All residential building work over $5,000 requires a written contract.
If the work is between $5,000 and $20,000, you'll need a 'small jobs' contract, which is suitable for:
- trade work
- maintenance and repair work
- minor additions and renovations
- alterations and improvements.
If the work is over $20,000, you'll need a more extensive 'large jobs' home building contract, which would cover:
- new homes
- major alterations and additions
- swimming pool installations.
Templates of the small jobs contract and home building contract are available on the NSW Fair Trading website.
If you want to use your own contract or one purchased from an industry association, you can, as long as:
- you understand each clause
- the contract contains all the required items
- the contract contains the checklist for owners entering building contracts (if applicable)
- you include a copy of the Consumer Building Guide – PDF.
If the work is over $250,000, a work health and safety management plan must be prepared by a principal contractor, before work begins.
Last updated: 24 April 2025