Licensed Roofing Team Serving the Illawarra
Palmers Roofing is a fully licensed, insured, and qualified roofing team operating under NSW contractor licence #168816C. Our licence covers roof plumbing, metal roofing, and tiling. Every team member is White Card certified, height safety trained, and covered by comprehensive public liability and workers' compensation insurance.
Quick Answer — What Does a Licensed Roofing Team Mean?
In NSW, Fair Trading requires any contractor performing roofing work valued over $5,000 to hold a current contractor licence. Palmers Roofing holds licence #168816C, which is publicly verifiable on the NSW Fair Trading website. This licence authorises roof plumbing (gutters, downpipes, flashings), metal roofing, and roof tiling. Our team carries $20 million in public liability insurance and maintains workers' compensation coverage for all employees. Every site worker holds a current White Card (construction induction) certification as mandated by SafeWork NSW, and all roofers complete additional height safety and working-at-heights training. Our licence ensures full compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC/BCA) and relevant Australian Standards including AS 1562 (Design and Installation of Sheet Roof and Wall Cladding) and AS/NZS 4200 (Pliable Building Membranes and Underlays). For residential projects valued over $20,000, homeowners receive additional protection through the Home Building Compensation Fund.
Why Choosing a Licensed Roofer Matters for Your Property
Hiring an unlicensed roofer in NSW is one of the most financially risky decisions a homeowner can make. Without a valid contractor licence, there is no insurance protecting you if the work causes property damage or a worker is injured on your roof. There is no access to the Home Building Compensation Fund, no statutory warranty on workmanship or materials, and no recourse through NSW Fair Trading if something goes wrong. Unlicensed operators often disappear when problems surface, leaving homeowners to pay a second time for a licensed professional to rectify defective work.
Verifying a roofer's licence before engaging them is straightforward and takes less than two minutes. Visit the NSW Fair Trading website at fairtrading.nsw.gov.au and use the online licence check tool. You can search by licence number, business name, or individual name. The results will show the licence status (current or expired), the categories of work authorised, and any conditions or disciplinary actions recorded against the licence holder. For Palmers Roofing, entering licence number 168816C confirms our current status and authorised work categories.
Palmers Roofing's NSW contractor licence #168816C covers three critical categories of roofing work: roof plumbing (which includes the installation and repair of gutters, downpipes, rainwater heads, flashings, and all stormwater drainage components on the roof), metal roofing (covering Colorbond, Zincalume, and corrugated iron installation, repair, and replacement), and roof tiling (encompassing concrete, terracotta, and slate tile installation, replacement, and restoration). This comprehensive licence scope means we can handle virtually any residential or commercial roofing project across the Illawarra without needing to subcontract critical work to third parties.
Our Credentials & Protections
Every layer of licensing, insurance, and certification that protects you when you choose Palmers Roofing
NSW Contractor Licence #168816C
Palmers Roofing holds NSW contractor licence number 168816C issued by NSW Fair Trading, authorising us to perform roof plumbing, metal roofing, and roof tiling work across New South Wales. This licence is publicly verifiable on the NSW Fair Trading website and demonstrates that our business meets all regulatory requirements for conducting building work in the state.
- Licence #168816C verifiable on NSW Fair Trading online licence check
- Authorised for roof plumbing including gutters, downpipes, and flashings
- Covers metal roofing installation, repair, and replacement
- Roof tiling endorsement for all tile types and profiles
- Renewed annually with ongoing compliance and professional development
Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
Every project undertaken by Palmers Roofing is backed by $20 million in public liability insurance and full workers' compensation coverage for all team members. This means you are financially protected against any property damage or injury that may occur during roofing work — a critical safeguard that unlicensed operators simply cannot provide.
- $20 million public liability insurance for property and third-party protection
- Workers' compensation insurance covering every team member on site
- Certificate of currency available upon request before any job commences
- Coverage extends to subcontractors engaged on Palmers Roofing projects
- Insurance maintained continuously with no lapses in coverage history
Safety Certifications & Training
All Palmers Roofing team members hold current White Card (construction induction) certification as mandated by SafeWork NSW for anyone working on a construction site. Beyond this baseline requirement, our roofers complete additional height safety and working-at-heights training specific to the risks associated with roofing work at elevation.
- White Card (construction induction) certification for every site worker
- Working-at-heights training exceeding SafeWork NSW minimum requirements
- Fall prevention and edge protection procedures implemented on every job
- Regular toolbox talks and safety briefings before each project starts
- First aid qualified personnel on every roofing team deployed
Warranty & Consumer Protection
Engaging a licensed roofer activates multiple layers of consumer protection under NSW law. Palmers Roofing provides written workmanship warranties on all completed work, and for residential projects valued over $20,000, the Home Building Compensation Fund provides an additional layer of financial protection for homeowners.
