Every question, answered and sourced
193 questions Australian homeowners actually ask. Every answer opens with a one-sentence version you can act on, and closes with the authorities it was checked against.
Plumbing31 questions
Topic hub →- Does hot water have to come out of the tap below 50 degrees?Water has to be stored hot enough to control Legionella, which generally means 60°C in a storage system, but it can only be delivered to bathroom outlets at 50°C or less. A tempering valve is what bridges the two.
- Which type of hot water system should I get?For most Australian households replacing a system today, a heat pump or solar-boosted electric system has the lowest running cost and attracts the largest rebates, but the right answer depends on your existing connections and available space.
- Do I need a licensed plumber, or can I do it myself?Almost all plumbing work in Australia is licensed. The homeowner exemptions are narrow, differ by state, and generally cover only minor maintenance like changing a tap washer.
- What actually causes a blocked drain, and can I clear it myself?Most household blockages are fat, hair or foreign objects near the fixture and can be cleared with a plunger or hand snake. Recurring blockages across multiple fixtures usually mean tree roots in the sewer line, which needs a camera and a professional.
- Why is my water bill suddenly high?A sudden jump with no change in use almost always means a leak, and a running toilet is the most common cause. Your water meter will tell you in about twenty minutes whether water is moving when nothing is on.
- How long should a hot water system last?Ten to fifteen years for a storage unit, often longer for continuous flow because there is no tank to corrode. Rusty water, pooling underneath or running out sooner than it used to are the signs it is near the end.
- What plumbing work can I legally do myself in Australia?Very little. Replacing a tap washer, a showerhead or a flexible connection is generally permitted, but anything that alters pipework, drainage or a water heater is licensed plumbing work in every state and territory.
- “flexi hose under the sink burst, how often replace them”Most manufacturers rate braided flexible hoses for around five years, and they are one of the most common causes of major internal water damage claims in Australia when left indefinitely.
- What is a plumbing compliance certificate and should I get one?Most notifiable plumbing work requires the licensed plumber to lodge a compliance certificate and give you a copy. Keep it, because it is the record that the work met the plumbing code.
- What causes water hammer and is it damaging?Water hammer is the shock wave created when fast-moving water is stopped suddenly by a quick-closing valve. It is fixable, and left alone it can loosen fittings and eventually cause leaks.
- Why is my water pressure low?Sudden loss of pressure across the whole house usually points to the meter, a valve or the supply. Loss at one outlet is nearly always a blocked aerator, cartridge or isolation valve at that fixture.
- “water company says i need a backflow device, what is that”A backflow prevention device stops contaminated water being drawn back into the drinking water supply. Water authorities require them at properties with a defined hazard, and most require annual testing by a licensed person.
- Can I connect a rainwater tank to my house plumbing?Yes, and it is common for toilets, laundry and outdoor taps, but connecting a tank to internal plumbing is licensed work and requires backflow protection where a mains top up is fitted.
- What is the difference between sewer and stormwater, and why does it matter?Sewer carries waste to treatment and stormwater carries rain to a waterway. Connecting one to the other is illegal everywhere in Australia and causes both sewage overflows and flooding.
- Who is responsible for a blocked sewer, me or the water authority?You are generally responsible for the pipework on your property up to the connection point, and the water authority for the main beyond it. The boundary is set by the authority, not by where the blockage happens to be.
- “plumber says reline the pipe or dig it up, which is better”Relining suits a pipe that is structurally intact but cracked or root-infiltrated. Replacement is required where the pipe has collapsed, sagged into a belly, or lost too much of its wall to support a liner.
- Can I make my neighbour remove a tree whose roots block my drains?Sometimes. Several states have a statutory process for tree damage between neighbours, but you generally have to show the tree caused the damage and that you tried to resolve it first.
- Why does my stormwater flood in heavy rain?Most yard flooding is a capacity or fall problem rather than a blockage: undersized or blocked pipes, downpipes discharging at the surface, or ground that has been regraded so water now runs toward the house.
- Is my toilet leaking if the water level moves?A continuously running toilet is a leaking outlet valve or an incorrectly set inlet valve, and it can waste a very large volume of water invisibly, which is a common cause of an unexplained bill.
- “hot water goes lukewarm after 5 minutes”Running lukewarm quickly usually means the system is undersized, the element or thermostat has failed, or a tempering valve has drifted. Never hot at all points at the heat source rather than the storage.
- What is a tempering valve and why does it need replacing?A tempering valve blends hot and cold to limit the temperature delivered to bathroom outlets, guarding against scalding. It is a wearing part with a finite life and it is genuinely required, not an upsell.
- Does a dishwasher or washing machine have to be installed by a plumber?Connecting to existing tap and drain points with the supplied hoses is generally permitted. Adding or moving the tap, the drain point or the power outlet is licensed work.
- How do I find a hidden water leak?Isolate the property at the meter and watch the dial. If it moves with everything off, the leak is on your side, and the meter test tells you that in fifteen minutes for free.
- Is a heat pump hot water system worth it?A heat pump uses roughly a third of the electricity of a resistive electric storage system for the same hot water, which is why it attracts rebates, but it is noisier, more complex and performs worse in cold climates.
- Who is allowed to work on gas in Australia?Gasfitting is a separate licence class from general plumbing in every Australian state and territory, and there is no householder exemption for any gas work at all.
- “i can smell gas in the house what do i do”Do not operate any electrical switch or appliance. Turn off the supply if you can reach it safely, open the space up, get everyone outside, and call the gas emergency line from outside the building.
- What do I do about a burst pipe or a flooded house right now?Turn off the water at the meter, turn off electricity to affected areas at the switchboard if water is near wiring, then photograph everything before you start removing anything.
- How does a septic system work and what maintenance does it need?A septic system separates solids and disposes of the liquid through a land application area. Tanks generally need pumping every few years, and the land application area is what actually fails.
