A Homeowner's Guide to Choosing a Licensed Roofing Contractor
Choosing a roofing contractor in South-East Queensland involves more than comparing prices. Your roof needs to withstand intense summer storms, heavy rainfall, strong winds and, in coastal locations, salt exposure. Whether you need repairs, a roof replacement or work on a renovation, checking licences, insurance and the proposed scope helps protect your home and your budget.
Check the Contractor’s QBCC Licence
In Queensland, contractors generally need a Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) licence to carry out or supervise building work valued at more than $3,300, including labour, materials and GST. Some work, including plumbing and drainage, requires an appropriate licence regardless of value.
A licence must cover the actual work being quoted. Roof tiling and roof and wall cladding are different licence classes. Do not assume that a contractor licensed for one type of roofing can undertake every roofing-related task.
Before accepting a quote, use the official QBCC licence search to check:
- The licence is current and belongs to the individual or company named on your quote and contract.
- The licence classes cover your proposed work.
- Any conditions, restrictions or publicly available disciplinary information.
- Whether the business you are engaging holds a contractor licence, rather than relying solely on someone’s employee or supervisor licence.
Look for Experience Relevant to Your Roof
Ask about recent projects involving your roof material and similar building conditions. Repairing concrete tiles requires different skills from replacing metal roof sheeting, while older homes may need extra attention to deteriorated battens, flashing and previous alterations.
Local knowledge matters. Across Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, exposure conditions vary. Ask how the contractor selects materials, coatings and fixings for your property’s wind classification and corrosion exposure. Coastal homes may need different specifications from sheltered inland properties.
Compare Detailed Written Quotes
A useful quote explains what the contractor will do, not simply the total price. Request details covering materials, preparation, removal and disposal, flashing, roof penetrations, site protection and clean-up. For replacements, clarify whether insulation, sarking, battens, gutters and downpipes are included or excluded.
Ask how concealed damage will be handled. Rotten timber or corrosion may only become visible after roofing is removed. Require written approval of variations, including their price, before additional work proceeds.
Avoid choosing on price alone. A cheaper quote may exclude access equipment, waste disposal or essential weatherproofing details.
Confirm Insurance, Contracts and Payment Terms
Check the Right Insurance
Request evidence of current public liability insurance and, where applicable, workers’ compensation coverage. Queensland https://roofrestorationseq.com.au/gutter-repair-replacement/ Home Warranty Scheme cover is separate: it applies to certain residential construction work, generally where the insurable value exceeds $3,300. Ask whether your roofing project requires cover and confirm the requirements with QBCC if unsure.
Get the Agreement in Writing
Your contract should identify the licensed contracting entity, scope, price, payment stages, anticipated timing, warranties and process for resolving disputes. For typical regulated domestic building contracts, maximum deposits are generally 10% for contracts below $20,000 and 5% for contracts of $20,000 or more, subject to specific exceptions. Check current QBCC guidance before paying.
Ask About Safety, Approvals and Weather Protection
Ask who checks whether building approval is needed, particularly when changing roof materials or structural elements. The contractor should explain how the work meets applicable building requirements and how your home stays protected if rain interrupts the job.
Roof access is hazardous, so ask about scaffolding, edge protection and safe access rather than inspecting the roof yourself. If an older property may contain asbestos roofing, arrange appropriate identification before work begins and confirm any removal licensing requirements.
Make Your Final Checks
Before signing in 2026, verify licence and insurance details directly rather than relying on website badges. Request recent references, read the warranty exclusions and confirm who handles defects after completion. Clear documentation and a properly licensed contractor are stronger safeguards than a verbal promise or a heavily discounted offer.
SEQ Roof Restoration Experts
Unit 6/25 Lerna St, Woolloongabba QLD 4102
(07) 3132 3236