The rules
- Written contract over $5,000. Residential building work over $5,000 (incl. GST), or where the price is unknown but likely to exceed that, needs a written contract.
- Small jobs vs larger jobs. $5,000–$20,000 needs a small jobs contract. Over $20,000 needs a fuller contract with more requirements.
- Deposit cap of 10%. That's the most you can legally be asked to pay up front.
- Licence matches the contracting entity. A licence in an individual's name doesn't let their company sign the contract. Check the licence on the NSW Government register.
- Home building compensation cover protects you as a last resort if the builder becomes insolvent, dies or disappears on larger jobs.
- Statutory warranties. Under the Home Building Act 1989, work is covered for 6 years for major defects and 2 years for other defects, on top of anything your contractor offers.
What a good roofing quote spells out
- Roof area and number of faces
- Material, profile, colour and steel grade
- Sarking or insulation type
- Batten replacement allowance (per metre, or included)
- Flashings, ridge capping, valleys
- Gutters, downpipes and fascia
- Asbestos testing and removal (priced separately)
- Scaffolding and safety
- Waste removal
- Start date, duration and payment stages
- Workmanship warranty and the manufacturer warranty
Source: NSW Government, “Contracts for residential building work” and “Insurance requirements for contractors”. This is general information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can a roofer ask for 50% up front?
Not for residential building work in NSW. The maximum deposit is 10%. Later payments should be tied to work actually completed.
Sources
Figures and rules on this page come from the following. Prices are market ranges, not our quotes; your written quote is fixed.