- “can i run the washing machine water onto the lawn”Simple diversion of laundry and shower water for subsurface garden irrigation is allowed in most of Australia with conditions. Treated greywater systems and any storage require approval.
- Does my irrigation system need backflow protection?Yes. An irrigation system connected to the drinking water supply is a recognised backflow hazard, and water authorities require protection appropriate to the risk, with annual testing on testable devices.
- What is a pressure relief valve on a hot water system and why is it dripping?The valve releases pressure as water expands when heated, so some discharge is normal. Continuous or heavy discharge means the valve has failed or the incoming pressure is too high.
Electrical27 questions
Topic hub →- Do I need an electrician to replace a light fitting?Yes. Replacing a hard-wired light fitting is licensed electrical work everywhere in Australia, and there is no do-it-yourself exemption for it in any state or territory.
- What electrical work can I legally do myself in Australia?Only work that connects by a plug and socket. All fixed wiring, anything connected permanently to the mains, is licensed work in every Australian state and territory.
- Does my house need safety switches, and how many?New and altered circuits must be protected by a residual current device under the national wiring rules, but what is required on an existing untouched home varies by state. Several now require them at sale or lease.
- When does a switchboard actually need upgrading?When it has no residual current protection, still uses rewireable ceramic fuses, has no spare capacity for work you are adding, or shows heat damage, not simply because it looks old.
- Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?A breaker that trips repeatedly is doing its job and reporting a fault. The three usual causes are an overloaded circuit, a faulty appliance, or a genuine wiring fault, and the third needs an electrician.
- Do I need an electrician to install a ceiling fan?Yes. A ceiling fan is hard-wired and usually needs additional mounting support, so it is licensed electrical work everywhere in Australia and often carries a structural element as well.
- Can I install a ceiling fan myself in Australia?No. A ceiling fan connects to fixed wiring and mounts to structure overhead, so installing one is licensed electrical work in every state and territory.
- Do I need an electrician to install an EV charger at home?Yes. A wall-mounted home charger is a hard-wired appliance on a dedicated circuit, which is licensed electrical work, and most distributors also require the connection to be notified.
- What is three phase power and do I need it?Three phase brings three active conductors into the property instead of one, roughly tripling the available capacity. Most Australian homes are single phase and do not need an upgrade unless total demand has outgrown it.
- “running power to my shed out the back, what's involved”Yes. Running a submain to a detached shed or garage is licensed electrical work, and it usually needs its own small switchboard with residual current protection rather than an extension lead.
- Who can install data and phone cabling in Australia?Cabling connected to the telecommunications network must be done by a registered cabler, which is a separate registration from an electrical licence and is regulated federally rather than by the states.
- Are downlights a fire risk, and do they need clearance from insulation?Older halogen downlights run hot and must be kept clear of insulation, which is why many homes have gaps cut in their ceiling insulation. Modern fittings marked as insulation contact rated may be covered.
- How often should a safety switch be tested?Push the test button on each safety switch about every three months. It should cut power immediately, and a device that does not trip on its own test button is not protecting anything.
- “circuit breaker vs safety switch whats the difference”A circuit breaker protects the wiring from overload and fire. A safety switch protects a person from electric shock. They do different jobs and a board full of breakers may have no shock protection at all.
- Is old electrical wiring in my house dangerous?Rubber and early plastic insulated wiring degrades with age and heat, and cabling installed before about the 1960s is often at the end of its life. The risk is real but it is assessed by inspection, not by the age of the house alone.
- Can I add a power point outside on a patio or deck?Yes, but it is licensed work and an outdoor socket has extra requirements: a weatherproof enclosure rated for the location and residual current protection on the circuit.
- What are the electrical rules around a swimming pool or spa?Electrical work around a pool or spa is governed by defined zones in the wiring rules, all associated circuits require residual current protection, and equipotential bonding of metal parts is usually required.
- “lights flicker when the aircon kicks in, is that bad”A brief dip when a large motor starts can be normal, but persistent flickering, or flickering that has recently started, commonly indicates a loose connection and should be investigated rather than lived with.
- Do I need a permit or approval to install a generator at home?A generator that permanently connects to the house wiring requires a changeover switch installed by a licensed electrician, so the generator can never energise the network while the supply is off.
- How do I check if an electrician in NSW is licensed?Search the free NSW licence verification service using the licence number or business name. It shows whether the licence is current, what class it is, and any conditions on it.
- What is a certificate of electrical safety and do I need one?Most electrical work requires the electrician to issue a compliance certificate to the person who paid for the work. Keep it, because it is the document that proves the work was compliant when you sell or claim.
- “worth changing all my halogens to led or not”Usually yes, and the case is stronger than the running cost saving alone, because sealed LED fittings let ceiling insulation be closed up and remove the heat that made halogen downlights a fire risk.
- Do I need an electrician to move a power point during a renovation?Yes. Relocating a power point means altering fixed wiring, which is licensed work regardless of how short the move is, and it requires a compliance certificate like any other alteration.
- Is it worth adding ceiling insulation to an existing house?Ceiling insulation is usually the highest-return efficiency upgrade in an Australian home, because heat moves through the ceiling faster than through anything else and retrofitting it is comparatively cheap.
- What should I do if I get an electric shock from a tap or appliance?Treat it as an emergency. A tingle from a tap or appliance usually means voltage is present on metalwork that should be at earth potential, and it can become lethal without warning.
- “do smoke alarms need to be wired in or are batteries ok”New builds and major renovations require hard-wired, interconnected alarms nationally. What applies to an existing untouched home varies by state, and Queensland has the most demanding retrofit requirement.
- Can I move my switchboard or meter box?Yes, but it involves the electricity distributor as well as an electrician, because the metering equipment and the service connection are theirs, and it is one of the more expensive electrical jobs.
Heating & cooling13 questions
Topic hub →- Should I repair or replace an ageing ducted system?Repair a single failed component on a system under about fifteen years old. Replace when the compressor or heat exchanger has failed, and inspect the ductwork either way. Replacing the unit and leaving degraded ducting wastes much of the benefit.
