Consumer protection schemes and systems

We help protect home building consumers through licensing, dispute resolution, compliance checks, and long-standing laws. Learn how we keep the industry fair and safe.

Home building licensees by numbers
  • The Building Commission NSW processes over 100,000 home building licence applications each year, including renewals.
  • Over 200,000 licensees hold more than 300,000 active licences.
  • About 8 in 10 licensees choose the 3-year renewal option.

NSW consumer protection framework

The foundations of the NSW consumer protection framework were established in the early nineteenth century. Since then, countless developments and improvements have been implemented, combining over time, to build a safety net of protection for consumers and traders as they transact business in the NSW marketplace.

Many of the consumer protection schemes and systems currently operating have been part of the NSW safety net for some time. This section contains information on several of these mechanisms, their history, and how they continue to serve the consumers and traders of NSW.

Regulation through licensing

Licensing helps keep the home building industry safe and trustworthy. 

Through our licensing arm, we:

  • give licences to people who meet the legal requirements
  • offer expert advice on licensing to the building industry
  • keep a public register so people can check who is licensed.
Colin the builder in a red check shirt

What we do

Home building compliance and enforcement

Learn how we resolve complaints and investigate breaches of the Home Building Act.

Home building dispute resolution

Most home building disputes are settled early with our expert inspectors. Find out more.

Home building licensing: Through the decades

Home building licensing in NSW has evolved since 1972 to protect consumers by ensuring only qualified, licensed tradespeople can carry out residential work.

1970s

In the 1970s:

  • The Building Licensing Act 1971 came into force in 1972, and required all builders to be licensed.
  • Licences for various trades were introduced in 1977, with further trades added the following year.
1980s

In the 1980s:

  • The Plumbers, Drainers & Gasfitters Act 1979 took effect in April 1980.
  • The Builders Licensing Board and the Plumbers Board amalgamate to become the Building Services Corporation (BSC) in 1987.
  • The Home Building Act 1989 (most provisions) took effect in November 1989.
1990s

In the 1990s:

  • The Building Services Corporation Act 1989 took effect in 1990.
  • The Building Services Corporation takes over electrical licensing in March 1990.
  • Renewal fees are abolished for qualified supervisor certificates in March 1990.
  • The Department of Fair Trading replaces the BSC in 1996.
2000s

In the 2000s:

  • NSW Fair Trading establishes the Home Building Service in 2003 as part of the Government's response to the recommendations of the Campbell Inquiry.

More resources

Building and trade licences and registrations

Find information for design or building practitioners, professional engineers and building certifiers.

Compliance and regulation in housing and construction

Learn about your responsibilities as a worker in the NSW building industry.

Look up and verify a licence or registration

Search Verify NSW to access public records and business details for tradespeople and registered professionals.

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