As a builder or building supervisor in South Australia, staying compliant with local regulations, maintaining safety standards, and ensuring the smooth progression of your projects are essential for success. Below are five crucial items that every builder or building supervisor must have in South Australia:
Builder’s License – relevant to that work
A builder’s license is a legal requirement in South Australia to work as a licensed builder or building supervisor. Without this license, you’re prohibited from managing or carrying out building works. There are different types of licenses depending on the scale and type of work you’re undertaking, so it’s essential to ensure that you hold the appropriate license for the project at hand.
Licenses can have restrictions, and be limited to;
- One storey
- Two storeys
- Residential
- Commercial
Insurances
Insurances are crucial to protect both you and your clients during the building process. At a minimum, you must have:
- Contract Works Insurance: Protects the project against damage or loss during construction.
- Public Liability Insurance: Protects against accidents that may occur on-site, ensuring that you and your workers are covered in case of injury or damage to property.
- Home owners warranty insurance – is a form of insurance that protects homeowners against certain risks and losses related to their newly built or renovated home. This is a mandatory insurance.
Construction Programme and Detailed Budget Breakdown
A well-structured construction schedule and budget breakdown are essential for managing the logistics and finances of any project. Your builder should have a clear plan for when tasks should be completed and how much they will cost.
Why it’s important: A solid schedule ensures that the project stays on track and doesn’t face unnecessary delays, while a comprehensive budget helps you manage costs effectively.
ABN Lookup
For a builder in South Australia (or anywhere in Australia), the Australian Business Number (ABN) is a must-have. Here’s what to check:
Verify the ABN: Ensure the builder has an ABN, which is essential for tax and legal purposes. It proves that the builder is a legitimate business entity. You can verify their ABN on the Australian Business Register (ABR) website.
Development Approval and Building Rules Consent
Before starting any construction or renovation in South Australia, you and your builder must ensure that Development Approval (DA) and Building Rules Consent (BRC) have been obtained. These approvals are required for almost all new builds, major renovations, and structural alterations.