- Split system or ducted, which suits an Australian home?Split systems cost far less to install and let you condition only the rooms in use. Ducted costs more upfront and suits whole-home conditioning, but only pays off if it is zoned and the house is reasonably sealed and insulated.
- What licence should an air conditioning installer hold?An ARCtick refrigerant handling licence from the Australian Refrigeration Council, which is national, plus an electrical licence for the electrical connection. Handling refrigerant without one is an offence.
- How often should air conditioning be serviced?Filters need cleaning every few months during heavy use, which you can do yourself. A full service by a licensed technician is worth doing every one to two years, and before summer rather than during it.
- What size air conditioner do I need for a room?Sizing depends on far more than floor area: ceiling height, insulation, glazing, orientation and climate zone all change the result, and both oversizing and undersizing cause real problems.
- Is reverse cycle cheaper to run than gas heating?In most of Australia a modern reverse cycle system now costs less to run than gas ducted heating, because it delivers several units of heat per unit of electricity while gas delivers less than one.
- “gas heater servicing how often carbon monoxide”Gas heaters should be serviced by a licensed gasfitter at least every two years, and open flued heaters in particular can produce carbon monoxide if the flue or the room ventilation is compromised.
- What is involved in going all-electric and disconnecting gas?Replacing the gas appliances is the visible part. The saving that makes the case is usually the daily supply charge, which you only avoid by formally disconnecting rather than simply not using gas.
- Do rangehoods have to vent outside?A ducted rangehood that discharges outside removes moisture, grease and combustion products. A recirculating one filters odour and returns everything else to the room, including the moisture.
- Where can an outdoor air conditioner unit be installed?Placement is governed by manufacturer clearances, and by noise. Most states impose limits on noise at a neighbouring boundary, and councils and tribunals do enforce them.
- “water dripping inside from the split system”An indoor unit dripping inside is almost always a blocked or badly fallen condensate drain, and it is a maintenance problem rather than a refrigerant problem.
- Are ducted heating and cooling zones worth paying for?Usually yes, because conditioning only the rooms in use is the largest single saving available on a ducted system, and it also lets a smaller unit do the job.
- Is evaporative cooling any good in Australia?Evaporative cooling works well in dry heat and poorly in humidity, so it suits inland and southern Australia far better than the coastal north, and it needs windows open to work at all.
Solar & batteries11 questions
Topic hub →- What solar rebates can I actually get in Australia?A federal discount delivered through Small-scale Technology Certificates applies nationally and is normally taken off the quoted price, and some states add their own rebate on top. Victoria publishes up to $1,400 plus an interest-free loan of the same amount.
- Is there a rebate for a home battery?Yes. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program discounts around 30% of the upfront cost of batteries from 5 kWh to 100 kWh, with the discount tapering above 14 kWh since 1 May 2026.
- What accreditation does a solar installer need?Accreditation with Solar Accreditation Australia, which took over from the Clean Energy Council on 29 February 2024. Without it, your system cannot generate the federal certificates that fund the discount.
- What happens to my solar when the power goes out?A standard grid-connected solar system shuts down in a blackout and produces nothing, even in full sun. That is a mandatory safety feature, and only a battery with dedicated backup capability changes it.
- How does the federal solar rebate actually work?It is not a rebate paid to you. The system generates small-scale technology certificates which the installer assigns to themselves and takes off the price, so it appears as an upfront discount on the quote.
- What state solar and electrification rebates exist?State support is separate from the federal certificate scheme and varies a great deal. Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT each run their own published programs, and several states offer none for solar panels.
- What is a feed-in tariff and why has mine dropped?A feed-in tariff is what your retailer pays for exported solar. Rates have fallen across Australia because midday exports are abundant, which shifts the value of solar toward using your own generation rather than selling it.
- “solar diverter for hot water worth it”Often yes, because a hot water tank is cheap thermal storage. Using surplus solar to heat water avoids paying retail rates at night and earns far more than exporting the same energy.
- Can I run my air conditioner off solar during a blackout?Only if the system was specifically installed with backup capability and a dedicated backup circuit. A standard solar and battery installation shuts down in a blackout unless backup was designed in.
- How long do solar panels and inverters actually last?Panels typically carry performance warranties around 25 years and degrade slowly. String inverters are the shorter-lived component, commonly warranted for five to ten years, and are usually the first replacement.
- “solar output dropped heaps this year why”The usual causes in order are soiling, new shading, an inverter fault, and export limiting by the network. Panel degradation is real but far too slow to explain a sudden drop.
Building & renovation34 questions
Topic hub →- Do I need a building permit for this work?Structural work, most extensions, decks above a certain height, carports, pools and re-roofing generally need approval. Cosmetic work usually does not. The thresholds are set by your state and your council, so this must be checked locally.
- What should I check before signing a building contract?That the builder's licence is current and covers the work, that warranty insurance is in place where your state requires it, and that the contract fixes the scope, the price, the progress payments and how variations are handled.
- “do i need council approval for a deck”Usually yes once the deck is above a low height or attached to the house, though every state exempts small, low, freestanding decks. The exemption is defined by height, area and setback, and it differs in each jurisdiction.
- Do I need approval for a pergola, carport or shed?Small sheds and open pergolas are often exempt, but exemptions are capped by floor area, height and setback, and a carport at the front of a property almost always needs planning approval.
- Do I need approval for a retaining wall?Most jurisdictions exempt retaining walls below a defined height, commonly under one metre, provided they are not surcharged, not near a boundary and not supporting a structure. Above that, engineering and approval are required.
- What is an owner-builder permit and should I get one?An owner-builder permit lets you manage building work on your own property instead of engaging a licensed builder. It transfers the builder's legal responsibilities to you, including warranty obligations to a future buyer.
