Customers Expectations of Builders
What do customers expect from a licensed builder or tradesperson?
It’s always good to know what’s going on in the mind of your customer. If you are a licensed builder or are thinking about getting a Builders Licence then this should make good reading.
As a point of reference this article is based on the NSW Department of Fair Trading Website which hosts the online public register of Builders Licences in NSW. Each state has their own system but most are similar depending on which governing body is regulating the industry in that state.
Here are the links for NSW, Qld, Victoria, SA and Tasmania:
NSW – Fair Trading NSW
QLD – BSA QLD
VIC – Consumer Affairs VIC
SA – OCBA SA
TAS – Consumer Affairs Tas
Basically these government websites are encouraging the consumer to research and check their builder out thoroughly prior to entering into a contract. That only makes sense. This is why we stress the importance of training for builders and trades, as well as compliance and proper licensing.
Here is the type of thing you can expect your customer to request if you are a building or trade contractor:
- Provide a copy of your current licence. (This can now be checked against online databases)
- Provide details of any other or previous licences held. You may actually be asked this question by a customer and you are compelled by law to comply.
The consumer can then use this information to go online and check a contractor’s history of disciplinary action, insurance claims, and Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal Orders not complied with.
This is a quote from the NSW Fair Trading Website when advising consumers:
“You should always do a licence check before entering into a contract with a builder or tradesperson and you should only deal with a licensed builder. Any person who carries out residential building work worth over $1,000 in labour and materials content without an appropriate licence is breaking the law and could be prosecuted.”
The internet is a source of information for consumers to do sound research on you, so get trained, be compliant, ensure you are properly licensed and know the rights of your customers.
At Construction Courses we strive to bring the Building and Construction Industry the best information and training available to ensure you get ahead. Call us any time on 1300 855 713 to find out how we can assist you.
Filed Under: Industry Training • Legislation • Trade Administration
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