How-To Guides

Dodgy Builder List Sydney: How to Verify a NSW Builder's Licence

A licence check is your best dodgy-builder filter. Here's how NSW builder licences work, what the classes mean, and how to verify one properly.

TL;DR Most dodgy-builder problems start with a licence that's missing, expired, or wrong for the work. Verifying a NSW builder's licence properly is the single most effective filter you have. It means confirming the licence is current, matches the legal name, and covers the correct class and value of work. This guide explains how NSW licensing works and exactly how to check it. How NSW builder licensing works In NSW, residential building work above a set value must be carried out by the holder of an appropriate contractor licence or certificate. Licences are issued for specific classes of work — general building, or specialist trades like electrical, plumbing or waterproofing. A licence for one class doesn't authorise another. What to confirm when you verify Current status: Active, not exp…