A neighbour wants a new deck. A mate's mum needs her bathroom retiled. It's good money, it's cash in hand, and nobody's going to check. Then halfway through you start wondering whether you're even allowed to do it.
In Queensland, the answer mostly comes down to one number: $3,300. Here's when you need a QBCC licence, which work needs one at any price, what happens if you skip it, and how to get one.
Key Facts: QBCC Licences in Queensland
- In Queensland you need a QBCC licence for building work valued over $3,300, including labour, materials and GST.
- Some work needs a licence at any value, including plumbing, drainage, gas fitting, fire protection, mechanical services and chemical termite management.
- Electrical work isn't licensed by QBCC. It goes through Queensland's Electrical Safety Office.
- Without the right licence you can't quote, tender, sign a building contract or do the work.
- Domestic building contracts over $3,300 must be written, dated and signed by both parties before work starts.
The $3,300 Rule
QBCC (the Queensland Building and Construction Commission) licenses building work in Queensland. If a job is valued over $3,300, you need a QBCC licence in the right class for that work. The $3,300 covers everything: labour, materials and GST.
It's the value of the job that counts, so think about the whole job, not each invoice. If you're unsure whether something counts as "building work", ring QBCC on 139 333 before you quote.
Do I Need a QBCC Licence? Work Type by Work Type
The work | Do you need a QBCC licence? |
|---|---|
Building work such as carpentry, tiling, painting or concreting, over $3,300 incl. labour, materials and GST | Yes, in the right licence class |
The same work at $3,300 or under, as long as it isn't one of the trades below | No. This is the handyman exemption |
Plumbing, drainage or gas fitting | Yes, at any value |
Fire protection, mechanical services or chemical termite management | Yes, at any value |
Electrical work | Not from QBCC. Electrical licensing is through the Electrical Safety Office |
Working as an employee of a licensed contractor | Usually no, unless you supervise the work or are responsible for its quality |
Subcontracting to a licensed builder | Yes, a contractor licence for your trade |
What Happens If You Work Without One
Carrying out, or even offering to carry out, building work without the right licence is an offence. Without a licence you can't quote or tender for the job, sign a building contract or do the work itself. QBCC prosecutes unlicensed work, and some breaches of the building rules can end in court.
It also lands on your customer. Homeowners who hire someone unlicensed can lose access to Queensland Home Warranty Insurance, which is their safety net if the job goes wrong. That's a hard conversation to have after the work is done.
Handyman Work Under $3,300
If every job you do is $3,300 or under and none of it is plumbing, drainage, gas or the other any-value trades, you can work without a QBCC licence. There's a catch with advertising, though. If you advertise general maintenance work, QBCC requires the ad to say it's "under $3,300 (including all materials and labour)".
A written contract isn't required under $3,300, but keep a record of what you agreed anyway. It's your best friend if the customer later disputes the price.
Contracts Once You're Over $3,300
Once a domestic job goes over $3,300, the contract rules kick in. Contracts must be in writing, dated, signed by both parties and agreed before work begins.
Job value | Contract type |
|---|---|
Under $3,300 (incl. labour, materials and GST) | No contract required. A written record is still recommended |
$3,301 to $19,999 | Level 1 regulated contract |
$20,000 or more | Level 2 regulated contract |
Residential jobs over $3,300 also attract a Queensland Home Warranty Insurance premium, which protects the homeowner if the work is defective or left unfinished.
How to Get a QBCC Licence
Every licence class has its own requirements, but most contractor licences come down to three things:
Technical skills. Proof you can do the work in that class, such as apprenticeship papers, a qualification from a registered training organisation, or recognition of prior learning.
A managerial qualification. Contractor licences generally need the business unit BSBESB402 (Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures).
Minimum financial requirements. Contractors must show they meet QBCC's minimum financial requirements.
There are also different licence types. A contractor licence lets you contract for the work yourself. A nominee supervisor is the person responsible for supervising a company's work, and a site supervisor licence covers supervising on site. Check the page for your trade class on the QBCC website before you apply.
The Verdict: Do You Need a QBCC Licence?
Do this if
- You regularly quote jobs over $3,300, including labour, materials and GST
- You do plumbing, drainage, gas fitting, fire protection or mechanical work, at any value
- You want to subcontract to licensed builders
- You want to grow past small jobs without looking over your shoulder
Don't do this if
- Every job you do is $3,300 or under and none of it is in the any-value trades
- You're an employee and you don't supervise or sign off on the work
- You're an electrician doing only electrical work, which is licensed through the Electrical Safety Office instead
QBCC Licence FAQs
Does the $3,300 limit include GST?
Yes. QBCC counts the full value of the work, including labour, materials and GST.
Do electricians need a QBCC licence?
Not for electrical work, which is licensed through Queensland's Electrical Safety Office. You'd only need a QBCC licence if you also take on other building work over $3,300.
Can I do handyman work without a licence?
Yes, if each job is $3,300 or under and isn't plumbing, drainage, gas fitting or another trade that needs a licence at any value. Ads for general maintenance work must say "under $3,300 (including all materials and labour)".
How do I get a QBCC licence?
Most contractor licences need proof of your technical skills, the BSBESB402 managerial unit and evidence you meet QBCC's minimum financial requirements. Check your trade's licence class on the QBCC website or call 139 333.
This article is general information about Queensland rules, not legal advice. Other states have different rules. Check with QBCC before you quote.
