When it comes to making changes to your home—especially structural modifications—it’s tempting to think any skilled tradie can handle the job. After all, if someone knows their way around a hammer and nails, what could go wrong, right?
Well… quite a lot, actually.
At TBK Constructions, we've seen firsthand how choosing the wrong trade for the job can lead to costly mistakes, safety issues, and even legal headaches. With over 15 years of experience in insurance repairs and rebuilds, we’ve attended countless call-outs to rectify substandard, non-compliant, and unsafe work. Homeowners often come to us after discovering that their ‘cheap and easy’ renovation wasn’t done to code—leaving them with major structural problems and expensive rectification work.
Let’s break down why it’s crucial to hire the right professional—whether it’s a builder or a carpenter—and what’s at stake if you don’t. And don’t worry—you’re not alone if you thought a builder and a carpenter were the same thing!
Builder vs. Carpenter: What’s the Difference?
In the world of construction, builders and carpenters play distinct but complementary roles. Understanding the difference is key to ensuring your project runs smoothly.
Builders vs. Carpenters
Builders are responsible for overseeing the entire construction process. They manage multiple aspects of a project—from initial planning and obtaining permits to coordinating with various trades. A QBCC‐licensed builder brings comprehensive expertise and ensures your project adheres to strict safety and quality standards.
Carpenters specialise in woodwork, from custom joinery to structural framing. While a carpenter’s skills are essential, they often work as part of a broader team under the supervision of a builder.
Other Essential Trades to Consider
A successful project often requires more than just a builder or carpenter. However, carpenters and other trades cannot legally engage additional trades without the appropriate builder’s licence. Here are some other key professionals to keep in mind:
Electricians – Responsible for installing and maintaining electrical systems, ensuring safety and compliance with modern standards. A licensed electrician guarantees that wiring and installations meet rigorous Australian safety codes.
Plumbers – Whether installing water supply systems or ensuring proper drainage, licensed plumbers play a critical role. Their expertise prevents leaks, water damage, and ensures compliance with Queensland’s plumbing regulations.
Tilers and Stonemasons – Essential for finishing kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas, these trades bring both functionality and aesthetic appeal to a project.
HVAC Specialists – Proper heating, ventilation, and air conditioning are crucial, especially in Queensland’s climate. A qualified HVAC expert ensures energy efficiency and compliance with Australian Standards.
Landscapers – A licensed landscaper designs and maintains sustainable, visually appealing outdoor spaces that complement the build.
ces offer peace of mind that the work is done right the first time.
Structural Changes
Carpenters, plumbers, electricians, cabinet makers, and other trades are not legally allowed to make structural changes unless they hold the appropriate builder’s licence. This includes:
✅ Removing or modifying load-bearing walls
✅ Altering foundations or footings
✅ Modifying roof structures
✅ Extending or modifying the building envelope
We’ve attended countless call-outs to fix projects where unqualified trades attempted structural modifications, resulting in:
❌ Sagging ceilings
❌ Cracked walls
❌ Collapsed floors
❌ Major safety hazards
Engaging Other Trades & Professionals
A licensed builder is the only professional legally allowed to engage and coordinate multiple trades on a building project. This includes:
Hiring and managing subcontractors such as tilers, cabinet makers, plumbers, and electricians
Engaging engineers, architects, or certifiers to ensure compliance with Australian Standards and the National Construction Code (NCC)
Managing permits, inspections, and approvals required for the project
Unfortunately, we often see unlicensed trades engaging others without proper oversight—leading to non-compliant work that results in costly rework, QBCC fines, and insurance voidance.
QBCC Licensing & Insurance
QBCC Licensing: Builders must be licensed by the QBCC to carry out structural work. Hiring an unlicensed builder is illegal and puts homeowners at financial risk if things go wrong.
QBCC Home Warranty Insurance: If a builder doesn’t hold the correct QBCC licence, they cannot offer QBCC Home Warranty Insurance. Without this coverage, homeowners have no protection against defects, incomplete work, or major failures.
Appropriate Insurance Matters: A licensed builder must hold the following insurances:
Public liability insurance (covers damage to property or injury on site)
Contract works insurance (covers the construction work in case of unforeseen issues).
Without these protections in place, homeowners could be liable for damages, accidents, or unfinished work.
Compliance with Local Regulations
Queensland building projects must meet specific legal requirements. Only licensed trades or builders can issue compliance certificates for:
✅ Waterproofing
✅ Plumbing
✅ Electrical work
✅ Certificate of occupancy
Why It Matters: Protecting Your Home (and Your Wallet)
1. Safety First
Structural changes affect the stability of your home. Hiring an unlicensed carpenter to remove a load-bearing wall might seem like a cost-saving shortcut, but it can put your family’s safety at risk.
2. Legal and Financial Risks
If you hire the wrong trade for structural work, you could:
🚫 Face QBCC fines
🚫 Be forced to redo the work at your own expense
🚫 Lose insurance coverage for damages
3. Home Warranty Protection
If your builder doesn’t hold the correct QBCC licence, they cannot provide QBCC Home Warranty Insurance, leaving you vulnerable to financial loss.
4. Cheap Now, Costly Later: Why Cutting Corners Doesn’t Pay
Imagine this:
You hire a carpenter for a structural renovation because it’s cheaper. Everything looks fine… until your ceiling starts sagging. You call in a licensed builder, who takes one look and says, “Mate, this needs to be redone properly.” Suddenly, your ‘bargain’ renovation is costing you twice as much to fix.
At TBK Constructions, we believe in doing things right the first time—because cutting corners rarely saves money in the long run.
TTBK Constructions: Over 15 Years of Experience Fixing Substandard Work
With over 15 years in insurance repairs and rebuilds, we’ve seen it all. We’ve been called out to homes with:
✅ Load-bearing walls removed incorrectly
✅ Non-compliant waterproofing, leading to leaks and rot
✅ Roof modifications that failed safety standards
✅ Unlicensed trades engaging others, creating a domino effect of poor workmanship
Unfortunately, many homeowners only realise the true cost of unlicensed work when it’s too late.
Final Thoughts: Hire Smart, Build Right
Our advice? Understand your project, ask for licences and insurances, and ensure your chosen professional is legally allowed to bring your vision to life.
At TBK Constructions, we take pride in craftsmanship, compliance, and safety.
Thinking of renovating or building?
📞 Contact us today and let licensed professionals handle your project from start to finish.
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