WA has a distinctive system: building contractors can contract with you, while building practitioners are typically the qualified individuals who can act as a nominated supervisor. Many records also include explicit restrictions. For residential work over $20,000, Home Indemnity Insurance (HII) is a separate but critical check.
In WA, it's common to see a registration number that could relate to either a contractor or a practitioner. When checking a record, confirm the <strong>licence type</strong> and ensure the contracting party has the right authority.
You’re typically looking for a registered <strong>building contractor</strong> (entity that can contract for building services).
A practitioner may be linked as a nominated supervisor for a contractor.
In WA, builder registration information is available via the Building and Energy licence/search tools and the published Builder Register. Enforcement and disciplinary pathways sit separately.
Authority: Building and Energy (DEMIRS) • Search for licences and registrations
Use this to confirm name, registration number, licence type, and status.
Tip: WA notes that practitioners and contractors may have the same registration number - always verify the licence type.
Authority: WA Government • Guidance on checking builder registration records
Plain-language guidance on checking the register and confirming you have the correct builder record.
Authority: Building and Energy • Public register with restrictions and historic sections
The published register is often the clearest source of restriction text and includes sections for current and former registrations. It can be helpful when a record is hard to interpret in the online tool.
Many WA entries include “Restricted to …” scope statements (e.g., NCC class, storey height, fit-out only).
Authority: WA Government • Required for residential building work valued over $20,000
HII protects homeowners if a builder cannot complete work due to insolvency, death or disappearance. Verify requirements and evidence before paying deposits.
Authorities: Building Commissioner / Building and Energy • Complaints and disciplinary actions
Enforcement information is separate from the registration search. If you have concerns, understand the difference between statutory offence complaints and disciplinary complaints, and where matters may proceed.
Authority: Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) • ABN Lookup
Confirm company registration, directors, and ABN details. Use ABN Lookup for a free quick check; use ASIC Connect for full company extracts (fee may apply). Registration does not, by itself, indicate financial health.
Authorities: ASIC Insolvency Notices • AFSA for personal insolvency
Search published external administration events for companies. For individuals, check AFSA personal insolvency records.
The TrustSignal Builder Report consolidates WA contractor/practitioner registration, restriction text, home indemnity insurance guidance cues, and corporate context into a structured summary - helping you confirm: (1) who can legally contract, (2) whether scope restrictions fit your job, and (3) whether HII and corporate flags exist.
WA Builder Reports: Coming Soon
Currently available in NSW. Join the waitlist to be notified when WA launches.
Last reviewed: March 2026 • TrustSignal (trustsignal.com.au)
