Written by Silverleaf Roofing | Published on June 2025
You can check if a roofer is licensed in New South Wales in under two minutes by searching the NSW Fair Trading public register at onlineregistry.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au. This article covers what to search for, what the results mean, what licence types apply to roofing, and what red flags to watch out for before you hand over a deposit.
For homeowners across Penrith, Western Sydney, the Blue Mountains, and the Hawkesbury, unlicensed roofing work is more common than most people expect. Knowing how to check protects your home, your insurance, and your money.
Understand Why Licence Verification Matters in NSW
In New South Wales, roofing work is classified as residential building work. This means any job valued over $5,000 including labour and materials must be carried out by a holder of a contractor licence issued by NSW Fair Trading.
If you hire an unlicensed roofer and something goes wrong, your home insurance may refuse to pay out. You could also be left with no legal avenue to recover costs for defective work.
The risks are especially real in areas like Penrith and the Hawkesbury, where extreme heat, storms, and high-wind events can cause significant roof damage. After a major storm, unlicensed operators often move through these suburbs offering quick, cheap repairs.
- Unlicensed work voids statutory warranties under the Home Building Act 1989.
- Defective unlicensed work is not covered by the NSW home building compensation scheme.
- You may still be liable for GST and other obligations even if the contractor is dodgy.
- Council inspections can fail if work was done without a licensed contractor.
Use the NSW Fair Trading Online Registry to Verify Any Roofer
The quickest and most reliable way to verify a roofer’s licence is through the NSW Fair Trading Online Registry. This is a free, publicly accessible database. You do not need an account to search it.
Here is how to check step by step:
- Go to onlineregistry.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
- Select “Licence” from the search type dropdown.
- Enter the contractor’s name, business name, or licence number.
- Click search and review the results listed.
- Confirm the licence is current and not suspended or cancelled.
- Check that the licence category covers roofing or general building work.
You can also call NSW Fair Trading directly on 13 32 20 if you prefer to verify by phone or if the online search returns unclear results.
At Silverleaf Roofing, we openly provide our licence details to every client before a quote is signed. Any legitimate roofer should do the same without hesitation.
Know Which Licence Types Cover Roofing Work in NSW
Not all building licences are equal. Some licences cover specific trades only, while others cover broader building work. Knowing which category applies to roofing helps you assess whether the licence you find is actually valid for the job being quoted.
| Licence Type | Covers Roofing? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor Licence (General Building) | Yes | Covers all residential building work including roofing |
| Contractor Licence (Roof Plumbing) | Partial | Covers gutters, flashings, and roof drainage only |
| Contractor Licence (Roof Tiling) | Yes | Specific to tiled roof installation and repairs |
| Owner Builder Permit | Limited | Only for the owner’s own home, not for contractors |
| Tradesperson Certificate Only | No | Cannot contract directly with homeowners |
If a roofer only holds a tradesperson certificate and no contractor licence, they legally cannot take on residential roofing contracts in NSW. This is a common gap that catches homeowners off guard.
Roof plumbing covers things like gutters, downpipes, and metal flashings. It does not cover structural roofing work or full re-roofing jobs. Make sure the licence matches the scope of work being quoted.
Spot the Red Flags Before You Sign Anything
A quick licence check is a great start, but there are other warning signs worth knowing. Unlicensed or unscrupulous operators often share common patterns, especially after storm events in areas like the Hawkesbury and the Blue Mountains.
- No written quote: Legitimate roofers always provide a written, itemised quote.
- Pressure to pay a large deposit upfront: NSW law limits deposits on contracts over $20,000 to 10 percent.
- No fixed business address: Be cautious if the only contact is a mobile number.
- Refuses to show a licence number: Licensed contractors are legally required to display their number.
- Unsolicited door-knocking after storms: Storm chasers frequently target suburbs like Penrith and Richmond.
- Vague or verbal-only warranties: Statutory warranties under NSW law must be in writing.
If a roofer cannot or will not provide their licence number before you sign, walk away. This is not an unreasonable request. It is a legal requirement on their part.