- Written workmanship warranty provided on every completed project
- Home Building Compensation Fund coverage for residential work over $20,000
- Full compliance with NCC/BCA building codes and Australian Standards
- Dispute resolution access through NSW Fair Trading if issues arise
- Manufacturer material warranties preserved through correct installation methods
Our Quality Assurance Process
Six steps that guarantee every Palmers Roofing project meets the highest standards of compliance, safety, and craftsmanship
Licence Verification
Before any project begins, we provide our licence number and encourage you to verify it directly on the NSW Fair Trading website for complete transparency
Insurance Confirmation
We supply a current certificate of currency for our $20M public liability and workers' compensation insurance so you have documented proof of coverage
Site Safety Assessment
Our team conducts a thorough site-specific risk assessment covering fall hazards, access requirements, and safety control measures before any work starts
Qualified Team Deployment
Only White Card certified, height safety trained roofers are deployed to your project — every team member is verified and competent for the task
Compliant Installation
All work is performed in strict compliance with the National Construction Code, Australian Standards, and manufacturer specifications for lasting results
Documentation & Warranty
Upon completion, you receive a written workmanship warranty, compliance documentation, and photographic records of the completed work for your files
How It Works
From licence verification to full protection — clear and straightforward
Verify Our Licence
Check licence #168816C on the NSW Fair Trading website to confirm our credentials, authorised work categories, and current licence status before engaging us.
We Quote Transparently
We provide a detailed, itemised quote covering all materials, labour, timeframes, and applicable warranties — no hidden charges or unexpected additions.
Our Licensed Team Works
White Card certified, height safety trained roofers carry out your project to Australian Standards with full insurance coverage active throughout.
You're Fully Protected
Receive your written workmanship warranty, compliance documentation, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing a licensed professional completed your roofing work.
Licensed Roofing Service Areas
Our licensed roofing team serves the entire Illawarra region. Every suburb receives the same level of licensed, insured, and qualified service.
Wollongong
Northern Illawarra
Shellharbour
Albion Park & Surrounds
Kiama & South Coast
Understanding Roofing Licences, Insurance & Your Rights in NSW
Why You Must Use a Licensed Roofer in NSW
Under the Home Building Act 1989, any roofing work in New South Wales valued at more than $5,000 (including labour and materials) must be carried out by a contractor holding a current licence issued by NSW Fair Trading. This is not a guideline or recommendation — it is a legal requirement that carries significant penalties for non-compliance. Homeowners who knowingly engage unlicensed contractors for work exceeding this threshold may also face legal consequences and lose access to critical consumer protections.
The licensing system exists to protect consumers by ensuring that only qualified, insured, and accountable tradespeople perform building work. To obtain a roofing contractor licence in NSW, applicants must demonstrate relevant trade qualifications (typically a Certificate III in Roof Plumbing or equivalent), a minimum period of practical experience, current insurance coverage, and financial capacity to complete contracted work. The licence is not issued automatically — it requires ongoing compliance, annual renewal, and adherence to the conditions set by NSW Fair Trading.
Palmers Roofing has maintained continuous licensing since entering the industry, with licence #168816C reflecting our commitment to operating within the regulatory framework that protects Illawarra homeowners. Our licence covers roof plumbing, metal roofing, and roof tiling — the three primary categories of roofing work — meaning we can deliver complete roofing solutions without needing to engage unlicensed subcontractors for any component of a project.
How to Check a Roofer's Licence on NSW Fair Trading
Verifying a roofing contractor's licence is one of the most important steps a homeowner can take before signing any contract or paying any deposit. The process is simple and takes less than two minutes using the NSW Fair Trading online licence check tool at fairtrading.nsw.gov.au. You can search by the contractor's licence number, their business name, or their individual name. The results display the licence holder's name, licence number, licence status (current, expired, suspended, or cancelled), the categories of work they are authorised to perform, and any disciplinary actions recorded.
When checking a roofer's licence, pay particular attention to the authorised work categories. A general building licence does not automatically cover roofing work — the contractor must hold specific endorsements for roof plumbing, metal roofing, or roof tiling depending on the type of work required. Some operators hold only a tradesperson certificate (which limits them to working under a licensed contractor's supervision) rather than a full contractor licence. Ensure the licence displayed matches the entity you are contracting with — the licence must be in the name of the business or individual who will issue your contract and invoice.
If a roofer refuses to provide their licence number, cannot produce a current certificate of insurance, or discourages you from checking their credentials, treat this as a significant warning sign. Legitimate licensed contractors welcome verification because it distinguishes them from the unlicensed operators who undercut the market. At Palmers Roofing, we proactively provide our licence number 168816C to every prospective client and encourage independent verification as standard practice.
What Insurance Should Your Roofer Carry?
A properly insured roofing contractor should carry, at minimum, two types of insurance: public liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. Public liability insurance protects you, the property owner, if the roofing work causes damage to your property or a third party's property, or if someone is injured as a result of the work. Industry best practice for roofing contractors is to carry between $10 million and $20 million in public liability coverage, reflecting the significant property values and potential liability exposure inherent in roofing work.
