National Trade & Regulatory Directory

Browse Australian Trades

Independent cost calculators, Fair Work labor rate benchmarks, and statutory council DA exemption rules for residential building works across 47 LGAs.

Featured High-Volume Trades

Core structural outdoor and foundation categories.

4 Core Categories

Exempt Availablelinear metre

Retaining Walls

$280 –$550

Estimated installed rate (per lm)

Residential retaining walls, soil retention, drainage systems, and timber/concrete sleeper installations.

Baseline Rule: Height <= 1.0m above existing ground level

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Exempt Availablesqm

Concrete Slabs & Driveways

$85 –$180

Estimated installed rate (per m²)

Poured concrete foundations, driveways, shed slabs, patio floors, exposed aggregate, and plain grey finishes.

Baseline Rule: At-ground hardstand; no change to ground level > 600mm

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Exempt Availablelinear metre

Fencing & Gates

$80 –$160

Estimated installed rate (per lm)

Boundary fences, dividing timber palings, Colorbond steel panels, security fencing, and aluminium slatted screening.

Baseline Rule: Height <= 1.8m behind front building line; <= 1.2m forward of front line

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Exempt Availablesqm

Decking & Patios

$220 –$520

Estimated installed rate (per m²)

Outdoor timber decks, composite decking systems, verandahs, pergolas, and elevated entertaining platforms.

Baseline Rule: Floor area <= 25 sqm; Finished floor height <= 1.0m above ground

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Specialist & Renovation Trades

Secondary dwellings, interior works, roofing, and site preparation.

Permit / CDCsqm

Granny Flats & Secondary Dwellings

$2200 –$3800

Estimated installed rate (per m²)

Detached secondary dwellings, modular prefabricated granny flats, studio conversions, and dual-occupancy builds.

Baseline Rule: Complying Development (CDC): Max 60 sqm on lots >= 450 sqm with >= 12m frontage

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Permit / CDChourly

Tree Removal & Lopping Permits

$140 –$290

Estimated installed rate (per hour)

Hazardous tree lopping, stump grinding, crown thinning, and municipal Tree Preservation Order (TPO) permit applications.

Baseline Rule: Trees under 3m height or trunk circumference under 300mm at ground level

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Exempt Availablesqm

Bathroom Renovation

$1200 –$2600

Estimated installed rate (per m²)

Full bathroom strip-outs, AS 3740 waterproofing, tiling, vanity installations, and plumbing rough-ins.

Baseline Rule: Internal layout refurbishments without moving structural load-bearing walls

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Exempt Availablesqm

Kitchen Renovation

$1400 –$3200

Estimated installed rate (per m²)

Custom cabinetry, stone benchtops, splashbacks, appliance integration, and structural wall removals.

Baseline Rule: Cabinetry, benchtops, and appliances within existing kitchen footprint

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Exempt Availablesqm

Roofing & Guttering

$65 –$140

Estimated installed rate (per m²)

Roof restorations, metal re-roofing, tile repointing, Colorbond gutters, and downpipe installations.

Baseline Rule: Direct replacement using non-reflective materials; no structural change

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Exempt Availablesqm

Pergolas, Patios & Carports

$180 –$450

Estimated installed rate (per m²)

Attached and freestanding timber/steel pergolas, insulated roof patios, and residential carports.

Baseline Rule: Floor area <= 20 sqm; Height <= 3.0m above ground

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Exempt Availablesqm

Paving & Landscaping

$70 –$190

Estimated installed rate (per m²)

Interlocking brick paving, large-format travertine/stone, garden edging, turf prep, and drainage.

Baseline Rule: Fill <= 600mm; Natural overland stormwater paths preserved

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Exempt Availablesqm

Sheds & Outbuildings

$150 –$380

Estimated installed rate (per m²)

Pre-fabricated steel garden sheds, large custom workshops, garages, and detached home studios.

Baseline Rule: Floor area <= 20 sqm (in urban zones); Height <= 3.0m

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Permit / CDChourly

Demolition & Excavation

$120 –$240

Estimated installed rate (per hour)

Site preparation, earthmoving, rock cutting, pool excavation, and residential site clearance.

Baseline Rule: Excavation or fill <= 600mm; Demolition of exempt structures (small sheds/carports)

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Exempt Availablesqm

Painting & Rendering

$35 –$95

Estimated installed rate (per m²)

Interior/exterior residential painting, acrylic texture coating, cement rendering, and surface prep.

Baseline Rule: Internal and external non-structural painting & rendering

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Need council-specific compliance rules?

Every council in Australia interprets boundary setbacks, maximum heights, and tree protection orders differently. Pair your trade with an LGA to check your exact local planning framework.

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