T & E Constructions (Qld) Pty Ltd — Licensed Carpenter (Queensland)
Licence Details
| Licence Number | 1309718 |
|---|---|
| Licence Class | Carpentry |
| Status | Active |
| Financial Category | Self Certification - Builder/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 Carpenter Licence Means in Queensland
Carpenters are the backbone of the building industry, responsible for cutting, shaping, and assembling the timber frameworks, formwork, and finishes that give a structure its shape. In Australia, carpentry work ranges from framing walls and roofs on a new build, to installing architraves, skirting boards, doors, and built-in wardrobes during a fit-out. A good carpenter also builds decks, pergolas, fences, staircases, and timber retaining walls. While many people think of carpentry as straightforward, the trade demands precision — framing that is out of square or level causes cascading problems for every trade that follows. Homeowners commonly engage a carpenter for deck construction, pergola builds, door and window replacements, timber flooring installation, and custom cabinetry or joinery for kitchens and bathrooms.
Carpenter Licence Types in Queensland
- Carpenter — General carpentry including framing, formwork, and finishing
- Carpenter and Joiner — Carpentry and joinery work including cabinetry and fitouts
- Joiner — Joinery and cabinet-making work
Requirements
- Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220 or equivalent)
- Completed 4-year apprenticeship
- QBCC financial requirements met
- Current public liability insurance (minimum $5 million)
- Construction induction card (White Card)
Penalties for Unlicensed Work
Unlicensed carpentry work in QLD carries fines up to $46,575 for individuals for work over $3,300 (inc. GST). QBCC can issue stop-work orders and require rectification.
Exemptions
- Carpentry work valued under $3,300 (inc. GST)
- Minor repairs and maintenance (e.g. fixing a gate or door)
- Owner-builder work on your own home (with permit for work over $11,000)
- Non-structural timber work such as shelving and minor fixtures
The Self Certification - Builder/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 Carpenter in QLD
Before hiring any carpenter in Queensland, use this five-point checklist to protect yourself and ensure you're working with a properly licensed and insured professional.
- Confirm whether they hold a carpentry or a joinery licence — Carpentry and joinery are separate licence classes in several states. A carpenter licenced for framing and structural work may not be licenced for detailed joinery and cabinet-making, and vice versa. Confirm the licence class covers the specific work you need — especially for custom kitchen or wardrobe fitouts.
- Ask about their experience with your specific timber species — Different timbers behave differently. Hardwoods like merbau and spotted gum require pre-drilling and different fixing methods to softwoods like treated pine. If you want a specific species for your deck or structure, ask whether the carpenter has recent experience working with it.
- Check they understand load-bearing and structural requirements — If the job involves framing, removing walls, or building a deck that is more than one metre above ground, the work is structural and may require engineering certification. Ask whether the carpenter will engage an engineer or follow engineer-supplied drawings, rather than relying on rules of thumb.
- Request photos of completed projects similar to yours — Carpentry quality is immediately visible — gaps in joins, uneven edges, and poorly aligned doors stand out. Ask for photos or addresses of recent projects similar to yours so you can judge the standard of finish before committing.
- Ask what happens if timber warps or moves after installation — Timber naturally moves with moisture and temperature changes. A professional carpenter will explain how they accrue for this — through acclimatisation, expansion gaps, and appropriate fixings — and should offer a workmanship warranty covering defects that go beyond normal timber movement.
Red Flags to Watch For
- No construction induction card (White Card) — Anyone performing construction work on an Australian building site must hold a valid construction induction card, commonly known as a White Card. A carpenter who cannot produce one may not be familiar with site safety obligations, and their presence on site can create legal liability for you.
- Proposes skipping council permits for structural work — If a carpenter suggests building a large deck or pergola "without worrying about council," you risk a compliance order requiring demolition or expensive modifications. Structural carpentry work almost always requires a building permit, and unlicensed work can also affect your home insurance.
- Uses visibly wet or uncertified timber — Structural timber must be stress-graded and certified to Australian Standards. If the timber delivered to site has no grade stamp, appears freshly cut with high moisture content, or the carpenter cannot produce supplier documentation, the structural integrity of the finished work is compromised.
Typical Carpenter Costs in Queensland
| Hourly Rate | $65 – $110 |
|---|---|
| Callout Fee | $60 – $100 |
| Install internal door and frame | $200 – $500 |
| Built-in wardrobe construction | $1500 – $4000 |
| Timber deck repair | $500 – $2000 |
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