How do I check if my bathroom renovator is licensed in NSW? (Bathroom | General Bathroom Renovation)

Hiring the right bathroom renovator is crucial to ensuring a safe, compliant, and high-quality renovation. In Sydney, whether you live in a heritage home in Ashfield, a modern apartment in Parramatta, or a family house in the Hills District, selecting a licensed and experienced renovation professional protects your investment, prevents costly mistakes, and ensures compliance with NSW regulations.

Many homeowners often ask: “How do I know if my bathroom renovator is licensed?” This guide provides a thorough step-by-step approach to checking licences, understanding NSW renovation regulations, and choosing a trustworthy renovation company.

Why Licensing Matters in NSW Bathroom Renovations

In NSW, bathroom renovations involve multiple trades, including:

• Plumbing

• Waterproofing

• Tiling

• Carpentry

• Electrical work

Most of these trades are regulated, and using an unlicensed contractor can lead to:

• Non-compliant work that may fail inspections

• Voided warranties

• Risk of leaks, structural damage, or safety hazards

• Insurance claims being denied

• Fines or legal issues

Sydney homeowners often underestimate the importance of licenced trades when renovating older homes in Inner West suburbs like Marrickville or Burwood, or in high-rise apartments in Zetland, Green Square, and Sydney Olympic Park. Hiring a licensed renovator is the safest way to protect your property.

1. Understand the Types of Licences Needed

Bathroom renovation in NSW often requires multiple licences depending on the scope of work:

a) Builder/Contractor Licence

Issued by NSW Fair Trading, this licence allows renovation companies to undertake general bathroom, kitchen, and home renovations.

Check if your contractor has:

• Class C – Residential Builder Licence for small-scale renovations

• Class A – Builder Licence for larger projects or multiple trades

This licence confirms they are qualified to manage the project and oversee sub-contractors legally.

b) Plumber Licence

Plumbing work in bathrooms is strictly regulated. Licensed plumbers can legally:

• Replace taps, mixers, or toilets

• Install hot water systems

• Relocate water lines

In NSW, unlicensed plumbing work can void warranties and compromise compliance.

c) Waterproofing Licence

Waterproofing is critical to prevent leaks in wet areas. Only licensed waterproofers should carry out:

• Shower recess waterproofing

• Floor-to-wall junctions

• Bath and vanity surrounds

Licensed waterproofers provide certification upon completion, which is often required for insurance and strata approvals.

2. Check Licences Through NSW Fair Trading

NSW Fair Trading maintains an online public database for licence verification. Here’s how to check:

1. Visit NSW Fair Trading Licence Check

2. Enter the renovator’s name or licence number

3. Confirm:

   • Licence type matches the work you require

   • Licence status is current

   • Any conditions or restrictions

For example, if your renovator claims to be a licensed plumber and waterproofer, both licences should appear and be current.

In Sydney, homeowners in suburbs like Ryde, Chatswood, and the Northern Beaches often perform this check before signing contracts to avoid costly mistakes.

3. Ask for Written Proof and Certification

Even if a contractor says they are licensed, always ask for:

• Copy of their licence

• Insurance certificates (public liability and workers’ compensation)

• Waterproofing certification (mandatory for wet-area work)

Licensed contractors in NSW must provide these documents upon request.

For example, if your renovator is completing a bathroom in a North Shore home, they should supply a waterproofing certificate compliant with AS 3740.

4. Verify Insurance Coverage

Licensed renovators must hold insurance, which protects you in case of accidents or damage:

• Public Liability Insurance: Covers accidental damage to your property

• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Covers injuries to workers during renovation

• Home Warranty Insurance: Required for renovations costing over $20,000

Homes in Sydney CBD high-rise apartments, Parramatta units, or heritage homes in the Inner West often require proof of insurance before strata or council approval.

5. Ask About Experience With Local Building Codes

Licensed renovators must also be familiar with:

• Sydney-specific building codes

• Local council regulations

• Strata by-laws for apartments

For example:

• Inner West homes may require heritage approvals for wall alterations

• Hills District family homes often have floor-level adjustments for wet areas

• Apartments in Green Square or Rhodes may require strata approval for plumbing relocation

Experience with local rules ensures your renovation is compliant and avoids delays or fines.

6. Check References and Past Work

Even a licensed renovator can vary in quality. Always:

• Ask for references from previous clients

• View completed projects (photos or site visits)

• Check online reviews

For example, Sydney homeowners in Castle Hill or Ryde often request site visits to see completed bathroom renovations before hiring a contractor. This ensures the renovator has experience with both quality finishes and compliance with NSW building standards.

7. Be Cautious of Red Flags

Red flags indicating a possible unlicensed renovator include:

• No licence number provided

• Refusal to provide insurance certificates

• Cash-only payment requests

• Unrealistically low quotes

• No portfolio of previous work

Avoiding unlicensed contractors prevents legal complications, water damage, or unsafe installations.

8. Confirm Scope of Work in Writing

A licensed bathroom renovator should provide a detailed written contract including:

• Scope of work and materials

• Licence numbers and insurance details

• Timelines and milestones

• Payment schedule

• Warranty and compliance certificates

Having this documentation protects both you and the contractor during the renovation process. Homes in Ryde, North Shore, and Inner West Sydney benefit from clear contracts, especially for multi-stage renovations like combining bathrooms with laundry or kitchen upgrades.

9. Check for Subcontractor Licences

Sometimes, the main contractor hires subcontractors. Ensure:

• Subcontractors are licensed for their trade

• All work is supervised by the main licensed contractor

• Certificates and compliance documentation are provided

For example, if a plumber or waterproofing specialist is subcontracted for a North Shore bathroom renovation, their licence and insurance must also be verified.

10. Understand the Importance of Warranty and Compliance Certificates

Licensed renovators provide warranties for workmanship and materials. They also issue compliance certificates for:

• Waterproofing (wet areas)

• Plumbing

• Electrical works

These documents are often required for strata, council inspections, and future resale. Homes in suburbs like Ashfield, Burwood, and Marrickville frequently require these certificates for insurance coverage and legal compliance.

Conclusion: Protect Your Renovation Investment

Verifying your bathroom renovator’s licence in NSW is not just a formality — it’s essential to protect your property, ensure compliance with regulations, and guarantee long-term performance.

Key steps include:

1. Checking licences via NSW Fair Trading

2. Requesting proof of licence and insurance

3. Confirming experience with local building codes

4. Reviewing references and past projects

5. Ensuring subcontractors are also licensed

Whether you’re upgrading a heritage terrace in the Inner West, renovating a family bathroom in the Hills District, or modernising a Parramatta apartment, hiring a licensed and experienced renovator ensures your bathroom is safe, compliant, and built to last.