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

Licence2013345
ClassClass D
Licence2007572
ClassClass C
Licence20231271
ClassClass C
Licence2023976
ClassClass A
Licence2022820
ClassClass C
Licence20091126
ClassClass A
ALI ROMZIExpired
Licence20181146
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2010218
ClassClass B
ALI SHAHIExpired
Licence2009453
ClassClass A
ALI YAZJIExpired
Licence20181095
ClassClass C
Licence2020225
ClassOwner Builder
Licence20121078
ClassClass C
Licence20191052
ClassOwner Builder
Licence20131288
ClassOwner Builder
ALINA JAYExpired
Licence2022554
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2024674
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2010517
ClassClass A
Licence2018413
ClassOwner Builder
Licence20111347
ClassClass A
Licence20141381
ClassOwner Builder
Licence20141380
ClassOwner Builder
Licence20161145
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2016816
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2015479
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2023441
ClassClass A
Licence1974982
ClassClass B
Licence2017949
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2018303
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2008489
ClassClass C
Licence2024346
ClassClass A
Licence2005674
ClassClass C
Licence2015138
ClassOwner Builder
Licence19781701
ClassClass C
Licence2020706
ClassClass B
Licence2017928
ClassOwner Builder
Licence20151063
ClassOwner Builder
Licence199911747
ClassClass A
Licence19926163
ClassClass B
Licence200313290
ClassClass A
Licence20221131
ClassClass C
Licence20141155
ClassOwner Builder
ALLEN NGExpired
Licence2018875
ClassClass D
Licence20131297
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2020436
ClassClass B
Licence2025679
ClassClass B
Licence20161160
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2015631
ClassClass B
Licence2014630
ClassClass A
Licence20121165
ClassClass A
Licence2015169
ClassClass C
Licence2006543
ClassClass B
Licence2023562
ClassClass A
AMANDA LAXExpired
Licence2018274
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2023756
ClassClass C
Licence20251097
ClassClass A
AMAR RIAZActive
Licence2017151
ClassClass C
Licence20221308
ClassClass C
Licence2025581
ClassClass C
Licence2021855
ClassClass A
Licence2015208
ClassClass A
Licence20221031
ClassClass C
Licence2025676
ClassClass B
Licence2020146
ClassClass A
Licence2010888
ClassClass C
Licence2023648
ClassClass C
Licence20184
ClassOwner Builder
AMERS PTY LTDCancelled
Licence2015834
ClassClass B
Licence20171041
ClassClass C
AMIE LLOYDExpired
Licence2021713
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2023750
ClassClass C
Licence20231287
ClassClass C
Licence2019159
ClassClass A - Energy Efficiency
Licence2023647
ClassClass A
Licence2021628
ClassClass C
AMIR SAMEIExpired
Licence2009915
ClassClass B
Licence201239
ClassClass C
Licence202386
ClassClass C
Licence199710916
ClassClass A
Licence20241407
ClassOwner Builder
Licence20241079
ClassClass A
Licence2024659
ClassClass C
Licence2024611
ClassClass A
AMR TAWFIKExpired
Licence20191152
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2025398
ClassClass C
Licence2011772
ClassClass C
Licence2021154
ClassOwner Builder
AN TRANActive
Licence199911746
ClassClass A
Licence2014412
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2018710
ClassClass A
Licence20191036
ClassClass A
Licence201519
ClassClass C
Licence2014267
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2014270
ClassClass B
Licence2018246
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2022271
ClassClass C
Licence2025401
ClassClass D
Licence2023780
ClassClass A
Licence19802035
ClassClass A
Licence2025206
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.