How do I check if a Gold Coast builder is licensed?

Search the builder's business or licence name at qbcc.qld.gov.au. Make sure the licence class covers the work and the entity matches your contract.

What deposit can a Gold Coast builder legally ask for?

QBCC caps deposits at 10% for contracts under $20,000 and 5% for contracts $20,000 and over.

What insurance should a Gold Coast renovation builder have?

Minimum $20M public liability, contract works / construction all-risk insurance, and WorkCover.

How to Choose a Gold Coast Renovation Builder

The right builder makes your Gold Coast renovation feel calm. The wrong one turns it into the most stressful year of your life. These are the checks we tell friends and family to make - even before ringing us.

1. Verify the QBCC licence

Search the builder's licence at qbcc.qld.gov.au. It must be current, cover the right class of work and match the entity you'll sign the contract with. This takes 60 seconds and eliminates most cowboys.

2. Sight the insurance certificates

Public liability - minimum $20M
Contract works / construction all-risk
WorkCover for their employees

3. Read the contract - properly

Reputable Gold Coast builders use HIA, Master Builders or a QBCC-compliant contract. Watch for: deposits capped correctly, progress claim structure, defined variation process, insurance clauses and dispute resolution.

4. Talk to two recent clients

Ask about communication, cleanliness, variations and finish quality. Ask if they'd use the builder again. Ask the awkward one: was the final price close to the quote?

5. Assess the site, not just the office

Ask to visit an active site. Look for tidiness, PPE use, protection of neighbouring surfaces and the site manager's manner. Sites reflect culture.

Planning a renovation on the Gold Coast or in Brisbane? Get an honest, fixed-price quote from a QBCC-licensed builder who actually returns your call.

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Red flags to walk away from

Deposits over 10% of contract value
No written quote, or a quote missing inclusions
Requests for cash payments
Reluctance to sign a QBCC-compliant contract
Aggressive discount pressure to sign today
No fixed contact number for the site manager

Questions to ask before you sign

Who will be on site each day?
What is your process when a variation is needed?
How often will I get progress updates?
What are the payment stages?
What warranty do you offer on workmanship?
How do you handle rubbish and site clean-up?

Want to see what your space could look like before you commit? Upload a photo and our AI Renovator will show you a concept and an indicative cost in under a minute.

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