1. Licensing: the QBCC
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) licenses contractors who do building work in Queensland. Roofing work above a set value generally needs a contractor holding the right licence class. The QBCC publishes the thresholds and licence classes and maintains an online licence search.
What to do:
- Ask for the contractor's QBCC licence number and check it on the register.
- Confirm the licence is current and covers roofing work of the type being quoted.
- Check the business name on the quote matches the licence.
Owners who want to do their own building work above the threshold generally need an owner-builder permit, which has its own requirements.
2. Contracts and deposits
Queensland law sets requirements for residential building contracts above certain values, including written contracts with particular information, cooling-off rights and limits on deposits. The QBCC publishes guidance. Read the contract carefully and check the deposit against the current rules.
3. Building approval
Some roof work needs building approval. Like-for-like replacement of a roof covering may not, while changes to structure, material weight, roof shape or height may. In Queensland, building approvals are generally issued by private building certifiers, with councils involved in planning matters.
- Ask the roofer whether your job needs approval and who arranges it.
- If unsure, ask a private certifier or Sunshine Coast Council or Noosa Shire Council.
- Keep approval and final inspection documents with your property records.
4. Wind classification and tie-downs
Houses are designed for a wind classification based on location, terrain, topography and shielding, using the relevant Australian Standard for housing. Coastal and exposed hilltop sites on the Sunshine Coast can have higher classifications than sheltered inland sites. The classification decides fixing methods for sheets or tiles, batten fixings and the tie-down of the roof to the walls.
A new roof should be fixed for the site's classification. Ask the roofer which classification they are working to.
5. Standards for materials and installation
The National Construction Code references Australian Standards covering metal roof cladding, roof tile installation, and pliable building membranes such as sarking. Manufacturers also publish installation requirements. Following these underpins both performance and warranties.
6. Bushfire-prone areas
Parts of the Sunshine Coast hinterland are mapped as bushfire prone. New building work in these areas may need to meet construction requirements based on the site's bushfire attack level, which can affect roofing materials, sarking and the sealing of gaps against embers. Check your council's planning scheme mapping and ask a certifier if your property is affected.
7. Asbestos
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) regulates asbestos removal. Removal above a set quantity of bonded asbestos must be done by a licensed removalist, and approved methods apply to removal, transport and disposal. Councils provide information on local disposal options. See asbestos roof replacement and removal.
8. Work at height
Queensland's work health and safety laws require controls for work at height on construction sites, such as edge protection, scaffold, safety mesh or harness systems depending on the job. These are why roofing quotes include safety equipment, and why it should never be the item removed to save money.
9. Plumbing elements
Gutters, downpipes and roof drainage connect to stormwater systems. Some drainage work may involve plumbing rules and licensed plumbers. Ask who is responsible if your job includes gutter and downpipe changes.
10. Body corporates and covenants
Strata buildings need body corporate approval for roof work affecting common property, and some estates have covenants on roof colour or material. Check before ordering materials.
A quick compliance checklist
- QBCC licence checked and current.
- Written contract, deposit within the rules.
- Approval confirmed as needed or not needed, in writing.
- Wind classification stated.
- Bushfire mapping checked for hinterland properties.
- Asbestos identified and handled by a licensed removalist where required.
- Safety equipment in the quote.
Related reading
See roof warranties explained for your protections after the job, and our roof replacement checklist to compare quotes.
General information for Sunshine Coast property owners, not advice about your particular roof. Rules, products and programs change; confirm with the authority named, or with Sunshine Coast Council or Noosa Shire Council, before acting.