Your primary protection when building or renovating. Understanding QBCC licensing helps you protect yourself.
Queensland Building and Construction Commission — the government body regulating building in Queensland. Licenses professionals, insures homeowners, investigates complaints, enforces standards.
Builder — Open: Can construct any residential building. What your builder should hold.
Building Design — Open: Can design any building. Standard building designer licence.
Trade contractors: Plumbers, electricians, carpenters all need QBCC licences.
Legal requirement: Illegal to perform building work without appropriate licence.
Home warranty insurance: Queensland Home Warranty Scheme covers you if builder becomes insolvent or fails to fix defects. 6 years 6 months structural, 12 months non-structural. Only applies to licensed builders.
Financial vetting: QBCC monitors licensees’ financial health.
Complaints and disputes: QBCC can investigate, issue rectification orders, take disciplinary action. No comparable recourse with unlicensed operators.
Takes 30 seconds. Do it before signing any contract. This is one of the key questions to ask before hiring any building professional.
Absolutely. Before signing any contract. Non-negotiable.
Do not proceed. No warranty, no insurance, no dispute resolution.
Yes. QBCC Building Design licence required for anyone providing design services in QLD. See our guide on building designer vs draftsman for more on qualifications.
Must hold QBCC licence or equivalent recognised through mutual recognition.
Try resolving directly (in writing). If that fails, lodge complaint with QBCC. They can investigate, inspect, and issue directions.
QBCC licensing is your primary protection. Ensures professionals are qualified, financially stable, and accountable. Check licences before engaging anyone. Never hire unlicensed.
Design Science holds QBCC licences in both Building Design and Building — licence number 15277902. Verify on the QBCC website. Book a $280 consultation.
David Steadman
Licensed Builder & Building Designer
David Steadman is the founder of Design Science, a Gold Coast building design practice backed by over 30 years of hands-on construction experience. One of few Australians holding both a QBCC Builder's Licence and Building Designer licence, David brings a rare combination of design thinking and practical building knowledge to every project.
