When You Need a Builder/Trade Licence — by State
When You Need a Builder/Trade Licence — by State
The dollar value where building work needs a licence varies by state — and some trades need one regardless of value. Get this wrong and you cannot even sue for payment.
Licence thresholds (residential building work)
| NSW | Over $5,000 incl GST (Home Building Act 1989) |
| QLD | Over $3,300 incl GST (QBCC); hydraulic design over $1,100 |
| VIC | Domestic builder registration (VBA); contracts over $10,000 |
| WA | Builder registration if contracting for residential over $20,000 |
| SA | Building Work Contractor's licence (Consumer & Business Services) |
Licensed regardless of value
- Electrical, plumbing, drainage, gasfitting and AC/refrigerant work are licensed no matter how small the job
Get it wrong and it costs
| NSW — unlicensed work | Up to $110,000 (company) / $22,000 (individual), and you cannot recover payment |
| QLD — unlicensed work (s42) | From 250 penalty units (~$35,938) first offence; you recover only paid materials + labour cost, not your own labour |
Trade vs builder licence
- A trade licence covers one specialist trade; a builder licence covers the whole project, the head contract, and legal responsibility for compliance
Guidance only — not legal advice. ACT, TAS and NT have their own regimes; confirm with your state regulator before quoting work. Thresholds current 2025-26.
Sources: NSW Fair Trading / Home Building Act 1989 · QBCC · VIC Building Authority · WA Building Services Board · SA Consumer & Business Services
SiteKiln provides general guidance only. This is not legal, tax, financial or professional advice. Always verify information and seek professional advice if unsure. © SiteKiln 2026