Retaining walls are essential structures in landscaping, designed to hold back soil and prevent erosion on sloped terrains. They are particularly valuable for Brisbane homeowners due to the city’s varied topography and occasional heavy rainfall, which can lead to soil erosion and water runoff issues. These walls help manage these challenges by providing effective soil erosion control, improving drainage, and creating additional usable space. However, building a retaining wall involves following specific regulations, including having the necessary licences to ensure the construction is safe, compliant with local standards, and properly executed. In this blog post, we’ll cover the key points you need to know about licensing requirements for retaining walls in Brisbane.
When is a QBCC licence required for constructing a retaining wall in Brisbane?
The contractor you hire to build a retaining wall should hold a valid QBCC licence whenever the total value of the work (materials, labour & GST) exceeds $3,300. Therefore most retaining wall projects in Brisbane will require your contractor to hold a valid QBCC licence.
When is a QBCC licence NOT required for constructing a retaining wall in Brisbane?
As mentioned in the previous section for small gardening projects where the scope of work is less than $3,300 for materials, labour and GST. Having said that just because a QBCC licence is not a legal requirement for smaller projects it doesn’t mean that it is wise to hire an unlicensed contractor for the job. QBCC licensing is a way to ensure that contractors are appropriately experienced and hold valid technical qualifications to be able to safely and proficiently perform the work for which you are paying them to perform. At the end of the day, an inexperienced unqualified handyman could build a small retaining wall under $3,300 but if it’s not properly constructed it could begin to lean and eventually collapse within a few short months. Improper construction is one of the major causes of retaining wall failure we see in properties in Brisbane.
What kind of QBCC licence should a retaining wall builder hold?
The construction of retaining walls in Brisbane requires the contractor you hire to hold either a structural landscaping licence or a builders licence issued by the QBCC. The height and characteristics of the retaining wall you wish to construct will determine the type of licence required.
For retaining walls less than 1m in height, do not support additional loads such as a building or a driveway, are at least 1.5m away from a building or another retaining wall, then a structural landscaping licence will suffice.
However, if your retaining wall is over a metre in height, or will need to support additional loads, or is closer than 1.5m from a building or another retaining wall your contractor should hold a QBCC builders licence. Additionally, you’ll need to get building approval through the Brisbane City Council to construct such a retaining wall.
Why is a QBCC licence important?
A QBCC licence is crucial because it ensures that contractors adhere to stringent regulations and standards set by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission, which means retaining walls and other structures are built safely and to a professional standard, helping to prevent construction failures that could pose risks to property and personal safety. Additionally, licensed contractors carry the necessary insurance to cover any defects or issues arising from their work, protecting homeowners from potential financial losses due to construction defects, accidents, or other problems, and ensuring that repairs or rectifications can be handled without significant out-of-pocket expenses. Ensuring that a contractor is licensed helps avoid these legal complications and ensures that the work is completed legally and to the required standards.
How can you check if your retaining wall contractor is licensed?
Verifying a contractor’s QBCC licence is straightforward and can be done online through the Queensland Building and Construction Commission’s searchable database, which allows you to check the status of a contractor’s licence, confirming they are currently licensed and in good standing, providing peace of mind that they are authorised to perform the work.
Implications of hiring unlicensed retaining wall builders
Building retaining walls over $3,300 without an appropriate QBCC licence can lead to significant fines and legal consequences for the contractor. For homeowners, hiring an unlicensed retaining wall builder poses several risks. If an unlicensed contractor’s work fails or causes damage, the lack of insurance coverage means that homeowners may have to bear the full cost of repairs or reconstruction. This financial risk underscores the importance of hiring licensed retaining wall builders who carry the necessary insurance to protect both themselves and homeowners from unforeseen issues. Ensuring your chosen retaining wall builder has a valid QBCC licence helps safeguard against these potential financial and legal pitfalls.
Hire a licensed retaining wall builder
When building a retaining wall in Brisbane, it’s crucial to hire a retaining walls contractor with a valid QBCC licence. This ensures your wall is constructed to the highest safety and professional standards, minimising the risks of structural failure. Licensed contractors also have the necessary insurance to protect you from financial losses due to construction defects or accidents. By choosing a licensed contractor, you safeguard your investment and ensure the durability and stability of your retaining wall, providing peace of mind and protecting your property against unforeseen issues.
