Do you need a licence to install shade sails in Queensland?

The short answer is yes. The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) advises the following:

"Unless an exemption applies, a QBCC contractor’s licence is required to carry out or undertake to carry out the construction, erection, renovation, alteration, extension, improvement or repair of a shade sail (including its supporting structures) if the value of the work exceeds $3,300 (including the cost of materials)."

As noted, a contractor licence is required when labour and materials for a quoted job exceeds $3,300. Even still, if the job was worth less than this threshold, would you let an unlicensed contractor perform work on your property? I certainly wouldn't.

Furthermore, should you unfortunately have to lodge a claim with your insurance company for storm damage to the shade sail, they may request a copy of the installer's licence to ensure it was installed to the relevant standards. Failure to provide this may result in your claim being denied.

The QBCC further advises:

"The following licence classes may undertake this work subject to the limitations of the licence class scope of work:

Builder Low Rise;

Builder Medium Rise;

Builder Open;

Builder Restricted to Special Structures (Shade Sails);

Structural Metal Fabrication and Erection;

Builder Restricted to Structural Landscaping;

Structural Landscaping (trade)"

The QBCC has an online licence search function, enabling you to check whether your proposed contractor is adequately licensed. Click here for the link.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the team at iConical Shade Structures.