Trade & Building Glossary
Plain-English definitions of Australian trade, building, and licensing terms. Browse alphabetically or filter by category to find what you need.
Backflow Prevention
Trade TerminologyA plumbing measure that stops contaminated water from flowing back into the clean water supply,…
Breach of Contract
Insurance & LegalWhen a builder fails to fulfil their obligations under a building contract, such as not completing…
Building Permit
Licence & RegulationA formal approval required before commencing building or renovation work, issued by a council or…
Compliance Certificate
Licence & RegulationAn official document confirming that completed building work meets the National Construction Code,…
Consumer and Business Services SA
State BodiesThe South Australian government agency responsible for licensing builders and tradespeople, and…
Cooling-Off Period
Consumer ProtectionA legally mandated window (typically 5 business days) after signing a residential building contract…
Defective Work
Consumer ProtectionBuilding or trade work that fails to meet the standards required by the contract, the National…
Defects Liability Period
Building & ConstructionA fixed period after practical completion during which the builder is legally obligated to return…
Deposit Limit
Consumer ProtectionThe maximum upfront deposit a builder can legally request before starting residential building…
Development Application
Building & ConstructionA formal application to a local council seeking approval for proposed building work, land use…
Dispute Resolution
Consumer ProtectionThe processes available to homeowners and builders to resolve building work disagreements,…
DMIRS — Western Australia
State BodiesThe Western Australian government department regulating building, electrical, gas, and plumbing…
Practical Completion
Building & ConstructionThe stage at which building work is finished to the point where it can be used for its intended…
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Insurance & LegalInsurance protecting tradespeople against claims of negligent advice, design errors, or service…
Progress Payment
Building & ConstructionA scheduled payment made to a builder at defined stages of a construction project, rather than…
Public Liability Insurance
Insurance & LegalInsurance that covers a tradesperson against claims for property damage or personal injury caused…
Security of Payment
Insurance & LegalLegislation ensuring builders, subcontractors, and suppliers receive timely payment for…
Split System
Trade TerminologyAn air conditioning unit with an indoor wall-mounted unit and outdoor compressor, commonly used for…
Statutory Warranty
Insurance & LegalA warranty implied by law into residential building contracts guaranteeing work will be done with…
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