- “builder says i dont need home warranty insurance is that right”It covers you if a builder dies, disappears or becomes insolvent before finishing or before fixing defects. Every state has a scheme, each with its own name and its own contract value threshold.
- What happens if my builder goes broke mid-project?Stop paying immediately, secure the site, and lodge a claim on your home warranty insurance if the contract was above your state's threshold. Do not engage a replacement builder before the insurer has assessed it.
- How do progress payments work in a building contract?Deposits are capped by law in most states, commonly at a low percentage of the contract value, and payments after that should be tied to defined stages of completed work rather than to dates.
- What is a variation and can a builder charge whatever they like?A variation is a change to the contracted scope. In most states it must be in writing, priced and signed before the work is done, and a builder who does the work first is on weak ground claiming for it.
- Can I remove asbestos from my own home?Rules differ by state, and several allow a householder to remove a limited quantity of non-friable asbestos from their own home. Friable asbestos always requires a licensed removalist, everywhere.
- Is cutting tiles, concrete or stone dangerous?Cutting, grinding or drilling concrete, brick, tile and engineered stone releases respirable crystalline silica, which causes irreversible lung disease. Water suppression or on-tool extraction and proper respiratory protection are required, not optional.
- “removing a wall between kitchen and lounge, need approval?”If the wall is load bearing, yes: it needs an engineer's design and a building approval. Removing a genuinely non-load-bearing wall is usually exempt, but establishing which one you have is the job.
- What does a building inspection actually check?A standard pre-purchase inspection is a visual assessment of accessible areas only. It does not open walls, move stored goods or test services, and the limitations are what determine its value.
- What are the accessibility requirements for a new home?The National Construction Code includes livable housing provisions for new dwellings covering step-free entry, wider doorways and corridors, and reinforced bathroom walls, though adoption has varied between states.
- What is a NatHERS star rating and does my renovation need one?NatHERS rates the thermal performance of a dwelling design out of ten stars. New homes must meet a minimum rating, and substantial renovations and additions generally have to demonstrate compliance too.
- “do i have to tell insurance im doing a reno”Yes. Ordinary home and contents cover generally excludes or limits damage arising from construction work, and a substantial renovation usually requires a specific policy or an endorsement.
- Do I need a pool safety certificate to sell or rent my house?In several states yes. Queensland requires a pool safety certificate at sale or lease, New South Wales requires a certificate of compliance or a valid occupation certificate, and other states differ.
- How often should a house be inspected for termites?At least annually in most of Australia, and more often in high-risk areas. Termite damage is generally excluded from home insurance, which makes inspection the only real protection.
- “double glazing worth the money in australia”It works, but on cost per unit of comfort it usually ranks behind ceiling insulation, draught sealing and external shading, so it is rarely the first thing to do.
- What is BAL rating and does it affect my renovation?Bushfire Attack Level rates the exposure of a site to radiant heat, embers and flame. In a designated bushfire prone area it sets construction requirements for anything you build.
- “is engineered stone banned in australia now”Australia has prohibited the manufacture, supply and installation of engineered stone benchtops because of silicosis among workers who fabricate them. Existing installed benchtops can remain.
- Do I need a permit to cross the footpath with a new driveway?Yes. The section between your boundary and the road is public land, so a new or altered crossover needs council approval and must be built to the council's specification.
- Do I need approval for a skylight or a new window?Cutting a new opening in a roof or a wall is building work in most cases, because it affects structure and weatherproofing, and a new window near a boundary can also raise privacy and planning issues.
- “private certifier vs council building approval whats better”Both can issue building approvals in most states. A private certifier is usually faster and is engaged by you, which is also the reason the arrangement attracts criticism.
- What is an easement and can I build over one?Generally no, not without the asset owner's consent. An easement gives someone else a right over part of your land, and building over a sewer or drainage easement usually requires a formal build-over approval.
- Is it worth insulating under a metal roof or in the walls of an existing house?Wall insulation can be blown or injected into existing cavities and frames, which works, but it is harder to verify than ceiling insulation and it carries moisture risks if done badly.
- What is the difference between a planning permit and a building permit?A planning permit is about whether the use and appearance are acceptable on that land. A building permit is about whether the structure complies with the construction code. You can need one, both, or neither.
- What is involved in building a granny flat or secondary dwelling?A secondary dwelling is a full dwelling in planning terms, so it triggers planning rules on size, setbacks and site coverage, plus building approval, and it needs its own services and drainage.
- What hours can building work be done?Permitted hours are set by state environment protection law and by council conditions, and typically run from early morning to evening on weekdays with reduced hours on Saturday and none on Sunday.
- Who is responsible for removing building rubbish?Whoever the contract says, which is why it should say. Waste removal is a real cost and a common exclusion, and the property owner carries the liability for how regulated waste is disposed of.
- Can I do renovations in a strata apartment?Usually yes, with approval. Most strata by-laws split work into cosmetic, minor and major categories, and anything touching common property, waterproofing or floors needs the owners corporation's consent.
- “bathroom reno taking way longer than quoted is that normal”Trade sequencing, not labour, sets the timeline. A bathroom involves six or seven trades in a fixed order with curing time between some of them, which is why a two-week job takes four when one trade slips.
- What is practical completion and when do I make the final payment?Practical completion is the point at which the work is finished apart from minor defects and can be used for its intended purpose. The final payment falls due then, and it is your last real leverage.
Roofing & gutters13 questions
Topic hub →- My roof leaks, do I repair it or replace it?Repair a localised leak from a cracked tile, failed flashing or blocked valley. Replace when the roof covering itself has reached end of life across the whole area, or when the leak is a symptom of failed sarking or battens.
- What does a roof restoration actually include?Typically a high-pressure clean, replacement of broken tiles, re-bedding and re-pointing of ridge capping, then a sealer and two coats of membrane. What separates a good job from a cosmetic one is the re-bedding, not the paint.
