Choosing a Licensed NSW Builder

Why Licensing Matters

In NSW, anyone contracting to carry out residential building work valued at more than $5,000 (including labour and materials) must hold a valid contractor licence issued by NSW Fair Trading. Licensing exists to protect homeowners — it ensures the builder has demonstrated the required qualifications, experience and understanding of building standards and regulations.

Before engaging a builder, always verify their licence. You can check a licence number online through the NSW Fair Trading public register. A valid licence confirms the builder is authorised to carry out the type of work you're planning — whether it's general building, kitchen and bathroom renovations, or specialist trade work.

Key Credentials to Verify

• Contractor licence — confirms the builder or company can contract for residential building work. The licence card or number should be visible on their website, vehicle and documentation.
• Supervisor certificate — indicates the individual who will supervise the work on site holds the necessary qualifications and experience.
• Home Building Compensation cover — generally required for applicable residential building work valued at more than $20,000 including GST, although exemptions can apply. Where cover is required, the builder or contractor must provide the homeowner with the project's insurance certificate before taking any payment, including a deposit, and before starting work.
• Homeowners can check the current requirements and verify whether appropriate cover is in place through the NSW Government's Home Building Compensation information and HBC Check service.
• Public liability insurance — covers property damage or injury to third parties during construction. Reputable builders carry this as standard.
• ABN — an Australian Business Number confirms the builder operates as a legitimate business entity.
• Written building contract — NSW residential building work generally requires a written contract when the contract price is more than $5,000 including GST, or when the price is unknown but the reasonable market cost of labour and materials exceeds $5,000 including GST. The required contract information depends on the value and nature of the work.
• For current contract requirements, read NSW Government — Contracts for Residential Building Work.

Questions to Ask Before Signing

• Can I see your contractor licence and supervisor certificate?
• How long have you been building in the Sutherland Shire?
• Can you show me examples of completed projects similar to mine?
• How do you structure your contracts and pricing — fixed price or cost-plus?
• Who will be on site managing the work day to day?
• How do you communicate progress, variations and costs during the project?
• What insurance coverage do you carry?
• Ask whether Home Building Compensation cover is required for your particular project and request the project-specific certificate before paying a deposit or allowing work to begin.
• Can you provide a detailed written estimate before we start?

Red Flags to Watch For

• A builder who won't provide their licence number or who hesitates when asked
• Requests for large upfront payments before any work begins
• No written contract or estimate — verbal agreements only
• Reluctance to provide references or examples of past work
• Pressure to sign quickly without time to review the contract

About ACG Built

ACG Built is led by Austin George, a licensed NSW building professional. We hold Contractor Licence No. 347521C and Supervisor Certificate No. 86969S (ABN 56 638 506 402). Every project is owner-supervised and built to the standards expected by NSW Fair Trading. We work across the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney — from Caringbah and Burraneer to Cronulla, Miranda, Gymea and surrounding suburbs.

All our projects are backed by the applicable NSW Home Building warranty obligations and comprehensive insurance coverage. We operate on a transparent cost-plus basis with clear communication throughout the build.

To discuss your project and receive a free, no-obligation estimate, contact ACG Built today.