Western Australia has over 4,800 registered builders on record. Before signing a building contract, checking your builder's licence status, credit history and payment record is essential.
BuilderInsights gives you instant access to builder licence checks, ASIC registration details, ABN status and CreditorWatch credit reports.
About Building in Western Australia
Western Australia's construction industry is one of the most dynamic in the country, shaped by the state's resource-driven economy and vast geographic spread. Perth's suburban sprawl extends further than almost any city on earth, creating enormous demand for residential builders across the metropolitan area and beyond. Regional centres including Broome, Karratha, Port Hedland, Geraldton and Bunbury each maintain their own building markets, often with limited contractor availability and high costs driven by distance and logistics.
Builder licensing in Western Australia is administered by the Building Commission within the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS). All builders carrying out residential building work must be registered under the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011. WA operates a points-based registration system where applicants must demonstrate qualifications, experience and financial competency. Builders must also hold professional indemnity and public liability insurance, and residential building work must be covered by home indemnity insurance for projects over $20,000.
Why Check Your WA Builder?
WA's building boom following the mining sector surges has attracted builders with varying levels of experience and financial stability. Several high-profile WA builder collapses in recent years - including Pindan Pty Ltd in 2021 - left hundreds of homeowners stranded mid-build. The distance between Perth and regional WA means oversight is harder - unlicensed and under-qualified operators are more prevalent in remote areas. Home indemnity insurance is mandatory in WA for projects over $20,000, but only applies if the builder held a valid registration at the time of contract. WA's climate demands specific building practices for cyclone-prone north and the hot arid interior - builders must have appropriate licences for the work type and location.
WA Builder Registration Types
- Building Contractor (Unlimited) - Unrestricted residential and commercial building work
- Building Contractor (Limited) - Restricted to specific work types or values
- Building Surveyor - Inspection and certification of building work
- Owner-Builder Approval - For individuals building their own home, strict conditions apply