Ian John McCulloch — Licensed Plasterer (Queensland)
Licence Details
| Licence Number | 15032522 |
|---|---|
| Licence Class | Plastering Drywall |
| Status | Active |
| Financial Category | Self Certification - Trade |
| Source | QBCC |
This data is sourced from public government registers and may not reflect real-time changes. Always confirm licence details with Queensland Building and Construction Commission directly. Full disclaimer.
What a Plasterer Licence Means in Queensland
Plasterers apply plaster, render, and cement-based coatings to interior and exterior walls and ceilings, creating the smooth, flat surfaces that define the finished look of Australian homes. The trade splits into two main streams: solid (wet) plasterers who apply cement render to external walls and set plaster to internal surfaces, and plasterboard (dry) fixers who install and finish plasterboard sheets on timber or steel frames. Both require different skills — solid plastering demands mastery of float and trowel technique to achieve a flat finish across large areas, while plasterboard work requires precise cutting, joining, and sanding to create seamless walls. Homeowners typically need a plasterer for new home fit-outs, renovation wall and ceiling linings, repairing cracks and water damage, external rendering, and creating decorative cornices and ceiling roses.
Hiring a licensed plasterer means you are protected by the state's regulatory framework. Licensed tradespersons must comply with industry standards, maintain appropriate insurance, and can be held accountable through the licensing body's complaint and disciplinary processes.
The Self Certification - Trade financial category assigned to this licence determines the maximum value of work the licensee can have under contract at any one time. This category is set by Queensland Building and Construction Commission based on the licensee's assessed financial capacity.
Hiring a Licensed Plasterer in QLD
Before hiring any plasterer in Queensland, use this five-point checklist to protect yourself and ensure you're working with a properly licensed and insured professional.
- Clarify whether you need a solid plasterer or a plasterboard fixer — Solid (wet) plastering and plasterboard (dry) lining are different skill sets and often different licence classes. A plasterboard fixer may not be skilled in cement rendering, and vice versa. Confirm the plasterer specialises in the type of work you need before requesting a quote.
- Ask about their approach to stopping (joining) plasterboard sheets — The quality of plasterboard finishing is determined by the stopping — the taping, filling, and sanding of joins between sheets. Ask whether they use paper tape or fibreglass mesh tape, how many coats of compound they apply, and what sanding process they use. Three coats with progressive feathering is the standard for a smooth finish.
- Check their licence covers the type and scale of work — In Queensland, plastering (both solid and plasterboard) over $3,300 (inc. GST) requires a QBCC licence. NSW requires a licence for work over $5,000. Some states have separate licence classes for solid plastering and plasterboard fixing. Verify the licence matches the specific work you need.
- Ask about moisture-resistant plasterboard for wet areas — Bathrooms, laundries, and other wet areas require moisture-resistant plasterboard (green board) rather than standard plasterboard. A knowledgeable plasterer will specify the correct board type for each room without being asked. If they propose standard board in a bathroom, reconsider your choice of tradesperson.
- Confirm the finish level they will deliver — Plasterboard finishes are graded from Level 1 (basic for concealed areas) to Level 5 (premium for highlight and gloss paint finishes). Most residential work requires Level 4. Ask which level is included in the quote, as a Level 3 finish that looks adequate under matt paint will show every imperfection under semi-gloss or when lit by raking light.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Visible joins and screw pops in finished plasterboard walls — If you can see the lines where plasterboard sheets meet after the plasterer has finished, the stopping was inadequate — insufficient coats, poor feathering, or inadequate sanding. Screw pops (raised bumps over plasterboard screws) indicate the screws were not set to the correct depth or the wrong compound was used.
- Applies render in extreme heat without wetting the substrate — Cement render applied to dry masonry in hot weather loses moisture too quickly, resulting in a weak bond and cracking within weeks. A professional plasterer will dampen the substrate before rendering and may decline to work on days above 35°C unless shade and water misting are available.
- Uses standard plasterboard in wet areas instead of moisture-resistant board — Standard plasterboard in bathrooms, showers, and laundries will absorb moisture, swell, and eventually fail, regardless of waterproofing over the top. The National Construction Code requires moisture-resistant plasterboard in wet areas. A plasterer who cuts this corner is creating a hidden defect.
Typical Plasterer Costs in Queensland
| Hourly Rate | $55 – $90 |
|---|---|
| Callout Fee | $60 – $100 |
| Plaster repair (per patch) | $100 – $300 |
| Full room plaster and set | $500 – $1200 |
| Cornice installation (per room) | $200 – $500 |
Your Rights — Complaints & Disputes in Queensland
Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC)
How to Lodge a Complaint
- 1 Write to the tradesperson detailing the issue and requesting rectification within a reasonable timeframe (usually 14 days)
- 2 If unresolved, lodge a complaint online via the QBCC website or call 139 333
- 3 QBCC will assess the complaint and may arrange an inspection