Data sourced from public government registers. Always verify directly with Queensland Building and Construction Commission before making hiring decisions. Read full disclaimer.

Licensed Builders in South Brisbane, QLD

69 Verified Browse all verified licensed builders serving South Brisbane and surrounding suburbs.
Data last updated: 14 February 2026 from Queensland Building and Construction Commission register

Builder Directory — South Brisbane, QLD

Licence1210802
ClassBuilder - Low Rise
Licence1096606
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence18015
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence15261988
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence15511219
ClassBuilder - Low Rise
Licence15142487
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence15104376
ClassBuilder - Low Rise
Licence15219723
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence15431281
ClassBuilder - Low Rise
Licence15317209
ClassBuilder - Low Rise
Licence15308355
ClassBuilder - Project Management Services
Licence1211009
ClassBuilder - Medium Rise
Licence15119993
ClassBuilder - Low Rise
Licence15209400
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence1157756
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence19782
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence1296868
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence1153346
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence15228007
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence15036247
ClassBuilder - Low Rise
Licence1133992
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence20045
ClassBuilder - Medium Rise
Licence15244937
ClassBuilder - Low Rise
Licence1154013
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence12174
ClassBuilder - Low Rise
Licence15390519
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence15109562
ClassBuilder - Low Rise
Licence15026397
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence1145077
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence15032240
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence15059120
ClassBuilder - Project Management Services
Licence15218009
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence1211011
ClassBuilder - Medium Rise
Licence15578959
ClassBuilder - Medium Rise
Licence15569151
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence15429103
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence1158613
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence15032130
ClassBuilder - Medium Rise
Licence15385153
ClassBuilder - Low Rise
Licence15350661
ClassBuilder - Low Rise
Licence1204866
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence1228268
ClassBuilder - Low Rise
Licence1142910
ClassBuilder - Medium Rise
Licence1155026
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence23059
ClassBuilder - Low Rise
Licence1139188
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence720819
ClassBuilder - Project Management Services
Licence66700
ClassBuilder - Low Rise
Licence15311419
ClassBuilder - Low Rise
Licence15302843
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence1106640
ClassBuilding Design - Open
Licence1122539
ClassBuilding Design - Open
Licence15150073
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence15459539
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence1157478
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence15549131
ClassBuilder - Low Rise
Licence1261271
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence15083084
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence15337403
ClassBuilder - Low Rise
Licence1153292
ClassBuilder - Low Rise
Licence15324359
ClassBuilder - Project Management Services
Licence15547645
ClassBuilder - Project Management Services
Licence1254238
ClassBuilder Restricted to Shopfitting
Licence15473675
ClassBuilder - Medium Rise
Licence1103802
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence1060489
ClassBuilder - Medium Rise
Licence15429581
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence15006298
ClassBuilder - Open
Licence67996
ClassBuilding Design - Medium Rise

Hiring a Builder in South Brisbane

Before hiring any builder in South Brisbane, 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 Queensland

Licence Required

Licensing is managed by Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC).

Licence Types

Builder — Open

Unrestricted building work including residential and commercial

Builder — Medium Rise

Building work up to 3 storeys

Builder — Low Rise

Building work up to 2 storeys

Key Requirements

  • Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120) or Diploma
  • Minimum 4 years industry experience (2 years in supervisory role)
  • QBCC financial requirements (minimum net tangible assets)

Penalties for unlicensed work

Unlicensed building work in QLD carries fines up to $46,575 for individuals. QBCC can also issue stop-work orders, direction to fix notices, and suspend or cancel licences.

Typical Builder Costs in QLD

Hourly Rate

$70 – $120

Callout Fee

$80 – $150

Common Jobs

JobCost Range
Deck construction (20-30sqm)$5000 – $15000
Bathroom renovation$15000 – $35000
Kitchen renovation$20000 – $50000

Related Directories

Builders in Nearby Suburbs

Other Trades in South Brisbane

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 QLD?

You can verify any builder's licence using TradieVerify's free search tool or directly through the Queensland Building and Construction Commission 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 South Brisbane?

There are currently 69 licensed builders registered in South Brisbane, QLD. This data is sourced directly from the Queensland Building and Construction Commission register and updated regularly.