{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research and analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News and inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Become an apprentice host Hire an apprentice Why host a HIA apprentice? Apprentice partner program Builder & manufacturer program Industry insurance Construction legal expenses insurance Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Fuel savings See all Planning & safety solutions Building & planning services Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) Solutions for your business Contracts Online Advertise jobs Trusted support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Industrial relations
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Maintaining your business See all Other subjects Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer How do I apply? Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand Professional development courses A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Further your career Find jobs
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Join HIA Sign me up How do I become a member? What's in it for me? Mates rates Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom and design hub Get to know us Our members Our people Our partners Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2024 Australian Home of the Year Enter online Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA shop
HIA shop $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Most popular products National Construction Code Vol 1 & 2 Waterproofing wet areas AS 3740:2021 HIA Guide to Waterproofing HIA Guide to NCC Livable Housing Provisions Top categories Building codes & standards Contracts & documents Guides & manuals Safety products Signage For your business Contracts Online Digital Australian Standards Digital Resource Library Forecasts & data
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

NSW site signage and advertising requirements

Various laws identifying what details need to be on site signage and contractor advertising in NSW.

In NSW, various laws determine what details are required to be displayed on site signs for residential building work, as well as details when advertising your business services.

When do I need a site sign?

The principal contractor is required to erect a sign when performing work on a residential site, such as the construction of a new dwelling, garage or an in-ground swimming pool or alterations and additions to existing dwellings where a development consent l is required.

You do not need to erect signs for your work if you contract to do work that has been authorised by an owner-builder permit or if you are a subcontractor who has entered into a contract with a principal contractor.

What details do I need on my sign(s)?

Licence details

The Home Building Regulation requires the following information be displayed on a site sign:

  • the name of the licensee as shown on the contractor licence;
  • the words ‘licenced contractor’ or words to that effect; and
  • the number of the contractor licence held by the licensee.

A maximum penalty of $1,100 for an individual or $2,200 for a company can be imposed for failing to erect signage with the above details.

WHS: Principal contractor

In addition, for jobs of $250,000 or over, work health and safety (WHS) laws require site signage to show:

  • the number and contact numbers (including an after-hours emergency contact) for the principal contractor;
  • the location of the site office for the project, if any, and;
  • is clearly visible from outside the workplace, or the work area of the workplace, where the construction project is being undertaken.

Failure to meet WHS site signage requirements can result in a maximum penalty of $4,400 for an individual or $23,100 for a company.

Certifier details

Where a principal certifier needs to be appointed to a job, a site sign must:

  • detail the name and contact details of the certifier, be it council or a registered certifier, including after-hours contact details;
  • be displayed in a prominent position on the site;
  • include a statement to the effect that ‘unauthorised entry to the work site is prohibited’; and
  • be maintained until the works are completed.

Do I need separate signs?

No, all the details can be displayed on the one sign. However, the sign should be visible and durable and maintained throughout the duration of the building work. HIA Stationery has a range of signage available for use by members, including a single sign that meets all the requirements detailed above.

What about non-residential sites?

Planning and WHS laws require site signs to be erected for most types of building work, including commercial building work, subdivisions, and demolition work. Check with the relevant authorities if you are unsure whether the work you are doing requires a sign to be erected, or simply erect a sign to be on the safe side.

Business advertising

A licence holder (builder or a contractor) who advertises their services in relation to residential building work or specialist work must ensure the following details are included in the advertisement:

  • the licence holder’s name,
  • the licence number; and
  • business telephone number.

You must include these details regardless of where your advertisement is placed, e.g. print, radio, television, internet, social media, or on a vehicle.

A maximum penalty of $1,100 for an individual and $2,200 for a company can be imposed for failing to include these details in your advertising.

False or misleading advertising

Under Australian Consumer Law, it is illegal for a business to engage in conduct that misleads or deceives or is likely to mislead or deceive consumers or other businesses. This means you cannot make statements or representations that are not true or are likely to mislead a customer or conceal a material fact. For example, it would be misleading if you held yourself out to be a builder and able to construct a house when in fact you only hold a carpentry licence.

You cannot rely on small or fine print as an excuse for a misleading message. Any qualifying conditions about your services needs to be clear and prominent so the consumer has all the relevant information they need to make an informed decision.

To find out more, contact HIA's Contracts and Compliance team

Email us

Share with your network:
More articles on:
{{ tag.label }} {{ tag.label }} $vuetify.icons.faTimes
Find the latest expert advice, guides and much more!

Managing your business


 

Can’t find what you need, check out other resources that might be closer to the mark.

Explore resources

NSW Site Sign - First Aid Kit

In the event of an emergency or injury make sure you have this 450x300mm emergency sign to show where the first aid kit is located. NSW signs are mad...

NSW Site Sign - Restricted Entry

Make sure your worksite remains workplace health and safety compliant with this 600x450mm 'Restricted Entry – Authorised Personnel Only' sign. NSW si...

NSW Site Sign - Explosive Powered Tool in Use

Make sure your site is workplace health and safety compliant with this 600x450mm sign that warns of explosive powered tools in use. NSW signs are made...

NSW Site Sign - Hard Hat Area

Use this 600x450mm sign to let your worksite visitors and workers know they must wear protective hard hats at all times when on-site. NSW signs are ma...

NSW Site Sign - All Visitors Report to Site Office

Alert visitors where to go when they arrive on-site with this clear 600x450mm sign. NSW signs are made from weather resistant, 5mm thick corflute.

NSW Site Sign - Asbestos Removal in Progress

Erect this 600x450mm warning sign at your construction-site to show that asbestos materials are present and that a licenced asbestos removalist is man...

NSW Site Sign - Danger Swimming Pool under Construction

Make sure your worksite is health and safety compliant with the 600x450mm ‘Danger: Swimming pool under construction’ sign. NSW signs are made from wea...

NSW Site Sign - Emergency Assembly Point

Clearly show where people should assemble in the event of an emergency with HIA's 450x300mm sign. NSW signs are made from weather resistant, 5mm thick...

NSW Site Sign - Foot Protection

This 600x450mm 'Foot Protection Must Be Worn' sign will ensure your worksite remains workplace health and safety compliant. NSW signs are made from w...

NSW Site Sign - Hearing and Eye Protection

Help protect your visitors and workers with this 600x450mm sign advising that hearing and eye protection must be worn at all times while on-site. NSW ...