Builders

All builders operating in the ACT must hold an ACT Building Licence and comply with the National Construction Code (NCC). Confirm that the licence class matches your project type-Class A for unlimited work, Class B for medium-rise, Class C for houses and small commercial buildings. Request a certificate of currency for home warranty insurance if the contract value exceeds the threshold.

• New residential builds: Knock-down rebuilds, greenfield homes and custom architecture.
• Renovations & extensions: Heritage refurbishments, kitchen upgrades and second-storey additions.
• Commercial & public sector: Office fit-outs, education facilities and government infrastructure.
• Specialist builds: Sustainable passive houses, modular systems and high-performance envelopes.

A qualified builder acts as the principal contractor, overseeing:

• Detailed costings and value-engineering
• Scheduling trades and ordering materials
• Site management, WHS compliance and quality assurance
• Coordination with certifiers, architects and engineers
• Final inspections, defect rectification and hand-over

In Canberra and surrounding regions, current ballpark figures range from $2,000–$3,500 per square metre for a custom single-storey home, and $3,500–$5,500 per square metre for high-spec architect-designed builds. Labour availability, site access, bushfire zoning and energy-efficiency targets (NCC Section J) can add premiums. Allow 6–8 months for modest renovations and 12–18 months for a bespoke new build, factoring in design and approvals.

• Review portfolios: Use high-resolution imagery and plan sets to assess style alignment.
• Read verified reviews: Look for consistency in communication, problem-solving and after-care.
• Request comparable schedules of finishes: This clarifies where allowances differ.
• Ask about subcontractor networks: Long-standing relationships often translate into smoother delivery.
• Clarify provisional sums: Understand what is fixed and what may vary.

• How many projects do you run concurrently and who will be my day-to-day site supervisor?
• What is your defect liability period and process for addressing issues post-handover?
• Can you provide a Gantt chart showing critical path milestones?
• How do you manage variations and associated cost approvals?
• Which energy-efficiency measures do you regularly incorporate to meet or exceed the ACT’s stringent standards?

When you are ready, use ArchiPro’s ‘Request a Quote’ feature to send the same brief and drawings to multiple builders-this keeps comparisons fair. Need additional professional support? Explore our wider network of Building & Renovation experts including consultants, construction contractors, renovation specialists, remediation teams, building & construction firms, building maintenance providers and property developers. With ArchiPro, finding the right builder in the Australian Capital Territory has never been simpler.