Building Commission NSW

25/08/2026

As prefabrication (prefab) and modular construction grows, how can consumers be confident in the products used to build their homes?

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) wants to hear from industry, regulators and the broader community about a proposed voluntary certification scheme for modern methods of construction.

The nationally proposed scheme could make it easier for manufacturers to show their products meet building requirements.

For consumers, it could help them feel more confident about the prefab and modular products used to build their homes.
Now is the opportunity to share your views.

📣 Consultation closes 15 September 2026.
🔗 Make your voice heard: https://consultation.abcb.gov.au/national-voluntary-certification-scheme-for-manufacturers-of-prefabricated-construction

21/08/2026

That’s a wrap on the 2026 Chinese Building Association of NSW Trade Show!

Our team had a great time connecting with builders, developers, industry professionals and members of the community. It was a valuable opportunity to answer questions and share insights on building quality, compliance and inspections.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by our stall and to CBANSW for having us! Until next time 👋

18/08/2026

Plumbing and drainage: your questions answered ⬇️

We’ve answered the questions we hear most often to help homeowners and trades understand their obligations.

13/08/2026

Don’t hire a tradie until you’ve run through this simple checklist:
✔️ Verify their credentials via Verify NSW and ensure they are qualified for the job
✔️ Check reviews and photos of previous work
✔️ Make sure they have the right insurance
✔️ Get everything in writing with a contract

If they turn out to be unlicensed, your options can be limited if things go wrong.

12/08/2026

Blue Haven Pools South Pty Ltd (237620C) have been ordered to pay $20,000 in penalties and required to implement additional quality assurance measures after a disciplinary proceeding found it:
• breached statutory warranties at 13 properties
• failed to comply with three NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) orders within the period required
• failed to comply with a rectification order at a consumer property misled a consumer concerning right to a refund if council plans were not approved.

The decision recognised that the licence holder's conduct related to a small number of its overall contracts in the period, it had taken steps to remedy the defects and strengthened its quality assurance processes to help prevent similar problems in future. Parallel action was also taken against the nominated supervisor and director.

To check if a contractor’s licence number is valid, visit Verify NSW and click on the search result for details on any conditions: https://verify.licence.nsw.gov.au/ or by calling us on 13 27 00.

12/08/2026

Update: these laws just passed!

More homes, sooner. NSW has introduced a bill to Parliament proposing new building laws to make home building faster and simpler.

The proposed reforms focus on key areas, including:
• Providing a clear regulatory framework for prefabricated homes and modular buildings.
• Modernising the building approvals system.
• Enhancing dispute resolution processes for occupied apartment buildings.
• Clarifying the role of certifiers and strengthening conflict of interest laws and penalties.

These changes will help deliver more high-quality homes across NSW.

Learn more: https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/reforms-introduced-supporting-modern-methods-of-construction

11/08/2026

We're recruiting for a range of roles, including inspectors and compliance professionals.

Join a team that helps protect consumers, supports industry compliance and delivers positive outcomes for the people of NSW.

Closing Monday 17 August:
Electrical Inspector - https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/job/electrical-inspector-592129
Manager Compliance - https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/job/manager-compliance-592806

Closing Wednesday 19 August:
Senior Coordinator Compliance - https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/job/senior-coordinator-compliance-592810

09/08/2026

Public Update: Permanent Licence Disqualification

We have taken enforcement action to permanently disqualify Mr Robert Schramm (141018C) the sole director of a company trading as Primebuild Sheds and Garages from holding any licence under the Home Building Act 1989.

A disciplinary proceeding found that Mr Schramm was not fit and proper to hold an authority and guilty of improper conduct relating to:
• Carrying out residential building work without the required contractor licence on 9 occasions
• Representing availability to carry out residential building work when not appropriately licensed on 9 occasions
• Demanding or receiving deposits exceeding the legal maximum of 10% of the contract price on 9 occasions
• Failing to complete residential building work with due diligence and within a reasonable time on 9 occasions
• Carrying out residential building work without a contract of insurance on 3 occasions
• Demanding or receiving payment under residential building contracts when the required insurance was not in force on 8 occasions

The breaches occurred in Wollongong and across the NSW South Coast, impacting at least 9 consumers.

Consumers are warned that you should not engage Primebuild Sheds and Garages or Robert Schramm to undertake residential building work.

Always verify a contractor's licence before engaging them and check they have the required insurance. Use the official Verify NSW tool: https://verify.licence.nsw.gov.au/

07/08/2026

We have two exciting roles closing next week. These roles offer the chance to make a real difference while building a rewarding career in public service. Apply today.

Closing Monday 10 August:
Senior Learning and Content Advisor - https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/job/senior-learning-and-content-advisor-591431

Closing Wednesday 12 August:
Senior Investigator - https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/job/senior-investigator-591894

03/08/2026

Got plumbing apprentices on site?

The right supervision helps apprentices build their skills, develop safe work practices and gain the experience they need to become qualified plumbers.

If you work with plumbing apprentices, unlicensed* or unqualified workers, it's important to understand your supervision obligations.

Supervision requirements differ across the four years of an apprenticeship, while unlicensed and unqualified workers must always be under immediate supervision.

We've clarified the supervision requirements for plumbing apprentices, unlicensed* and unqualified workers, so you can better understand your obligations and support safe, high-quality plumbing work.

👉 Swipe through to learn the supervision requirements for each apprenticeship year.

Read the Statement of Regulatory Intent: Supervision of Plumbing Apprentices: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/building-commission/about-us/statements-of-regulatory-intent/statement-of-regulatory-intent-supervision-of-plumbing-apprentices

*Unlicensed may include people who have obtained a Certificate III qualification but have not obtained a tradesperson certificate.