Choosing a builder

When you build, extend or renovate you will usually deal with professionals such as:

• builders
• architects
• surveyors
• tradespeople.

Always check qualifications and reputation before you hire someone.

You can check they are licensed for specific work by asking to see their licence. You can also search their occupation’s register:

• licensed builders and tradespeople
• registered architects

Reputations

The public assurances register lists a business if there have been official concerns about their work in the past.

You could also:

• ask for references from people who have recently had work done, then check the quality
• read reliable reviews and feedback online.

Indemnity insurance

Building work contractors must have building indemnity insurance if they are doing work that needs council approval and costs $20,000 or more.

Registered architects must have professional indemnity insurance.

Contracts

Don't sign a contract unless you:

• read it
• understand it
• check everything you discussed is included
• agree with it.

If there is something you don't understand, ask the person to explain it and show you the contract reference or ask Consumer and Business Services for advice.

Deposits

Builders and tradespeople can ask for a deposit before they start work on a property. For contract amounts of $20,000 or more it should be no more than five percent of the total.

Builders can also ask you to pay for things like council approval and soil testing. It is risky to make any other payments upfront. Once the work has started, you should only pay for completed work when you receive an invoice.