Find a licensed contractor | Queensland Building and Construction Commission

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QBCC laptop find a contractor screen

How to find a licensed contractor

QBCC directory

The easiest way to find a licensed contractor is by using the QBCC's free find a local contractor online search. You can select the ‘type of work’ you are looking to get done, as well as a ‘location’ and ‘radius’. Your results will be a list of all contractors in that area, along with their contact details.  

Alternatively, if you have a person’s licence number or name, you can look them up in our QBCC licensee register. The register provides a complete licence history and is more detailed than the ‘find a local contractor’ online search, so you may find it useful when narrowing down the choice of licensed contractors you're considering.

If you can’t find them in our licensee register, there’s a chance they’re not licensed. You can phone our contact centre on 139 333 for confirmation.  

Referrals

One of the most effective ways to find a contractor is to get referrals from family, friends, neighbours and colleagues. This is a great way to get first-hand insights into their quality of work and the standard of their customer service.

Online search and advertisements

If you don't know anyone who has recently built or renovated, you can search online for contractors in your local area through a search engine or social media. You can also look for ads in the local newspaper or the noticeboard at your local shops.  

Remember, it is your responsibly to check that the person is licensed to do the work. Just because someone else engaged them to do a job, it doesn’t necessarily mean they were licensed to carry out the work. Use our licensee register to check.

Other options

Another way of finding a contractor is to take note of any construction work going on in your neighbourhood. Licensed contractors performing large jobs where the site is under their control (such as new builds) will have a sign on display containing their contact details.

You can also contact industry associations, like the QMBA or HIA, as well as building material suppliers and hardware stores. For example, if you are looking to get tiling done, your local tile shop might have a list of preferred contractors.  

Spotting an unlicensed contractor  

No physical card

Don’t get caught out by an unlicensed ‘handyperson’ advertising on local pages to do building work valued at more than $3,330. If they can’t show you their licence, show them the door.  

All licensed contractors will have a physical QBCC licence card, which may look like this (note: there are different trade licence card designs):  

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Digital licence contractor card image
Not in our register

All licensed contractors in Queensland are listed in the QBCC licensee register. If you cannot find them, there’s a chance they’re not licensed. You can phone our contact centre on 139 333 for confirmation.

Incomplete advertising

Another telltale sign of an unlicensed contractor is the lack of detail provided in their advertising. They may also promote a low price for their services to help disguise this fact.

All licensed contractors in Queensland are legally required to provide specific details when advertising their services, including their:  

  • contractor namea contractor can be an individual or company, but it must match the name the QBCC licence is registered under
  • QBCC licence numberthis is unique to each contractor.

If you are after general maintenance work valued less than $3,300, the contractor must state in their ad they can only do work up to that value.

So, if you see an ad without these details, there's a chance they’re unlicensed.

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correct and incorrect display for licensee advertising


Using subcontractors

Generally speaking, a subcontractor is an individual or company hired by a builder to do specific tasks as part of a larger building and construction project.  

Subcontractors specialise in their trade and work under the direction of the builder rather than directly for the home owner. For example, a builder might hire a plumber, electrician or painter (all subcontractors) to complete certain parts of the work.  

Subcontractors contracted by a builder must hold the appropriate QBCC licence if they are performing building work valued at $3,300 or more (this doesn't include apprentices, trainees and labourers). For plumbing, drainage, gas fitting or fire protection work, a QBCC licence is required regardless of the value. For electrical work, a licence from the Electrical Safety Office is mandatory. The builder is responsible for ensuring their subcontractors comply with licensing and quality standards.

Find a licensed building certifier

The building certifier is a highly qualified building industry professional whose role it is to check that your builder has complied with the approved building plans and appropriate building provisions.

Learn more about the role and responsibilities of a certifier.

Usually, your contractor will engage a certifier on your behalf. However, you can choose to appoint a certifier directly. Ensure your contract clearly documents who will be responsible for engaging the building certifier. You can find a certifier using our FREE find a local contractor online search. You can also check a certifier's licence details using the QBCC licensee register.

You can request a list of every licensed certifier registered in Queensland by completing the List of licensed certifiers request form (PDF, KB).

Please note, there is a $15 fee to access this list. Requests are processed within five (5) working days.

Engaging a designer

If you require a unique design for your home or want to explore a broader range of fittings and inclusions, you may want to engage a designer.

Design professionals are expected to keep up to date with legislation, information and trends relating to the building process and can help you clearly define your needs and preferencesincluding environmental, energy and mobility considerations.  

Who can provide design services?  

  • Building designers—require a QBCC Building Designer licence. Find a building designer using our find a local contractor online search.
  • Architects—no QBCC licence is required but they must be registered with the Board of Architects of Queensland.  
  • Engineers—no QBCC licence is required but they must be registered with the Board of Professional Engineers of Queensland.
  • Builders—house builders require a QBCC Builder licence that entitles them to design homes they will subsequently build. There are three categories:  
    • Builder—Open
    • BuilderMedium Rise
    • BuilderLow Rise.  

Next: Seeking and comparing quotes


Last reviewed: 27 Jun 2025 Last published: 27 Jun 2025
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