Hiring hack: Never forget the all-important licence check

Let’s admit it: In spite of strict government regulations, not everyone who claims to be a tradie is fully qualified to provide the services they offer. Even tradesmen themselves also think that there are unlicensed businesses operating in their field. The best thing to do to ensure that you don’t hire an illegal tradesman is to always verify their licence.

Why do licences exist?

There’s more to choosing a business than looking at the price they charge for their services; it also includes checking whether they’re authorised to practice their profession.

Licences are as important to customers as they are to tradesmen. To homeowners, property owners, and business owners, a valid licence is an assurance that their job will be carried out properly and safely. To tradies, they’re tangible proof that they’re law-abiding citizens who are trained, have the skills and experience, and are fully certified to do certain tasks that no other tradie could do.

Trades that require a licence

As required by the law, people in most building and construction industries need a licence to take on jobs. These trades include bathroom renovations, fencing, building, concreting, and more.

You should also take note that in some states, the price determines whether a licensed tradesman is needed or not. For example, in NSW, timber decking jobs that amount to more than $5,000 should only be done by a licensed builder. In Queensland, on the other hand, a licensed builder is strictly needed if the total cost goes beyond $3,300.

Some tradies who require a proper licence regardless of the overall project cost of the job are electricians, plumbers, asbestos removalists, security systems specialists, locksmiths, and pest control specialists.

If you hire a licensed business for your job and you encounter problems, Fair Trading can help you deal with it.

Licence checks made easy

You can always ask your prospective business to show you their licence to see if they’re valid. You can check online too. Just take note of their licence number and go to public search websites run by state governments:

• NSW – https://www.onegov.nsw.gov.au/publicregister/#/publicregister/search/Trades
• Vic – https://consumer.etoolbox.buildingcommission.com.au/Pages/Search.aspx
• SA – https://secure.cbs.sa.gov.au/OccLicPubReg/LicenceSearch.php
• Qld – http://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/
• WA – http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/building-commission

It pays to be a wise customer; it always does. So aside from seeing if the quoted price fits your budget, don’t forget to make sure that you’re getting the right person for the job.