Western Australia · 2025
Licensing requirements, statutory warranty periods, key legislation, and cost benchmarks for trade work in Western Australia.
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 from when the defect first became apparent (or should have been apparent). A 25-year period applies to certain structural defects under the Building Act 2011. [verify specific circumstances]
Non-structural
1 yr
1 year — implied warranty period under the Home Building Contracts Act 1991 for non-structural defects. Contractual warranty terms may extend this.
Key legislation
Home Building Contracts Act 1991; Building Act 2011; Building Services (Complaint Resolution and Administration) Act 2011
WA requires Home Indemnity Insurance (HII) for most residential contracts over $20,000. HII covers homeowners if the builder becomes insolvent, dies, or disappears — not for disputes with solvent contractors. Complaints are lodged with Building and Energy (DMIRS).
Home Building Contracts Act 1991
Governs residential building contracts over $7,500. Implies statutory warranties of workmanlike completion and fitness for purpose. Cannot be contracted out of.
Building Act 2011
Establishes the building approval framework, building standards, and inspection powers in WA. Governs permit requirements and compliance.
Building Services (Complaint Resolution and Administration) Act 2011
Establishes the complaint and dispute resolution process for building and plumbing work. Administered by Building and Energy (DMIRS).
Electricity Act 1945
Governs the safety and regulation of electrical work in WA. Electrical work must be performed by a licensed person.
Gas Standards Act 1972
Governs the safety, installation and maintenance of gas fittings and appliances in WA.
Plumbers Licensing Act 1995
Establishes the licensing framework for plumbers and gas fitters in WA. Defines the work that can only be performed by a licensed tradesperson.
Track legislative changes across all states on the Trade Legislation Tracker.
Indicative 2025 market rates for Western Australia. Actual prices vary by scope, location, and contractor. Always obtain multiple quotes.
Electrician — call-out / first hour
$120–$200
per call-out
Electrician — hourly rate
$80–$150
per hour
Plumber — call-out / first hour
$130–$220
per call-out
Plumber — hourly rate
$90–$180
per hour
Switchboard upgrade
$1,200–$3,500
per job
Hot water system — supply and install (heat pump)
$2,500–$4,500
per job
Split system air conditioning — supply and install (3–5kW)
$1,200–$3,000
per job
Roofing — Colorbond replacement
$50–$120
per m²
Painting — interior walls
$20–$40
per m²
Painting — exterior full repaint
$25–$50
per m²
Bathroom renovation (full)
$12,000–$35,000
per job (varies by scope)
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Post a job →Steadyhand · Western Australia trade guide · 2025 · Indicative only. Verify licence requirements and warranty periods with the relevant state authority.