Builders licence NSW

There is no specific domestic licence in NSW - instead, all residential work falls under general building, other building, specialist or trade work. To become a licensed residential builder, you must meet all eligibility criteria before submitting an application to the NSW Fair Trading department. 

Requirements include two years’ on-site experience, builder references, and relevant qualifications, including a Certificate IV and either a Certificate III in Carpentry, Certificate III in Bricklaying or a Diploma in Building and Construction. 

Once your application is granted, you will be recognised as a NSW registered builder in your chosen class.

The length of time can vary depending on factors such as how much work experience you currently have, whether you have the required qualifications, whether you complete the application yourself, and the application processing times.

If you meet the eligibility criteria and are ready to start the application form, you can do this manually or with a training provider. Manually applying can take months, especially if your application is rejected pending further information. Going through the process with a provider like Builder Registration though can significantly speed up the process and ensure your application hits all the requirements as per Fair Trading guidelines.

In New South Wales, a contractor licence is a legal authorisation that allows you or a business entity to perform specific types of work within the construction and building industry. 

You need a contractor licence to engage in various building and construction activities, and it ensures that you or your company has the necessary skills, qualifications, and financial capacity to carry out your work safely and in compliance with relevant regulations.

The types of work covered by a contractor licence can vary, and licences are typically issued for specific classes of work. Some common contractor licence classes include carpentry, bricklaying, electrical work, plumbing, and general building work.

Becoming an owner builder in NSW involves certain responsibilities and legal requirements. If you intend to take on the role of an owner builder for construction work on your own property, you need to:

• Meet the eligibility criteria for becoming an owner builder, which includes being an individual, using land that is for residential purposes, and that you have not been an owner-builder in the past 6 years.
• Apply for an owner builder permit
• Enrol in and complete an approved owner builder course
• Obtain home warranty insurance for work exceeding the value of $20,000
• If required, obtain development approval from the local council before starting construction
• Undertake the construction work in accordance with the approved plans, relevant building codes, and standards
• Arrange mandatory inspections during various stages of construction
• Notify the local council and the NSW Fair Trading upon completion of the work

At Builder Registration, we can help you achieve your owner builder licence - reach out to our friendly team to find out more.

There are different licence types in NSW to choose from depending on the role you wish to undertake:

• Contractor licence - this licence is issued for specific trades within the construction industry, such as electrical, plumbing, and gasfitting. It enables you to contract and advertise your licensed services.
• Qualified supervisor certificate - this certificate is for individuals who supervise and oversee building and construction work in line with their licence. You cannot contract for work with this licence.
• Endorsed contractor licence - individuals with an endorsed contractor licence fall under both of the above - they are licensed contractors as well as qualified supervisors due to their experience and qualifications.