Data sourced from public government registers. Always verify directly with Access Canberra before making hiring decisions. Read full disclaimer.

Licensed Builders in Canberra, ACT

8986 Verified Browse all verified licensed builders serving Canberra and surrounding suburbs.
Data last updated: 17 February 2026 from Access Canberra register

Builder Directory — Canberra, ACT

Licence20121193
ClassClass A
Licence2012455
ClassClass C
Licence2014936
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2008757
ClassGeneral
Licence20141234
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2020142
ClassClass B
Licence20191096
ClassClass C
Licence2012770
ClassClass C
Licence202274
ClassOwner Builder
Licence200011972
ClassClass D
Licence2016796
ClassClass B
Licence2011224
ClassClass B
Licence2017325
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2010287
ClassClass A
Licence20241370
ClassClass C
Licence2013304
ClassClass C
Licence20131038
ClassClass A
Licence2022447
ClassOwner Builder
Licence20251015
ClassClass B
Licence2023334
ClassOwner Builder
BRET BAKERExpired
Licence20131412
ClassClass D
Licence20081010
ClassClass A
Licence2011189
ClassClass A
Licence19915339
ClassClass B
Licence2011972
ClassClass A
Licence202088
ClassClass B
Licence2007651
ClassClass B
Licence20091129
ClassClass C
Licence2018384
ClassOwner Builder
Licence20131376
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2009489
ClassClass C
Licence2011854
ClassClass C
Licence200212814
ClassClass B
Licence2019916
ClassClass A
Licence2016884
ClassClass A
BRETT FINNExpired
Licence2016870
ClassClass C
Licence2023488
ClassOwner Builder
Licence20051014
ClassUnrestricted
Licence2021613
ClassOwner Builder
Licence20251043
ClassClass A
Licence20081080
ClassClass A
Licence20141172
ClassClass C
Licence2020274
ClassClass B
Licence2025588
ClassClass A
Licence2012165
ClassClass A
Licence2021885
ClassClass C
Licence20241341
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2005420
ClassClass A
Licence2018983
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2019817
ClassClass B
Licence2013570
ClassClass C
Licence2015921
ClassOwner Builder
Licence201474
ClassOwner Builder
Licence20091159
ClassClass C
Licence20151094
ClassOwner Builder
Licence20181175
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2010504
ClassClass D
Licence20131369
ClassClass C
Licence200313207
ClassUnrestricted
Licence19957757
ClassClass B
Licence2005398
ClassClass A
Licence2009189
ClassClass A
Licence2006392
ClassClass D
Licence2013455
ClassClass D
Licence2008645
ClassClass B
Licence2015217
ClassClass A
Licence2014837
ClassOwner Builder
Licence20181138
ClassClass A
Licence2023590
ClassOwner Builder
Licence19853155
ClassClass C
Licence2011263
ClassClass B
Licence2020406
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2014669
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2017587
ClassOwner Builder
Licence201518
ClassClass C
Licence2018498
ClassOwner Builder
Licence200313587
ClassClass B
Licence200578
ClassClass B
Licence20221139
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2018947
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2013506
ClassClass B - Energy Efficiency
Licence2017324
ClassOwner Builder
Licence19936629
ClassClass D
Licence202181
ClassClass D
Licence201450
ClassClass A
Licence2016872
ClassClass C
Licence2023357
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2008552
ClassClass C
Licence2015616
ClassClass C
Licence20241044
ClassClass A
Licence20131260
ClassOwner Builder
Licence20151033
ClassOwner Builder
Licence20241609
ClassOwner Builder
Licence19863369
ClassClass B
Licence2017361
ClassClass C
Licence2005870
ClassClass C
Licence20181016
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2020750
ClassOwner Builder
Licence20111189
ClassClass A - Energy Efficiency
Licence2012380
ClassClass B

Hiring a Builder in Canberra

Before hiring any builder in Canberra, use this checklist to protect yourself and ensure you're working with a properly licensed and insured professional.

  1. Verify their Home Warranty Insurance is current — For residential building work above the state threshold (e.g. $20,000 in NSW, $16,000 in VIC), the builder must hold Home Warranty Insurance (also called Home Building Compensation in NSW). Ask for the certificate before signing — it protects you if the builder dies, disappears, or becomes insolvent before defects are rectified.
  2. Ask to see their QBCC or equivalent financial standing — In Queensland and several other states, builders must meet minimum net tangible asset requirements. A builder who has recently had financial conditions placed on their licence may be at risk of insolvency. Check the public register for any conditions, sanctions, or disciplinary actions.
  3. Request a detailed scope of works, not just a lump-sum price — A one-line quote of "$350,000 for your renovation" tells you nothing. Insist on a fully itemised scope of works that lists each trade, materials, allowances, PC (prime cost) items, and provisional sums so you can compare quotes fairly and avoid surprise variations.
  4. Confirm how they handle variations and cost overruns — Variations are the number-one source of building disputes in Australia. Ask how changes are documented and priced, whether there is a margin applied to variations, and ensure the contract requires written approval before any variation work commences.
  5. Check their licence class matches the scale of your project — Builder licences are tiered by project scale — for example, QBCC offers Low Rise (up to 2 storeys), Medium Rise (up to 3 storeys), and Open (unrestricted). A builder licensed only for Low Rise cannot legally construct a three-storey townhouse. Verify the licence class on the relevant state register.
Pro Tip

Get at least three quotes and compare not just price, but response time, warranty on workmanship, and whether the quote includes parts.

