A quick search for deck builders on the Gold Coast turns up dozens of names, from one-person operations working out of a ute to established renovation companies with a full crew. The price difference between quotes is usually explained by what is and is not included, not by who is trying to rip you off. This guide covers exactly what to check before you sign, so the builder you choose is still around to honour the warranty in five years.
Before hiring a deck builder on the Gold Coast, confirm their QBCC licence class covers the work, check they carry current insurance, ask who is responsible for council approval, and get a written scope of works with materials, fixings, timeframes and payment stages spelled out before you pay a deposit.
Check the QBCC licence, not just the ABN
Any renovation or building work over a small value threshold in Queensland must be carried out or supervised by someone holding the correct QBCC licence class. A licence check on the QBCC website takes two minutes and shows whether the licence is current, what class of work it covers, and whether there have been complaints or claims against it. A carpentry licence does not automatically cover structural or plumbing work, so if your deck involves a change in level, footings near a boundary, or drainage changes, ask specifically whether the builder's licence covers that scope. Orange Projects operates under QBCC Licence No. 15620733.
Insurance is not optional
- Public liability insurance protects you if something goes wrong on site, such as damage to a fence or a neighbouring property.
- Domestic building insurance (sometimes called home warranty insurance) is required on most residential projects over a set value in Queensland and protects you if the builder cannot complete the work.
- Workers' compensation cover for anyone employed on site is a legal requirement, and a builder who cannot show this is a warning sign.
Ask for the certificate of currency, not just a verbal assurance. A legitimate builder will hand this over without hesitation.
Who is arranging council approval?
Not every deck needs a development application, but height, boundary setbacks and whether the structure is attached to the house all affect this. A properly run job will confirm at the quoting stage whether approval is needed, who lodges it, and whose name the approval sits under. Our guide to council approval for a deck in Queensland explains the thresholds in more detail, and our broader council approval for renovations on the Gold Coast article covers how the process generally works with local councils.
What a proper written scope of works includes
A quote worth signing should specify
- Exact decking material, board profile and brand where relevant
- Substructure material (treated pine or steel) and fixing type
- Whether stainless steel fixings are used, particularly close to the coast
- Balustrading, stairs and lighting, and whether these are included or extra
- Who is responsible for council approval and any associated fees
- A payment schedule tied to stages of work, not large upfront deposits
- An estimated start date and duration on site
- Warranty terms in writing
Questions worth asking before you sign
- Can I see your current QBCC licence number and check it myself?
- What insurance do you carry, and can I see a certificate of currency?
- Is council approval needed for this deck, and who is arranging it?
- What fixings and substructure material will you use, given this is a coastal site?
- What happens if we find an unexpected issue once demolition or excavation starts?
- What is your typical lead time before work can start?
That last question matters more than people expect. A realistic lead time, usually around four weeks once a scope is agreed, is a better sign than a builder who promises to start next week with no design or approvals sorted.
Red flags worth walking away from
- A quote with a single lump sum figure and no breakdown of materials or fixings
- Pressure to pay a large deposit before any design or approval work has happened
- Reluctance to provide a licence number or insurance details
- No fixed price, only a rough estimate that can change once work starts
- No mention of council approval at all, even for a raised or attached deck
Comparing deck builders on the Gold Coast or in Logan? We are QBCC-licensed, fully insured, and every quote comes with a written scope before a deposit changes hands.
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