New South Wales · 2025
Licensing requirements, statutory warranty periods, key legislation, and cost benchmarks for trade work in New South Wales.
Licence requirements apply to contractors performing work for payment. Always verify current requirements with the issuing authority before engaging a trade. Items marked [verify] should be confirmed against current legislation.
Structural defects
6 yr
6 years for major defects from the date of completion of the residential building work (as amended 2012; previously 7 years for structural defects).
Non-structural
2 yr
2 years for defects that are not major defects, from the date of completion.
Key legislation
Home Building Act 1989 (as amended); Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
NSW requires Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) cover for most residential work over $20,000. This covers homeowners if the builder becomes insolvent, dies, or disappears. Disputes are lodged with NSW Fair Trading, with possible referral to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).
Home Building Act 1989
Core legislation governing residential building work in NSW. Establishes statutory warranties, licensing requirements, and insurance obligations. Major defect warranty of 6 years.
Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
Governs development applications, building approvals, and compliance certificates in NSW. Administered by local councils and the NSW Department of Planning.
Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2004
Governs electrical safety requirements and the sale and supply of electrical articles in NSW.
Gas Supply Act 1996
Governs the supply and use of natural gas in NSW, including safety requirements for gas installations.
Plumbing and Drainage Act 2011
Governs plumbing and drainage standards and licensing in NSW.
Track legislative changes across all states on the Trade Legislation Tracker.
Indicative 2025 market rates for New South Wales. Actual prices vary by scope, location, and contractor. Always obtain multiple quotes.
Electrician — call-out / first hour
$140–$230
per call-out
Electrician — hourly rate
$90–$180
per hour
Plumber — call-out / first hour
$150–$250
per call-out
Plumber — hourly rate
$100–$200
per hour
Switchboard upgrade
$1,400–$4,000
per job
Hot water system — supply and install (heat pump)
$2,800–$5,000
per job
Split system air conditioning — supply and install (3–5kW)
$1,400–$3,500
per job
Roofing — Colorbond replacement
$60–$130
per m²
Painting — interior walls
$22–$45
per m²
Painting — exterior full repaint
$28–$55
per m²
Bathroom renovation (full)
$15,000–$45,000
per job (varies by scope)
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Post a job →Steadyhand · New South Wales trade guide · 2025 · Indicative only. Verify licence requirements and warranty periods with the relevant state authority.