Individuals, partnerships and companies that wish to contract with others to provide building work valued over $20,000 must be registered as a 'building contractor' and demonstrate both financial and organisational capacity.

Refer to the Building Services Board’s ‘Management and Supervision Policy’ for details of the financial and organisational requirements. The Building Services Board generally requires an applicant for building contractor registration to demonstrate access to a minimum of $50,000 in cash or cash equivalent and have a quick ratio of at least 1:1 to meet the financial requirements. Partnerships and companies will also be required to have at least one nominated supervisor who is a registered 'building practitioner'.

It is important to note that a trust cannot obtain registration. The trustee of the trust must apply for registration however all documents and financial information provided must pertain to the trustee only.

Important changes to registration requirements as of 1 February 2023

As of 1 February 2023, the Building Service Board will have enhanced powers to manage the commercial conduct and behaviour of registered building service providers. These changes relate to certain events that occurred on or after this date.

It is important that you are aware of these changes as they may impact your application for registration. View full details of the changes here.

How do I apply?

To apply for registration as a building contractor,  start by reading the Building contractor application guidelines. Once you understand the application process, download and complete:

• one of the relevant application forms below that best suits your business operations as either an individual (sole trader), partnership or company (either Form 13 or Form 14 or Form 15);
• the Management and Supervision Questionnaire; and
• the Business Profile Information statement.

When you have completed the application form, the management and supervision questionnaire, and business profile information statement, submit them and any supporting documents to Licensing Services with the applicable fees. Your application can be submitted online, by post or in person.

Application forms

• Building contractor application guidelines

Still unsure which form to use?

If you are unsure of which form to use or about any of the information above, contact Licensing Services on 1300 489 099 or email be.info@dmirs.wa.gov.au.

Automatic mutual recognition and Mutual recognition

If you are registered or licensed as a builder elsewhere in Australia or New Zealand, and want to carry out building work in Western Australia, you can find out more information about having your licence recognised in WA.