What You Need to Know About Getting a New South Wales Builder Licence

If you're thinking about becoming a builder in New South Wales (NSW), there's a fair bit to wrap your head around before you're ready to apply for your NSW Builder License. Whether you're already working onsite and wondering if you're eligible, or you're still an apprentice planning ahead, understanding what’s involved will give you the best shot at getting licensed when the time comes.

In NSW, there's currently only one type of "builder licence", and it's strictly for residential work. But changes could be on the way, with talk of introducing commercial builder licences like they have in other states such as Queensland and Victoria. This blog will break down what you need to know now and how to prepare for your builder license, whether you're ready to apply soon or just mapping out your career.

What Can You Do with a NSW Builder License?

A NSW Builder License is a must if you want to carry out any residential building work valued at over $5,000 (including materials and labour). The current licence allows you to:

• Build new homes, townhouses, and other residential buildings
• Carry out major renovations and structural alterations to residential buildings

Unlike Queensland and Victoria, NSW doesn’t currently have a commercial builders license (which means you can build a 20 story office building without a builders license, but if you want to build a granny flat, you need a builders license - crazy right?), but that could change soon with proposed updates to the system.

Do You Meet the Experience Requirements?

To apply for a NSW Builder Licence, you’ll need to show at least two years of hands on experience doing a "wide range" of building work. Most of this experience needs to be from the last 10 years and the projects need to be within the state of NSW. Depending on your qualifications, you’ll also need to show either:

• Site supervision experience: On site managing projects, organising/supervising trades, and making sure their work is done to the right standard (Check out our blog on what is site supervisor experience), and or
• Multiple trade works: experience working across different trades like carpentry, concreting, and roofing (although this option is less often explored in applications).

If you're not quite there yet, it's still worth keeping track of your work history now so you're ready when the time comes. Write down what jobs you're working on, who you're working for, and what your role is, even if you're just starting out.

What Qualifications Do You Need?

NSW requires everyone applying for a builder license to have a Certificate IV in Building and Construction (for most circumstances). This course covers everything from site safety to building codes and contract management, basically all the knowledge you'll need as a licensed builder.

Some tradies also go on to do a Diploma of Building and Construction or have trade licences/qualifications in carpentry or bricklaying, which can help strengthen your application. But if you're only just starting to plan your future, obtaining the Cert IV in Building & Construction is your main goal for now.

How to Get Ready for Your License

Whether you're a few years away from applying or you're nearly ready to submit your application, here's how to set yourself up:

• Save Your Paperwork: Payslips, invoices, job contracts, references. Anything that proves your experience should be kept in a safe place.
• Get a Mix of Experience: Try to work on different stages of jobs such as new homes, extentions and/or structural renovations. The more variety, the better your chances!
• Build and Keep Good Relationships: Your Builder will play a big part in your application, so make sure you're leaving a good impression with the people you're working for. If you don't it could deem you ineligible.
• Look Into Qualifications Early: If you're not sure where to start with the Cert IV, talk to your employer about whether they can help you get started while you're still working.

What's Coming: Commercial Builder Licences

The NSW Government is looking into introducing the Commercial Builder License NSW to regulate larger, nonresidential jobs. Nothing is set in stone yet, but it's something to keep an eye on if you're planning to move into commercial building work down the track.

Final Thoughts

Getting a NSW Builder License isn't something that happens overnight. But, with the right plan you can get there. Whether you're already working onsite or just starting out, the best time to start preparing is now.

If you're not sure where you stand or what you need to do next, Licensing Advice is here to help. We specialise in guiding tradies through the entire complicated licensing process, from assessing your experience, preparing the application for you including contacting your references and ensuring a smooth lodgment process.

Book your free call today and take the first step towards your future as a licensed builder in NSW.