- How long does a roof last in Australia?Concrete and terracotta tiles commonly last 50 years or more, while the pointing and bedding need attention every 15 to 20. Colorbond and quality steel roofing typically lasts 30 to 50 years, less in coastal areas.
- Why does my roof only leak in heavy rain?A leak that appears only in driving rain is usually water being pushed uphill or sideways past a lap, flashing or valley, rather than a hole. That is why it can be invisible on a still, wet day.
- “whats a roof valley and why does it always leak”Valleys carry concentrated water where two roof planes meet and flashings seal the junctions with walls and penetrations. Both handle far more water than the surrounding roof, so both wear out first.
- Do I need a licensed roof plumber or can any roofer do it?Roof drainage work, including gutters, downpipes, flashings and metal roofing, is licensed plumbing work in most states. Tiling a roof is often treated differently, which is why the answer depends on the job.
- When do gutters need replacing rather than cleaning?Overflowing gutters are usually a fall, capacity or blockage problem rather than a corrosion problem. Replacement is warranted when the metal has failed, or when the profile was never large enough for the roof area.
- Is roof painting or restoration worth it, or is it a scam?A genuine restoration that replaces broken tiles, repoints ridge capping and repairs valleys has real value. A coating sprayed over a failing roof does not, and door-knocked roof work is a long-standing problem area.
- “roof is 25 years old should i do solar or reroof first”Technically yes, but it is usually a false economy. Removing and refitting an array to replace the roof underneath costs a substantial amount, so the roof should be sound for the system's life.
- What is sarking and does my roof need it?Sarking is a membrane under the roof covering that catches wind-driven water and condensation and drains it out. Many older Australian homes have none, which is why they leak in storms.
- Can I walk on my own roof to check something?Falls from height are among the most common causes of serious injury in Australian home maintenance. Tiles crack under foot, older sheeting and skylights can fail without warning, and there is usually a better option.
- What should I do after storm damage to my roof?Make it safe and temporarily watertight, photograph everything, contact your insurer before authorising permanent repairs, and be careful about contractors who arrive uninvited.
- What is a whirlybird and does it actually do anything?A roof ventilator moves a modest amount of air and can reduce roof space temperature and moisture. It is far less effective than ceiling insulation and it does not substitute for it.
Waterproofing & tiling15 questions
Topic hub →- The tiler says my bathroom needs waterproofing again. Is that real?Usually yes, if tiles are being lifted. The waterproof membrane sits underneath the tiles and screed, so it cannot be inspected or renewed without removing them, which is why the two jobs are quoted together.
- How long should bathroom waterproofing last?A correctly installed membrane should last the life of the bathroom, twenty years or more. Failure inside ten years usually indicates an installation defect rather than wear, and may be a building defect you have rights over.
- What are the signs of a shower leak?Damp or bubbling paint on the other side of a shower wall, drummy tiles, a musty smell that cleaning does not fix, and lifting floorboards nearby. All point to water escaping the wet area.
- “bathroom fan just blows into the roof space is that ok”It should discharge outside the building. Venting into a roof space dumps moist air into an enclosed cavity, which causes condensation, mould and, over time, damage to timber and insulation.
- Why does mould keep coming back in my bathroom?Mould returns because the moisture source is still there. Cleaning treats the symptom, and unless ventilation, a leak or a cold surface is addressed, it will regrow in the same place.
- Should I regrout or reseal my shower, or does it need rewaterproofing?Regrouting fixes deteriorated joints between tiles. It does not fix a failed membrane underneath, and if water is appearing outside the shower, the membrane is the more likely cause.
- How long should bathroom waterproofing last?A correctly installed membrane should last the life of the bathroom, commonly twenty years or more. Early failure is almost always an installation defect rather than the membrane wearing out.
- “water sits in the shower and doesnt drain properly”The floor does not have enough fall to the waste, or the fall runs the wrong way. It is a screed problem under the tiles, so correcting it properly means lifting the floor.
- Is a hobless shower a good idea?A hobless shower is more accessible and looks better, but it removes the physical barrier that kept water in, so it depends entirely on the fall, the screen detail and the waterproofing being right.
- What does it mean when tiles sound hollow?A hollow or drummy sound means the tile has lost its bond to the substrate. It is not always urgent, but in a wet area it is a path for water and it tends to spread.
- Why does my balcony leak into the room below?Balconies are exposed to weather, movement and ultraviolet light in a way internal wet areas are not, and the usual failure points are the membrane at the door threshold, the drainage outlet and the perimeter junctions.
- “grout or silicone in the corner of the shower”Internal corners and the wall-to-floor junction should be flexible sealant, not grout. Those are movement joints, and grout in them cracks, which is the most common cause of a shower that starts leaking.
- Can you tile over existing tiles?It is possible on some floors and walls with proper preparation, but in a wet area it is usually the wrong call, because it buries the existing waterproofing and adds height at the door and the waste.
- What is efflorescence and is it a problem?Efflorescence is mineral salt left behind when water moves through masonry or a tile bed and evaporates at the surface. The deposit itself is harmless, but it tells you water is moving where it should not be.
- What causes rising damp and how is it fixed?Rising damp is ground moisture drawn up through masonry where the damp proof course is absent, bridged or failed. It is far less common than it is diagnosed, and most persistent low-level damp has another cause.
Landscaping & trees11 questions
Topic hub →- My neighbour's tree overhangs my property. What can I do?You may generally prune overhanging branches back to the boundary at your own cost, but you cannot enter your neighbour's land, and council tree protections or a state tree dispute scheme may override that right entirely.
- Who pays for a dividing fence?Neighbours generally share the cost of a sufficient dividing fence equally, but every state has its own fencing legislation with a formal notice process, and skipping the notice is what costs people the contribution.
- Do I need council approval to remove a tree?Very likely. Most Australian councils protect trees above a certain height or trunk size, or in particular overlays, regardless of who planted them. Removing a protected tree without consent carries some of the largest penalties a homeowner can face.
