NSW Office of Fair Trading (OFT)

Fair Trading is a government agency responsible for regulating and overseeing the conduct of builders in NSW, Australia. The OFT’s primary role is to ensure that builders comply with their legal obligations, including licensing and insurance requirements, and to investigate complaints against builders. Homeowners can access a wealth of information about builders on the OFT’s website, including details of licensed builders, and any complaints lodged against them. To access this information, homeowners can simply visit the OFT’s website and use the search function to look up the relevant builder. The OFT’s website is a valuable resource for homeowners who are seeking to verify a builder’s credentials and to ensure that they are engaging a reputable and trustworthy contractor for their building project.

Related content: Office of Fair Trading Home Building Contract: A Quick Guide

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Are you in the process of planning a construction project in NSW? Discover the crucial role played by the NSW Office of Fair Trading in regulating builder licensing. Understanding this regulatory process is essential to avoid expensive fines, project delays, and potential legal complications. Download our Pre-Construction Checklist today to equip yourself with the knowledge necessary for a successful and compliant project, including insights into the builder licensing oversight by the NSW Office of Fair Trading.

Finding Information About Builders

To find information about builders on the OFT website, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the OFT website and click the “Check our licence registers” button on the homepage.
  2. Select the category “Contractor & Tradespersons” on the category page.
  3. Enter the builder’s name or licence number in the search bar.
  4. Review the search results to find the relevant information about the builder.

The OFT website provides various types of information about builders, including their licence status and complaints filed against them. Homeowners should pay close attention to any complaints filed against a builder, as this information can indicate potential problems or issues with the builder’s work.

Understanding Complaints

Complaints are made by consumers who have experienced issues with a builder’s workmanship, communication, or other aspects of their service. The OFT website has a complaints register that lists down the businesses that have 10 or more complaints lodged against them with the OFT in one month. Homeowners should review this information to get a comprehensive understanding of a builder’s history and potential risks.

Interpreting Complaints

Once you’ve found information about complaints against the builder on the OFT website, it’s important to know how to interpret the information. Complaints can vary in severity, from minor disputes to serious breaches of consumer protection laws.

When interpreting complaints, it’s essential to consider the context of the situation. For example, a builder may have received a caution for a minor breach that was quickly resolved, or they may have a history of more serious complaints.

It’s also important to consider the potential implications of different types of complaints. For instance, a builder who has had their licence suspended or cancelled may not be able to work as a builder until the suspension or cancellation is lifted.

Related content: How to Lodge a Complaint or Report an Unlicensed Builder with the Office of Fair Trading

Case Studies

Examining specific cases of complaints against builders found on the OFT website can provide homeowners with valuable insights into potential red flags to look out for when hiring a builder. For example, one case may involve a builder who repeatedly fails to meet agreed-upon timelines, resulting in financial losses for the homeowner. Another case may involve a builder who fails to adhere to industry standards and regulations, resulting in dangerous or subpar workmanship. By analysing these cases, homeowners can gain a better understanding of the potential risks associated with certain types of builders and make more informed decisions when choosing who to hire for their construction project.

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Build with Confidence: Get Your FREE Checklist for Choosing the Right Builder in NSW Today!
Are you in the process of planning a construction project in NSW? Discover the crucial role played by the NSW Office of Fair Trading in regulating builder licensing. Understanding this regulatory process is essential to avoid expensive fines, project delays, and potential legal complications. Download our Pre-Construction Checklist today to equip yourself with the knowledge necessary for a successful and compliant project, including insights into the builder licensing oversight by the NSW Office of Fair Trading.
Finding Complaints Against Builders on the Office of Fair Trading Website

Verifying Builders' Information on the OFT Website: Key Takeaways for Homeowners

It is essential for homeowners to verify a builder’s licence and insurance before hiring them for any construction project. The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) website provides a valuable resource for homeowners to access information about builders, including complaints. Key takeaways from this article include the step-by-step instructions for finding builder information on the OFT website, understanding complaints, and interpreting their implications. We strongly recommend homeowners to check the OFT website before hiring a builder to avoid potential issues.

As a bonus, we recommend downloading our “Builder License and Insurance Verification Checklist,” which will assist homeowners in making informed decisions when it comes to choosing the right builder for their project. As an experienced construction lawyer in NSW, I have seen the importance of taking proactive steps to protect your investment and avoid unnecessary disputes with builders.