It is a fair question and most people are told the answer only after they have booked the wrong person. Here is the plain version for Western Australia.
One caveat before we start: licensing rules change, and the value thresholds that decide some of this move over time. For anything substantial, check the current position with the Building and Energy division of the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety rather than taking any contractor’s word for it — including ours.
Work that needs a registered builder
Anything structural. New builds, extensions, removing or altering load-bearing walls, significant alterations to the frame or roof structure, underpinning. Building work over a certain contract value also has to be carried out by a registered builder, and that threshold is set in legislation.
Structural work generally needs engineering design behind it as well, and usually a building permit from your local council.
Work that needs a specific licensed trade
Three things are not negotiable no matter how small the job:
- Electrical work — licensed electrician, always
- Gas work — licensed gas fitter, always
- Plumbing — licensed plumber for almost everything beyond changing a tap washer
Anyone offering to do these without a licence is a reason to end the conversation.
Work that does not need either
A very large amount of what goes wrong with a building is repair, maintenance and finishing rather than construction:
- Patching and repairing walls and ceilings
- Doors, locks, hinges and hardware
- Carpentry repairs, decking, pergolas, fences and gates
- Tiling repairs, grout and silicone
- Painting and timber finishing
- Flat pack assembly, shelving and fixings
- General property maintenance and make-good
That is the space we work in. See what we do and building repairs and refurbishment.
How to tell which one you have
Ask one question: is anything holding the building up involved? If yes, you want a registered builder and probably an engineer. If no, and it is not electrical, gas or plumbing, a competent building maintenance contractor is the right and cheaper choice.
If you are not sure, describe it to us. If it is not our work we will tell you, because sending someone the wrong trade helps nobody.
General information only. This article is general in nature. It does not take account of your property, your circumstances or current local requirements, and it is not a substitute for an inspection or professional advice. Please consider your own situation before acting on anything here, and get qualified advice where the work involves safety, structure, electrical, gas or plumbing. Kangaroo Building Works accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this information.
