Plan the carpentry work before choosing a quote
In short
Choose a carpenter who services your Gold Coast suburb and can show work similar to your repair or build. Check the contracting business's Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) licence requirements and scope. For a new deck or structural change, ask a building certifier to establish the approval requirements for your address, including any City of Gold Coast referral assessment. Compare quotes against the same materials, repair boundaries and finish before accepting one.
Step 1
Say what needs replacing and what should be retained
A request to fix a deck can mean replacing a few boards or rebuilding its supporting frame. Describe the visible problem and the result you want without assuming the cause. Ask the carpenter to inspect anything that cannot be assessed from your photos before quoting a complete repair.
Turn the problem into a useful scope
| Carpentry job | What to clarify |
|---|---|
| Doors, windows and trim | Which parts stay, whether profiles need matching, and whether hardware and painting are included. |
| Deck boards, stairs or balustrades | Whether the job includes checking supporting timber and connections, or replacing specified surface pieces only. |
| New framing or a deck extension | Who provides the design, confirms approvals and arranges any required engineering and inspections. |
Step 2
Match the QBCC licence to the whole job
Queensland generally requires a QBCC licence to contract for building work valued over $3,300, with some work requiring a licence at any value. Check the requirements for the complete proposal, including work beyond carpentry. The licence class must cover the work and its type must suit the contractor's role.
QBCC's carpentry scope includes wall and roof framing, timber stairs, flooring, doors, windows and mouldings. Check the current licensee register and match the licence holder to the business on your quote. If other trades are included, ask who will contract for and carry out those parts.
Request examples of a comparable job, particularly the joins, edges and finish. Confirm insurance, service to your suburb and timing directly with the business.
Step 3
Check the address before extending or rebuilding
For a new deck or structural alteration, ask a building certifier to confirm which approvals your proposal needs before construction. The City of Gold Coast can act as a referral agency for building applications involving boundary setbacks, site cover, amenity and aesthetics, or building close to infrastructure. Ask whether your design needs that additional assessment and who will arrange it.
If you are altering an existing deck, collect its approved plans and inspection records where available. Development.i displays building applications from 1 January 2018 and records private certifier approvals as decided or past. The City warns that this tool does not replace official property searches, so a missing online result does not settle the approval history. Ask the City about a building information search if the records are incomplete.
Step 4
Show the details a carpenter needs to assess
Send an overview photo, close-ups of damage and a photo of any existing profile you want matched. Include approximate dimensions and let the contractor confirm final measurements. For outdoor work, ask the contractor to specify the proposed timber or board product, fixings and finish for the location, with any care instructions.
Explain how long materials can reach the work area and where cutting or storage can happen. Mention stairs, narrow access and rooms that need protection. Include any plans already prepared so each company prices the same design.
Step 5
Settle the inclusions before accepting the quote
Compare material specifications, quantities, hardware and finishing, along with demolition, disposal and repairs to nearby surfaces. Have approval and certification fees identified. QBCC advises that accepting a quote, even verbally, can create a legally binding contract, so resolve exclusions and uncertain allowances first.
Domestic building work priced over $3,300 requires a compliant written contract. Record the scope, payment schedule and start and finish dates. If opening up reveals additional damage, require a written variation describing the extra work, cost and time impact before it begins.
At handover, walk through the agreed work with the contractor. Check the finish and operation of doors or fittings, record outstanding items and collect any required approval or inspection documents. Keep these with invoices and written changes for future repairs or alterations.
Sources and useful links
Sources checked 7 October 2026
- QBCC: when you need a licence
General licensing threshold, exceptions and appropriate licence class and type.
- QBCC: carpentry
Work covered by the carpentry licence class.
- City of Gold Coast: Development.i glossary
Council referral criteria, building application record dates, private certifier records and limits of online searches.
- QBCC: unpacking quotes, contracts and variations
Quote acceptance, written domestic building contracts over $3,300 and documenting variations; published 23 September 2025.