Compare Licensed vs Unlicensed Roofing Risks
To understand what is at stake, it helps to see the difference between hiring a licensed roofer and an unlicensed one side by side.
| Factor | Licensed Roofer | Unlicensed Roofer |
|---|---|---|
| Home Building Compensation | Covered for contracts over $20,000 | No coverage at all |
| Statutory Warranty | 6 years structural, 2 years other defects | No legal warranty applies |
| Insurance Validity | Home insurance remains valid | Insurer may void your policy |
| Council Compliance | Work can be certified and approved | May fail council inspection |
| Legal Recourse | Can lodge complaint with NSW Fair Trading | Very limited legal options |
| Written Contract Requirement | Required by law over $5,000 | Often avoided deliberately |
The Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) is a scheme that protects homeowners if a licensed contractor dies, disappears, or becomes insolvent. It only applies to licensed contractors. Unlicensed work gets no protection at all.
Check Insurance and Ask the Right Questions Before Work Starts
A valid licence is necessary but not the only thing to check. A properly set up roofing contractor in NSW should also carry public liability insurance and, if they employ workers, workers compensation insurance.
Ask these questions before any roofer starts work on your property in Penrith or surrounding areas:
- Can you provide a copy of your current public liability insurance certificate?
- What is your NSW contractor licence number, and can I see the physical licence?
- Will you provide a written contract for work over $5,000?
- Are your workers covered by workers compensation insurance?
- Is your quote fixed price or variable, and what triggers a price change?
Public liability insurance protects you if a roofer damages your property or a third party is injured during the job. Silverleaf Roofing carries full public liability insurance and is happy to share documentation before any contract is signed.
Workers compensation is equally important. If an uninsured worker is injured on your roof, you could face liability as the property owner. This is a genuine legal risk in New South Wales.
FAQs on Checking Roofer Licences in NSW
How do I find a roofer’s licence number in NSW?
Ask the roofer directly. Licensed contractors are required by NSW law to display their licence number on all advertising, quotes, and contracts. You can then verify it independently at the NSW Fair Trading Online Registry at onlineregistry.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au.
Can a roofer work without a licence in NSW for small jobs?
For residential building work valued under $5,000 including labour and materials, no licence is required. However, for anything over that threshold, a contractor licence is legally mandatory. Most roofing repairs or replacements easily exceed $5,000.
What happens if I hire an unlicensed roofer in NSW?
You risk voiding your home insurance, losing access to statutory warranties, and having no legal protection if the work is defective. You may also face council compliance issues if the work requires approval. NSW Fair Trading can take action against unlicensed operators, but recovering your money is difficult.
Is a roof plumber the same as a roofer in NSW?
Not exactly. A roof plumber in NSW holds a specific licence covering gutters, flashings, downpipes, and metal roofing. A general building contractor or roof tiler covers structural and tiling work. For a full re-roof or major structural repair, you need the correct category of contractor licence, not just a plumbing licence.
How do I report an unlicensed roofer in NSW?
You can report an unlicensed contractor directly to NSW Fair Trading by calling 13 32 20 or lodging a complaint online at fairtrading.nsw.gov.au. Fair Trading has the authority to investigate, issue fines, and take legal action against unlicensed operators in Penrith and across New South Wales.
Does a licensed roofer need to give me a written contract?
Yes. Under NSW law, any residential building work contract over $5,000 must be in writing and signed by both parties. The contract must include the licence number, scope of work, price, and payment schedule. If a roofer refuses to put the agreement in writing, that is a major warning sign.
Wrap Up and Next Steps
Verifying a roofer’s licence in New South Wales takes less than five minutes and can save you thousands of dollars in defective work, insurance disputes, and legal headaches. Always use the NSW Fair Trading Online Registry, ask for the licence number upfront, and confirm the licence category matches the job being quoted.
If you are in Penrith, Western Sydney, the Blue Mountains, or the Hawkesbury and need a fully licensed roofing contractor you can verify before we start, contact Silverleaf Roofing. Call us on 0413 461 110 to get a written quote from a licensed, insured local team.