try the Tradebusters Connect service.
All the trades businesses listed on this website have not only come highly recommended to us in order to be members but you will also find their ABN and Licence numbers so that you can easily check their details for yourself.
And for the major building and renovation jobs contact the Tradebusters free tradesmen concierge service to access recommended tradesmen for greater peace of mind. Visit www.tradebusters.com.au and experience the Tradebusters difference today.
Need help finding licenced tradesperson in Sydney?
If you want to find licenced tradesperson in Sydney, access our our Tradebusters Connect Top 3 Local Choice directory. Their details are listed on this site and you can contact them directly.