If you are a tradie or contractor looking to expand your work in South Australia, you might have heard the term Restricted Builders Licence SA and wondered what it actually means. Getting licensed is an important step in protecting your business, building trust with clients, and staying compliant with South Australian regulations.

In this article, we’ll break down what a restricted builder’s licence is, who needs one, what types are available, and how to apply.

What Is a Restricted Builders Licence?

A Restricted Builders Licence in South Australia allows you to carry out specific types of building work rather than the full scope of construction activities. It’s designed for trades or businesses that specialise in certain areas of building, such as carpentry, bathroom renovations, concreting, roofing, or similar trades.

If you hold a restricted licence, you are authorised to perform building work within your area of expertise only. For example, a builder with a restricted licence for kitchen and bathroom renovations can complete renovation work in those areas but not build new homes or extensions.

Who Needs a Restricted Builders Licence in SA?

You need a builder’s licence in South Australia if you are:

• Carrying out building work valued at over $12,000, and
• Either supervising or contracting that work for others.

Even if your work is limited to one specific trade or part of a building project, you still need a licence that matches the scope of work you perform.

If your work doesn’t cover the full range of building construction, a restricted licence might be the right fit. This applies to trades such as:

• Bathroom, kitchen, and laundry renovations
• Carpentry and joinery
• Wall and floor tiling
• Concreting
• Roofing
• Structural landscaping
• Decking and pergolas

Each restricted licence type specifies the exact building work you are authorised to perform.

Benefits of Holding a Restricted Licence

Holding a Restricted Builders Licence in SA gives you several advantages:

• Legitimacy and compliance: You can legally contract for work and advertise your services.
• Access to bigger jobs: Many clients and builders require proof of licensing before awarding work.
• Flexibility: You can expand your services without needing to qualify for a full, unrestricted builder’s licence.
• Client trust: Licensed builders are seen as professional and reliable, which helps attract more business.

Types of Restricted Builder Licences in South Australia

The Consumer and Business Services (CBS) in South Australia issues different types of restricted licences depending on your trade and experience. Some of the common restricted licences include:

• Bathroom, kitchen, and laundry renovations
• Roofing (metal, tile, or general)
• Carpentry
• Concreting
• Wall and floor tiling
• Pergolas, decks, and verandahs
• Retaining walls and structural landscaping

Each licence category requires you to demonstrate your qualifications, experience, and scope of work. The restrictions listed on your licence define exactly what you are permitted to do.

How to Apply for a Restricted Builders Licence in SA

Applying for a Restricted Builders Licence involves several steps:

1. Gather your qualifications: You’ll need to provide proof of your training and trade qualifications relevant to the work you want to be licensed for.
2. Show your experience: You must demonstrate experience in the type of building work you’re applying for.
3. Prepare your application: Complete the builder’s licence application through Consumer and Business Services (CBS).
4. Provide supporting documents: This includes your qualifications, references, and evidence of completed work.
5. Submit your application and pay the required fees.

If you are unsure which restricted licence suits your work, Licensing Advice can help assess your qualifications and guide you through the process.

Restricted vs Unrestricted Builder Licence

The main difference between a restricted and unrestricted licence is the scope of work.

• A restricted licence allows you to carry out only the types of building work listed on your licence.
• An unrestricted licence allows you to perform or supervise all types of residential or commercial building work.

Most tradies start with a restricted licence that matches their trade and later upgrade to an unrestricted licence once they gain more experience and qualifications.

Need Help Applying for a Restricted Builders Licence in SA?

Applying for a builder’s licence can be confusing, especially if you’re unsure what documentation or experience you need. At Licensing Advice, we specialise in helping tradies and builders get licensed across Australia including Restricted Builder Licences in South Australia.

We’ll review your qualifications, prepare your documentation, and guide you through the CBS application process to make it simple and stress free.

Final Thoughts

A Restricted Builders Licence in South Australia is perfect for tradespeople who want to take the next step and start contracting for their own work. Whether you’re a carpenter, roofer, or renovator, holding the right licence gives your business the credibility and compliance it needs to grow.

If you’re ready to get started or just want to check your eligibility, book a consultation with Licensing Advice today.