Unlicensed builder or tradie: how to spot one and what to do

In Queensland, anyone who quotes for or does building work worth more than $3,300 must hold a QBCC licence for that kind of work. Plumbing, drainage, gas fitting and fire protection work need a licence at any price. If they can’t show you a licence, don’t hire them.

When does a tradie need a QBCC licence?

• Building work over $3,300, counting labour, materials and GST.
• Plumbing, drainage, gas fitting and fire protection at any price, even a small job.
• The right class for the job. A licence only covers the work in its class. A tiler using a builder’s licence number to do a whole bathroom is breaking the law.

Electricians are licensed by the Electrical Safety Office, not QBCC, so check them there.

A worker employed by a licensed contractor doesn’t need their own contractor licence, as long as the work is within their employer’s licence. Plumbers and gas fitters still need their own occupational licence.

How can I tell if a builder is unlicensed?

• They can’t show you a licence. QBCC licences come as a plastic card or a digital licence on a phone. Both are valid.
• They aren’t on the register. Every licensed contractor is on QBCC’s register. Search them on this site, then confirm on QBCC’s licence search. If you can’t find them, call QBCC on 139 333.
• Their ad has no licence number. Licensed contractors must show their licence number and licensed name in every ad, including on social media.
• The names don’t match. The name on the quote or contract should match the name on the licence. A different name can mean someone is using another person’s licence.
• The ad says “handyman” but the job is bigger. Someone advertising general maintenance without a licence must say they can only do work up to $3,300.
• No mention of home warranty insurance. On home building work over $3,300, the contractor must take out QBCC home warranty insurance and you should get a certificate. Only licensed contractors can take it out.

Why does it matter if they’re unlicensed?

• You lose home warranty insurance, which covers you if the job is left unfinished or has defects.
• You can’t use QBCC’s dispute service to get the work fixed.
• QBCC warns that unlicensed work is more likely to be unsafe, defective or unfinished, and can cost more to fix later.

I’ve already hired someone who isn’t licensed. What now?

1. Stop paying anything more until you know where you stand.
2. Check again. Search their name, business name and any licence number they gave you. Check the class covers the work.
3. Keep everything: quotes, messages, receipts and photos of the work so far.
4. Report it to QBCC through its report an offence page or on 139 333.
5. Get legal advice before you end the contract or refuse to pay. This site can’t tell you what applies to your contract.

If the work is defective, see Defective work: how to complain to QBCC.

What if their licence was suspended or cancelled during the job?

A contractor whose licence is suspended or cancelled can’t keep doing building work. Check today’s status on QBCC’s licence search, talk to QBCC, and see My builder walked off the job for your next steps.