Abel Garcia — Licensed Roofer (New South Wales)
Licence Details
| Licence Number | 156834C |
|---|---|
| Licence Class | Roof Tiler |
| Status | Expired |
| Issue Date | 19 December 2003 |
| Expiry Date | 19 December 2023 |
| Source | NSW_FT |
This data is sourced from public government registers and may not reflect real-time changes. Always confirm licence details with NSW Fair Trading directly. Full disclaimer.
What a Roofer Licence Means in New South Wales
Roofers install, repair, and replace the roof coverings that protect Australian homes from sun, rain, wind, and hail. The trade encompasses three distinct specialisations: roof tilers who work with concrete, terracotta, and slate tiles; roof and wall cladders who install metal sheeting such as Colorbond; and roof plumbers who fit gutters, downpipes, flashings, and roof drainage systems. Homeowners most commonly need a roofer after storm damage, when tiles crack or lift, when metal sheeting corrodes, or when gutters and downpipes fail. Roof work also arises during extensions, re-roofing projects, and solar panel installations that require roof penetrations. Because roof leaks can cause extensive damage to ceilings, walls, and electrical wiring, prompt attention to roofing issues is essential.
Roofer Licence Types in New South Wales
- Roofing Contractor Licence — Contract for roof tiling, metal roofing, and roof plumbing
- Roofing Tradesperson Certificate — Carry out roofing work under a licensed contractor
Requirements
- Certificate III in Roof Tiling (CPC30820) or equivalent
- Completed apprenticeship
- Contractor: Home Building Compensation Fund cover for work over $20,000
- Public liability insurance
- Construction induction card (White Card)
Penalties for Unlicensed Work
Unlicensed roofing work in NSW (for work over $5,000) can result in fines up to $110,000 for individuals. Fair Trading can issue penalty notices and pursue prosecution.
Exemptions
- Roofing work valued under $5,000
- Minor repairs such as replacing a few broken tiles (like-for-like)
- Gutter cleaning
- Owner-builder work (with Owner Builder Permit for work over $10,000)
Hiring a Licensed Roofer in NSW
Before hiring any roofer in New South Wales, use this five-point checklist to protect yourself and ensure you're working with a properly licensed and insured professional.
- Confirm which roofing licence class they hold — Roofing spans multiple licence classes — roof tiling, roof and wall cladding, and roof plumbing are separate licences in most states. A tiler cannot legally install metal sheeting, and a cladder cannot replace terracotta tiles. Verify the licence matches your specific roof type and the work required.
- Ask about their fall-prevention and safety equipment — Roof work is one of the most dangerous construction activities in Australia. A professional roofer should arrive with edge protection, harnesses, and anchor points, and have a site-specific safety plan. If they propose working on your roof without any visible safety equipment, they are breaching WorkSafe regulations.
- Request a roof condition report before quoting repairs — Rather than accepting a quote based on a ground-level glance, ask the roofer to conduct a proper roof inspection — including checking the underside from the roof cavity if accessible. A condition report helps you understand whether spot repairs will suffice or a full re-roof is more cost-effective.
- Check whether they provide a manufacturer-backed warranty — Roofing material manufacturers like BlueScope (Colorbond) require accredited installers to provide manufacturer warranties on their products. Ask whether the roofer is accredited by the product manufacturer, as this can mean the difference between a 10-year and a 25-year material warranty.
- Ask how they will weatherproof the site during works — A partial roof removal in Australian weather can be disastrous. Ask what temporary weatherproofing measures — such as tarpaulins, staged removal, or scheduling around weather forecasts — the roofer will use to protect your home during the project.
Red Flags to Watch For
- No fall-protection equipment visible on site — Roof work requires fall-prevention measures under Work Health and Safety legislation in every state. A roofer who climbs onto your roof without a harness, edge protection, or any safety equipment is not only breaking the law but demonstrates a disregard for safety standards that likely extends to the quality of their work.
- Offers a suspiciously cheap "roof restoration" without inspecting the roof cavity — Door-to-door roof restoration salespeople sometimes offer low prices for a spray-and-paint job without checking the structural condition of battens, sarking, or the underside of tiles. A coat of paint on crumbling tiles does not fix the underlying problem and can mask serious issues from future buyers.
- Cannot provide proof of manufacturer accreditation for warranty claims — If a roofer promises a 25-year Colorbond warranty but is not an accredited installer with BlueScope, the manufacturer warranty may not be valid. Always ask for written confirmation of manufacturer accreditation and ensure the warranty documentation is in your name upon completion.
Typical Roofer Costs in New South Wales
| Hourly Rate | $75 – $125 |
|---|---|
| Callout Fee | $85 – $160 |
| Roof leak repair | $260 – $840 |
| Full roof replacement (standard home) | $8400 – $21000 |
| Gutter replacement (per metre) | $40 – $85 |
Your Rights — Complaints & Disputes in New South Wales
NSW Fair Trading
How to Lodge a Complaint
- 1 Write to the tradesperson describing the problem and requesting a solution within a reasonable time (14–21 days)
- 2 If unresolved, lodge a complaint with NSW Fair Trading online or by calling 13 32 20
- 3 Fair Trading will assess your complaint and may contact the tradesperson on your behalf