Questions You Should Ask About Licenses and Contracts

Licenses, Insurance and Contracts:

It’s important to check that your company has the required legal licenses. To carry out work worth more than $10,000 in your home, the company must be a Registered Building Practitioner registered with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA).

As well as this, check that the company’s sub-contractors are qualified and licensed. Although it’s the company’s responsibility to ensure this, some unethical operators might try to transfer that responsibility to you by asking you to sign a building permit as an “owner builder”. Don’t do it.

• Plumbers, gasfitters and drainers must carry an ID card and be licensed with the VBA
• Electricians are licensed with Energy Safe Victoria
• Some other trades need to be registered with the VBA

Kitchen renovations don’t usually require local council permits, but you might need one if you’re doing structural work on your home. Always check in advance what’s required – a good company will be able to advise you.

• Are you a Registered Building Practitioner and can you provide me with your Registered Building Practitioner license number?
• Are your tradespeople qualified and licensed?
• Do you use a Domestic Building Contract?

Tip:

If a company seems reluctant to provide proof of these licenses or engage in a written contract, that’s another red flag.  Hold off signing anything until you’re happy with the terms and conditions, and satisfied it includes everything you need and have been promised.

How Rosemount does it:

• Rosemount is a Registered Building Practitioner (Licence No: CDB-L 48241). 
• Our tradespeople have decades of experience between them. They all have appropriate licenses for their work.
• We’re also a member of the Australian Cabinet and Furniture Association (ACFA), and Housing Industry Association of Australia (HIA).