In-depth guides

Where a single question has a single answer, we write a question page. These are the longer references, the ones that pull together material spread across several answers into something you can read once and come back to.

• Your rights & checksWhat trade work legally needs a licence in AustraliaElectrical, plumbing, gas and refrigerant work is licensed everywhere in Australia. Building work is licensed above state-specific value thresholds, and a few trades such as painting, tiling and landscaping are licensed in some states and not others.11 sources cited
• Your rights & checksHow to read a trade quoteA quote you can rely on names the scope, itemises materials and labour, lists exclusions, states how variations are priced, and identifies the licensed entity doing the work with its licence number and ABN.5 sources cited
• Solar & batteriesPublished energy rebates and schemes, with the actual figuresThe federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program and Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme apply nationally, and Victoria publishes specific rebate amounts for solar and hot water, up to $1,400 each, both means-tested.7 sources cited
• PlumbingHot water systems: a complete guide for Australian homesHot water is typically the largest or second-largest energy use in an Australian home. Heat pump and solar-boosted systems have the lowest running costs and attract the largest rebates, but existing connections and available space usually decide the outcome.5 sources cited
• Your rights & checksYour rights as a homeowner when hiring a tradespersonAustralian Consumer Law gives you automatic guarantees on services that cannot be contracted away, residential building work carries statutory warranties on top, and every state provides free conciliation before any tribunal is involved.6 sources cited
• ElectricalSmoke alarm rules in every Australian stateEvery state requires photoelectric smoke alarms meeting AS 3786:2014, but interconnection rules differ sharply. Queensland is the strictest and requires interconnected photoelectric alarms in all existing homes by 1 January 2027.6 sources cited
• Building & renovationPool and spa barrier rules in AustraliaAny pool or spa able to hold more than 300mm of water needs a compliant barrier. The barrier must generally be at least 1.2m high with gaps under 100mm, a self-closing self-latching gate, and a 900mm non-climbable zone kept clear.5 sources cited
• Building & renovationAsbestos in Australian homes: where it is and what you may not doAny home built or renovated before 1990 should be assumed to contain asbestos until tested. Undisturbed and in good condition it is generally low risk. Disturbing it during renovation is where the danger is, and removal is regulated.4 sources cited
• Your rights & checksWhat paperwork a tradesperson should leave youLicensed electrical, plumbing and gas work generates a compliance or safety certificate in most states. It is the document that proves the work met the code, and it is what a buyer's conveyancer will ask for later.6 sources cited
• Your rights & checksUnsolicited work, door knockers and trade scamsWork sold at your door or over the phone without invitation is an unsolicited consumer agreement under Australian Consumer Law, which gives you a cooling-off period and specific disclosure rights the seller must honour.4 sources cited
• Your rights & checksEmergency and after-hours trade call-outsEmergency work is charged at a premium and that is legitimate, but you are still entitled to know the call-out fee and hourly rate before anyone starts, and to a written invoice afterwards.5 sources cited