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Information on the benefits of using licensed tradespeople

Licensing systems are in place to ensure only competent tradespeople carry out installation and repair work.

Using a licensed tradesperson ensures the person completing the work is familiar with all necessary regulations and relevant professional standards. As such, a licensed tradesperson warrants they have met all of the legal obligations required by their respective professional body. It also means you have recourse to a complaints body if unsatisfied with their work.

A licensed tradesperson should:

  1. Provide a written quote
  2. Have appropriate qualifications (registered/licensed)
  3. Have a registered business name
  4. Preferably be a member of a professional association
  5. Provide referees if asked
  6. Have insurance
  7. Provide a full written contract, if requested.

You should not pay a large deposit before work starts.

Licence / registration search

Search the Department’s licence register to check whether a tradesperson is licensed.

Electrical workers

Electrical installing work must be carried out by a licensed electrical contractor, who in turn must employ licensed electricians.

Electricians, who can be licensed for up to 5 years, must carry their licence card with them and produce it when required.

Find more information on Energy Safety’s website at www.dmirs.wa.gov.au/energysafety

Gas fitters

A licensing system is in place to ensure only competent workers carry out gas installing work.

Western Australian gas fitting permits are generally in the form of a yellow plastic card style registration.

Find more information on Energy Safety’s website at www.dmirs.wa.gov.au/energysafety

Plumbers

Only a plumber, who holds a licence issued by the Plumbers Licensing Board, can legally carry out water supply, sanitary and drainage plumbing work in Western Australia.

All plumbers are issued with licences which feature a photo.

Painters

All persons carrying out painting or wall-paperhanging work in excess of $1,000 in value are required to be registered.

All registered painters are issued with an identification card (which must be current).

Builders

A building contractor is required to be registered to carry out building work valued over $20,000.

Find more information on painters, plumbers and builders visit the Building Commission’s website at http://www.dmirs.wa.gov.au/building-commission

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