- Which law covers dividing fences in my state?Every state and territory has its own fencing statute with its own name, notice procedure and definition of a sufficient fence. There is no national fencing law and the differences are procedural, not cosmetic.
- “how do i tell my neighbour i want to replace the fence”Serve a written fencing notice describing the proposed work and the estimated cost, then wait the period your state's Act specifies before doing anything. Most states publish a standard form.
- What if the fence is not on the actual boundary?A fence is not evidence of a boundary. Only a licensed surveyor can establish where the boundary is, and a long-standing fence in the wrong place raises questions that are worth resolving before you build anything.
- Who is responsible for a retaining wall between two properties?Generally the owner who benefits from the retained ground, which usually means whoever cut or filled the land to create the level difference. Fencing legislation does not cover retaining walls in most states.
- Can I cut branches that hang over my fence?You may generally prune back to the boundary line, but you cannot enter the neighbour's land, you cannot damage the tree's health, and the branches remain the neighbour's property.
- “neighbours tree fell on my shed who pays”Liability usually turns on whether the owner knew or should have known the tree was dangerous. A healthy tree brought down by an extreme storm is generally nobody's fault, and insurance is often the practical answer.
- Do I need approval to remove a tree on my own property?Often no. Most Australian councils protect trees above a defined height or trunk size, and many also protect specific species or all trees in a heritage or environmental overlay, regardless of who owns the land.
- Do I need to call Before You Dig before digging in my yard?Yes, and it is free. Water, gas, electricity and telecommunications assets run through residential properties at shallow depths, and striking one is dangerous and expensive.
Painting & decorating10 questions
Topic hub →- How long should an exterior repaint last?Around seven to ten years on a well-prepared rendered or weatherboard exterior in most of Australia. Failure inside about five years almost always means preparation was skipped rather than that the paint was poor.
- How many coats of paint should a painter apply?Two top coats over a properly prepared and primed surface is the standard. One coat is only acceptable as a refresh over the same colour in sound condition, and a quote that does not state the number of coats is not comparable to one that does.
- Is the paint in my old house likely to contain lead?Paint applied in Australian homes before 1970 commonly contains lead, and it remains a real hazard when disturbed by sanding, scraping or heat stripping.
- “two painting quotes 3k apart why so different”The difference is almost always preparation and coats, not paint. Ask each quote to state the preparation steps, the product by name and the number of coats, and the gap usually explains itself.
- Can you paint a metal or tile roof, and should you?Both can be coated, and it can genuinely extend the life of a sound roof and improve its appearance. It does nothing for a roof that has failed structurally or corroded through.
- Why does paint keep peeling in my bathroom or laundry?Peeling in a wet room is nearly always moisture rather than paint quality. Until ventilation is fixed, repainting is a maintenance cycle rather than a repair.
- How long does a timber deck last and what maintenance does it need?An exposed timber deck in Australia generally needs recoating every one to two years, and the coating interval is what determines whether the deck lasts a decade or three.
- “cracks in the render outside should i worry”Fine hairline cracking in render is usually cosmetic. Cracks that are wide, that step diagonally, or that continue through the masonry behind, point at structural movement and need assessment.
- Can I sand and recoat my timber floors, and how many times?Solid timber floors can usually be sanded several times over their life, limited by the thickness above the tongue. Engineered boards have a thin wear layer and can often be sanded only once, if at all.
- Do I need to seal my driveway or concrete?Sealing is optional maintenance rather than a requirement. It helps with staining and surface wear on decorative finishes, and it needs redoing on a cycle rather than once.
Your rights & checks28 questions
Topic hub →- How do I check a tradesperson is actually licensed?Search your state's public licence register directly using the licence number, not a photo of a card. Air conditioning and solar are the two national exceptions, checkable on the ARCtick and Solar Accreditation Australia registers wherever you live.
- What rights do I have if trade work is done badly?Australian Consumer Law gives you automatic guarantees on services, due care and skill, fitness for purpose, and delivery within a reasonable time. They apply by force of law and cannot be excluded by a contract term or a sign.
- A tradie has done bad work and won't fix it. What now?Put it in writing with photographs and a deadline, allow one genuine chance to fix it, then escalate to your state's consumer or building regulator for free conciliation before considering the tribunal.
- How many quotes should I get, and how do I compare them?Three is the useful number. Compare them only once each states the same scope. An itemised quote and a lump sum are not comparable, and the cheapest is usually cheapest because something was left out.
- Can I withhold payment if I'm not happy with the work?Withholding an amount proportionate to the defect is far more defensible than withholding everything. Refusing all payment, and refusing to allow a chance to fix a minor problem, can weaken your position even where the complaint is sound.
- “builder wont fix defects where do i complain”Every state and territory has a civil tribunal that hears building disputes, and most require you to attempt resolution with the builder, and often with the regulator, before an application will proceed.
- How long is a builder responsible for defects?Statutory warranties on residential building work run for a defined period after completion in every state, commonly six years for structural defects and a shorter period for others, separate from any contract warranty.
- “is a quote binding or can they charge more later”A quote is a fixed price offer, and once accepted it generally binds both parties. An estimate is not, which is why the word used on the document matters more than most people realise.
- How much deposit can a tradesperson ask for?For residential building work, most states cap the deposit by law at a low percentage of the contract price. For general trade work below those thresholds there is no fixed cap, but a large upfront demand is a recognised warning sign.
- Do I have a cooling-off period for trade work?Agreements made through unsolicited contact, such as door knocking or an uninvited phone call, carry a cooling-off period under Australian Consumer Law. A contract you sought out yourself generally does not.
- What can I do if a tradesperson does a bad job?Consumer guarantees require services to be provided with due care and skill. For a minor failure the provider gets to choose the remedy, and for a major failure you can cancel and claim compensation.
- “found out my tradie wasnt licensed what now”You keep your consumer guarantees, but you may lose insurance cover, warranty scheme protection and the compliance certificates the work needed, and the problems usually surface when you sell or claim.
