General Building Licensing Information

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

The process of getting a Builders' license in South Australia is managed and regulated by Consumer and Business Services.

Licensing

Individuals and businesses must be licensed as building contractors, including subcontractors if they run a business that carries out or organises building work:

for others to sell or let land or buildings.

Sole traders normally apply for a contractor's license and building work supervisor registration at the same time as both are required to contract work.

Licensing Types

  • Building Work Contractor 

License Application

https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/business-and-trade/licensing/building-and-trades/building-work-contractor-s-licence

Experience

Demonstration of experience through the provision of a detailed work history. You may also provide references from other licensed builders and customers where you were involved in the performance of the work in support of your detailed work history.

An interview may be required in determining your eligibility to be authorised the category of work applied for. 

Qualifications

One of the following approved qualifications:

  • Contractors Management Program Certificate IV
  • Diploma in Building - with academic record
  • Certificate IV in Building - with academic record Business
  • Management for Building 1 (AQF4) & Business Management for Building 2 (AQF5) - with academic record

Other knowledge options are available.

National Police Check

Applicants must provide a copy of National Police Certificate.

Financial Requirements

People who do 'specified building work' for example, bricklayers, carpenters, need to have at least $10,000 in net assets to apply for a contractor's license. If you don’t have enough in net assets, you can apply for a restricted license as a subcontractor.

Builders who work in 'major residential construction' must attach one of the following to the application:

  • a certificate showing you are able to get building indemnity insurance
  • letter from a chartered or certified practising accountant or IPA public accountant confirming that you are solvent and have at least $100,000 of tangible net assets.

Industrial, commercial and civil builders must declare on the application form that they have the financial resources needed to carry on this type of business.

Building Insurance Requirements

Builders must take out insurance when doing domestic building work that needs council approval and costs $12,000 or more. This includes when you are:

  • building a house
  • renovating
  • building an extension.
     

More Information

For more information on applying for a South Australian License, or to learn more about the process, visit the Consumer and Business Services website.