The emergence of online advertising sites, such as Gumtree, Airtasker and hipages, has made finding a tradesperson easier than ever. These websites either promote the services of a tradesperson or offer consumers a forum for requesting a task to be completed.

And while these websites are a convenient way to connect with a builder, building surveyor, painter or plumber the websites do not guarantee the person you connect with is appropriately qualified to do the work.

As the consumer you should help to protect yourself by finding out whether the person you hire is required to be registered or licensed and then to make sure that they are. Engaging a registered builder, building surveyor or painter or a licensed plumber is a good way to ensure quality work is carried out.

If the work is not carried out in a proficient manner or is faulty or unsatisfactory you will have the Building Commission complaints process available to you. You can make a complaint for up to six years from completion of the service.

The Building Commission can also deal with contractual disputes in connection with home building work, when the value of the contract is between $7,500 and $500,000.  The time limit for making such a complaint is three years after the breach of contract occurred or the cause of the dispute arose.

Does my tradesperson need to be registered/licensed?

Individuals, partnerships and companies that contract with others to carry out building work valued over $20,000 and which requires a building permit must be registered as a building contractor.

Individuals, partnerships and companies that contract with others to carry out building surveying work must be registered as a building surveying contractor.

Individuals, partnerships and companies that contract with others to carry out painting work valued over $1,000 must be registered as a painting contractor.

Only a licensed plumbing contractor or a licensed tradesperson under the direction and control of a licensed plumbing contractor are permitted to carry out plumbing work.

How do I check?

You can check that a tradesperson holds the correct registration or is appropriately licensed by visiting:

Find a registered building service provider