The short answer
Check the register today, get advice before you pay any more and tell your regulator. Using an unregistered builder can leave you without insurance and without protection if the work goes wrong, so the sooner you act the better.
Victoria and New South Wales in detail. We could not confirm from a government page whether you still have to pay an unlicensed builder, so get legal advice on that point.
Confidence: likely. These facts come from official pages that we found by search and did not read in full. Check the linked source before you rely on a figure.
What it can cost you
In Victoria, the Building and Plumbing Commission says Home Warranty does not protect homeowners who use an unregistered builder for work that must be done by a registered builder. Consumer Affairs Victoria also says plumbers and electricians must be licensed or registered, and builders must be registered for work over $10,000.
New South Wales
The NSW Government says builders and tradies doing residential building work valued at more than $5,000 must be licensed. Plumbing, electrical and some specialist work always needs a licence, whatever the cost.
What to do now
- Look up the licence or registration number on your state register and take a screenshot.
- Ask the builder for their number in writing.
- Keep every contract, quote, message and payment record.
- Get advice before paying more. In Victoria the Domestic Building Legal Service gives information and advice to homeowners.
- Tell your regulator so they can look into it.
Avoiding it next time
Check the register before you sign, ask for the licence number on the quote and read our guide on checking a tradie's licence.
Common questions
Can I use an unlicensed builder?
For work that needs a licence or registration, no. It can also leave you without insurance cover.
Do I still have to pay an unlicensed builder?
We could not confirm this from a government page. Get legal advice before you pay or refuse to pay.
Sources
- Building and Plumbing Commission: Home Warranty, checked 12 November 2026
- Building and Plumbing Commission: engaging a builder, checked 12 November 2026
- Consumer Affairs Victoria: protecting homeowners from dodgy builders and tradespeople, checked 12 November 2026
- NSW Government: choosing the right tradesperson or builder, checked 12 November 2026
- Consumer Affairs Victoria: building disputes, defects and delays, checked 12 November 2026