Workers' compensation insurance is a legal requirement in NSW for any business employing workers. This insurance covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and income replacement for workers who are injured on the job. If a roofer without workers' compensation is injured on your property, you may be held partially liable for their medical costs and lost income. This is not a theoretical risk — it happens regularly when homeowners engage cash-in-hand operators or unlicensed sole traders who claim to be 'self-insured' but carry no actual coverage.
Palmers Roofing maintains $20 million in public liability insurance and comprehensive workers' compensation coverage for every team member. We provide a current certificate of currency to clients upon request, and our insurance details are available for verification at any time. Before engaging any roofing contractor, ask to see their certificate of currency — this document confirms the insurer, policy number, coverage amount, and expiry date. If the certificate is expired or the contractor cannot produce one, do not proceed until valid insurance is confirmed.
The Hidden Costs of Hiring an Unlicensed Roofer
The initial quote from an unlicensed roofer is almost always lower than a licensed contractor's price — and that price difference is precisely the problem. Unlicensed operators can undercut legitimate businesses because they do not carry insurance (saving thousands in annual premiums), do not invest in safety equipment and training, do not pay licence fees or meet compliance requirements, and often do not pay tax or superannuation for their workers. The cheaper price is a direct result of cutting every corner that exists to protect you.
When unlicensed work fails — and substandard roofing work inevitably does — the real costs emerge. Water damage from poorly installed flashings can cost $10,000 to $50,000 to remediate once it penetrates wall cavities, ceilings, and timber framing. A roof that lifts in a storm because it was not fixed to Australian Standards can cause catastrophic structural damage. If your home insurance investigator discovers that unlicensed, non-compliant work contributed to the damage, your claim may be denied entirely. The homeowner we see most frequently is the one who paid $3,000 for an unlicensed roof repair and then paid $15,000 to have a licensed roofer fix the damage caused by the original work.
Beyond the financial risks, there are legal implications. Under NSW law, homeowners have a responsibility to ensure that building work on their property is performed by appropriately licensed contractors. If unlicensed work results in damage to neighbouring properties, the homeowner may face civil liability claims. Additionally, unlicensed work cannot be certified by a building certifier, which creates complications when selling the property, refinancing, or making insurance claims. The small upfront saving from using an unlicensed operator is dwarfed by the potential costs when problems arise — and in roofing, problems always arise eventually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about licensed roofing in NSW
What is your licence number?
Palmers Roofing holds NSW contractor licence number 168816C, issued by NSW Fair Trading. This licence authorises us to perform roof plumbing (gutters, downpipes, flashings), metal roofing, and roof tiling across New South Wales. The licence is current and renewed annually in compliance with all regulatory requirements.
How can I verify your licence?
You can verify our licence directly on the NSW Fair Trading website at fairtrading.nsw.gov.au using the online licence check tool. Simply enter our licence number 168816C or search for 'Palmers Roofing' to confirm our licence status, authorised work categories, and any conditions. We encourage all homeowners to verify their roofer's credentials before engaging them for any work.
Are you fully insured?
Yes. Palmers Roofing carries $20 million in public liability insurance and maintains full workers' compensation insurance covering every team member. We can provide a current certificate of currency upon request before any work commences. Our insurance protects you against property damage and ensures our workers are covered in the event of any workplace incident on your property.
What happens if I use an unlicensed roofer?
Using an unlicensed roofer in NSW exposes you to significant risks. You lose access to the Home Building Compensation Fund, have no recourse through NSW Fair Trading for dispute resolution, may void your home insurance if substandard work causes damage, and cannot claim under any statutory warranty. If the work is valued over $5,000 and performed by an unlicensed contractor, both parties may face penalties under the Home Building Act 1989.
Do your workers have White Cards?
Every Palmers Roofing team member holds a current White Card (General Construction Induction Card) as required by SafeWork NSW. This certification confirms they have completed mandatory construction safety training. Additionally, all our roofers undergo supplementary height safety training, fall prevention courses, and regular safety briefings specific to the hazards of roofing work at elevation.
What consumer protections do I get with a licensed roofer?
Engaging a licensed roofer in NSW provides multiple protections: statutory warranties on workmanship and materials under the Home Building Act 1989, access to the Home Building Compensation Fund for residential work over $20,000, dispute resolution services through NSW Fair Trading, compliance with Australian Standards and the National Construction Code, and the ability to lodge a formal complaint if work is defective. These protections do not apply when you use an unlicensed operator.
Related Roofing Services
- Roof RepairsFast, lasting repairs for leaks, cracked tiles, storm damage and worn flashings.
- Roof Leak DetectionPinpoint the true source of roof leaks and water ingress before they spread.
- Emergency Roof RepairRapid response for storm damage, active leaks and urgent tarp-ups.
- Broken Tile ReplacementMatching replacement of cracked, slipped and broken roof tiles.
Areas We Serve
Local roofing services across the Illawarra. Explore your suburb:
Choose a Licensed Roofing Team You Can Trust
Don't risk your property with unlicensed operators. Contact Palmers Roofing for fully licensed, insured, and qualified roofing services across the Illawarra.
0414 658 681