Revised, April 2024
Domestic Builder can do all work associated with the construction, renovation, improvement, or maintenance of a home. A home is any residential premises and includes any part of a commercial building or industrial premises that is used as a residential premise with the class 1, 2, and 4 buildings, and associated class 10 buildings, as classified in the Building Code of Australia.

Commercial Builders are responsible for managing and arranging the carrying out of all components of building work for the construction of commercial buildings and structures in the class 2–9.
If you are registered in a limited class of domestic builder, you are responsible for carrying out, or managing or arranging the carrying out of the limited classes set out in your certificate of registration.
A person can hold more than one limited class if they wish.
If you are intending to carry out, manage or arrange the carrying out of domestic building work for another person and the cost of that work is more than $10,000 (Vic) and $5000 (NSW) then you are required to be registered
Builders Institute has a lot of courses to assist you in the registration process. The course that will best suit you will be based on the class of registration you are applying for and your level of knowledge and experience. Speak to our course adviser and they will assist you with your choice based on your experience
In Victoria Under the Building Interim Regulations 2017 there are prescribed qualifications. These qualifications are not compulsory; you are able to apply without a qualification if you have the relevant knowledge and experience for the category you are applying for

When applying for a Domestic Builder (Unlimited) you need to show a minimum of three years in the building construction industry. The VBA will ask that you show examples of minimum 3 projects in your application.
The process of applying for registration is:
Stage 1 – Put your application together
Stage 2 – Present application to the VBA
Stage 3 – Initial Assessment (computer-based examination and technical exercises)
Stage 4 – Final Assessment (VBA assessor Interview)
Stage 5 – VBA Panel accepts/declines your application
Under the Building Interim Regulations 2017 there are prescribed qualifications. These qualifications are not compulsory; you are able to apply without a qualification if you have the relevant knowledge and experience for the category you are applying for.
The referee should be registered in the category and class (or higher class) of building work for which you are providing the Technical Referee Report.

If you have not worked for a builder registered in this component of domestic building work, the VBA will accept a technical referee report from a referee who is a site manager who is not a registered domestic builder but is reporting to a person who is registered as a building practitioner in the category and class (or higher class) than you are applying for.
If you been informed your registration is unsuccessful, the applicant that he/she can apply again in six months’ time, having to re-submit the full application and pay the fee again. They will also inform you of the areas in which you were deemed not competent in a formal letter.
- Construction Business management
- Onsite Supervision management
- Building technology
- Legislation
- Contracts
Here are some links you might find helpful in your job search within the construction industry:

https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/individuals/jobs/search?searchText=building%20and%20construction&locationCodes%5B0%5D=7
https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/individuals/jobs/search?searchText=building%20and%20construction&locationCodes%5B0%5D=2
VIC: https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/individuals/jobs/search?searchText=building%20and%20construction&locationCodes%5B0%5D=7
NSW: https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/individuals/jobs/search?searchText=building%20and%20construction&locationCodes%5B0%5D=2
https://www.seek.com.au/Site-Supervisor-Residential-jobs/in-Sydney-CBD,-Inner-West-&-Eastern-Suburbs-Sydney-NSW

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Builder
Construction Manager
Supervisor Site Manager
Supervisor Project Manager

Regarding salary expectations in the construction industry, professionals with experience and expertise might typically expect a salary ranging from $80,001 to $100,000. However, salaries can vary based on factors such as location, specific role, years of experience, and the size of the company.

Remember, these figures serve as general estimates and could vary significantly based on individual circumstances and job specifics. It's advisable to research thoroughly and consider multiple sources when evaluating salary expectations.

Qualified supervisor certificate
A qualified supervisor certificate allows you to supervise and do the work described on your certificate. A qualified supervisor certificate does not allow you to contract for work.


Qualifications:
full time work experience

VET Cert IV Building and Construction



Then, you can apply Building Contractor Licence. A contractor licence allows you to contract and advertise to do work.
Before diving into specific prices, it's important to understand how to compute them accurately.

In construction, people commonly utilize a per square meter (m2) figure to estimate construction costs. Actual costs per square meter can vary widely, ranging from $1900 - $2700 (2024 Guide), influenced by factors like location, design, materials, and the workforce involved.

The breakdown of total costs typically consists of 50% for materials, 35% for labor, and 15% for council fees and permits, and other unforeseen expenses should also be considered.

Calculating building costs per square meter involves measuring the length and width of areas and multiplying to get the total square meterage.

But remember, it's always a good idea to get quotes from builders and other professionals in your area to get a more accurate picture of what your project will cost. Happy building!

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