Checking a trade's licence costs nothing and takes a couple of minutes. It is the easiest way to avoid the worst kind of job. Here is how to do it, what to look for, and when to walk away.
What the QBCC is, and why it matters
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission, the QBCC, licenses builders and most building trades in Queensland, including plumbers. A lot of building work legally needs a QBCC licence, and plumbing and drainage need one for almost every job, however small. The QBCC website sets out which work needs which licence.
Two minutes on the register is worth it for three reasons.
- It tells you they are allowed to do the work. To hold a licence, they have had to show the QBCC they have the qualifications and experience for that class of work.
- It can affect your protection. For some residential work, the QBCC's home warranty insurance may cover you if things go badly wrong, and using an unlicensed contractor can leave you without that cover. The QBCC website explains when it applies.
- There is somewhere to go if it goes wrong. The QBCC has a process for complaints about defective or incomplete work.
How to check a licence, step by step
- Ask for the licence number. Anyone licensed will have it handy, and plenty of businesses print it on their paperwork and website.
- Go to the QBCC website at qbcc.qld.gov.au and look for Search the QBCC licensee register.
- Search by licence number. You can also search by person or company name, which helps if all you have is a business name.
- Check the details against the list below.
- Take a screenshot and keep it with the paperwork for the job.
There is a separate register for plumbing and drainage licences on the QBCC website too.
What to look for
The name matches
The person or company on the licence should match the business on the contract and the one you are paying. If the paperwork says one business and the licence says another, ask why. There can be a sensible reason, but you want a straight answer before you sign anything.
The licence is current
Check the status. You want current. Not suspended, cancelled or expired.
The licence class covers the job
Licences come in classes, such as roof tiling, plumbing and drainage, or builder. A licence for one type of work does not cover everything. If you are getting a roof fixed, you want a class that covers roofing work. If you are not sure which class fits the job, the QBCC can tell you.
The history
Depending on the licence, the register can show more than the basics, like conditions on the licence or past disciplinary action. One old issue is not necessarily a deal-breaker. A pattern is worth a conversation.
Electricians are different. Electrical licences are handled by the Electrical Safety Office, not the QBCC, so an electrician may not show up on the QBCC register. Ask for their electrical contractor licence number and check it with the Electrical Safety Office's online licence search.
Red flags
- They will not give you a licence number, or get cagey when you ask
- The number does not come up, or comes up under a different name
- The licence class does not match the work
- They tell you no licence is needed, and cannot point you to where it says so
- They want a big cash deposit before anything starts. Queensland law limits deposits on domestic building contracts, and the QBCC website has the current limits.
- There is no written contract, or a quote with a price and nothing else
- They knocked on your door after a storm and want you to sign today
If the search comes back with nothing at all, do not go ahead. Contact the QBCC and ask.
A licence is the minimum
A current licence tells you someone is allowed to do the work. It does not tell you whether they turn up on time, answer the phone or leave the site tidy. Still ask about insurance, get the scope in writing and compare quotes properly.
How we handle it
Every trade we line up for a Linc Point job has their licence and insurance checked before they come to your place. We will happily give you the licence number so you can check it yourself. You should. It takes two minutes, and anyone worth using will not mind at all.
Quick answers
Does it cost anything to check a QBCC licence?
No. Searching the QBCC licensee register online is free.
Will an electrician show up on the QBCC register?
Not necessarily. Electrical licences are handled by the Electrical Safety Office, so check electricians there.
What if nothing comes up when I search?
Do not go ahead. Double-check the number, then contact the QBCC before you agree to anything.
Sources and further reading
General information only, shared from the sources below. It is not professional advice for your property. If something looks unsafe, stop and call a licensed professional, or 000 in an emergency.
- QBCC Queensland Building and Construction Commission (opens in a new tab)Licences, contracts and payments for building work in Queensland.
- QBCC Lists and registers (opens in a new tab)The QBCC licensee register and the plumber and drainer register, free to search.
- QBCC Queensland Home Warranty Scheme (opens in a new tab)When home warranty cover applies to residential work.
- QBCC Deposits and progress payments (opens in a new tab)The current limits on deposits for domestic building work.
- QBCC Plumbing work (opens in a new tab)Most plumbing and drainage work in Queensland must be done by a licensed plumber or drainer.
- Electrical Safety Office Electrical licence search (opens in a new tab)Check an electrician's licence.