Oftentimes a builder is asked to help with a bathroom, kitchen or laundry renovation. However, domestic jobs can have its share of issues, especially restorations and upgrading rooms like the bathroom and kitchen. And without the proper license or insurance, a builder could run into financial complications if problems arise. On the other hand, one of the greatest benefits about being a registered builder is that you must have the proper insurance for your registration class or category.
In addition, the Building Practitioners Board (BPB) requires that you either prove that you have insurance or are eligible to purchase insurance. In fact, it is a necessity before you can register or renew your license. As well, if the BPB) learns that you are not covered by insurance, your registration has to be suspended.
Three Types of Insurance
There are three types of insurance for building practitioners who are registered. The three types include professional indemnity insurance, public liability insurance and domestic building insurance.
Domestic Building Insurance
Builders who undertake domestic building work that is worth more than $16,000 must have domestic building insurance that covers the cost of up to $300,000 to fix non-structural defects for two years and structural defects for six years.
As well, prior to starting a project a builder must provide their client with certain paperwork:
• A copy of the policy
• A certificate of currency that covers the client’s property
There are also times when domestic building insurance covers the client. Generally it is if the work is not completed and the building practitioner
• Vanishes
• Is deceased
• Is affirmed to be insolvent or bankrupt
Standards for Renovating the Bathroom, Kitchen or Laundry
The standards are for the bathroom, kitchen or laundry and include renovating, building and repairing. The work is not allowed to go beyond the existing external floors, walls, and/or ceiling. The job also consist of work required to get access to the site, all site work, the replacement of walls and the removal of any obstacles to gain access to the site.
Required Experience
A registered domestic builder also needs to have certain experience that entails managing, arranging and following through with certain criteria with competence and professionalism:
• Modifying doors or windows
• The install of all ancillary hardware
• Managing and supervising sub-trades
• Knowledge and experience in painting
• Experience and knowledge in plastering
• Installation of mirrors and shower screens
• Constructing or modifying ceilings and wall frames
• Installing ceiling and wall linings also wet area linings
• The install of fixtures for shower bases, baths and spas
• Repairing or installing tiling (floor or wall), includes splashbacks
• The install of skylights; except flashing needs to be installed by a registered or licensed plumber
• The demolition of an existing kitchen, bathroom or laundry. Also knowledge of materials that contain asbestos
• The ability to select proper waterproofing and apply waterproofing systems in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry
