How to Check a Roofer's Licence and Insurance in Queensland

Before hiring a roofer in Brisbane, check that the business holds the right Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) licence and has appropriate insurance. A professional-looking website, an ABN or a verbal assurance is not enough. These checks help protect you against unsuitable contractors, unexpected liability and problems with defective or incomplete work.

Check the Roofer’s QBCC Licence

In Queensland, a QBCC contractor licence is generally required for building work valued at more than $3,300, including labour, materials and GST. Some regulated work requires licensing regardless of value. Do not assume a small repair is exempt: confirm the requirements for the actual work with the QBCC.

Request the contractor’s details. Ask for their legal business name, ABN and QBCC licence number before accepting a quote.
Search the official register. Visit the QBCC website and use its licence search. Search by licence number or business name rather than relying on a screenshot supplied by the roofer.
Confirm the licence is current. Check its status, expiry information and any conditions or restrictions shown.
Check the licence class. The class must cover the proposed work. Roof tiling and roof and wall cladding are different licence classes; neither should be assumed to authorise every roofing-related task.
Match the contracting entity. The name on the quote, contract and invoice should match the appropriately licensed individual or company you are hiring.

Check Company Licensing Carefully

If you are contracting with a company, verify the company’s contractor licence. A director’s or employee’s individual licence does not, by itself, establish that the company is licensed to contract. Likewise, a nominee supervisor licence is not a substitute for the contracting entity holding the necessary contractor licence.

Review any publicly available disciplinary information and licence conditions. If the scope includes structural changes, asbestos removal or electrical work around rooftop solar, ask who will perform those tasks and verify the relevant authorisations separately.

Verify Public Liability Insurance

Ask for a current certificate of currency for public liability insurance. This insurance can respond to covered claims involving third-party injury or property damage arising from the contractor’s work. It does not automatically pay to fix defective roofing or guarantee completion of the https://brisbaneroofrestorationexperts.com.au/about/ job.

Business identity: Check that the insured entity matches the contractor, or obtain clarification of any difference.
Policy dates: Ensure the policy remains current during the planned work, and request updated evidence if it expires beforehand.
Business activities: Confirm roofing activities are covered and ask about relevant exclusions, including hot work, height restrictions or asbestos-related work where applicable.
Cover limit: Check the insured limit and consider whether it is appropriate for your property and the project’s risks.
Verification: If anything looks unclear, request confirmation from the insurer or broker using independently checked contact details. They may need the contractor’s permission to discuss the policy.

Ask About Workers’ Compensation

Queensland employers generally need workers’ compensation insurance for workers covered by the scheme. If the roofer employs staff, ask for evidence of current cover, usually through WorkCover Queensland or an authorised self-insurer.

Sole traders and company directors are not automatically personally covered by an employer’s workers’ compensation policy. Personal accident insurance is a separate product. Public liability insurance is also not a replacement for workers’ compensation.

Confirm Queensland Home Warranty Scheme Requirements

Most eligible residential construction work valued above $3,300 requires cover under the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme. However, eligibility depends on the work and property; not every roofing service is covered.

For a Brisbane roof replacement or substantial repair, ask the contractor whether a premium is required and confirm uncertain cases directly with the QBCC. Where required, the contractor generally collects the premium and pays it to the QBCC before work starts. Obtain the applicable policy documentation and check the property address and work details.

Home warranty cover has eligibility rules, limits and claim deadlines. It is separate from public liability insurance and any workmanship warranty offered by the roofer.

Keep Records Before Work Starts

Save dated licence-search results, insurance certificates, the written scope, contract and payment records. Recheck credentials if the start date changes significantly. If a roofer refuses verification or the details do not match, pause before paying a deposit. Taking these steps helps Brisbane homeowners choose a contractor on verified credentials rather than promises alone.

Brisbane Roof Restoration Experts

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