TRADES
Subcontractors by trade
Every trade works differently. Each page covers the subcontract work involved, the licences companies check in NSW and Queensland, and how to find work or hire in that trade.
- Carpentry subcontractors Find carpentry subcontract work or hire subcontract carpenters in Australia. Framing, fit-out and finishing Crew Calls, licences and what companies check.
- Electrical subcontractors Find electrical subcontract work or hire subcontract electricians. Crew Calls for rough-in, fit-off and commercial work, plus NSW and QLD licence rules.
- Plumbing subcontractors Find plumbing subcontract work or hire subcontract plumbers. Crew Calls for rough-in, fit-off, drainage and roofing work, plus NSW and QLD licence rules.
- Concreting subcontractors Find concreting subcontract work or hire subcontract concreters for slabs, footings and finishes. Crew Calls, trade packages and NSW and QLD licence rules.
- Bricklaying subcontractors Find bricklaying subcontract work or hire subcontract bricklayers and blocklayers. Crew Calls, trade packages and NSW and QLD licence rules for brickies.
- Tiling subcontractors Find tiling subcontract work or hire subcontract wall and floor tilers. Crew Calls for bathrooms, kitchens and commercial floors, plus licence rules.
- Plastering subcontractors Find plastering subcontract work or hire subcontract plasterers for sheeting, setting, cornice and solid plaster. Crew Calls and licence rules.
- Painting subcontractors Find painting subcontract work or hire subcontract painters for new builds, repaints and commercial jobs. Crew Calls and NSW and QLD licence rules.
Licensing at a glance
NSW. In NSW you need a contractor licence for residential building or trade work valued at more than $5,000 in labour and materials, including GST. Specialist work, including electrical wiring, plumbing, drainage, gasfitting and air conditioning and refrigeration, needs a licence whatever it costs.
Queensland. In Queensland the QBCC generally requires a licence for building work valued over $3,300. Plumbing, drainage, gasfitting, fire protection and mechanical services need a licence regardless of value, and electrical work is licensed separately through the Electrical Safety Office.
Sources: Checking your contractor or tradesperson is qualified (NSW Government) · When you need a licence (QBCC)
Before you hire or start work
Licences, White Cards, ABNs, insurance and payment rules, in one checklist.
What to check before hiring a subcontractor