Australia
Tradespeople and home repair in Australia
Builders, plumbers, electricians, roofers and more. What to check in Australia, our guides for this section, and a quick way to get quotes.
What matters in Australia
Key points from our guides. Each card links to the full section.
Tradies and local terms
In Australia, a tradesperson is a tradie . You will also hear sparky for an electrician, chippy for a carpenter and reno for a renovation. A builder is the person who runs a building job, and a written quote is the normal way to agree a price.
From: Hiring tradies and contractors in Australia and CanadaLicensing by state and territory
Each state and territory decides which work needs a licence, at what level, and who issues it. Some examples:
From: Hiring tradies and contractors in Australia and CanadaHome warranty insurance
Several states require builders to take out home warranty insurance for residential building work above a set value. The name varies: in New South Wales it is home building compensation cover, and in Victoria it is domestic building insurance. Queensland has its own home warranty scheme run through the QBCC.
From: Hiring tradies and contractors in Australia and CanadaContracts, deposits and consumer rights
Many states require a written contract for residential building work above a certain value, and some set limits on how big a deposit can be. Again, the details are set by each state. Ask your regulator or consumer affairs agency for the current rules before you sign.
From: Hiring tradies and contractors in Australia and CanadaPermits and approvals
Building approvals in Australia are handled through local councils and building surveyors or certifiers, depending on the state. Agree in writing who is responsible for getting any approval and arranging inspections.
From: Hiring tradies and contractors in Australia and CanadaChecks in Canada and Australia
In both countries, licensing is set by the province, territory or state, and the rules differ a lot from one place to the next. Do not rely on what applies elsewhere. Go to the regulator for the area where the work is being done.
From: How to vet a builder or general contractor before you hireLicences and registrations by country: Canada and Australia
Plumbing is a licensed or regulated trade across Canadian provinces and Australian states and territories, but the rules and the regulator differ by location. In Canada, look for a provincial certificate of qualification and check any municipal licensing and permit rules.
From: Hiring a plumber: emergencies, pricing, licences and what to askAustralia
In every state and territory, electrical work must be carried out by a licensed electrician; this is not an area for DIY or an unlicensed handyman. Ask for the electrician's licence number and check it with the state regulator.
From: How to hire an electrician in the UK, US, Canada and AustraliaGet quotes from local tradespeople in Australia
Describe the job once and hear back from tradespeople near you. Then use the checks in our guides on whoever replies.