Licensed Builders in Kelso, NSW
Builder Directory — Kelso, NSW
| Name | Licence # | Class | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1412 Building Co Pty Ltd | 345123C | Builder | Active |
| A S & J A Bartlett | 14998C | Builder | Expired |
| Andrew Anthony McIntosh | 254039C | Builder | Expired |
| Anthony Joseph Casey | 121765C | Builder | Expired |
| Botham Homes Pty Ltd | 453558C | Builder | Active |
| Brendan Scott Dwyer | 271442C | Builder | Expired |
| Cameron Andrew Dunstan | 242815C | Builder | Expired |
| Christopher John Allman | 164855C | Builder | Expired |
| Create Building Solutions Pty Ltd | 338029C | Kitchen Bathroom Laundry Renovator | Expired |
| Damien John Humphries | 303826C | Builder | Expired |
| Darren Sidney Mason | 178884C | Kitchen Bathroom Laundry Renovator | Active |
| Davcon Constructions Pty Ltd | 227583C | Builder | Active |
| David John Storey | 147279C | Builder | Active |
| David Scott Butler | 293535C | Erection of Pre-fabricated metal-framed home additions and structures | Active |
| DCG Humphries Constructions Pty Ltd | 329826C | Builder | Expired |
| Dunstan Constructions Bathurst Pty Ltd | 266696C | Builder | Expired |
| ELS Projects Pty Ltd | 364904C | Builder | Expired |
| Gavin Andrew MacCabe | 148882C | Builder | Active |
| Glen Buttsworth Builder Pty Ltd | 173164C | Builder | Active |
| Glen Richard Buttsworth | 24538 | Builder | Active |
| Harvey Homes Investments Pty Ltd | 48939C | Builder | Expired |
| Husscliffe Pty Ltd | 334270C | Builder | Expired |
| Jake Stair Carpentry Pty Ltd | 268801C | Builder | Active |
| Jones Total Building Pty Ltd | 340989C | Builder | Expired |
| Matala Constructions Pty Ltd | 340866C | Builder | Expired |
| MD & VM Botham | 257308C | Builder | Active |
| Michael James Dunn | 295288C | Minor Maintenance/Cleaning | Expired |
| Michael John Stapleton | 149245C | Builder | Expired |
| Myles John Emanuel | 257169C | Builder | Active |
| Nathan Kenneth Murphy | 51177C | Builder | Expired |
| Nick Harvey Constructions Pty Ltd | 309480C | Builder | Active |
| Paul Martin Hussey | 270579C | Builder | Active |
| RJG Building & Construction Pty Ltd | 273935C | Builder | Expired |
| Ryan Grives | 208600C | Builder | Active |
| Simon Adrian Kay | 245768C | Builder | Active |
| Structurecorp Pty Ltd | 353917C | Builder | Active |
| Thomas Douglas Webb | 332331C | Builder | Expired |
| Warren Harvey Homes Pty Ltd | 196005C | Builder | Active |
| Warren James Harvey | 32562 | Builder | Expired |
| Watts Build Pty Ltd | 253895C | Builder | Active |
Hiring a Builder in Kelso
Before hiring any builder in Kelso, use this checklist to protect yourself and ensure you're working with a properly licensed and insured professional.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Get at least three quotes and compare not just price, but response time, warranty on workmanship, and whether the quote includes parts.
- 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 New South Wales
Licensing is managed by NSW Fair Trading.
Licence Types
All types of residential building work
Specific categories of building work (e.g. swimming pools, kitchens)
Carry out building work under a contractor licence holder
Key Requirements
- Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120) or Diploma
- Minimum 2 years management experience in building
- Home Building Compensation Fund cover for work over $20,000
Penalties for unlicensed work
Unlicensed building work in NSW can result in fines up to $110,000 for individuals and $330,000 for corporations. Fair Trading can also issue penalty notices, rectification orders, and pursue prosecution.
Typical Builder Costs in NSW
Hourly Rate
$75 – $125
Callout Fee
$85 – $160
Common Jobs
| Job | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Deck construction (20-30sqm) | $5250 – $15750 |
| Bathroom renovation | $15750 – $36750 |
| Kitchen renovation | $21000 – $52500 |
Related Directories
Other Trades in Kelso
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 NSW?
You can verify any builder's licence using TradieVerify's free search tool or directly through the NSW Fair Trading 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 Kelso?
There are currently 40 licensed builders registered in Kelso, NSW. This data is sourced directly from the NSW Fair Trading register and updated regularly.