- Can I refuse to pay if I am not happy with the work?Withholding payment entirely is risky. A safer position is to pay for work properly done, withhold a proportionate amount for the defect, and set out in writing exactly why.
- How do I check a business is real before paying a deposit?Check the ABN is active and matches the trading name, check the trade licence on your state's register, and confirm the entity you are paying is the entity on the quote.
- Are online reviews of tradespeople reliable?Treat them as one weak signal. Review manipulation is a recognised problem the ACCC has pursued, and a licence check plus references for comparable work tells you far more.
- “builder threatening to put a caveat on my property”Only if the contract gives them an interest in the land, which most trade contracts do not. Lodging a caveat without a proper basis is itself actionable and can attract compensation.
- Who do I complain to about a tradesperson in my state?Consumer affairs bodies handle contract and conduct complaints, licensing regulators handle unlicensed or defective licensed work, and tribunals decide claims. Which one you need depends on what went wrong.
- Is a recalled appliance in my home my problem or the manufacturer's?Check the national recall register by product and model. A recall is the supplier's responsibility to remedy, usually at no cost, and it applies whether or not you were the original purchaser.
- Who is responsible for repairs in an apartment, me or the body corporate?Common property is the owners corporation's responsibility and lot property is yours. The boundary is defined by the registered plan, not by which side of a wall the damage appears on.
- How many quotes should I actually get, and does the middle one win?Three is usually enough, and the useful comparison is scope rather than price. Two quotes with different inclusions are not comparable, and the middle one is not automatically the safe choice.
- Does a cash job with no invoice cause problems?The discount buys away your evidence. Without an invoice you have no proof of who did the work or what was agreed, which affects warranty claims, insurance and the value of the property at sale.
- What repairs is a landlord required to do?A rental property must be maintained in a reasonable state of repair and must meet the minimum standards set by your state. That obligation exists regardless of what the lease says.
- What counts as an urgent repair in a rental?Every state lists urgent repairs in its tenancy legislation, and a failed hot water service, a burst pipe, a gas leak, a serious electrical fault and a blocked toilet are on almost all of those lists.
- Who maintains smoke alarms in a rental property?The landlord is responsible for installing compliant alarms and, in most states, for testing and replacing them. Tenants are generally responsible only for not disabling them and for reporting faults.
- Can a tradesperson enter my rental without me being there?Only with proper notice, or with your agreement, or in a genuine emergency. Every state sets a minimum notice period and permitted hours for entry to carry out repairs.
- Can I get a rent reduction while major repairs are happening?Possibly. Where repairs substantially reduce your use of the property, most states allow a tenant to seek a rent reduction, by agreement or by tribunal order.
- Who pays when a blocked drain is caused by tree roots in a rental?The landlord, in almost every case. Root intrusion is a defect in the property rather than something a tenant caused, and a blocked toilet is usually classed as an urgent repair.
- What should I do before trades start work on my house?Agree access, parking, working hours, power and water use, and what protection will be in place, and put it in writing with the quote. Most job-site friction comes from things nobody discussed.
Every question, A to Z
The full list in one place, for when you know roughly what it is called but not which trade it belongs to.
A
C
- Can a tradesperson enter my rental without me being there?
- Can a tradesperson put a caveat or lien on my house?
- Can I add a power point outside on a patio or deck?
- Can I connect a rainwater tank to my house plumbing?
- Can I cut branches that hang over my fence?
- Can I do renovations in a strata apartment?
- Can I get a rent reduction while major repairs are happening?
- Can I install a ceiling fan myself in Australia?
- Can I make my neighbour remove a tree whose roots block my drains?
- Can I move my switchboard or meter box?
- Can I put solar panels on an old roof?
- Can I refuse to pay if I am not happy with the work?
- Can I remove asbestos from my own home?
- Can I reuse greywater in the garden?
- Can I run my air conditioner off solar during a blackout?
- Can I sand and recoat my timber floors, and how many times?
- Can I still get an engineered stone benchtop?
- Can I walk on my own roof to check something?
- Can I withhold payment if I'm not happy with the work?
- Can you paint a metal or tile roof, and should you?
- Can you tile over existing tiles?
D
- Do I have a cooling-off period for trade work?
- Do I need a building permit for this work?
- Do I need a licensed plumber, or can I do it myself?
- Do I need a licensed roof plumber or can any roofer do it?
- Do I need a permit or approval to install a generator at home?
- Do I need a permit to build a deck?
- Do I need a permit to cross the footpath with a new driveway?
- Do I need a pool safety certificate to sell or rent my house?
- Do I need an electrician to install a ceiling fan?
- Do I need an electrician to install an EV charger at home?
- Do I need an electrician to move a power point during a renovation?
- Do I need an electrician to replace a light fitting?
- Do I need an electrician to run power to a shed?
- Do I need approval for a pergola, carport or shed?
- Do I need approval for a retaining wall?
- Do I need approval for a skylight or a new window?
- Do I need approval to knock out an internal wall?
- Do I need approval to remove a tree on my own property?
- Do I need council approval to remove a tree?
- Do I need to call Before You Dig before digging in my yard?
- Do I need to seal my driveway or concrete?
- Do I need to tell my insurer before renovating?
- Do rangehoods have to vent outside?
- Do smoke alarms have to be hard wired and interconnected?
- Does a cash job with no invoice cause problems?
- Does a dishwasher or washing machine have to be installed by a plumber?
- Does hot water have to come out of the tap below 50 degrees?
- Does my house need safety switches, and how many?
- Does my irrigation system need backflow protection?
H
- How do I check a business is real before paying a deposit?
- How do I check a tradesperson is actually licensed?
- How do I check if an electrician in NSW is licensed?
- How do I find a hidden water leak?
- How do I give my neighbour notice about a fence?
- How do I tell a good painting quote from a cheap one?
