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

Licence20201481
ClassClass A
Licence2013325
ClassClass B
Licence2014764
ClassClass A
Licence2022598
ClassClass D
Licence2015908
ClassClass A
Licence2016211
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2022196
ClassOwner Builder
Licence1972562
ClassClass B
Licence20151058
ClassOwner Builder
Licence20211657
ClassOwner Builder
Licence200313246
ClassClass C
Licence2013302
ClassClass C
Licence2014988
ClassOwner Builder
Licence20141323
ClassClass D
Licence2015727
ClassClass A
Licence20231236
ClassClass A
Licence20131182
ClassClass A
Licence2020241
ClassClass C
Licence2025686
ClassClass C
Licence20101322
ClassClass D
Licence2025751
ClassClass A
Licence20131336
ClassClass C
Licence2019108
ClassOwner Builder
Licence19936730
ClassClass D
Licence2012177
ClassClass C
Licence200213033
ClassClass C
Licence2019650
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2020178
ClassClass A
Licence199811393
ClassClass A
Licence2017959
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2013531
ClassClass A
Licence20181045
ClassClass C
Licence2009502
ClassClass B
Licence2015750
ClassOwner Builder
Licence20141242
ClassClass B
Licence19936343
ClassClass C
Licence2020776
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2017918
ClassOwner Builder
Licence20131250
ClassOwner Builder
Licence201212
ClassClass C
Licence196346
ClassClass B
Licence2020774
ClassClass A
Licence20141296
ClassClass C
Licence2017481
ClassClass D
Licence200112306
ClassClass A
Licence2016851
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2015329
ClassClass D
Licence20101219
ClassClass C
Licence2010466
ClassClass C
Licence199414424
ClassAdvanced Sanitary Drainer
Licence19771669
ClassClass C
Licence2019336
ClassOwner Builder
Licence19957828
ClassClass B
Licence2019773
ClassOwner Builder
Licence19822440
ClassClass C
FRANK LESKExpired
Licence20201718
ClassClass A
Licence201310
ClassClass D
Licence19853131
ClassClass B
Licence2016943
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2013930
ClassClass C
Licence20151201
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2018345
ClassOwner Builder
Licence200212989
ClassClass A
Licence20251630
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2018307
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2012303
ClassClass D
Licence1973764
ClassClass B
Licence1973881
ClassClass B
Licence2013459
ClassOwner Builder
Licence19894673
ClassClass C
Licence2013367
ClassClass A
Licence2017509
ClassOwner Builder
Licence1973757
ClassClass B
Licence2017323
ClassOwner Builder
Licence20131034
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2007390
ClassClass B
Licence20121177
ClassClass B
Licence2017460
ClassClass A
Licence2020556
ClassClass A
Licence2019584
ClassClass A
Licence2017662
ClassClass C
Licence2016903
ClassClass C
Licence20151029
ClassClass C
Licence200413669
ClassClass C
Licence2016452
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2021882
ClassClass C
Licence20231115
ClassClass C
Licence2014788
ClassClass A
Licence2013355
ClassClass B
Licence2011731
ClassClass C
Licence2008601
ClassClass C
Licence2015773
ClassClass C
Licence20251493
ClassClass B
Licence2005349
ClassClass B
Licence2011499
ClassClass C
Licence2014509
ClassClass C
GANG SHENExpired
Licence201663
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2016758
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2017142
ClassOwner Builder

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.