How-To Guides
The 60-Second Check: Searching the Dodgy Builder List Sydney
You can screen any Sydney builder in about a minute. Here's the fast, exact sequence to check a licence and history before you go any further.
TL;DR There's no one-click "dodgy builder list," but you can run a solid screening in about 60 seconds using NSW Fair Trading's free licence check. If a builder's licence is current, correctly named and correctly classed with no disciplinary flags, they pass the first gate. If not, stop. This is the fast version. It won't replace reading the contract, but it instantly rules out the worst operators. Before you start: get two things You need the builder's exact legal entity name and their licence number . A legitimate builder gives these without hesitation. Reluctance here is itself a red flag. The 60-second sequence (0–20s) Open the NSW Fair Trading licence check and enter the name or licence number. (20–35s) Confirm the licence is current , not expired, suspended or cancelled. (35–50s) Con…