- How do progress payments work in a building contract?
- How does a septic system work and what maintenance does it need?
- How does the federal solar rebate actually work?
- How long do solar panels and inverters actually last?
- How long does a roof last in Australia?
- How long does a timber deck last and what maintenance does it need?
- How long is a builder responsible for defects?
- How long should a hot water system last?
- How long should a renovation actually take?
- How long should an exterior repaint last?
- How long should bathroom waterproofing last?
- How long should bathroom waterproofing last?
- How many coats of paint should a painter apply?
- How many quotes should I actually get, and does the middle one win?
- How many quotes should I get, and how do I compare them?
- How much deposit can a tradesperson ask for?
- How often should a gas heater be serviced?
- How often should a house be inspected for termites?
- How often should a safety switch be tested?
- How often should air conditioning be serviced?
- How often should flexible hoses under sinks be replaced?
I
- Is a heat pump hot water system worth it?
- Is a hobless shower a good idea?
- Is a quote legally binding in Australia?
- Is a recalled appliance in my home my problem or the manufacturer's?
- Is cutting tiles, concrete or stone dangerous?
- Is double glazing worth it in Australia?
- Is evaporative cooling any good in Australia?
- Is it worth adding ceiling insulation to an existing house?
- Is it worth insulating under a metal roof or in the walls of an existing house?
- Is it worth upgrading halogen downlights to LED?
- Is my toilet leaking if the water level moves?
- Is old electrical wiring in my house dangerous?
- Is reverse cycle cheaper to run than gas heating?
- Is roof painting or restoration worth it, or is it a scam?
- Is the paint in my old house likely to contain lead?
- Is there a rebate for a home battery?
M
S
- Should a damaged drain be relined or replaced?
- Should I heat my hot water with solar instead of exporting it?
- Should I regrout or reseal my shower, or does it need rewaterproofing?
- Should I repair or replace an ageing ducted system?
- Should the joint between wall and floor tiles be grout or silicone?
- Split system or ducted, which suits an Australian home?
W
- What accreditation does a solar installer need?
- What actually causes a blocked drain, and can I clear it myself?
- What are the accessibility requirements for a new home?
- What are the electrical rules around a swimming pool or spa?
- What are the signs of a shower leak?
- What are valleys and flashings, and why do they fail first?
- What can I do if a tradesperson does a bad job?
- What causes cracks in my render, and do they matter?
- What causes rising damp and how is it fixed?
- What causes water hammer and is it damaging?
- What counts as an urgent repair in a rental?
- What do I do about a burst pipe or a flooded house right now?
- What does a building inspection actually check?
- What does a roof restoration actually include?
- What does it mean when tiles sound hollow?
- What electrical work can I legally do myself in Australia?
- What happens if I use an unlicensed tradesperson?
- What happens if my builder goes broke mid-project?
- What happens to my solar when the power goes out?
- What hours can building work be done?
- What if the fence is not on the actual boundary?
- What is a backflow prevention device and do I need one?
- What is a certificate of electrical safety and do I need one?
- What is a feed-in tariff and why has mine dropped?
- What is a NatHERS star rating and does my renovation need one?
- What is a plumbing compliance certificate and should I get one?
- What is a pressure relief valve on a hot water system and why is it dripping?
- What is a tempering valve and why does it need replacing?
- What is a variation and can a builder charge whatever they like?
- What is a whirlybird and does it actually do anything?
- What is an easement and can I build over one?
- What is an owner-builder permit and should I get one?
- What is BAL rating and does it affect my renovation?
- What is efflorescence and is it a problem?
- What is home warranty insurance and when is it required?
- What is involved in building a granny flat or secondary dwelling?
- What is involved in going all-electric and disconnecting gas?
- What is practical completion and when do I make the final payment?
- What is sarking and does my roof need it?
- What is the difference between a circuit breaker and a safety switch?
- What is the difference between a planning permit and a building permit?
- What is the difference between a private certifier and the council?
- What is the difference between sewer and stormwater, and why does it matter?
- What is three phase power and do I need it?
- What licence should an air conditioning installer hold?
- What plumbing work can I legally do myself in Australia?
- What repairs is a landlord required to do?
- What rights do I have if trade work is done badly?
- What should I check before signing a building contract?
- What should I do after storm damage to my roof?
- What should I do before trades start work on my house?
- What should I do if I get an electric shock from a tap or appliance?
- What should I do if I smell gas?
- What size air conditioner do I need for a room?
- What solar rebates can I actually get in Australia?
- What state solar and electrification rebates exist?
- When do gutters need replacing rather than cleaning?
- When does a switchboard actually need upgrading?
- Where can an outdoor air conditioner unit be installed?
- Where do I take a building dispute in my state?
- Where does a bathroom exhaust fan have to vent to?
- Which law covers dividing fences in my state?
- Which type of hot water system should I get?
- Who can install data and phone cabling in Australia?
- Who do I complain to about a tradesperson in my state?
- Who is allowed to work on gas in Australia?
- Who is responsible for a blocked sewer, me or the water authority?
- Who is responsible for a retaining wall between two properties?
- Who is responsible for removing building rubbish?
- Who is responsible for repairs in an apartment, me or the body corporate?
- Who maintains smoke alarms in a rental property?
- Who pays for a dividing fence?
- Who pays if a neighbour's tree damages my property?
- Who pays when a blocked drain is caused by tree roots in a rental?
- Why do my lights flicker or dim when an appliance starts?
- Why does mould keep coming back in my bathroom?
- Why does my balcony leak into the room below?
- Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?
- Why does my roof only leak in heavy rain?
- Why does my stormwater flood in heavy rain?
- Why does paint keep peeling in my bathroom or laundry?
- Why does water pool on my shower floor?
- Why is my hot water not hot enough?
- Why is my solar producing less than it used to?
- Why is my water bill suddenly high?
- Why is my water pressure low?
- Why is water dripping from my air conditioner?
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