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

Licence19791976
ClassClass B
Licence2016927
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2014915
ClassOwner Builder
Licence1972723
ClassClass A
Licence200213019
ClassClass D
Licence20251353
ClassUnrestricted
Licence2019430
ClassOwner Builder
Licence19761477
ClassClass C
Licence19947136
ClassClass A
Licence2012386
ClassClass D
Licence19905215
ClassClass B
Licence20201005
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2013298
ClassClass A
Licence2023984
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2025365
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2024552
ClassClass A
Licence2016500
ClassOwner Builder
Licence20251259
ClassClass A
Licence2018288
ClassClass B
Licence2016116
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2013318
ClassClass B
Licence2016559
ClassClass A
Licence2006318
ClassClass C
Licence2016806
ClassClass A
Licence20241295
ClassClass A
Licence2013324
ClassClass C
Licence200212672
ClassClass B
XI HEActive
Licence20131155
ClassClass C
XIANGYU LIExpired
Licence2015830
ClassClass C
Licence20211707
ClassClass C
Licence20151112
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2025761
ClassClass B
Licence2025749
ClassClass A
XIN CHENExpired
Licence2023938
ClassClass C
XIN XUActive
Licence20241458
ClassClass C
Licence2012227
ClassClass B
XINPING HEExpired
Licence2015415
ClassClass C
Licence2018515
ClassClass C
Licence2018261
ClassClass C
Licence2025640
ClassOwner Builder
Licence20241411
ClassClass C
Licence20211264
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2016410
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2019161
ClassClass B
YA ZuoActive
Licence2024141
ClassClass C
Licence2016209
ClassOwner Builder
YACOB HILLExpired
Licence20231159
ClassClass C
Licence2014336
ClassClass C
Licence20251444
ClassClass A
Licence2021193
ClassClass C
Licence20201518
ClassClass A
YANBO HEActive
Licence202618
ClassClass A
Licence2015742
ClassClass B
Licence2022729
ClassClass C
Licence20101298
ClassClass B
Licence2014561
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2016529
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2017280
ClassClass C
Licence2017651
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2017783
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2025574
ClassClass C
YEN HAI TOExpired
Licence2014799
ClassOwner Builder
YESHA MODIExpired
Licence2023833
ClassClass A
YI CUIExpired
Licence2023217
ClassClass C
YIBIN SUNExpired
Licence2016298
ClassClass A
Licence2018137
ClassOwner Builder
YILIN RENExpired
Licence2019318
ClassOwner Builder
YIN CHENActive
Licence2025407
ClassClass C
Licence20201
ClassClass D
YIYAN ZHAOExpired
Licence2023721
ClassClass A
Licence2024407
ClassClass C
Licence2011976
ClassClass A
Licence2025695
ClassClass A
YONGDE YEActive
Licence20171088
ClassClass A
Licence2024738
ClassClass C
Licence20181199
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2017590
ClassOwner Builder
Licence20221184
ClassClass C
Licence2009821
ClassClass A
Licence2017978
ClassClass B
Licence2023968
ClassClass A
Licence2022692
ClassClass A
Licence2015178
ClassClass C
Licence2017279
ClassClass A
Licence2024771
ClassClass C
YU HANExpired
Licence2019734
ClassClass B
YU ZhouActive
Licence2024620
ClassClass C
YUAN DINGExpired
Licence2010719
ClassClass A
Licence2025457
ClassClass A
Licence2024434
ClassOwner Builder
Licence20131322
ClassClass A
YUE YANGActive
Licence2024391
ClassClass C
YULUN HEExpired
Licence2016657
ClassOwner Builder
Licence20151167
ClassClass C
Licence2023967
ClassOwner Builder
YUQING LIExpired
Licence202313
ClassClass A
Licence20171080
ClassOwner Builder
Licence2020197
ClassOwner Builder
Licence20201000
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.