Red Flags to Watch For
  • No Home Warranty Insurance certificate for work over the threshold — Builders are legally required to provide Home Warranty Insurance before starting residential work above the state threshold. If a builder says insurance "isn't needed" or asks you to split the contract to stay under the threshold, walk away — this is a serious red flag and may indicate they cannot obtain insurance.
  • Demands large upfront deposits beyond the legal limit — Most states cap the deposit a builder can request — for example, 5% in Victoria and 10% in NSW for contracts over $20,000. A builder requesting 30–50% upfront may have cash flow problems and could be using your deposit to fund other projects.
  • Reluctant to put the scope of works in writing — For residential building work above the relevant threshold, a written contract is a legal requirement in every state. A builder who resists putting the full scope, timeline, and payment schedule in writing is exposing you to variations, disputes, and limited legal recourse.
  • Multiple current disciplinary actions on the public register — Check the state licensing register (e.g. QBCC, NSW Fair Trading, VBA) for any directions to rectify, licence conditions, or complaint history. One resolved complaint is normal; multiple open actions suggest systemic quality or conduct issues.

Builder Licensing Requirements in Australian Capital Territory

Licence Required

Licensing is managed by ACT Construction Occupations Registrar.

Licence Types

Builder Licence — Class A

All building work including multi-storey construction

Builder Licence — Class B

Building work up to 2 storeys

Builder Licence — Class C

Limited building work (e.g. alterations and additions)

Key Requirements

  • Diploma of Building and Construction (CPC50220) or equivalent
  • Minimum 3 years supervisory experience
  • Fidelity fund certificate for residential building work

Penalties for unlicensed work

Unlicensed building work in the ACT can result in fines up to $48,000 for individuals. The Construction Occupations Registrar can also issue demerit points, rectification orders, and prohibition notices.

Typical Builder Costs in ACT

Hourly Rate

$75 – $130

Callout Fee

$85 – $160

Common Jobs

JobCost Range
Deck construction (20-30sqm)$5350 – $16050
Bathroom renovation$16050 – $37450
Kitchen renovation$21400 – $53500

Related Directories

Builders in Nearby Suburbs

Other Trades in Canberra

Broader Areas

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a builder and a building contractor?

In most states, the terms are interchangeable for licensing purposes. A "builder" typically refers to someone who constructs or renovates buildings, while a "building contractor" holds the licence that allows them to contract for building work and engage subcontractors. Some states distinguish between a general contractor (whole-of-build) and a specialist or trade contractor (single trade like carpentry or tiling).

What does Home Warranty Insurance actually cover?

Home Warranty Insurance (known as Home Building Compensation in NSW) covers homeowners if the builder cannot complete the work or fix defects due to death, disappearance, or insolvency. It typically covers structural defects for 6 years and non-structural defects for 2 years after completion. It does not cover disputes about quality while the builder is still trading — that is handled through the building tribunal or commission.

How much does it cost to build a house per square metre in Australia?

As a rough guide, expect $1,800–$2,500 per square metre for a standard project home, $2,500–$3,500 for a custom design, and $3,500 or more for architecturally designed or high-specification builds. Costs vary significantly by state, site conditions, finishes, and market demand. Always get at least three detailed quotes for your specific plans and site.

Do I need council approval before my builder starts work?

For most building work beyond minor cosmetic changes, yes. You or your builder must obtain a building permit (or construction certificate in NSW) from council or a private certifier before work begins. Some minor works like garden sheds under a certain size may be exempt. Your builder should confirm permit requirements during the quoting stage.

What is a defects liability period?

The defects liability period is a window — usually 13 to 26 weeks after practical completion — during which the builder must return to fix any defects identified during a final inspection. It is separate from Home Warranty Insurance cover. Document all defects in writing during this period and issue a formal defect notice to the builder.

Can I act as an owner-builder instead of hiring a licensed builder?

Most states allow homeowners to act as their own builder by obtaining an Owner Builder Permit, but thresholds apply — for example, work over $10,000 in NSW or $11,000 in QLD. As an owner-builder you take on all legal responsibility for compliance, subcontractor management, and workplace safety. You must also disclose the owner-builder work when selling the property within 6 years in most states.

How do I verify a builder's licence in ACT?

You can verify any builder's licence using TradieVerify's free search tool or directly through the Access Canberra register. Enter the builder's name or licence number to confirm their licence status, class, and any disciplinary history.

How many licensed builders are in Canberra?

There are currently 8986 licensed builders registered in Canberra, ACT. This data is sourced directly from the Access Canberra register and updated regularly.